In the starting-blocks
The Primo Cup-Trophée UBS is ready to write a new chapter in its history. This major one design regatta has been constantly evolving since its launch in 1985 at the instigation of YCM President HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. With 90 teams across five classes, the 41st edition looks set to be another exciting contest in the bay of Monaco, with three days of promising conditions demanding as always technique, precision and expertise to master this race venue.
Leopard 3: fierce battles for the Farr 100 from Monaco
The highly-anticipated 16th RORC Caribbean 600 got off to a great start from Fort Charlotte, Antigua. In bright sunshine and trade winds blowing over 16 gusting 20 knots the 66 teams took the start of this legendary race around 11 idyllic islands in the Caribbean. A dream backdrop for an intense offshore challenge.
Head down!
After an intensive 21 days of training, 18 of which were on the water, Yacht Club de Monaco’s Jérémy Moutout concluded his season’s preparations by lining up on the start of the Lanzarote International Regatta.
Good performances from YCM’s young sailors
The ILCA Mediterranean Championship held in Hyères 22-23 February is an important test of progress for Yacht Club de Monaco’s young sailors who responded well with some solid performances.
Promising results for Leopard 3 before the Caribbean 600
Thirty-five teams representing 16 nations gathered for the Antigua 360 race organised by Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) in partnership with Antigua Yacht Club on Friday 21 February. The 48 nautical mile race round Antigua is part of the Nelson’s Cup Series 2025 and gives contestants a taste of what’s to come in the RORC Caribbean 600 that starts on 24 February.
Leopard 3 in action during the RORC Nelson’s Cup Series 2025
From 18-21 February Antigua hosted the 3rd RORC Nelson’s Cup Series, a major regatta on the inshore circuit and prelude to the legendary RORC Caribbean 600 that starts on Monday 24 February. This year there were 35 boats in competition including a highly-anticipated Maxi class for the first time, with eight battling it out in tough conditions. Among the protagonists was Joost Schuijff’s Leopard 3 from Yacht Club de Monaco who pulled off a hard-fought 6th place. An encouraging result that will only reinforce the team’s ambitions for the RORC Caribbean 600, one of the most demanding races on the offshore calendar.
First stage first win for Nico Poons
It’s called getting a grip on the season from the start, as demonstrated by Nico Poons and his crew on Charisma from Yacht Club de Monaco, who pulled off a superb performance in the Caribbean, coming in the top three in eight of nine races. After a thrilling battle with Aleph Racing, Nico Poons, 44Cup champion 2022-23, sailed superbly throughout the regatta, particularly in the last race. Thanks to clever tactics and total mastery of the changing conditions, the crew maintained their advantage to the end to win the stage.
A 100% Monaco Podium
Act III of the 12th Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series, 6-9 February, lived up to the reputation of this essential winter event organised by Yacht Club de Monaco, with three days of intense races, hard-fought duels and twists and turns at every mark ensuring a spectacular show. With the season’s finish line approaching, tensions were high, as every tack and gybe had the potential to change everything. While the Monaco teams proved their dominance, the international fleet, hungry for success, were out to spoil the party.
Boris Herrmann (Malizia-Seaexplorer): challenges overcome
Boris Herrmann, a Yacht Club de Monaco member, crossed the finish line of the 10th Vendée Globe aboard Malizia-Seaexplorer at 11:18pm on Wednesday 29th January. After a smooth race for three quarters of the course, the skipper faced a series of challenges in the final miles: a hook failure, a collision with an OANI (unidentified animal or object), and extreme weather conditions approaching the Vendée coast. He ultimately crossed the finish line in 12th place and completed his race in 80 days 10 hours 16 minutes 41 seconds.
Oren Nataf winner in multihull
A superb victory for Oren Nataf who won the multihull category (elapsed and corrected time) of this event aboard his Pulsar 50 Rayon Vert. The Yacht Club de Monaco skipper alongside François Seruzier and Cristiano Sereni crossed the finish line at 10:34 (UTC) Friday 24 January. The pair won the Line Honours Multihull, an impressive result and fitting end to a masterful and fast crossing. “I am very proud to be the skipper of this boat with a great crew,” commented Oran Nataf. “This was a long race for us because both our small and large gennaker exploded early in the race. This meant we had to sail wider wind angles with a smaller sail area. I did not think we would be first, but the strong wind at the end of the race really helped us. Thank you to the RORC for organising a great race. It is the perfect way to sail across the Atlantic. It takes a lot of energy, but a fair competition makes it so much more interesting than cruising across the Atlantic.”