classic yacht week monaco

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Monaco Classic Week 2023, the world’s most beautiful vintage boats

• Alex Giuzio
• September 14, 2023

Guaranteed spectacle in Monaco for the Monaco Classic Week 2023 , which will entertain all boating and vintage boat enthusiasts from today until Saturday, September 16. Now in its 16th edition and titled “La Belle Classe,” Monaco Classic Week 2023 is a three-day exhibition of boats of yesteryear still sailing.

Launched in 1994 as a biennial meeting, the Monaco Classic Week is one of the most prestigious events of its kind in the world, which each year amazes and astounds the public. In fact, participating boats are admitted by invitation only, ensuring the high quality of the selection, which undoubtedly gathers some of the most beautiful boats in the world and expresses the philosophy of the art of living the sea.

The boats at Monaco Classic Week 2023

More than 130 boats will take part in Monaco Classic Week 2023. Among them will be the return of some magnificent schooners, 15-meter IR yachts and elegant Riva powerboats, as well as, of course, many other vintage sailing and motor boats. To kick things off, Tuiga , the flagship of the Yacht Club de Monaco, will join the other two 15M IR yachts, The Lady Anne and Mariska, for an inaugural regatta, while the Jury, chaired by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, will begin its inspection for the ‘La Belle Classe Restoration’ Prize. Its aim is to ensure that these boats will stand the test of time, faithful to the original design.

But the names on the parade at Monaco Classic Week 2023 do not end there, each with its own charm and history. For example, we cannot fail to mention O’Remington. the schooner owned by Lord Remington, a wealthy American heir. Illustrious names like Federico Fellini, Luchino Visconti, Marcello Mastroianni and Maria Callas went on board. Visitors can also admire Naema (40.59m). This faithful replica of Alfred Mylne’s Panda left the Camper & Nicholson yard in 1938. Offered as a gift to King Bao Da of Anam (Vietnam) by the French government the boat found refuge in Toulon after the French withdrew from Indochina in 1954. Sold to the American Bill Bodle in 1979, Panda then left for the West Indies. In 1983, a fire on board almost destroyed her. But fortunately for us, it was rebuilt according to the original design.

Last but not least, Thelas , the motor yacht built in 1936 by De Vries Lentsch from the architect Norman Hart’s drawings. With a length of 18meters, Thelas won the first edition of the Pavillon d’Or in 1937, the inaugural race for cruisers. Requisitioned in 1944 by the British Admiralty, she took part in the Normandy landings and now belongs to Italian architect Corrado Lopresto, famous for having one of the most important classic car collections in the world. Today, Thelas is the official yacht for the CIM (Comité International de la Méditerranée).

The photo exhibition

In addition to the parade of these fascinating vintage boats, Monaco Classic Week 2023 will feature celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Prince Rainier III , founder of the Monaco Yacht Club in 1953. To celebrate it, the event will feature an exclusive exhibition dedicated to some of the beautiful boats owned by the prince himself, a man who deeply loved the sea and boating. Entitled ‘ The Prince and the Sea ’, the retrospective is open to the public until Saturday, September 16 and traces 15 boats from Prince Rainier’s wonderful photographic collection. The full Monaco Classic Week 2023 program can be found at www.monacoclassicweek.com .

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Monaco Classic Week goes abroad!

15 th monaco classic week – la belle classe – 8-11 september 2021.

• A wholly original coastal race to Ventimiglia for the Classics
• Orion makes her return after a 27-year absence
• Tomorrow – elegance contests

Return trip to Cala del Forte in Ventimiglia

It was an original highly unusual format for Monaco Classic Week, as the Race Committee had planned a round trip to Ventimiglia and the new Cala del Forte marina, a distance of nearly eight nautical miles from the two Monegasque harbours. A bracing upwind leg against a strengthening 15-plus knot easterly kept crews on their toes tacking into the chop. The Race Director chose to judge the arrival wisely at Cap Martin by slightly reducing the course. The Anker-design Meerblick Classic excelled again by being first to Cala del Forte where crews were able to go ashore for lunch. Meerblick Classic , launched 1917 as one of the 10-Meter Class (10mR) was ahead of the Olympian (Garner 1913), and continues an astonishing series of excellent results which began last year. The accelerating downwind leg saw Viola (Fife 1908) very much on a par with her eternal rival Olympian after a long unique leg back to Monaco.

Orion – The Return!

The big (47m) gaff schooner Orion, bearing the signature of British designer Charles E Nicholson, is making her long-awaited return to the fray at Monaco Classic Week having hugely impressed everyone at the first edition back in 1994. Launched 1910 under the name Sylvana , the schooner’s name would change four times before in 1930 being given the one she is now so well known by of Orion .

Cala del Forte – Italian extension to Port Hercule

In 2016, faced with an ever-growing demand for berths and with the Principalities two harbours at saturation point, Monaco Ports decided to set up SMIP (Société Monégasque Internationale Portuaire) and buy the neighbouring Cala del Forte marina in Ventimiglia. Today, Cala del Forte is a very pretty, oblong-shaped, brand new state of the art marina just 20 minutes from the Principality (7.9 nautical miles). Naturally protected from the elements and with strictly controlled access on land, it is a perfect fit to Port Hercule and Port de Fontvieille. Cala del Forte was officially inaugurated on 2 nd July in a ceremony attended by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Meetings for enthusiasts

Two important events were organised today that have a direct link with Monaco Classic Week’s story. Daniel Charles presented his latest work L’Entreprenant Monsieur Mégevet 1874-1932 , dedicated to the founder of the Swiss Corsier-Port boatyard that produced a number of boats for Lake Geneva. Daniel Charles has a PhD in history, is a naval architect, award-winning author and is passionate, curious and entertaining. This work on Jules Mégevet is his 49 th book. The latter founded the Chantier Naval de Corsier-Port in 1909, and the original building he had built for the yard still houses workshops today and has become a key landmark for anyone sailing on Lake Geneva.

Following in the evening was another presentation of a book, this one entitled Puritan – the Portrait of an American Queen , by her owner Tomas de Vargas Machuca and the author Francesca Webster. Puritan won the Monaco Classic Week Trophy in 2019. There are few classic yachts whose definitive history has been recorded in such detail. This is the case for the schooner Puritan designed by John Alden in 1931. Her owner, Tomas de Vargas Machuca, entrusted historian and journalist Francesca Webster to research and record the yacht’s history. A project that would take more than two years to complete.

A classic two-mast 31m schooner, Puritan was built by Elco in the UK, and delivered to her owner in 1931. The last time she was renovated was in 1990. The exterior design and sophisticated engineering of this luxury vessel are the work of John G. Alden and his team.

