For the first time in history, the Yacht Club de Monaco has won the prestigious Admiral’s Cup. Peter Harrison at the helm of Jolt 3 and Pierre Casiraghi at the helm of Jolt 6 took the club’s flag to the top step of the podium. The races were intense and hard-fought, like the last one, the long race with the special name Rolex Fastnet Race. We met Pierre Casiraghi, vice president of the Monaco yacht club, just before the start of the Admiral’s Cup, when he granted us this exclusive interview. Here is an excerpt from what you can read in Top Yacht Design no. 42, on newsstands from 8 August. Or on the app from 4 August.
“When he proposed that I take part in the Admiral’s Cup, I immediately accepted this incredible challenge.” This is how Pierre Casiraghi recalls the beginning of the adventure – his and the Yacht Club de Monaco’ – in the team regatta that has returned to the spotlight of major sailing events. A competition that, since 1957 and for 22 editions, represented the world championship of offshore sailing. Then, in 1999, a first stop; followed by a brief return in 2003, and then another pause. Now, with the clear intention of staying, comes the 2025 edition. Among the 15 teams set to compete is the one from the Yacht Club de Monaco, where Pierre Casiraghi serves as vice president. The team will field two boats owned by Peter Harrison: Jolt 3, skippered by Harrison himself, and Jolt 6, helmed by Pierre Casiraghi.
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?
We are extremely proud. 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. Monaco has its place among the great sailing nations.
How did the idea of participating in this regatta come about?
The initiative came from Peter Harrison, a committed YCM member, and a true sailing enthusiast. With Peter we’ve al ready sailed together on the RP72 maxi Sorcha at the 2019 Les Voiles de St Barth Richard Mille regatta, sharing the helm throughout that event.
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Matteo Zaccagnino
