International Teams Tune Up for the Admiral’s Cup
Race Report - Pre-Admiral’s Cup Regatta
Organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron from 25-26 June, 2025.
The Pre-Admiral’s Cup Regatta was held in a wide range of weather conditions perfect for a tune up regatta for the Admiral’s Cup. Four races were held over two days of inshore racing. The international fleet was from Australia, France, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Sweden and the United States of America.
In the AC1 Class, Stefan Jentzsch sailing Botin 56 Black Pearl scored four straight victories. Niklas Zennstrom’s Carkeek 42 Rán was second with James Neville’s Carkeek 45 Ino Noir completing the podium.
Carkeek 52 Rán © Paul Wyeth/RYS
Carkeek 45 Ino Noir © Paul Wyeth/RYS
In the AC2 Class, Chris Frost’s Carkeek 40+ AMP-lifi was the winner. Donald Thinschmidt’s Ker 43 Abracadabra was second. Karl Kwok’s Carkeek 40 Beau Ideal was third.
Botin 56 Black Pearl © Paul Wyeth/RYS
Stefan Jentzsch steered Black Pearl to victory in all four races of the Pre-Admiral’s Cup Regatta, outperforming a competitive fleet. Yet, despite the perfect score, Jentzsch—who will represent the New York Yacht Club in the upcoming Admiral’s Cup—was quick to keep the achievement in perspective, stressing that the true challenge begins when racing gets underway for the Admiral’s Cup.
“We’re really pleased with the result in the pre-regatta—four out of four is more than we expected,” said Jentzsch. “We knew it would be close, so to come away unbeaten is a testament to the work we’ve put in. We’ve invested a huge amount of time in optimizing the boat and building the right crew dynamic, and it’s great to see that pay off on the water.”
Still, Jentzsch was clear-eyed about the bigger picture. “This was a strong warm-up, but we have to put it in perspective. Some of the top Admiral’s Cup teams weren’t on the start line for this regatta. Their absence makes a difference, and we know the real test begins on the 17th of July.”