From 5-8 March, the 42nd Primo- Cup-UBS Trophy, organised in partnership with UBS and support of Monaco City Hall and equipment supplier North Sails, will see over 350 sailors from nine nations descend on the waters off Monaco. For three days, the J/70, Smeralda 888, Longtze Premier and Cape 31 classes will be racing in this first big meeting of the Mediterranean one design season. It is also the fourth and final Act of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series for the J/70s. Launched in 1985 by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, it quickly established itself as a must-do stop on the international calendar. “We welcome teams from all over the world who relish the opportunity to test their skills in demanding conditions. Monaco offers a technically complex setting and a sporting intensity that pushes everyone to raise their game,” explains Bernard d’Alessandri, YCM Director and General Secretary. Big names on the international sailing circuit will be there including the American Dawn Riley. The first woman to head a team in the America’s Cup, in which she has competed three times, she also has two Whitbread Round the World Races (today The Ocean Race) under her belt. Her presence adds to the prestige of an edition that sees local talent face off against international experience.
After three Acts of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series, for the J/70 fleet the Primo Cup-UBS Trophy is not just another stage in this Monegasque championship, but a decisive one. The J/70 Monaco Class Association numbers 15 teams, one of the largest in the Mediterranean, with a depth of experience reflected in the provisional rankings that sees Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G-Spot) in the lead ahead of Pierrik Devic (Fraser Yachts), winner of Act III, and Nico Poons (Charisma V). One more Act remains to confirm or deny this Monegasque podium sweep.
A powerful, physically demanding class, the Cape 31s set their own pace. Accelerations when their asymmetrical spinnakers are up are key to success and make positioning crucial. For their third appearance, these 31-footers promise another spectacle in Monaco’s bay as they deliver thrilling duels where teamwork is all.
Easy to helm, responsive from 5 knots and capable of planing as soon as a 10-12 knot breeze fills in, the Longtze Premier is a regular at the Primo Cup-UBS Trophy and fun to watch from the main harbour wall.
A highly competitive and expanding fleet, the Smeralda 888s traditionally launch their season in Monaco. The first regatta always sets the circuit’s tone for this class of gentlemen sailors, presided by YCM member Charles de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles. The fleet continues to grow, the level rising year on year.
As one of the pillars in Monaco’s race calendar, the Primo Cup-UBS Trophy confirms the Yacht Club de Monaco’s ability to bring the best one design fleets together and deliver a competition where performance is all.
Thursday 5 March | 2.30pm: 1st warning signal for warm-up race |
Friday 6 March | 12 noon: 1st warning signal all classes |
Saturday 7 March | 11.00am: 1st warning signal all classes |
Sunday 8 March | 11.00am: 1st warning signal all classes 3.00pm: Last possible warning signal |
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