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The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron have finished fourth overall at the 2025 Admiral's Cup, coming agonisingly close to the podium in the event's long-awaited return, following a strong showing from their two-boat team of Callisto and Caro across three demanding race stages.
The revived Admiral’s Cup, making its return after a two-decade hiatus, featured a combination of offshore and inshore racing, including the 160-nautical mile Channel Race, six short-course races in the Solent, and the 695-nautical mile Rolex Fastnet Race, which carried triple points and proved decisive in the final standings. The New Zealand team, comprising Callisto in AC Class 2 and Caro in AC Class 1, performed consistently throughout the series and were in podium contention for much of the event.
Callisto finished second in AC2, a single point behind Jolt 6, while Caro was eighth in AC1.
Racing on James Murray’s B&C 42 Callisto was America's Cup veteran Dean Barker. "I first followed the Admiral's Cup when New Zealand won in 1987," Barker said. "It was so cool to watch and I raced it myself in ’97 and ’99. To come back now with the event revived is really special. The racing in AC2 was incredibly close and you never knew how it would play out until the end."
The Channel Race was some of the best downwind sailing he's done, Barker said.
"The Fastnet on a 42-footer? Tough, but rewarding. We had a deficit at the Rock, but the team dug deep and nearly pulled it back. The mix of inshore and offshore racing adds a great dynamic - equal weighting means you've got to be strong in both. The Fastnet is a fitting finale - steeped in tradition and a real test of seamanship. We had an amazing team, thanks to Jim. It’s been a fantastic experience representing the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. I really hope I get to do it again."
Caro was eighth in AC1. Photos / James Tomlinson, RORC
While Callisto thrived in AC2, Caro - skippered by Max Klink - faced stiff competition in AC1 and finished mid-fleet in most races, unable to match the consistency of the frontrunners. Still, their contribution ensured the RNZYS remained in touch with the leading teams heading into the Fastnet Race.
Yacht Club de Monaco - with entries Jolt 6 and Jolt 3 - was crowned overall winner of the Admiral's Cup, lifting the prestigious trophy at their first attempt after a commanding campaign.
"Honestly, I still can't quite believe what we've achieved," said Jolt 6 co-skipper Pierre Casiraghi. "To win the Admiral's Cup in its revival year and with Monaco's first ever participation is beyond words. From the moment we exited the Solent everything went to plan. We held our lead, fought off relentless pressure from Callisto and Beau Ideal and made every move count."
Peter Harrison, skipper of Jolt 3, added: "This is without a doubt the biggest result I've ever had in sailing and I doubt it will ever be topped. To help lead the Yacht Club de Monaco to its first Admiral's Cup victory on our very first attempt is just extraordinary." - with the Royal Ocean Racing Club
Full results here.
