42nd Primo Cup–UBS Trophy Showcases Elite Sailing Competition in Monaco
The prestigious 42nd Primo Cup–UBS Trophy has taken center stage in the Principality of Monaco, drawing elite sailors from across the globe for a weekend of intense nautical competition. Organized through a partnership with UBS, with additional support from Monaco City Hall and equipment supplier North Sails, this hallmark event has successfully convened over 350 international sailors to test their skills in the iconic waters of Monaco.
A Diverse Fleet and International Participation
The competition features a diverse array of sailing classes, ensuring a broad spectrum of racing action. From the popular J/70 monohulls to the Smeralda 888, and from the Longtze Premier to the Cape 31, the event places sailing itself as the undisputed protagonist. Olivier Campana, President of the Monaco J/70 Class Association, highlighted the scale and quality of the regatta.
"We have more than 80 boats here, including over 40 J/70s. I think we have a lot of people sailing, and it's possible to see the level progressing as the competition goes on," said Campana. "We have more than 10 nations sailing in the J/70 fleet – Swiss, Italian, German, Spanish and Monegasque teams, with many members of the J/70 Monaco Class Association. The quality of the regatta really helps to raise the level across all the fleets."
Intense Competition and Developmental Significance
For the J/70 class, the event carries extra weight as it serves as the fourth and final Act of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series. This has led to particularly fierce competition in the one-design class, where boats are identical to emphasize crew skill. Magnus Ullman, trimmer for the Swedish J/70 team El Otro, shared his team's experience as newcomers facing this high-caliber field.
"We've found really tough competition here, with a lot of very strong teams. For us, as newcomers, it's extremely important to see what the top teams are doing on the water and try to learn from them. And I think we have learned a lot," explained Ullman, whose team decided to participate in the Monaco Winter Series after their first season with the J/70.
Veteran competitors also appreciate the venue. Louis Barbet, skipper of Eurovoiles, noted, "We have been sailing the J/70 for two years now. It's a good boat and a great series – a very good sportboat. We particularly love Monaco because we know this venue very well. I actually had my first race here in 2013."
Big Names and Future of the Sport
The event has attracted notable figures from the international sailing circuit, including Dawn Riley, a pioneering sailor who was the first woman to head a team in the America's Cup and a two-time participant in the Whitbread Round the World Race (now The Ocean Race). Riley emphasized the event's importance for the development of sailing talent worldwide.
"It's really great to see so much activity," said Riley. "This regatta is very important because it represents a great transition from 'I'm in a dinghy with a coach' to 'I want to be a professional' or 'I want to own my own boat'. The fact that you have university teams from England, sailors from Australia, and teams from New York and the United States is fantastic. They are shaping our future right here."
Riley also mentioned ongoing discussions with the Yacht Club de Monaco and global contacts about initiatives to improve and grow the sport of sailing, underscoring the event's role as a hub for both competition and sport development.
With its combination of elite competition, international diversity, and focus on nurturing future sailing stars, the 42nd Primo Cup–UBS Trophy continues to solidify its status as a premier event on the global sailing calendar, showcasing the very best of the sport in the heart of Monaco.