Astonishing success of the 12’ Dinghy class

A 20-strong fleet in the 12’ Dinghy Class are sailing in Monaco this weekend. For such a small dinghy, loved for its old-fashioned charm, it has a remarkable history. A descendant of rowing boat tenders to big yachts at the turn of the 20 th century, they are emulated in Italy and the Netherlands in particular where they are almost worshipped. It was in 1913 that a small club of sailing enthusiasts in England called the Boat Racing Association (BRA) requested a design to meet the following criteria: length 12′, beam 4′8″ and one 100-square-foot sail with no battens: it was to be a rowing or sailing boat, suitable as a tender for larger yachts. The winning project was submitted by a designer called George Cockshott (1875-1952). The 12’ Dinghy started life as the first “one design yacht tender” and became an Olympic class in 1920 and 1928.  In plastic or wood, this little dinghy’s success went through the roof. In Holland there are now sail numbers exceeding 850, almost all made of wood. In Italy, you find sailors aged 80, affectionately referred to as “The Legends”.

Eminent specialist

Dr William Collier from G. L. Watson & Co, an eminent historian and classic boat restorer, is in Monaco on the jury for the La Belle Classe Restoration Prize. William Collier combines academic knowledge with extensive hands-on experience having been behind dozens of yacht restorations ranging from the gaff cutter Avel (1896) to the motor yacht Malahne (1937).

Chefs Competition

Thibaud Barbafieri, chef on the Bermudan cutter Eileen 1938 , (built in Oslo, Norway, by the Anker & Jensen yard for Olympic figure skating champion Sonia Henie), won the Chefs Competition held yesterday.

Saturday 11 th September

9.00am-6.00pm                Inspection of yachts by La Belle Classe Restoration Jury 11.00am                              Elegance Parade for classic sailing yachts 12 noon                               Start of classic yacht and 12’ Dinghy class races – coastal course

2.30pm                                Elegance Parade for period motor-yachts and motorboats

4.00pm-5.00pm                Monaco Classic Week Grand Parade (boats meet in front of Museum 3.30pm) 7.00pm                                Closing cocktail and prize-giving (by invitation)

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The other major events of the year

Monaco Classic Week - La Belle Classe

Maritime heritage

Monaco Classic Week is a voyage through time that tells the story of the Yacht Club de Monaco's tireless commitment to sailing maritime heritage.

This biennial event created in 1994 harks back to the very first motor boat meetings of 1904,  and is the only gathering of its kind to bring together the most beautiful traditional sailing boats, with vintage motor-yachts and old motorboats. The last four editions have also featured a fleet of 20′ Dinghies, a catboat-rigged Olympic monohull with a lug sail.

An exceptional fleet

Uniquely among Mediterrean traditional yacht meetings, Monaco Classic Week brings together a highly exclusive line-up of classic sailing and motor yachts, selected and invited by the Yacht Club de Monaco. For owners, delighted to be together and sharing their passion, it was a more intimate format with only sailing yachts built before 1950 with a wooden mast being able to drop anchor in the YCM Marina.

The wind of competition

Faithful to the unique spirit of the event, as popular as ever, the Yacht Club de Monaco will once again be hosting both parades and competitions, including: Regattas, races, and manœuvrability competitions,  for the different categories. In 2021, the event included a round trip to Ventimiglia and the new Cala del Forte marina, around 8 nautical miles from the port of Monaco.

The Prix de la Restauration rewards the quality of catering aboard these vessels, some of which are more than a century old. 

The Concours des Chefs  is a modest competition for the chefs aboard each of the yachts taking part, who are provided with a basket of ingredients. Importantly, no two boats have the same galley layout or equipment.

The Concours d’Elégance judges the style, class, and harmony of the crews and their boats. Sailing yachts, motor yachts, and canots sail past the pier where the jury sits, their crews using all their imagination to harmonise their outfits and movements with their vessel's standing.

The Trophée Monaco Classic Week  is the crowning accolade presented to the boat and crew that best meet all of the criteria, from catering to elegance.

Where to see them

Amateurs and novices alike can admire these fantastic boats from a number of points overlooking Monegasque waters, including the Rainier III Auditorium, the Rainier III Solarium, the Jardins Saint Martins, or for a front row seat, from the Terraces of the Yacht Club de Monaco.

Set sail for a unique experience.

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Classic sailing yacht Mariella wins Monaco Classic Week trophy 2021

Related articles.

The Fife-built classic yacht Mariella , originally delivered in 1938, has been crowned the winner of the Monaco Classic Week trophy 2021.

Mariella was awarded the La Belle Classe Restoration Prize by a jury chaired by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, who paid tribute to all the yachts on display.

“In the end, it’s a very difficult decision to make, so many craftsmen who work on these boats to preserve them in all their original grandeur have done a great job. In the end, it’s the heart that decides for each member of the jury,” he said.

Other winners included the 1948 motorboat Iran , 1954 motor yacht Istros and 1908 sailing yacht Viola , who won their respective categories in the Elegance Contests.

• My life in boats: Tomas de Vargas Machuca, owner of sailing yacht Puritan

The yachts were among a coveted selection of vintage yachts built before 1950 which attended the event from September 8-11. This included a dozen motor yachts, including the 78.5 metre SS Delphine , which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year and led a grand parade on the last day of the event.

Alongside the nautical events was a bustling social calendar, including the coveted chef’s competition, which was entered by ten boats and saw chefs tasked with concocting culinary delights based on the theme “Land and Sea”. The winning chef was Thibaud Barbafiera on board the Bermudan 1938 cutter Eileen .

Speaking about the event, general secretary of the Yacht Club de Monaco, Bernard d’Alessandri, said: “As the curtain falls on this 15th edition of Monaco Classic Week, we are all feeling very emotional at having shared our passion for all these boats.

“This event is unique but also has meaning as it brings together people who have the same concept of sailing and pay the same attention to preserving maritime heritage.”

Combining heritage, elegance and glamour, the Monaco Classic Week has been held every two years since its launch in 1994.

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15th Monaco Classic Week

Home » Yachting in Monaco » 15th Monaco Classic Week

Yacht Class n°27 (dec 2021/jan-feb 2022)

Yacht club de monaco.

From September 8th to 11th, the Yacht Club de Monaco hosted its 15th Monaco Classic Week and offered a journey through time to discover the Principality’s rich nautical heritage.

