Monaco is gearing up for its first-ever participation in the prestigious Admiral’s Cup, marking a significant milestone in the Principality’s sailing history as the legendary regatta returns after a 20-year absence…
The competition, scheduled to take place from July 17 to August 1, will see Monaco competing against top sailing nations in a demanding format that includes inshore, coastal, and offshore races, culminating in the legendary Fastnet Race. The Yacht Club de Monaco will be represented by two boats: a TP52 skippered by Peter Isler and a 40-footer, which will be led by members of the Malizia team, including renowned offshore sailor Boris Herrmann.
For Herrmann, who recently returned from the Vendée Globe, this regatta presents a unique challenge as he transitions from solo sailing to a team event. Speaking about his participation, Herrmann highlighted his excitement at joining a crew of nine to ten sailors, a stark contrast to the isolation of his previous 80-day, non-stop solo circumnavigation.
The Admiral’s Cup, first held in 1957, has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious events in international sailing, often likened to the “World Cup” of offshore racing. Its return in 2025 is expected to attract some of the world’s best teams, making Monaco’s debut all the more significant.
Preparations for the regatta will begin in April, with training sessions aimed at optimizing team coordination and performance across the different race formats. With strong competitors and the unpredictable conditions of the English Channel, Monaco’s sailors are set to face a formidable challenge, but one that could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Yacht Club de Monaco in top-level sailing.
Photo by Ian Keefe
