The 2025 Admirals Cup witnessed a dramatic shift in the wind and leaderboard dynamics on its third day of racing. The day’s forecast predicted light winds in the Solent, setting the stage for two inshore races near the Royal Ocean Racing Club on the Cowes foreshore.
New Zealand’s Royal NZ Yacht Squadron surged ahead of Italy to secure a solid third position overall, closely followed by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. As the breeze veered from south to north overnight, the fleet encountered light winds and diminished tidal flow during the races.
Hong Kong showcased remarkable consistency, clinching second place in both the AC1 and AC2 divisions. Yacht Club de Monaco, the previous points leader, excelled in the AC1 category but slipped to fifth place in the AC2 division, allowing Hong Kong to claim the top spot on the leaderboard.
Callisto from RNZYS initially led the 40fters (AC2) fleet but faced challenges as the race progressed. Despite tough racing conditions and significant wind shifts, Monaco’s Jolt 6 and Hong Kong’s Beau Ideal managed to stay in contention with the leaders, with Beau Ideal finishing second for the third time in the series.
In the 50fters category, the intense competition between Beau Geste and Jolt3 continued, with Jolt3 securing first place on IRC. New Zealand’s Caro had a strong performance, finishing third on the water and lifting the Kiwi team to third place overall.
The upcoming races are anticipated to feature more substantial winds, with three races scheduled in the Central Solent on Thursday. The historical significance of the Rolex Fastnet Race adds an element of unpredictability to the outcome of the Admirals’ Cup, with team performances in the 690nm race historically shaping the final results.
The Admirals Cup leaderboard currently sees Hong Kong in the top position, followed by Monaco in second place. Inshore racing will resume on Thursday, offering teams a chance to further showcase their skills and strategies in the challenging Solent conditions.
The John Fisher mark, located in the Solent off Cowes, stands as a tribute to John Fisher, a revered sailor tragically lost during the 2017 Volvo Ocean Race. As the competition progresses, the teams navigate shifting winds and strategic maneuvers, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the 2025 Admirals Cup.
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