42nd Primo Cup-UBS Trophy: YCM’s Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G-Spot) triumphs third year running
After three days of racing in a wide range of conditions, from a strong easterly on the first day to a more manageable breeze at the end, the 42nd Primo Cup-UBS Trophy delivered its verdict in Monaco. Organised by Yacht Club de Monaco in collaboration with UBS and support of Monaco City Hall and equipment supplier North Sails, the event drew over 300 sailors from ten nations sailing in three very competitive one design classes: J/70, Smeralda 888 and Longtze Premier.
The Cape 31 class was also there for a demonstration. The first major regatta of the Mediterranean one design season, it was also the fourth and final Act of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series for the J/70s. “The Primo Cup brings together sailors of different levels which is what makes the format so special. As you improve you measure yourself against those more experienced than you,” says YCM Vice-President Pierre Casiraghi.
The final rankings gradually emerged, notably in the J/70s where Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G-Spot) from Yacht Club de Monaco won for the third year running. This was his fourth win, a record. He also won the Perpetual Trophy, awarded each year to the winner of the best-represented class. Launched in 1985 by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, every winter the Primo Cup attracts teams to race at the foot of the Rocher to see how they measure up against well-known names in international sailing at this technically demanding venue. Present this year, Dawn Riley - first woman to head-up an America’s Cup team and with two Whitbread Round the World Races under her belt – stressed the importance of this type of event: “This regatta represents a major transition between “I sail dinghies with an instructor” to “I want to become a professional” or “own my own boat”.
J/70: G-Spot tops the ranking again
With over 40 boats on the start, the J/70 fleet was again the heart of the regatta. After seven races, Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G-Spot) won overall ahead of the French on Euro Voiles and the Swiss on Situationship. “The level was very high, with at least 20 boats capable of competing at the front and varied conditions throughout the weekend. We are very proud to have won the Primo Cup for a fourth time,” said the G-Spot helmsman.
In the Corinthian category, Euro Voiles confirmed their consistency and won the Monaco City Hall Special Prize. A regular at the Primo Cup, the crew know the course well. “We particularly like sailing here. The conditions are often challenging which makes for an interesting regatta,” says skipper Louis Barbet. The Swiss on Situationship came in 2nd ahead of YCM’s Pierrik Devic (Fraser Yachts). The event continues to attract teams from all over Europe. The Swedes Magnus Ullman on El Otro are a perfect example: “It’s our second season and we just love sailing in Monaco. The level is very high and for us it’s a great opportunity to learn by observing the top teams”.
Longtze Premier: unstoppable Shensu
In the Longtze Premier class, the Swiss on Shensu totally dominated winning all six races. Behind them, another Swiss team on Crescendo came 2nd ahead of the Belgians on Exocet who completed the podium in this spectacular class. Sensitive at the helm, responsive in light airs and able to plane as soon as the wind picks up, the Longtze Premier is one of the most exciting visually to watch.
Smeralda 888: as evenly-matched as ever
The Smeralda 888 class launches its season here and lived up to its reputation as a compact fleet with often minimal gaps between contestants. In the final ranking the Swiss Marco Favale (Millenium Falcon) beat Charles de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles (Vamos mi Amor), Class President, into 2nd place followed by Achille Onorato (Canard à l’Orange), both from YCM, after six races. A historic class at the Primo Cup, the Smeralda 888s hold the participation record of 33 editions.
Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series: an all-Monegasque podium
The Primo Cup is also the final Act of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series for the J/70s. After four regattas held from November to March, G-Spot skippered by Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio won the 2025-2026 championship, ahead of two other Monegasque teams, Pierrik Devic’s Fraser Yachts and Nico Poons’ Charisma V H992 Sailing Team.
One design season now officially underway
With a large fleet, contrasting conditions and a high level, the 42nd edition set the tone. The one design season is officially underway. Teams already have the dates for the 43rd Primo Cup-UBS Trophy scheduled for 4-7 March 2027. Before then YCM continues its programme with several major events including the first Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting Rendezvous (21-24 March 2026), organised in partnership with The Explorers Club of New York. For four days, some hundred explorers, captains, scientists, engineers and owners will get together in Monaco to share their experiences and work on maritime exploration and innovation. The event kicks off on Saturday 21 March with the inaugural Yachting Student Fair. Open to the public from 10.00am to 5.00pm (free on registration), the fair is aimed at middle school, sixth formers and students as well as recent graduates. It aims to highlight the many career opportunities in the yachting and maritime industries and bring to life a still often misunderstood sector.
Winners in 2026
J/70: 1er: Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G-Spot) – MON - 14 points - 2e : Denis Infante (Euro Voiles) – FRA - 24 points - 3e : Simon Kaiser (Situationship) – SUI - 26 points
J/70 - Corinthian: 1er : Denis Infante (Euro Voiles) – FRA - 24 points - 2e : Simon Kaiser (Situationship) – SUI - 26 points - 3e : Pierrik Devic (Fraser Yachts) – MON - 31 points
Smeralda 888: 1er: Marco Favale (Millenium Falcon) – SUI - 8 points - 2e : Charles de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles (Vamos mi Amor) – MON - 12 points - 3e : Achille Onorato (Canard à l’Orange) – MON - 14 points
Longtze Premier: 1er : Jarmo Wieland (Shensu) – SUI - 5 points - 2e : David Revaz (Crescendo) – SUI – 10 points - 3e : Gaetan Verhegge (Exocet) – BEL – 18 points
