In a spectacular display of tactical skill and teamwork, Pierre Casiraghi, Vice-President of the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM), claimed a key victory at the helm of Jolt 6 during the British IRC National Championship, held in Cowes as part of the 250th anniversary celebrations of the Royal Thames Yacht Club.
This triumph not only affirms the rising performance of the Jolt project—spearheaded by YCM member and businessman Peter Harrison—but also marks a significant milestone in the team’s strategic build-up to the legendary Admiral’s Cup.
⛵ A Test of Precision and Perseverance
Racing in the highly competitive IRC 1 category, Jolt 6 outmaneuvered a field of elite international competitors in typical Solent conditions, battling through shifty 10–18 knot westerlies and strong tidal transitions.
“Winning this event in Cowes was no easy feat,” said Pierre Casiraghi. “The tactical demands of the course and unpredictable winds really tested us—but our speed in light air gave us the edge at the right moments.”
This win further validates the commitment and capability of the Jolt project, which features two boats—Jolt 6 (Carkeek 42) skippered by Casiraghi, and Jolt 3 (TP52) helmed by Peter Harrison, competing in IRC 0.
🌍 A World-Class Crew Behind the Helm
Casiraghi, the only amateur helmsman in a field of professionals, steered Jolt 6 to victory with a top-tier, multinational crew including:
- Ben Saxton – Tactician
- Will Harris – Navigator
- Joey Newton and Cole Brauer – Trimmers
“Sailing alongside champions like Dean Barker only pushes me harder,” said Casiraghi. “This result is the outcome of rigorous teamwork and the outstanding contributions of everyone onboard.”
Meanwhile, Jolt 3, with Ed Baird on tactics, secured a strong 3rd place in IRC 0—adding to their earlier victory at the RORC Easter Challenge.
🏁 On Course for the Admiral’s Cup
The win comes just a month ahead of the highly anticipated 24th Admiral’s Cup, taking place from 17 July to 1 August 2025 in Cowes, hosted by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC). The regatta will feature 14 national teams from 13 countries, including sailing powerhouses such as the New York Yacht Club, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, and Yacht Club Costa Smeralda.
For Yacht Club de Monaco, this marks its first-ever entry in the Admiral’s Cup—a challenge the Jolt crews are approaching with intense preparation, combining inshore racing, offshore endurance, and culminating in the iconic Rolex Fastnet Race.
“This latest victory is just one step,” said Casiraghi. “The Admiral’s Cup will be another level entirely. Our focus is now on training with precision, building automatic reflexes, and strengthening communication across both crews.”
🏆 Momentum Builds
With momentum on their side, and a team composed of passionate sailors and Olympic-caliber professionals, Team Jolt is well-positioned to make a bold debut for Monaco on the international team sailing stage.
Whether it’s inshore finesse or offshore resilience, the Jolt project is fast becoming a symbol of Monaco’s growing presence in high-performance sailing—anchored by a clear objective: to compete at the highest level and to win with integrity.
