Pierre Casiraghi, Vice-President of Yacht Club de Monaco, has just clinched an important win at the helm of Jolt 6 during the British IRC National Championship, held as part of the 250th celebrations of the Royal Thames Yacht Club. The result confirms the performance momentum generated around the Jolt project led by YCM member Peter Harrison.
The win marks an important step in the Club’s preparations for its first participation in the 24th Admiral’s Cup (17 July – 1st August 2025), a legendary event organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) in Cowes. This 2025 edition looks set to be a classic with 14 teams from 13 nations competing, including from Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, and three-time Admiral’s Cup winner the New York Yacht Club.
Flying the Yacht Club de Monaco flag, Team Jolt is fielding two complementary boats, the TP52 Jolt 3 and the Carkeek 42 Jolt 6, skippered by Peter Harrison and Pierre Casiraghi, respectively. Both crews have been committed for several months to a structured build-up to the main event combining intensive training and international competitions.
Entered for the IRC 1 category, Jolt 6 beat a strong line-up. “Winning this event in Cowes in typical Solent conditions, with an unstable 10-18 knot westerly, was a real challenge. The shifting wind and tidal current transitions made for a very tactical race, but our boat, quick in light airs, made the difference on key tacks,” said Pierre Casiraghi. YCM’s Vice-President produced a remarkable performance against professional helmsmen.
“I’d like to highlight the exceptional work put in by our cosmopolitan crew of ten sailors including Ben Saxton on tactics, Will Harris on navigation and Joey Newton and Cole Brauer on trimming. Their precision was the deciding factor. Being the only non-pro helmsman against sailors like Dean Barker, America’s Cup winner, is a huge motivation for me. Competing against them pushes me to give my very best”.
Meanwhile Jolt 3 (TP52), skippered by Peter Harrison with Ed Baird on tactics, secured a solid 3rd place in the IRC 0 having won the RORC Easter Challenge in April.
“This latest victory is an important step but the level will be even higher for the Admiral’s Cup as there will be teams there very hard to beat. We must continue to train with rigour and determination to meet this new challenge,” concludes Pierre Casiraghi.
His objective is clear: to arrive on the starting line with a perfectly coordinated team. Automatic reactions to every eventuality, good communication and technical performance are the focus of their preparations for this demanding race format that alternates inshore and offshore races culminating in the Rolex Fastnet Race.
