Monaco Triumphs at the 2025 Admiral’s Cup

The Yacht Club de Monaco has etched its name in sailing history by clinching the 2025 Admiral’s Cup, a prestigious event that culminated in the thrilling finale of the Rolex Fastnet Race. With teams racing under the banners of Jolt 6, skippered by Pierre Casiraghi, and Jolt 3, helmed by Peter Harrison, Monaco emerged victorious after a nail-biting finish that kept everyone on edge until the final points were confirmed.

A Dramatic Finish

The culmination of the Admiral’s Cup saw Monaco finish with a remarkable 19-point lead over the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club. The excitement reached its peak as the leading boats from both the AC1 and AC2 fleets surged into Cherbourg during a frenetic night of finishes. Over a dozen boats crossed the finish line within an hour, creating an atmosphere charged with anticipation.

However, the final confirmation of Monaco’s victory was delayed due to the slowest boat in the fleet, Hamburg’s Edelweiss, which was not expected to finish until later that evening. With rumors of potential protests swirling around the docks, the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) opted for caution, leaving the crews in a state of suspense.

The Winning Teams

Navigating the smaller Jolt 6 was ocean racer Will Harris, who expressed relief and excitement after crossing the finish line. “We were coming into this race in second place overall, and we think we’ve just managed to beat our competitors to the finish line, but we still have to keep our fingers crossed,” he said. His team ultimately won AC2 by a narrow margin of just 2 minutes and 45 seconds on corrected time.

After the victory was confirmed, Jolt 6’s skipper, Pierre Casiraghi, reflected on the achievement: “Honestly, I still can’t believe what we’ve achieved. To win the Admiral’s Cup in its revival year and with Monaco’s first-ever participation is beyond words.” He praised the flawless execution of their strategy, crediting navigator Will Harris for his exceptional performance.

Meanwhile, Ed Baird, helming the 52-footer Jolt 3, acknowledged the tension among the team as they awaited the final results. “The points were close. We had to do well in our division, and so did our 40-footer,” he noted, emphasizing the tight margins that characterized the competition.

Close Calls and Narrow Margins

The competition was fierce, with teams battling for every second. The Italian entry, Django, narrowly missed a podium finish, losing by just 55 seconds after an exhausting 697-mile race. Skipper Vasco Vascotto expressed pride in his team’s performance despite the disappointment, highlighting the challenges faced by their newly launched WallyRocket 51.

The stakes were high as the Admiral’s Cup fleet had its own start for the Rolex Fastnet Race, with 15 two-boat teams competing in the big boat (AC1) and smaller AC2 classes. The race counted for triple points, making it a decisive factor in the overall standings.

Intense Racing Conditions

The 695-mile Fastnet course was marked by intense racing, with teams pushing their limits throughout the journey. Will Harris described the experience as “unbelievably intense,” noting the close competition among the top four teams. The dominant north-westerly breeze transformed the course into a challenging windward-leeward race, testing the skills and endurance of all participants.

The strategic focus on racing within a single class added another layer of complexity. Teams had to constantly monitor their competitors, making the experience both exhilarating and mentally taxing. “You’re constantly aware of where everybody in the fleet is and how you’re going to manage them,” said Miles Seddon, navigator for the Hong Kong team.

Celebrations and Reflections

The Dutch team on Rost-Van Uden celebrated their victory in AC1 with exuberance, showered with flowers and champagne by enthusiastic supporters. Led by Gerd-Jan Poortman, a veteran of the 1999 Admiral’s Cup, the team’s triumph against a field filled with professional sailors was a remarkable achievement.

As the event concluded, participants reflected on the success of the Admiral’s Cup revival. Many expressed their enjoyment of the format, which balanced inshore and offshore racing, creating a dynamic and challenging environment. “It’s been absolutely fantastic. The heritage of it, the history, it’s been a great event,” said Seddon, encapsulating the sentiments of many involved.

Conclusion

The 2025 Admiral’s Cup has not only showcased the skill and determination of its competitors but has also reaffirmed the event’s significance in the sailing world. With Monaco’s historic victory, the stage is set for future competitions, promising more thrilling races and unforgettable moments for sailors and fans alike.