The Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) is set to write a new chapter in its sporting history as it prepapres to compete for the first time in the Admiral’s Cup, one of the world’s most prestigious sailing competitions. Organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), the event will take place from 17th July to 1st August 2025, in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight.

Created in 1957 and often referred to as the “Unofficial World Cup of Offshore Racing”, the Admiral’s Cup makes its grand return after an absence of over two decades, with the last edition taking place in 2003. The competition attracts the world’s elite sailors for a demanding series of inshore and offshore races, including the legendary Rolex Fastnet Race.

 

A Visionary Project Led by Pierre Casiraghi and Peter Harrison

The initiative to enter the Admiral’s Cup was spearheaded by Peter Harrison, a YCM member and owner of the Jolt boats, with the enthusiastic backing of Pierre Casiraghi, Vice-President of the Club and founder of Team Malizia. “Peter (Harrison) is a great sailor with a great team. When he suggested that we take part in the Admiral’s Cup with the Jolt boats, I immediately accepted this incredible challenge,” said Pierre Casiraghi.

The Monegasque team will field two exceptional boats: the TP52 Jolt 3, skippered by Peter Harrison in the IRC Big Boat class, and the Carkeek 40 Jolt 6, helmed by Pierre Casiraghi. “We have a solid training programme, high-performance boats, and a determined team. Consistency will be key: two bad races, and everything becomes complicated. We’ll have to stay focused and approach each day as a new challenge,” adds Pierre Casiraghi.

A World-Class Team for a Major Challenge

This initiative is part of the Yacht Club de Monaco’s sporting strategy, driven by the vision of its President, HSH Prince Albert II, with the ambition of promoting high-level sailing and inspiring younger generations. “We have all followed Boris Herrmann’s journey in the Vendée Globe with pride, admiring his commitment and courage. This new project embodies our sporting vision. These challenges inspire us and spark new vocations,” declared the Sovereign Prince.

For this new collective challenge, the Monegasque crew will benefit from the expertise of renowned sailors, including Boris Herrmann and Will Harris from Team Malizia, as well as Cole Brauer, the first American woman to complete a solo, non-stop circumnavigation in 130 days, and and runner-up in the 2024 Golden Globe Solo Challenge.

Peter Harrison, who is also the CEO of haute horology brand Richard Mille, shares this enthusiasm: “The Yacht Club de Monaco is a major force in world sailing. Competing in the Admiral’s Cup offers a unique opportunity to showcase our expertise and passion.”

 

A highly anticipated 2025 edition

The Admiral’s Cup 2025 will bring together more than 15 teams representing prestigious clubs such as the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and the New York Yacht Club, three-time winners. Australia, represented by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, is the defending champion, having won the last edition in 2003.

The format will alternate between technical inshore racing and challenging offshore courses where consistency and overall crew performance will be key.

By entering this competition, the Yacht Club de Monaco reaffirms its ambition to guide its members towards excellence and to strengthen its influence on the international stage. A great challenge that the Monegasque team is ready to take on with determination and passion.