Written by : Aurore Teodoro – Photos: Studio Borlenghi et Mesi / Yacht Club de Monaco

Through a happy coincidence, the biennial Monaco Classic Week (MCW) has escaped the vicissitudes of the Covid-19. No cancellations, no postponements. After its traditional year off, the event organized by the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) was back in September for a slightly more intimate edition, due to the pandemic. “We have selected the boats. We wanted to make it more convivial rather than having a large fleet of boats, which we knew would be a bit difficult to do anyway. We chose to present older boats, with only wooden masts”, explained Thierry Leret, the event director and manager of La Belle Classe Tradition at the YCM, before reminding: “Our characteristic is to have motor-yachts, power boats, sailboats.” In total, there were 79 boats, including 9 motor-yachts, 20 Dinghies 12′ (the first one-design sailboat of 12 feet), 17 power boats and 33 classic boats divided into four classes: “The big boats, whose deck length is over 23 m. We also had boats from the ‘Vintage Marconi’, which are over 50 years of age with jib-headed sails, known as Bermudan, and those from the ‘Vintage Gaff’ with square-rig sails. As for the classics, these are boats over 25 but under 50 years of age”, Thierry Leret explained. And this beautiful armada welcomed a few regulars, like the magnificent century steam yacht old SS Delphine, whose godmother is none other than Princess Stéphanie, the MCW winners 2017 & 2019, Viola (1908) and Puritan (1930), Moonbeam III (1903) or Orion (1962), present at the very first edition in 1984. And let’s not forget Tuiga (1909), the YCM flagship, and her sisterships Mariska (1908) and The Lady Ann (1912).

A year of novelties

After a beautiful 2019 edition placed under the Star-Spangled banner, this year honored heritage and history. This theme is no coincidence as the Principality is commemorating the 100th anniversary of the death of Prince Albert Ist (1848-1922), its “Navigator Prince”, whose pioneering character, oceanographic explorations and passion for science played a major role in shaping the country and its yachting. For the occasion, the MCW hosted for the very first time an exhibition entitled ‘Powerboat Meetings in the Albert Ist of Monaco era – Yacht Club de Monaco’s collection restored’, which contained nearly sixty objects – medals, lithographs, posters, photographs, old postcards … – the public had never seen before. The result of a year’s work, led by Caroline Magro, the head of the YCM heritage department, that involved “documentation, inventory, restoration and coordination of this rehabilitation campaign. We also produced a five-minute documentary on the restoration process, an application on tablet with enriched contents to go further in the discovery of the collection. There were also all the stenographic part and the writing of contents” . To make another nod, a 1952 hydroplane Cessna C305, from the Aeroclub of Como, landed in the Monegasque bay before joining the YCM pontoon. A unique event, organized with the very young Hydravion Club of Monaco, “Let’s not forget the history of power boats is deeply connected to that of the seaplanes” , Thierry Leret reminded.

Among the novelties, there was also this Friday spent in Cala del Forte. Monaco’s third port, officially inaugurated last July, welcomed the crews of the sailing boats for lunch: “It was nice to make a nod and bring historical boats to a completely modern port, which has just opened and thus has no history, and in a way to fill with life this marina with nautical activities” , the event manager said. Especially since the day, which included a round-trip regatta of 7,9 nautical miles (14.6 km) separating the two ports, provided great sailing conditions for the crews of the sailboats. “We had strong conditions, from 20 to 25 knots. There were some damages, including a dismasting… It’s always a bit tricky because these boats are a bit like Stradivarius. They are old wooden boats, fragile, just restored, almost museum pieces. Racing on them is already a bit of a challenge. In extreme conditions, it’s a bit crazy, but they are all passionate, unreasonable people who are very proud to sail in these conditions.” These conditions, unfortunately, prevented the power boats and the Dinghies 12′ to be part of the trip. “The sea was too choppy. The sailboats are more seaworthy and were able to make it. But it was too delicate or the power boats, plus it would have been uncomfortable” , the race director explained.

The Classic Week “license”

The day before, for the first day of the regatta, the Monegasque bay – known for the whims of Aeolus – had already offered rough sea conditions, leading the race committee to cancel the sailboats and dinghies regattas. “We have to be reasonable; we are not here to break boats either”, the race director underlined. However, moping around or going back to the hotel was out of the question. After these past few months, many of the participants were happy to stay ashore to catch up, while the waterbody hosted a few activities. Some crew members swapped their official outfits for swimsuits to take part in an improvised paddle contest, under the unbridled cheers of their crew members and the other sailors. A perfect way to keep everyone busy and happy, while a few meters away, power boats also took advantage of the safety of the port to have the maneuverability contest, before a crowd of enthusiasts and curious on the wharf. A moment “with a good spirit” , as Steve Sandrin, in charge of the activities of the power boats, confided. “To show off and for their fun too, we ask them to compete. There is the maneuverability event which consists in several tests. There is first ‘a man overboard’, which requires to pretend someone has fallen overboard and manoeuvre to retrieve them. Then there’s the mooring technique, where the boat has to get to a buoy, to catch it as if she wanted to moor and the last one is a reverse on about 30 metres, knowing that, backwards, these boats are not the straightest!” And the next day, while their companions were in Cala del Forte, the power boats who remained in Port Hercules participated in the first “Classic Week license”. “This ‘license’ was an initiative of our General Secretary, M. D’Alessandri, and mixed both cultural questions, on boats, on maneuverability obviously to make a little wink. There was also some on maritime knowledge,” Thierry Leret explained.

Elegance and restoration awarded

The highlight of the event was on the Saturday. After a busy day of regattas for the Dinghies 12′ and the elegance contest, all the participants took part in the parade the Oceanographic Museum to the Larvotto, led by the SS Delphine. “L’Art de vivre la mer”, so dear to the YCM, in all its glory. As this is first the essence and specificity of the event. “ The Monaco Classic Week is not a gathering during which the boats only race,” recalled the manager of La Belle Classe Tradition. “We promote the work of maintenance and restoration as close as possible to the original, the crew’s knowledge of naval etiquette, but also the owner, the captain or the shipyard preserving these boats. Because it would be easier to have a modern unit or to make them comfortable. Owning a wooden boat, with all the maintenance, varnish and care it requires, is complicated. We must honor and acclaim them to restore old units to pass them on to future generations” , Thierry Leret underlined. To honor this heritage, the MCW also has a few contests, like the Chefs competition, led this year by Mauro Colagreco (Mirazur), or the elegance one, which focuses on the style, class and harmony of the boats and their crew. Each boat was thus inspected by a jury of specialists for the restoration competition, chaired this year by the famous British sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. And the Fife-design Bermudan yawl Mariella (1938) of Carlo Falcone won the Monaco Classic Week Trophy 2021. Iran in the vintage motorboats, Blue Bird 1938 in the motor-yachts and the gaff cutter Olympian (Gardner 1913) were also awarded with the restoration prize. As for the elegance prize, it was won by Iran, the motor yacht Istros (1954) and the sailboat Viola (Fife 1908).

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• Lifestyle , News

Monaco Classic Week, over 100 boats expected at Yacht Club de Monaco

• Luca D'Ambrosio
• July 31, 2023

Monaco Classic Week: over 100 classic boats on display

Organized by Yacht Club de Monaco and hosted by the Principality of the same name, the 16th Monaco Classic Week will take place from September 13-16.

Launched in 1994, this unique in the world biennial event pays homage to the history of yachting.

