G-SPOT repeats victory at the J/70 Primo Cup - Trophy UBS
by J-Boats 19 Mar 05:59 UTC
5-8 March 2026
J/70 Primo Cup - Trophy UBS 2026 © Yacht Club de Monaco
Created in 1985, the Primo Cup is one of the most prestigious regattas on the Mediterranean, attracting over 300 sailors every year. This flagship event of the Yacht Club de Monaco brings together the elite of international sailing and offers intense, spectacular competition.
For this year's event, forty-six teams were entered from eight nations, including France (7), Great Britain (1), Hungary (2), Italy (2), Monaco (12), the Netherlands (1), Switzerland (18), and Sweden (1). Compared to last year's entries, it was notable to see a significant leap in participation by French and Swiss J/70 teams. In particular, the Swiss fielded an eighteen-strong contingent, perhaps inspired by the fact that some of their colleagues are J/70 World Champions who won in Monaco! Here is how it all went down over the long weekend.
After three days of varied conditions, from strong easterlies on day one to calmer breezes at the end, the 42nd Primo Cup-UBS Trophy concluded in Monaco.
"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 with Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio's G-SPOT from YC Monaco winning for the third year running. This was his fourth win, a record. Denis Infante's French team on EUROVOILES and Simon Kaiser's Swiss crew on SITUATIONSHIP finished 2nd and 3rd, respectively.
"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.
Corinthians Division
In the Corinthian category, Infante's EUROVOILES confirmed their consistency and won the Monaco City Hall Special Prize. A regular at the Primo Cup, the crew knows the course well.
"We particularly like sailing here. The conditions are often challenging, which makes for an interesting regatta," says skipper Louis Barbet.
The Kaiser's SITUATIONSHIP finished in 2nd ahead of YC Monaco's Pierrik Devic on FRASER YACHTS.
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 from November to March, G-SPOT, skippered by Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio, won the 2025-2026 championship. Two other Monegasque teams followed: Pierrik Devic's FRASER YACHTS and Nico Poons' CHARISMA V Sailing Team.
Loyal International Fleet
Organized by YC Monaco since 2013, this winter championship has become a "must-do" circuit for international J/70 teams wanting to sail all winter. A perfect example is the Swiss team on EL OTRO, who travel thousands of kilometers to race in Monaco.
"It's our second season in Monaco, and we love sailing here. The level is very high, and for us it's a great opportunity to learn by observing the top teams," explains trimmer Magnus Ullman.
From November to March, crews tackled races in often contrasting conditions, from light breezes to steady easterlies and tactically challenging days. In total, during the four Acts, some 50 teams competed over 25 races in the Monaco championship, confirming its popular appeal among international crews in this class.
Click here for more J/70 Primo Cup- Trophy UBS sailing information.