The Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) has made history by winning the 2025 Admiral’s Cup on its very first attempt, capping the campaign with a dramatic victory in the Rolex Fastnet Race. The competition, revived after more than two decades, brought together 15 nations and demanded both endurance and precision over three stages: the Channel Race, inshore battles in the Solent, and the iconic 695-nautical-mile Fastnet finale.

The Monegasque triumph was spearheaded by two crews: Pierre Casiraghi at the helm of Jolt 6 in AC Class 2 and Peter Harrison commanding Jolt 3 in AC Class 1. Their combined performances secured the overall team title, edging out the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda.

The decisive moment came in the closing miles of the Fastnet. Casiraghi’s crew managed to hold off relentless pressure from rival yachts, clinching first place in their category by mere seconds on corrected time. Emotionally drained but elated, Casiraghi admitted at the finish, “Honestly, I still can’t believe what we’ve accomplished. Winning the Admiral’s Cup in its renaissance year, and for Monaco’s first participation, is indescribable. We are a small country, but we have just proven we can achieve great things. I hope this inspires the next generation of YCM sailors.”

Jolt 3, skippered by Harrison, sealed third place in its class and contributed crucial points to the team’s overall victory. Harrison hailed the achievement as “without doubt the greatest result I have ever achieved in sailing. Leading the YCM to its first Admiral’s Cup win at our first attempt is extraordinary. This was built on cohesion, trust, and shared commitment. Everyone delivered.”

The campaign was meticulously planned, with both teams supported by experienced sailors, including Will Harris and Cole Brauer from Team Malizia. Their tactical discipline paid off, as Monaco ended the series with an unassailable 16-point lead.

Beyond the Admiral’s Cup, other Monaco entries shone in the 51st Rolex Fastnet Race. Black Jack 100, skippered by Tristan Le Brun, took line honours in the monohull division, while Oren Nataf’s multihull Rayon Vert secured 19th in real time. Rising talent Didier Schouten also completed his first major offshore crossing aboard Ocean Breeze.

The victory firmly establishes YCM among the elite of ocean racing and underscores Monaco’s growing influence in the sport. The celebrations will culminate at the awards ceremony on Thursday, July 31, but for many sailors, including several from Team Malizia, there is little time to rest. They now set their sights on The Ocean Race Europe, which begins on Sunday, August 10.

For the Principality, this Admiral’s Cup win is more than a trophy, it is a statement of intent.