This year, a photography exhibition will be dedicated to Prince Rainier III to celebrate the centenary of his birth. The event will include regattas, parades, the elegance contest, the chefs competition and the final award ceremony on Saturday 16 September at the Yacht Club de Monaco. Visitors will also have the opportunity to admire a fleet of Dinghy 12′, the most classic of sailing dinghies, born in England 110 years ago.

Access to the quays and exhibitors Village is free for the entire duration of the event.

MONACO CLASSIC WEEK, THE 16TH EDITION KICKS OFF

The fabulous line-up that will fill the YCM Marina will comprise a dozen period motor-yachts, 50 vintage motorboats, including around 30 Rivas and 3 powerboats from the early 20th century as well as 50 classic sailing yachts and a 20-strong fleet of the clinker-built 3.66 m Dinghy 12’ class, born in 1913 from the pencil of the English designer George Cockshott.

THE ULTRA CENTURY SAILING YACHTS AND THE PRINCE RANIERI III EXHIBITION

This year the public and classic yacht enthusiasts also have the opportunity to see a photography exhibition dedicated to Prince Rainier III as the Principality celebrates the centenary of his birth. Prince Ranieri III, a lover of sailing, was the founder of the Yacht Club de Monaco 70 years ago, today presided over by his son Albert II, the current sovereign prince.

Access to the quays and exhibitors Village (painters, photographers, craftsmen, official YCM Boutique) is free to everyone starting Wednesday 13th September from 10.00am.

A MARITIME LEGACY

In 1862, the first regattas were already being held in the bay, and by the end of that century Monaco had become a mecca for the international yachting world where the biggest names in finance, industry and entertainment met. The year 1904 also saw the first international powerboat events held in Port Hercule with the emergence of the internal combustion engine.

All the big sailing and motor yachts flocked to be privileged spectators of these meetings. Within a few years, Monaco became the centre of innovation and fashionable water sports.

AT MONACO CLASSIC WEEK ATLANTIC CELEBRATES HER 120TH ANNIVERSARY

Atlantic, the replica of the legendary schooner commissioned in 1903 by New York Yacht Club member Wilson Marshall will celebrate her 120th anniversary. The reconstruction project led by Ed Kastelain was an ambitious one. With a deck length of 56m she is the largest racing schooner ever to be rebuilt. In terms of her lines and sail area she is identical to when she won the 1905 Transatlantic Race that ensured her immortality in yachting’s history.

Slender lines accentuate her elegance while the 42m waterline, narrow beam, and masts soaring 45m above the water supporting 1,750m2 of sail, make her breathtakingly fast. A fabulous sight to behold!

THE ELEGANCE CONTEST AND THE “MONACO CLASSIC WEEK PRIZE”

Participating in the Monaco Classic Week is not just about results but celebrating a passion, with special prizes to encourage the involvement and commitment of owners to preserve their boats as the true heritage of a timeless maritime culture.

Marks are given based on respect for the original plans, materials used in their construction and the knowledge of those who restored them. The Elegance Contest is also judged by the same Jury whose job is to rate the boats on etiquette, style and respect for a certain way of life and conduct at sea, all in a festive fun spirit.

Both these are combined to decide the winner of the Monaco Classic Week Prize that encompasses all the criteria evaluated in terms of restoration and elegance to which is added a coup de cœur (favourite) element for the spirit that prevails on board among the crew, as well as maintenance and restoration.

Living well at sea also means knowing how to combine the pleasures of good food with the joy of sailing. The Chefs Competition is a chance for owners to get their chefs to produce a menu on board their boats within a given time from a basket of mystery ingredients.

The grand finale that concludes Monaco Classic Week is a big parade when participants gather just off the Oceanographic Museum and file one behind the other eastwards towards Larvotto Beach.

16TH MONACO CLASSIC WEEK – PROGRAMME

Wednesday 13th September • 10.00am: Opening of Monaco Classic Week Exhibitors Village • 1.00pm: Warm-up race & 15M IR Encounter • 3.00pm – 6.00pm: Inspection of yachts by “La Belle Classe Restoration” Jury

Thursday 14h September • 9.00am – 6.00pm: Inspection of yachts by “La Belle Classe Restoration” Jury • 9.00am – 10.00am: Chefs Competition (distribution of ingredients on the quays) • 12 noon: First warning signal for the Dinghy 12’ class • 12 noon: Start of race for classic sailing yachts – coastal race • 5.00pm – 7.00pm: Chefs Competition with Moët Hennessy (presentation of dishes on the quay) • Before the party Prize-giving for Chefs Competition

Friday 15th September • 9.00am – 6.00pm: Inspection of yachts by “La Belle Classe Restoration” Jury • 10.00am: First warning signal of a passage race Yacht Club de Monaco – Ventimiglia for the sailing yachts, motor-yachts and powerboats • 12 noon: First warning signal for the Dinghy 12’ class • 3.00pm: Start of the return passage race Ventimiglia – Yacht Club de Monaco

Saturday 16th September •9.00am – 6.00pm: Inspection of yachts by “La Belle Classe Restoration” Jury • 11.00am: Elegance Parade for classic sailing yachts, motor-yachts and classic powerboats • 12 noon: First warning signal for the Dinghy 12’ class • 12 noon: Start of race for classic sailing yachts – coastal race • 2.00pm: Manoeuvrability Challenge for the classic motorboats • 4.00pm – 5.00pm: Monaco Classic Week Grand Parade • 7.00pm: Prize-giving & Closing Cocktail – Lucciana jetty (by invitation)

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The Golden Age of yachting brought to life in Monaco by the 15th Monaco Classic Week

– Mariella (Fife 1938) wins Monaco Classic Week Trophy 2021 – Contests, big parade, racing for all – and anniversary party on SS Delphine – Rendezvous 13-16 September 2023 for the 16th Monaco Classic Week

Monaco Classic Week is not just a regatta. It’s a voyage through time and the history of yachting which in Monaco combines sport and a certain ‘Art de Vivre’ common to classic sailing yachts, period motor-yachts and vintage motorboats at a time which saw the birth of aviation and the early seaplanes. It is this spirit that never fails to captivate participants and public alike at an event orchestrated by Yacht Club de Monaco. It combines races as a way to showcase the authenticity of sailing yachts along with the coveted La Belle Classe Restoration Prize, living well at sea with the Chefs Competition, respect for etiquette at sea with the elegance contests, and an extraordinary voyage into the past at the ‘Powerboat Meetings in the Albert I of Monaco era – Yacht Club de Monaco’s collection restored’ exhibition. On the last day, a Grand Parade led by SS Delphine (1921) brought all participants together in front of the Oceanographic Museum for a parade of living maritime heritage in all its many guises to Larvotto Beach and back to the YCM Marina. An opportunity to celebrate the 100th anniversary of this steam-yacht, the last still in operation, recognisable by her inverted stem and elegant lines (78.5m in length, 10.83m beam) with three boilers supplying the original 1500hp quadruple-expansion engines.

