41th Primo Cup – UBS Trophy

Big manoeuvres have been underway in the Principality on the eve of the final day when the 41st Primo Cup-Trophée UBS reaches its climax. While some leaders are holding their own, others are seeing their rivals closing in. From here on there is no room for error. Conditions may have been challenging, with a medium / choppy sea at times, but the 400 sailors put on a top-flight spectacle. Organised in collaboration with UBS, supported by Monaco City Hall and the expertise of North Sails, this edition confirms why the Primo Cup-Trophée UBS is not to be missed. For the J/70s it is also the final stage of their 2024/2025 Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series of monthly regattas from November to March.

Women sailors show their teeth

Today 8th March being International Women’s Day, the ladies proved they are up to the mark with their male counterparts, a strong symbol of the move towards greater diversity in sailing. Yacht Club de Monaco sailor and double Olympic medallist in 470 (London and Rio) Saskia Clark stressed the importance of this evolution: “For sure our sport has been very male dominated but we’ve had some amazing initiatives in the last few years to encourage women to get out there. We can and must continue to push the level up”.

 

Leaders hang in there

In the Smeralda 888, Longtze Premier and Cape 31 classes, the leaders held their nerve with solid performances. In Smeralda 888, Giada keeps the upper hand over the Monegasques on Django, helmed by Giovanni Lombardi, and Marco Favale’s Millennium. In Longtze Premier, the Swiss on Shensu widened the gap, setting a fiercesome pace for their pursuers. QI, also Swiss, and the German Diablo Verde complete the provisional podium this evening but need to raise their level to have any hope of the number one spot. As for the Cape 31 class, Yacht Club de Monaco’s Give Me Five continues to impress, followed by Solano and Adrenalin.

 

 

J/70 neck and neck

The flagship fleet of this Primo Cup-Trophée UBS, the J/70s did not disappoint. The duel at the top of the leaderboard continues with YCM’s Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G-Spot) in first followed by Euro Voiles helmed by Denis Infante. The Swiss on Marie led by Simon Kaiser are in third this evening. A battle lies ahead on the final day to decide the podium. In the Corinthian category, the French on Euro Voiles maintain the lead ahead of the Swiss teams on Marie and Ailoa.

 

 

ClubSwan 28 reshuffle the cards

The Japanese on Hatari have got the upper hand again this evening, equal on points with the Swiss on Anya Race. YCM’s Lorenzo Bortolotti on Black Swan lies in third. The final day could well see another reversal at the top in this class.

 

Last chance tomorrow

Tomorrow is the last day when everything could change before the champions emerge. The 90 teams in competition meet at 11.00am for the first warning signal.

 

Provisional programme (subject to weather conditions)

Sunday 9th March:
11.00am: First warning signal for all classes
3.00pm: Final possible warning signal
After the races: prize-giving ceremony