“When he asked me to take part in the Admiral’s Cup, I immediately accepted this incredible challenge.” Pierre Casiraghi has no doubts when recalling the beginning of an adventure that led him and the Yacht Club de Monaco to write a historic page in sailing.
For the first time in its history, the YCM won the prestigious Admiral’s Cup, the team regatta that, since 1957, for over twenty years, was considered the true world championship of offshore sailing. After a long hiatus in 1999, a brief return in 2003 and another silence, the 2025 edition presented itself with the force of a new beginning. And it ended with a historic triumph, signed by the Monegasque club.
A success achieved at the end of some very close races, culminating in the most iconic event: the Rolex Fastnet Race.
For Casiraghi, this victory represents the culmination of a journey that began in 2010 aboard the Tuiga, the flagship of the Yacht Club de Monaco, and built step by step with experiences in all the great offshore classics: from Palermo-Monte Carlo (which he won) to the Giraglia Cup, from Cape-to-Rio to the Middle Sea Race, and finally the Fastnet itself.
We met him on the eve of the Admiral’s Cup: a special occasion on which he granted us this exclusive interview.
How does it feel to fly the Yacht Club de Monaco flag for the first time at the start line of the Admiral’s Cup in a special year that marks both the return of this sailing competition and the 100th anniversary of the legendary Royal Ocean Racing Club?
We are extremely proud to be flying Yacht Club de Monaco’s flag on the starting line of the Admiral’s Cup for the first time, especially in such a symbolic year. The return of this legendary event, combined with the Royal Ocean Racing Club centenary, marks a high point in the history of sailing. To be able to take part alongside the world’s greatest Yacht Clubs is an honour, but also a great recognition of the work carried out over the years by our Club and the Principality to promote nautical excellence. It also sends a strong message to our young sailors: Monaco has its place among the great sailing nations.
How did the idea of participating in this regatta come about and what is the most fascinating aspect of this competition for you?
The initiative came from Peter Harrison, a committed YCM member, and a true sailing enthusiast. It was his vision to put together a strong team to represent our Club with Jolt 3 and Jolt 6. Our preparations these last few months have been intense, with targeted training sessions and offshore races. What excites me about this event is its unique format: highly tactical inshore regattas, combined with demanding offshore courses, right up to the legendary Fastnet Race. Physically, technically and mentally it really puts a sailor’s skills to the test.
Before this experience, have you had other opportunities to race with Peter Harrison in the past?
Absolutely, we’ve sailed together. We first co‑helmed the RP72 maxi Sorcha at the 2019 Les Voiles de St Barth Richard Mille regatta, sharing the helm throughout that event.
On board, time is not measured solely by a watch: there is the time of strategy, of waiting, of the start, and that dictated by the unpredictability of weather conditions. Which aspect of this “invisible” time fascinates you the most?
It’s like a mental game of chess: you have to anticipate wind shifts, time the line crossing and stay poised amidst uncertainty. The moment just before the horn sounds is electric, all the work done off the boat pays off then. It’s not clock time. It’s heartbeat time. In that context in the inshore races the last 2 minutes for me are definitely the most intense. In the offshore I have always been fascinated by the night. It just gives it a real sense of adventure, the boat speed seems faster, you have to fight fatigue, and push the limits of your body and mind. The time always seems to go slower and it has a special feeling.
Technology, performance, and materials research. In your opinion are these the values that competitive sailing shares with a brand like Richard Mille?
The philosophy of continuous research and innovation aligns competitive sailing and Richard Mille. Sailing at this level presents challenges in terms of hull design, foil dynamics, sail materials and onboard instruments. Richard Mille is at the forefront of this with its use of lightweight Carbon TPT, nanofibres and variable geometry rotors — materials born from racing technologies. It’s that spirit of relentless improvement that draws me to the brand.
What aspect of a brand like Richard Mille fascinates you the most?
It’s their architecture and ingenuity. Take the RM 60-01 Regatta for example, which features a compass-rose bezel. A first in mechanical watchmaking and a practical navigation tool. Beyond aesthetics, there’s an authentic integration of function and bold design.
Richard Mille is known for its unconventional approach. Do you see yourself in this attitude?
Completely. Sailing is about breaking moulds: foiling designs, new composites and big data instrumentation. Richard Mille doesn’t follow tradition for tradition’s sake; they innovate. I aim for the same mindset, forward-looking and ready to embrace the unknown.
Is there a Richard Mille watch that you consider special, perhaps because it is linked to the memory of an important regatta?