Style as much as performance

After the rigours of Friday’s race to Cala del Forte marina in Ventimiglia and back, Saturday was about what inspires the yachting soul, this passion that people have for their boat and the way they enjoy them at shore and at sea. The Elegance Contest again involved Princess Beatriz de Orleans-Borbon and an elitist jury called into judge the style, class and harmony of crews and their boats. Sailing yachts, motorboats and motor-yachts paraded past the jury on Lucciana Jetty, the crews digging deep into their imaginations to harmonise their uniforms and gestures to suit their boat’s stature. Salutes, hurrahs, canon shots, even sea chanties proved a challenge for a jury embarrassed by choice when the final decision had to be made.

A hand-picked fleet

On the Mediterranean classic yacht circuit, Monaco Classic Week stands out as the only one to bring together an exclusive range of classic sailing and motor yachts, selected and invited by the Yacht Club de Monaco. For owners, delighted to be together and sharing their passion, it was a more intimate format with only sailing yachts built before 1950 with a wooden mast being able to drop anchor in the YCM Marina. Around 30 responded to the invitation, most of them Fifes, including three of the 15M IR yachts. It was an ideal opportunity for Moët Hennessy to pay tribute to the prestigious Scottish boatyard by officially launching a 25-year-aged Glenmorangie Tuiga Whisky. In their wake, were a dozen period motor-yachts and some 30 vintage motorboats including ten Rivas, outdoing each other in finesse and elegance while seven others, including three American Chris Crafts vied for supremacy in the sheer elegance of their lines.

Mariella (Fife 1938) wins Monaco Classic Week Trophy 2021

The La Belle Classe Restoration Prize recognises the quality of the restoration of boats that are often over a hundred years old. For this fifth edition, the Jury chaired by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and comprising experts in yachting history including Dr William Collier has spent the week inspecting all the boats. The scoring takes into account respect for the original plans, materials used in the construction and the expertise of those involved in restoring them. The boat’s history and that of their owners are all part of the passion and commitment which also comes into play. It is a combination of this contest and the elegance contest that decides the winner of the Monaco Classic Week Trophy as they encompass all the criteria assessed in these two aspects to which is added that indefinable “love at first sight” reaction to the spirit that reigns in the life, maintenance and restoration of the boat.

The big winner this week is the Fife-design Bermudan yawl Mariella (1938) of Carlo Falcone who succeeds the gaff schooner Puritan (1930). Also on the receiving end of awards for the quality of their restoration are Iran in the vintage motorboats, Blue Bird 1938 in the motor-yachts and the gaff cutter Olympian (Gardner 1913). Iran (Stempler Corsier Port – 1948) won the jury’s vote for the elegance prize, as did the motor yacht Istros and the sailing yacht Viola (Fife 1908).

Three races for the 12’ Dinghies

In a light south-westerly the Race Committee ran three windward-leeward races in quick succession for the 12’ Dinghies. “A day of light airs that favoured the light sailors!” explained Lorient sailor, Christophe Le Bruchec. “The Italians proved very strong competition,” he said, confirmed by the ranking dominated by Aldo Samele-Acquaviva, ahead of compatriots Alessandro Pedone and Federico Pelopais.

Chefs Competition won by Eileen 1938

Ten boats, sailing and motor, entered their chefs for the highly-rated Chefs Competition, the jury chaired by three-Michelin star Mauro Colagreco (Mirazur). Coordinated by Simon Ganache, Executive Chef of Banquets at YCM, the theme was ‘Land and Sea’, with Wagyu beef and king crab for the starter, and black cod, carabineros and octopus for the main dish. Another ingredient they had to work in to enhance their recipes was Glenmorangie’s ‘The Original’ 10-year-old whisky which they did with panache. The winner was Thibaud Barbafiera the “cook” on the Bermudan cutter Eileen 1938 (Anker 1938) who best combined these culinary imperatives and impressed the jury. He beat Ricco Dubignon from the motor-yacht Le Kir Royal and Conor Demprey from Blue Bird 1938.

Success for outstanding exhibition of works from the YCM collection

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of Prince Albert I, the Comité Albert Ier-2022 put on an exhibition for the week of some 60 items that have been restored and are on public display for the first time, including medals and trophies, relating to the powerboat meetings held in Monaco in the early 20th century. All the items will now be found a place in the various lounges of the Yacht Club de Monaco.

“As the curtain falls on this 15th edition of Monaco Classic Week, we are all feeling very emotional at having shared our passion for all these boats. This event is unique but also has meaning as it brings together people who have the same concept of sailing and pay the same attention to preserving maritime heritage. We can see that old boats still have a timeless elegance. Monaco also had a role to play in the early days and development of aviation in the early 20th century. For aviation started with seaplanes and the first flights over Monaco waters taking off from the quays. The exhibition of posters and lithographs from the Yacht Club is a reflection of what yachting is today. When we talk about Monaco as a capital of yachting, it is a story that began a long time ago and which continues,” said Bernard d’Alessandri, General Secretary of the Yacht Club de Monaco.

“We were given a wonderful welcome by all the crews who told us the story of their boat, the restoration works that have been carried out, and always with the same passion and love. In the end, it’s a very difficult decision to make, so many craftsmen who work on these boats to preserve them in all their original grandeur have done a great job. In the end, it’s the heart that decides for each member of the jury,” addedSir Robin Knox-Johnston, President of the Monaco Classic Week Grand Jury

Prizes and Trophies

Monaco Classic Week Trophy 2021: Mariella (1938)

The 33 classic sailing yachts were divided into four groups, according to their size, age and rig type. After three days of racing, the results are as follows:

Big Boat: 2 races validated

1. Mariella (Fife 1938) – Peter Simmons 2. Tuiga (Fife 1909) – Daniel Pereira 3. Mariska (Fife 1908) – Dan Polsjak

Classic: 2 races validated

1. Stiren (Stephens 1962) – Oren Nataf 2. Dambuster (Illingworth & Primrose) 1962 – Nicholas Hill 3. Brynhilde (Parker 1958) – Niall Robinson

Vintage Marconi – 3 races validated

1. One wave (1948) – William Borel 2. Meerblick Classic (1917) – Gabrielle Kohlmann 3. Skylark (Olin Stephens 1937) – Martin Fox

Vintage gaff – 3 races validated

1. Viola (Fife 1908) – Kostia Belkin 2. Olympian (Gardner 1913) – Guillaume Fetas 3. Vistona – (McPherson 1937) – Gian Battista Borea d’Olmo

La Belle Classe Restoration Prize: S/Y Mariella (yawl – Fife 1938) Motorboat Iran (1948) (Stempler Corsier Port) M/Y Blue Bird of 1938 S/Y Olympian (Gardner P-Class 1913)

Elegance Contests:

Motorboat: Iran (1948) – Eric André Motor-yacht: Istros (1954) – Mr Nuten Sailing yacht: Viola (Fife 1908) – Kostia Belkin

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From 13-16 September,  Monaco Classic Week-La Belle Classe  organized by Yacht Club de Monaco pays tribute to all the splendor associated with sailing’s maritime heritage. Launched in 1994, this unique in the world biennial event pays homage to large and small pleasure boats that bear witness to the yachting of yesteryear.

