With wind conditions oscillating between 8 to 18 knots, the 40th Primo Cup-Trophée UBS proved tense and exciting for the 400 sailors and 10 nations competing as they showcased their mastery of racing tactics in J/70, Smeralda 888, Longtze Premier and Cape 31 events that culminated on Sunday, March 10, Monaco Yacht Club reported.

Greeted by YCM’s President HSH Prince Albert II at the opening ceremony, all present discovered the coveted Perpetual Trophy, made by Buccellati and engraved with the 32 winners of the event in the best represented classes from the last four decades, the Club said.

“Launched 1985 at the instigation of Prince Albert II, who had just accepted to be Yacht Club de Monaco’s president, the meeting has established itself as a major international season-opener, supported by loyal partners like technical clothing supplier Slam, UBS and Monaco City Hall.

“It continues to attract big names in sailing like Jean Le Cam, Michel Desjoyeaux, Franck Cammas, John Kostecki, Grant Dalton, Enrico Chieffi, Flavio Favini, Marcus Hutchinson and Will Ryan. “We have had champions here, sailors from the Vendée Globe, Tour de France à la Voile and the Figaro, not to mention the America’s Cup,” remembers YCM General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri “And with 4,400 boats, 1,100 starts, 200 days of sailing, 20,500 sailors and 44 classes in the last 40 years, the event has become a reference”. Stand-out classes that have left their mark include SB 20, JOD 35, Star, Dragon, Etchells, Selection, J/24 and Surprise.

“In the J/70, represented by around 50 boats, Monaco sailors confirmed their domination with victory going to Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G-Spot) for the second time after four races. In the Corinthian (amateur) category, Cesare Gabasio (TinnJ70) came 2nd behind the Swiss on Jerry. In the Smeralda 888, YCM’s Achille Onorato and his crew on Canard à l’Orange relished in their victory in this class that holds the record for attendance with 31 editions and counting.”

FULL REPORT & MORE PHOTOS: https://yacht-club-monaco.mc/en/triumphs-and-innovations-at-the-40th-primo-cup-trophee-ubs/

PHOTOS: Courtesy Monaco Yacht Club