MONACO, July 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Black Jack 100 claimed victory in the 51st Rolex Fastnet Race in a breathtaking finale. The maxi monohull owned by Remon Vos, member of the Yacht Club de Monaco, crossed the finish line in Cherbourg on Tuesday 29 July at 00:21, after 2 days, 12 hours, 31 minutes and 21 seconds at sea. At the helm, Tristan Le Brun - member of YCM's Captains Club - led the crew to win the Erivale Trophy, awarded to the first monohull across the line in real time.
The outcome was decided only in the final miles, after an intense duel with SHK Scallywag. The two 100-footers battled through a series of tactical tacks, often just two boat lengths apart. The turning point came off Fastnet Rock, in winds exceeding 20 knots. The crew aboard Black Jack 100 responded with three rapid sail changes-from jib to J0 and then to A2 spinnaker-gaining a decisive edge.
"Last year they beat us by 20 minutes at the Middle Sea Race. This time we were a bit faster," said Le Brun. "You need a good boat, strategy… and a bit of luck. We were the underdogs against some very established teams." Even the final stretch offered no certainty. The strong Raz Blanchard currents allowed their pursuers to close in. "Everyone was catching up," he added. "With Max Deckers, we spent two hours refining our route in the dark, very close to shore. A delicate manoeuvre-but decisive. Winning today, after just a year and a half working as a team, exceeds all expectations."
SHK Scallywag crossed the line at 01:19, followed five minutes later by Leopard 3, skippered by Joost Schuijff, also racing for Monaco.
This triumph doesn't mark the end of the racing season for Black Jack 100: the boat is now heading to Palermo to compete in the 20th Palermo-Montecarlo, which starts on 19 August at 11:55 off Mondello, organised by Circolo della Vela Sicilia in partnership with the YCM and the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda.
Meanwhile, the Fastnet also serves as the final leg of the revived Admiral's Cup, back on the calendar after over two decades. The 2025 edition includes a Channel Race (coefficient 2), six inshore races in the Solent, and the Fastnet itself (coefficient 3), which can upend the standings.
In AC Class 2, Jolt 6, helmed by Pierre Casiraghi, vice-president of YCM, is currently second just miles from Cherbourg. Jolt 3, in AC Class 1 and skippered by Peter Harrison, is expected slightly earlier. Every minute counts in the bid to beat the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, now leading, while Yacht Club Costa Smeralda remains in striking distance.
YCM is also active on other fronts. Oren Nataf, at the helm of the Pulsar 50 Rayon Vert, continues in the multihull class alongside Vincent Riou. Giovanni Lombardi Stronati competes under the Italian flag with two boats-Django WR51 and Django JPK-in different classes. Both are expected between the night and 30 July.
Finally, promising signs from young Didier Schouten of YCM's Sports Section, tackling his first major cross-Channel race aboard Ocean Breeze. He is expected to reach Cherbourg early on 30 July.
Yet the true winner of the 2025 Fastnet is still unknown. Final rankings will be determined by corrected time under IRC rules. With narrow gaps and many boats still at sea, nothing is decided. As ever, the Fastnet lives up to its reputation: no victory is certain until the last boat finishes.
For more information:
Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/62f7c957-2cae-4a10-b63e-2c3a38afdb90