The meeting brings owners and their crews out on the water for a range of contests with social occasions in the evening in the time-honoured tradition of a certain ‘Art de Vivre la Mer’ so dear to YCM. By invitation only, around 110 classic sailing and motorboats are expected for this 16 th  edition alongside a 20-strong fleet of the clinker-built Dinghy 12’ class; a fabulous line-up that will fill the YCM Marina comprising a dozen period motor-yachts, 50 vintage motorboats, including around 30 Rivas and 3 powerboats from the early 20 th  century as well as 50 classic sailing yachts. Among those joining Yacht Club de Monaco’s flagship  Tuiga  (1909) of note will be  Maliclaire , a 35m topsail schooner (1909), the three-mast schooner  Creole , built in 1927 by the Camper & Nicholsons yard and  Atlantic , replica of that famous three-mast schooner helmed by the legendary Charlie Barr which left her mark on the history of sailing by setting the first record for a North Atlantic crossing. It was a record that would remain unequalled for 75 years.

This year the public and classic yacht enthusiasts also have the opportunity to see a photography exhibition dedicated to Prince Rainier III, who founded the YCM and so loved sailing, as the Principality celebrates the centenary of his birth. Access to the quays and exhibitors Village (painters, photographers, craftsmen, official YCM Boutique) is free to everyone starting Wednesday 13 th  September from 10.00am.

A MARITIME LEGACY

All the yachts of yesteryear which are still sailing continue to fascinate as they bear witness to a rich cultural heritage from a distant past. Every two years, YCM puts the spotlight on boats that are the pride and joy of their owners and reminders of the long tradition that links the Principality to the sea. In 1862, the first regattas were already being held in the bay, and by the end of that century Monaco had become a mecca for the international yachting world where the biggest names in finance, industry and entertainment met. The year 1904 also saw the first international powerboat events held in Port Hercule with the emergence of the internal combustion engine. All the big sailing and motor yachts flocked to be privileged spectators of these meetings. Within a few years, Monaco became the centre of innovation and fashionable water sports.

ATLANTIC  CELEBRATES 120TH ANNIVERSARY

  Atlantic , the replica of the legendary schooner commissioned in 1903 by New York Yacht Club member Wilson Marshall will celebrate her 120 th  anniversary. The reconstruction project led by Ed Kastelain was an ambitious one. With a deck length of 56m she is the largest racing schooner ever to be rebuilt. In terms of her lines and sail area she is identical to when she won the 1905 Transatlantic Race that ensured her immortality in yachting’s history. Slender lines accentuate her elegance while the 42m waterline, narrow beam, and masts soaring 45m above the water supporting 1,750m 2  of sail, make her breathtakingly fast. A fabulous sight to behold!

  RACES, PARADES AND FESTIVITIES

It is not just about results but celebrating a passion, with special prizes to encourage the involvement and commitment of owners to preserve their boats as the true heritage of a timeless maritime culture. The coveted  La Belle Restoration Prize  rewards the quality of the restoration these boats have undergone, many of which are well over a hundred years old, judged by a Jury chaired by  Sir Robin Knox-Johnston  and comprising yachting history experts. Marks are given based on respect for the original plans, materials used in their construction and the knowledge of those who restored them.

• The  Elegance Contest  is also judged by the same Jury whose job is to rate the boats on etiquette, style and respect for a certain way of life and conduct at sea, all in a festive fun spirit.
• Both these are combined to decide the winner of the  Monaco Classic Week Prize  that encompasses all the criteria evaluated in terms of restoration and elegance to which is added a  coup de cœur  (favourite) element for the spirit that prevails on board among the crew, as well as maintenance and restoration.
• Living well at sea also means knowing how to combine the pleasures of good food with the joy of sailing. The  Chefs Competition  is a chance for owners to get their chefs to produce a menu on board their boats within a given time from a basket of mystery ingredients.

The grand finale that concludes Monaco Classic Week is a big parade when participants gather just off the Oceanographic Museum and file one behind the other eastwards towards Larvotto Beach.

     PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME  (as of  26 t h  July, may be subject to change)

Wednesday 13 th  September

10.00am                        Opening of Monaco Classic Week-La Belle Classe Exhibitors Village

1.00pm                          Warm-up race & 15M IR encounter

3.00pm – 6.00pm            Inspection of yachts by ‘La Belle Classe Restoration’ Prize Jury

Thursday 14 th  September

9.00am – 6.00pm            Inspection of yachts by ‘La Belle Classe Restoration’ Prize Jury

9.00am – 10.00am          Chefs Competition ( distribution of ingredients on the quays )

12 noon                         1 st  warning signal – Dinghy 12’ class

12 noon                         Start of race – classic sailing yachts (coastal race) 5.00pm – 7.00pm            Chefs Competition with Moët Hennessy ( presentation of dishes on the quays ) Before the party             Prize-giving for Chefs Competition

Friday 15 th  September

10.00am                         1 st  warning signal  Monaco-Ventimiglia  race (sailing, motor-yachts, motorboats)

12 noon                         1 st  warning signal (Dinghy 12’ class)

3.00pm                          Start of  Ventimiglia-Monaco  return race

Saturday 16 th  September

11.00am                        Elegance Contest (classic yachts, period motor-yachts, vintage motorboats)

12 noon                         Start of classic sailing yachts race (coastal race)

2.00pm                          Manoeuvrability Challenge (motorboats)

4.00pm – 5.00pm            Monaco Classic Week Grand Parade 7.00pm                           Prize-giving & Closing Cocktail  ( by invitation )

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• La Belle Classe
• Monaco Classic Week

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The Golden Age of yachting brought to life in Monaco!

15th monaco classic week – la belle classe | 8-11 september 2021.

– Mariella (Fife 1938) wins Monaco Classic Week Trophy 2021  – Contests, big parade, racing for all – and anniversary party on SS Delphine – Rendezvous 13-16 September 2023 for the 16 th Monaco Classic Week

Saturday 11 th September 2021. Monaco Classic Week is not just a regatta. It’s a voyage through time and the history of yachting which in Monaco combines sport and a certain ‘Art de Vivre’ common to classic sailing yachts, period motor-yachts and vintage motorboats at a time which saw the birth of aviation and the early seaplanes. It is this spirit that never fails to captivate participants and public alike at an event orchestrated by Yacht Club de Monaco. It combines races as a way to showcase the authenticity of sailing yachts along with the coveted La Belle Classe Restoration Prize, living well at sea with the Chefs Competition, respect for etiquette at sea with the elegance contests, and an extraordinary voyage into the past at the ‘Powerboat Meetings in the Albert I of Monaco era – Yacht Club de Monaco’s collection restored’ exhibition. On the last day, a Grand Parade led by SS Delphine (1921) brought all participants together in front of the Oceanographic Museum for a parade of living maritime heritage in all its many guises to Larvotto Beach and back to the YCM Marina. An opportunity to celebrate the 100 th anniversary of this steam-yacht, the last still in operation, recognisable by her inverted stem and elegant lines (78.5m in length, 10.83m beam) with three boilers supplying the original 1500hp quadruple-expansion engines.

