The 2025 Admiral’s Cup - Emotional - Rare

The Admiral’s Cup is back – reborn after more than two decades. Following over two years of planning and preparation by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, its revival marked a defining moment in the Club’s centenary celebrations and the 100th anniversary Rolex Fastnet Race. Once the pinnacle of international offshore sailing, the return of the Admiral’s Cup was a resounding success, setting the stage for a bold new era.

Fifteen two-boat teams representing prestigious yacht clubs from four continents answered the call to compete, not just with exceptional IRC-rated boats but with extraordinary sailors. From Olympians, America’s Cup and Round the World veterans, to passionate Corinthian crews, they came not only to race but to make history and a chance to etch their team’s name onto one of sailing’s most revered trophies.

Since its inception in 1957 the Admiral’s Cup has stood as one of the sport’s greatest prizes, yet the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) had never entered a team.

Founded in 1953 by Prince Rainier III, the Yacht Club de Monaco made its Admiral’s Cup debut in 2025 – and seized victory. The campaign was led by Rainier’s grandson, Pierre Casiraghi, and YCM member Peter Harrison. After a fierce and hard-fought campaign that included the RORC Channel Race, six high-stakes inshore races in the Solent, and the legendary Rolex Fastnet Race YCM’s victory was secured by the narrowest of margins. The Admiral’s Cup was presented to Casiraghi and Harrison by RORC Admiral Janet Grosvenor.

The Yacht Club de Monaco full squad: Pierre Casiraghi, Peter Harrison, Matt Adams, Rodney Ardern, Philip Baird, Matthew James Barber, Cesare Bozzetti, Cole Brauer, Marco Carpinello, Thomas Dawson, Cameron Dunn, Andrea Green, Massimo Gherarducci, William Harris, Carlo Huisman, Adam Jackson, Stacey Jackson, Andrew McLean, Lorenzo Mazza, Oakley Marsh, Joe Newton, Robbie Naismith, Nicolo Robello, Ben Saxton, Graeme Spence, Juan Totto.

Heading into the Rolex Fastnet Race, with the single inshore discard in play and the Channel Race results factored in, the scoreboard for the Admiral’s Cup could not have been tighter.

In AC1, just one point separated the top three: Giovanni Lombardi Stronati’s Django WR51 (YCCS) held a razor-thin lead over Peter Harrison’s Jolt 3 (YCM) and Karl Kwok’s Beau Geste (RHKYC). In AC2, James Murray’s Callisto (RNZYS) and Karl Kwok’s Beau Ideal (RHKYC) were tied on points, with Pierre Casiraghi’s Jolt 6 (YCM) close behind in third.

In the final hours of the Rolex Fastnet Race, the overall IRC leaderboard was in constant flux. In the closing miles the Yacht Club de Monaco snatched victory from the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, still chasing its first Admiral’s Cup win. The fight for third was equally gripping. After a dramatic recount the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda edged out the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron to complete the podium.

It was a finish worthy of the Cup’s legendary legacy, decided by centimetres, seconds and heart.