A Week of Competition, Elegance and Yachting Art de Vivre at Monaco Classic Week

Ahead of the Monaco Yacht Show, the internationally renowned superyacht event of the season in the Western Mediterranean is Monaco Classic Week.

Launched in 1994 to celebrate Monaco's enduring connection to the sea, Monaco Classic Week celebrates the Principality's maritime history. The event, coordinated by Europe's oldest and most distinguished yacht club is held biannually in Monaco's Port Hercule. The venue, located in the La Condamine district is surrounded by some of the most prestigious real estate in Monaco. 

There is no better location for such an event with the elite international residents of the surrounding Monaco property entrenched in the wealthy yachting world.

The first sailing regattas - held here as early as 1862 - brought Monaco into a privileged circle of maritime nations and paved the way for this prestigious harbor to become a regular port of call for the worlds largest superyachts. Today we can expect many of the ship owners and captains to possess sought after Monaco property in the area adjacent to the port. 

This edition, like those of previous years, will bring together some of the worlds most beautiful antique tall ships, sailing boats, motor yachts, power boats and steam ships. It is a week of competition, elegance and yachting art de vivre.

Monaco Classic Week is the only maritime event to have classic sailing yachts, period motor-yachts, motorboats and steam-yachts in one port and cruising the water together. From classic sailing yachts to the stunning Dinghy 12's of days gone by, visitors will enjoy a fabulous spectacle of grace and sophistication.

The Yacht Club Monaco has focused on quality as always, inviting the world's most exceptional examples of racers and cruisers. More than a hundred boats, including 60 classic sailing yachts, 40 motorboats and 10 period motor-yachts have already confirmed their attendance. 

The gaff rigs, sloops, yawls and schooners will compete in races throughout the week offering the opportunity of an impressive spectacle. The regularity and manoeuvrability contests are similar to those conducted back in 1904. Along with these events and challenges, classic ships will be judged by many criteria including the most elegant crew, application of the rules of naval etiquette and of course on the perfection of the essential maintenance and restoration work. 

Along with an impressive display of sailing during the week long regatta, there will also be competitions for chefs, elegance contests, La Belle Classe restoration prize, motorboat and steam-boat challenges, and the elegant social gatherings you would expect from any Monaco yachting event. Wealthy Monaco real estate owners are sure to be present at the elite and glamorous parties planned throughout the week.

Visitors will have the chance to admire over a century of maritime history by strolling down the southern quay, where rigs and ropes hang gracefully from these elegant vessels, restored to their youthful prime by fastidious owners.

In conjunction with the regatta and competitions a festival focused on classic yachting will stretch along the whole of Quai Antoine 1er, in Port Hercule. The Marlborough Gallery is to host an exhibition of some 60 drawings and photographs from artist and sailor Titouan Lamazou. The exhibition will take place from 10 to 28 September and chronicle his journey around the world. Joining the festivities on 13th September, the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo will hold an auction of old boats, paintings and select nautical objects.

Other highlights include the prestigious La Belle Classe dinner and the ceremony to award the "Personality of the Sea" prize at the Nuit du Yachting. The 11th Monaco Classic Week is certain to be the best 60th anniversary gift the Yacht Club Monaco could ask for.

Yacht Club Monaco

www.ycm.org