Style as much as performance

After the rigours of Friday’s race to Cala del Forte marina in Ventimiglia and back, Saturday was about what inspires the yachting soul, this passion that people have for their boat and the way they enjoy them at shore and at sea. The Elegance Contest again involved Princess Beatriz de Orleans-Borbon and an elitist jury called into judge the style, class and harmony of crews and their boats. Sailing yachts, motorboats and motor-yachts paraded past the jury on Lucciana Jetty, the crews digging deep into their imaginations to harmonise their uniforms and gestures to suit their boat’s stature. Salutes, hurrahs, canon shots, even sea chanties proved a challenge for a jury embarrassed by choice when the final decision had to be made.

A hand-picked fleet

On the Mediterranean classic yacht circuit, Monaco Classic Week stands out as the only one to bring together an exclusive range of classic sailing and motor yachts, selected and invited by the Yacht Club de Monaco. For owners, delighted to be together and sharing their passion, it was a more intimate format with only sailing yachts built before 1950 with a wooden mast being able to drop anchor in the YCM Marina.

Around 30 responded to the invitation, most of them Fifes, including three of the 15M IR yachts. It was an ideal opportunity for Moët Hennessy to pay tribute to the prestigious Scottish boatyard by officially launching a 25-year-aged Glenmorangie Tuiga Whisky. In their wake, were a dozen period motor-yachts and some 30 vintage motorboats including ten Rivas, outdoing each other in finesse and elegance while seven others, including three American Chris Crafts vied for supremacy in the sheer elegance of their lines.

Mariella (Fife 1938) wins Monaco Classic Week Trophy 2021

The La Belle Classe Restoration Prize recognises the quality of the restoration of boats that are often over a hundred years old. For this fifth edition, the Jury chaired by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and comprising experts in yachting history including Dr William Collier has spent the week inspecting all the boats. The scoring takes into account respect for the original plans, materials used in the construction and the expertise of those involved in restoring them. The boat’s history and that of their owners are all part of the passion and commitment which also comes into play. It is a combination of this contest and the elegance contest that decides the winner of the Monaco Classic Week Trophy as they encompass all the criteria assessed in these two aspects to which is added that indefinable “love at first sight” reaction to the spirit that reigns in the life, maintenance and restoration of the boat. The big winner this week is the Fife-design Bermudan yawl Mariella (1938) of Carlo Falcone who succeeds the gaff schooner Puritan (1930). Also on the receiving end of awards for the quality of their restoration are Iran in the vintage motorboats, Blue Bird 1938 in the motor-yachts and the gaff cutter Olympian (Gardner 1913). Iran (Stempler Corsier Port – 1948) won the jury’s vote for the elegance prize, as did the motor yacht Istros and the sailing yacht Viola (Fife 1908).

Three races for the 12’ Dinghies

In a light south-westerly the Race Committee ran three windward-leeward races in quick succession for the 12’ Dinghies. “ A day of light airs that favoured the light sailors !” explained Lorient sailor, Christophe Le Bruchec. “ The Italians proved very strong competition, ” he said, confirmed by the ranking dominated by Aldo Samele-Acquaviva, ahead of compatriots Alessandro Pedone and Federico Pelopais.

Chefs Competition won by Eileen 1938

Ten boats, sailing and motor, entered their chefs for the highly-rated Chefs Competition, the jury chaired by three-Michelin star Mauro Colagreco (Mirazur). Coordinated by Simon Ganache, Executive Chef of Banquets at YCM, the theme was ‘Land and Sea’, with Wagyu beef and king crab for the starter, and black cod, carabineros and octopus for the main dish. Another ingredient they had to work in to enhance their recipes was Glenmorangie’s ‘The Original’ 10-year-old whisky which they did with panache. The winner was Thibaud Barbafiera the “cook” on the Bermudan cutter Eileen 1938 (Anker 1938) who best combined these culinary imperatives and impressed the jury. He beat Ricco Dubignon from the motor-yacht Le Kir Royal and Conor Demprey from Blue Bird 1938 .

Success for outstanding exhibition of works from the YCM collection

To commemorate the 100 th anniversary of the death of Prince Albert I, the Comité Albert Ier-2022 put on an exhibition for the week of some 60 items that have been restored and are on public display for the first time, including medals and trophies, relating to the powerboat meetings held in Monaco in the early 20 th century. All the items will now be found a place in the various lounges of the Yacht Club de Monaco.

They said:  

Bernard d’alessandri, general secretary of the yacht club de monaco.

“As the curtain falls on this 15 th edition of Monaco Classic Week, we are all feeling very emotional at having shared our passion for all these boats. This event is unique but also has meaning as it brings together people who have the same concept of sailing and pay the same attention to preserving maritime heritage. We can see that old boats still have a timeless elegance. Monaco also had a role to play in the early days and development of aviation in the early 20th century. For aviation started with seaplanes and the first flights over Monaco waters taking off from the quays. The exhibition of posters and lithographs from the Yacht Club is a reflection of what yachting is today. When we talk about Monaco as a capital of yachting, it is a story that began a long time ago and which continues.”

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, President of the Monaco Classic Week Grand Jury

“ We were given a wonderful welcome by all the crews who told us the story of their boat, the restoration works that have been carried out, and always with the same passion and love. In the end, it’s a very difficult decision to make, so many craftsmen who work on these boats to preserve them in all their original grandeur have done a great job. In the end, it’s the heart that decides for each member of the jury.”

Prizes and Trophies

Monaco classic week trophy 2021: mariella (1938).

