In a particularly competitive Rolex Fastnet Race, Oren Nataf at the helm of his Rayon Vert did the Yacht Club de Monaco proud in finishing 5th in corrected time in the multihull category. A solid performance on a complex 695 nautical mile course between Cowes and Cherbourg via the legendary Fastnet Rock.
Having already made his mark in 2021 by coming 2nd in this category, Oren Nataf once again proved consistent in an event where there is no respite for the crew. “The others came from behind in the fickle conditions, but we held on. We were in the lead for a long time and had a great race,” he said on arrival.
Aboard his Pulsar 50, his crew included Vincent Riou, winner of the 2004 Vendée Globe and in the 2007 Fastnet. The crew took advantage of a strategic passage rounding the Fastnet Rock in challenging conditions. Crew coordination, managing the transitions and reading the water well ensured Rayon Vert was at the forefront throughout the race. This 5th place in a top-level fleet underscores the work accomplished by the crew and Yacht Club de Monaco’s ongoing commitment to the great offshore classics.
Other YCM members also stood out in this 51st edition of the Fastnet. Remon Vos’s 100-ft Black Jack 100 monohull, helmed by Tristan Le Brun won the Monohull Line Honours, ahead of SHK Scallywag and another Club member Joost Schuijff on his Leopard 3. Also participating was Giovanni Lombardi Stronati and his two boats, Django JPK and Django WR51 who finished 3rd and 8th in corrected time in the Admiral Cup 2 (AC 2) and Admiral Cup 1 (AC 1) classes.
Finally, in the Admiral’s Cup, YCM vice-president Pierre Casiraghi (Jolt 6) and Peter Harrison (Jolt 3) claimed victory for the Club in the final teams ranking. With a 1st in the AC Class 1, a 2nd in AC Class 2, and flawless cohesion throughout the stages, Yacht Club de Monaco is now part of the history of this legendary event.
Note that the Admiral’s Cup prize-giving takes place at 6.00pm (local time) on Thursday 31 July 2025.
