The 40th Primo Cup-Trophée UBS, the first major international event held under the presidency of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, the Perpetual Trophy made by Buccellati was unveiled. Every year, the name of the winner of the most represented class will be inscribed on the trophy to immortalise the names of the sailors’ performance. Among the 32 names already engraved (representing eight nations) are Monegasques Claude Rodelato, Ludovico Fassitelli and Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio.


Organised with technical clothing supplier Slam and UBS, and the support of Monaco’s City Hall, over the years the event has established itself as a major one design meeting attracting big names in sailing. Since the eighties, it has also proved a testbed of innovation with Monaco bay becoming a reference for developing novel technologies and experimenting with new concepts at sea.

This anniversary edition has attracted 90 teams totalling 400 sailors divided across the J/70, Smeralda 888, Longtze Premier and Cape 31 classes. “The key is to retain the loyalty of classes that are having their heyday in one design while remaining open to newcomers. Many classes have chosen Monaco in the past to trial a new boat. It’s a philosophy that appeals to many sailors,” comments Yacht Club de Monaco General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri.

 

Tactics and strategy shape the predictions

After four races held in great conditions, predictions for this 40th edition are taking shape. In the J/70, Monegasque Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G-Spot) leads, combining speed and strategy to establish himself as the indisputable leader in the provisional ranking by winning nearly all the races. In the Corinthian (amateur) category, Jerry leads by a whisker ahead of Cesare Gabasio (TinnJ70).

In the Smeralda 888, YCM’s Achille Onorato (Canard à l’Orange) tops the ranking. In Longtze Premier it is the Swiss on Shensu who dominate being in complete control of their boat.

 

Competition is equally intense in the Cape 31 class with Give me Five at the top of the leaderboard after an impressive performance in this upcoming class. Monegasques Guido Miani (Squirt) and Loïc Pompée (Bellini) are 4th and 5th respectively. In this arena, every team is striving to grab the slightest opportunity, be it strategy or manoeuvres to ,beat the competition.

 

Innovation and Tradition

Among stand-out classes that have left their mark on the Primo Cup over the last 40 years are names like SB 20, JOD 35, Star, Dragon, Diam 24, Etchells, Selection, J/24, Surprise and of course the inimitable Longtze Premier. Recognisable by their multi-coloured sails, this one design class chose Monaco as a springboard and have returned this year for their 13th participation.

The Primo Cup has always been a willing testbed for innovative kit and procedures, like the remote controlled dynamic marker buoys that don’t need to be anchored, thereby protecting the seabed; introduction of a course with two leeward marks adapted to the different classes to improve flow; consecutive starts to keep the ball rolling; a safety system; an on-water international jury, etc.

Today, the Primo Cup-Trophée UBS continues to be an ideal platform for emerging classes to showcase their lines and performance following their launch at major boat shows. This year it’s the turn of the Cape 31 to make its debut.  This class requires the owner to helm (must be an amateur) although the rest of the crew can be mixed (amateurs and pros). This 40th edition also sees launch of Junda KII, a new class unveiled during the opening ceremony. “The one design regatta format is one of the most exciting: real-time competition, lots of battles on the water with minimal gaps, suitable for all ages. Junda KII is a new one design conceived here in Monaco for a two-person crew, with the advantage of not having to manage a large crew,” explains, Yacht Club de Monaco member Ludovico Fassitelli, the man behind the project.

 

 

A reminder that this 40th edition is also the stage for the fourth and final Act of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series of monthly regattas that run from November to March every year. For this 11th edition, 18 races have been completed. The winner unsurprisingly is Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G-Spot) with 33 points separating him from another YCM member, Pierrik Devic (Raph Seven Yacht) and Lorenzo Bortolotti (Black Swan) also from the Club. In the Corinthians, the YCM flag is flying high with Cesare Gabasio (TinnJ70) in 1st place ahead of Matteo Scandolera (Irruenza) in 2nd and Lorenz Kausche (Rhubarbe) completing the podium.

 

Provisional programme (subject to change depending on weather conditions)

Sunday 10th March                    11:00: 1st warning signal all classes

                                                           Approx 16:00: Prize-giving

 

 

For results – official website: https://yacht-club-monaco.mc/en/ycmevents/primo-cup-ubs-trophy/
Copyright-free photos and video footage available on request

Press contacts: Yacht Club de Monaco – Tel: +377 93 10 64 09 – Email: presse@ycm.org