The RM 60-01 Regatta is a standout timepiece. Its compass bezel, flyback chronograph and countdown features are all designed with racing in mind. I’ve worn it during major offshore events such as the Transat Jacques Vabre and the Fastnet Race, where these features are invaluable.
How did your passion for sailing begin and when did you start practicing this sport?
I started sailing in 2010 on board Tuiga (1909), the flagship of the Yacht Club de Monaco. That experience planted the seed for offshore racing. Since then, I’ve sailed VOR70s, MOD70s, IMOCA, GC32s and TP52s; won the Palermo-Montecarlo race, the Giraglia Cup and the Cape-to-Rio race; and finished third in the Fastnet Race and the Middle Sea Race Line Honors.
Is there a particular sailor who continues to be a source of inspiration for you today?
I am fascinated by many sailors from centuries back to modern times. For example, I’m really interested in some of our family’s ancestors who fought in incredible battles, like the Admiral de France Rainier 1st in the 13th century and Charles 1st his son, sailing from Monaco to Brittany for numerous long summer campaigns against the English on the Channel, with no maps, no compass and no weather forecasts, risking their lives and sailing in very hard conditions. I am also fascinated by the story of Magellan and his insane drive to find and get round Cape Horn. In modern times, Eric Tabarly is an inspiration because I grew up hearing of his achievements. I also consider Jimmy Spithill a true legend, achieving the greatest comeback in sport history that proved to the world his mind is made of steel. Then there’s Giovanni Soldini who is like a mentor and last but not least Francois Gabart is truly an inspiration.
You have participated in several offshore races, some of them alongside Giovanni Soldini. Do you remember one in particular?
Sailing with Giovanni Soldini has been a highlight of my offshore racing experience. One that stands out is the RORC Transatlantic Race where I witnessed firsthand his incredible seamanship, tactical intuition, and unwavering determination in the most challenging conditions. The way he manages the team and keeps everyone focused is truly remarkable. During that race, we faced tough weather and demanding tactical choices, but Giovanni’s calm leadership and deep knowledge of offshore sailing made a real difference. It was not just about competition; it was also about learning and pushing personal limits. It left a lasting impression on me and reinforced my passion for offshore racing.
What is your ideal regatta? Offshore or coastal? And if so, why do you prefer it?
Offshore regattas hold a special allure. They are complex orchestrations of navigation, weather systems, watch rotations and equipment management. While coastal racing is more tactical, offshore racing is more challenging as it tests endurance, strategy, teamwork and resilience over days or weeks. For me, the Admiral’s Cup unites both worlds to perfection. It combines short inshore races in the Solent with long offshore legs and culminates in the iconic Fastnet Race. It’s a highpressure distillation of everything sailors train for.
Today, sailing has undergone a profound transformation with the advent of foils. Just look at what happened in the America’s Cup and other competitions. What is your opinion on this? Does it represent a new way of experiencing and practicing this sport?
Foiling has completely transformed our relationship with wind and water. With speeds topping 30 knots, a heightened sense of instability and athleticism, it has turned sailing into an extreme sport. The America’s Cup and the GC32 circuit have proven the concept. It’s a whole new chapter in sailing. What excites me most is its impact on younger generations. It’s drawing in incredibly talented youth sailors, giving them a path into highperformance racing and ensuring the future of our sport.
The Yacht Club de Monaco is particularly active in sailing. From the Primo Cup to Team Malizia, which competes in the most important offshore races on the calendar. In this regard, in addition to sailing, Team Malizia this project promotes an important initiative, My Ocean Challenge. What is the goal of this programme?
My Ocean Challenge is Team Malizia’s educational initiative combining sailing, science and outreach. Onboard the IMOCA Malizia-Seaexplorer we collect ocean data (CO₂, temperature, salinity) that are shared with global databases like SOCAT to support climate research. At the same time it also takes multilingual Ocean Literacy tools and workshops to schools and sailing clubs. To date, it has engaged over 75,000 children, inspiring the next generation to care for and protect our oceans.
As a sailor, what is your dream?
Well right now is to win the Admiral’s Cup (The interview was recorded just before departure, editor’s note.)
As vice-president of the Yacht Club de Monaco, are there any projects in the pipeline to consolidate the club’s presence in the world of sailing?
Yes, beyond Team Malizia, we’ve launched training initiatives like La Belle Classe Academy and earned RYA accreditation to support and mentor young sailing talent. We’re also deeply committed to sustainable yachting, through the SEA Index® and the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, which is dedicated to young engineers, to reinforce Monaco’s role at the forefront of maritime innovation.
Matteo Zaccagnino