The 33 classic sailing yachts were divided into four groups, according to their size, age and rig type. After three days of racing, the results are as follows:

Big Boat: 2 races validated

• Mariella (Fife 1938) – Peter Simmons
• Tuiga (Fife 1909) – Daniel Pereira
• Mariska (Fife 1908) – Dan Polsjak

Classic: 2 races validated

• Stiren (Stephens 1962) – Oren Nataf
• Dambuster ( Illingworth & Primrose ) 1962 – Nicholas Hill
• Brynhilde (Parker 1958) – Niall Robinson

Vintage Marconi – 3 races validated

1- One wave (1948) – William Borel 2- Meerblick Classic (1917) – Gabrielle Kohlmann 3- Skylark (Olin Stephens 1937) – Martin Fox

Vintage gaff – 3 races validated

1- Viola (Fife 1908) – Kostia Belkin 2- Olympian (Gardner 1913) – Guillaume Fetas 3- Vistona – (McPherson 1937) – Gian Battista Borea d’Olmo

La Belle Classe Restoration Prize :

S/Y Mariella (yawl – Fife 1938) Motorboat Iran (1948) (Stempler Corsier Port) M/Y Blue Bird of 1938 S/Y Olympian (Gardner P-Class 1913)

Elegance Contests:

Motorboat: Iran (1948) – Eric André Motor-yacht: Istros (1954) – Mr Nuten Sailing yacht: Viola (Fife 1908) – Kostia Belkin

Privacy Overview

Monaco Classic Week : The Golden Age of yachting brought to life in Monaco!

Monaco Classic Week is not just a regatta. It’s a voyage through time and the history of yachting which in Monaco combines sport and a certain ‘Art de Vivre’ common to classic sailing yachts, period motor-yachts and vintage motorboats at a time which saw the birth of aviation and the early seaplanes.

It is this spirit that never fails to captivate participants and public alike at an event orchestrated by Yacht Club de Monaco. It combines races as a way to showcase the authenticity of sailing yachts along with the coveted La Belle Classe Restoration Prize, living well at sea with the Chefs Competition, respect for etiquette at sea with the elegance contests, and an extraordinary voyage into the past at the ‘Powerboat Meetings in the Albert I of Monaco era – Yacht Club de Monaco’s collection restored’ exhibition. On the last day, a Grand Parade led by SS Delphine (1921) brought all participants together in front of the Oceanographic Museum for a parade of living maritime heritage in all its many guises to Larvotto Beach and back to the YCM Marina. An opportunity to celebrate the 100th anniversary of this steam-yacht, the last still in operation, recognisable by her inverted stem and elegant lines (78.5m in length, 10.83m beam ) with three boilers supplying the original 1500hp quadruple-expansion engines.

Style as much as performance After the rigours of Friday’s race to Cala del Forte marina in Ventimiglia and back, Saturday was about what inspires the yachting soul, this passion that people have for their boat and the way they enjoy them at shore and at sea. The Elegance Contest again involved Princess Beatriz de Orleans-Borbon and an elitist jury called into judge the style, class and harmony of crews and their boats. Sailing yachts, motorboats and motor-yachts paraded past the jury on Lucciana Jetty, the crews digging deep into their imaginations to harmonise their uniforms and gestures to suit their boat’s stature. Salutes, hurrahs, canon shots, even sea chanties proved a challenge for a jury embarrassed by choice when the final decision had to be made.

A hand-picked fleet On the Mediterranean classic yacht circuit, Monaco Classic Week stands out as the only one to bring together an exclusive range of classic sailing and motor yachts, selected and invited by the Yacht Club de Monaco. For owners, delighted to be together and sharing their passion, it was a more intimate format with only sailing yachts built before 1950 with a wooden mast being able to drop anchor in the YCM Marina.

Around 30 responded to the invitation, most of them Fifes, including three of the 15M IR yachts. It was an ideal opportunity for Moët Hennessy to pay tribute to the prestigious Scottish boatyard by officially launching a 25-year-aged Glenmorangie Tuiga Whisky. In their wake, were a dozen period motor-yachts and some 30 vintage motorboats including ten Rivas, outdoing each other in finesse and elegance while seven others, including three American Chris Crafts vied for supremacy in the sheer elegance of their lines.

Mariella (Fife 1938) wins Monaco Classic Week Trophy 2021 The La Belle Classe Restoration Prize recognises the quality of the restoration of boats that are often over a hundred years old. For this fifth edition, the Jury chaired by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and comprising experts in yachting history including Dr William Collier has spent the week inspecting all the boats. The scoring takes into account respect for the original plans, materials used in the construction and the expertise of those involved in restoring them. The boat’s history and that of their owners are all part of the passion and commitment which also comes into play. It is a combination of this contest and the elegance contest that decides the winner of the Monaco Classic Week Trophy as they encompass all the criteria assessed in these two aspects to which is added that indefinable “love at first sight” reaction to the spirit that reigns in the life, maintenance and restoration of the boat.

The big winner this week is the Fife-design Bermudan yawl Mariella (1938) of Carlo Falcone who succeeds the gaff schooner Puritan (1930). Also on the receiving end of awards for the quality of their restoration are Iran in the vintage motorboats, Blue Bird 1938 in the motor-yachts and the gaff cutter Olympian (Gardner 1913). Iran (Stempler Corsier Port – 1948) won the jury’s vote for the elegance prize, as did the motor yacht Istros and the sailing yacht Viola (Fife 1908).

Three races for the 12’ Dinghies In a light south-westerly the Race Committee ran three windward -leeward races in quick succession for the 12’ Dinghies. “A day of light airs that favoured the light sailors!” explained Lorient sailor, Christophe Le Bruchec. “The Italians proved very strong competition,” he said, confirmed by the ranking dominated by Aldo Samele-Acquaviva, ahead of compatriots Alessandro Pedone and Federico Pelopais.

Chefs Competition won by Eileen 1938 Ten boats, sailing and motor, entered their chefs for the highly-rated Chefs Competition, the jury chaired by three-Michelin star Mauro Colagreco (Mirazur). Coordinated by Simon Ganache, Executive Chef of Banquets at YCM, the theme was ‘Land and Sea’, with Wagyu beef and king crab for the starter, and black cod, carabineros and octopus for the main dish. Another ingredient they had to work in to enhance their recipes was Glenmorangie’s ‘The Original’ 10-year-old whisky which they did with panache. The winner was Thibaud Barbafiera the “cook” on the Bermudan cutter Eileen 1938 (Anker 1938) who best combined these culinary imperatives and impressed the jury. He beat Ricco Dubignon from the motor-yacht Le Kir Royal and Conor Demprey from Blue Bird 1938.

Success for outstanding exhibition of works from the YCM collection To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of Prince Albert I, the Comité Albert Ier-2022 put on an exhibition for the week of some 60 items that have been restored and are on public display for the first time, including medals and trophies, relating to the powerboat meetings held in Monaco in the early 20th century. All the items will now be found a place in the various lounges of the Yacht Club de Monaco.

Bernard d’Alessandri, General Secretary of the Yacht Club de Monaco “As the curtain falls on this 15th edition of Monaco Classic Week, we are all feeling very emotional at having shared our passion for all these boats. This event is unique but also has meaning as it brings together people who have the same concept of sailing and pay the same attention to preserving maritime heritage. We can see that old boats still have a timeless elegance. Monaco also had a role to play in the early days and development of aviation in the early 20th century. For aviation started with seaplanes and the first flights over Monaco waters taking off from the quays. The exhibition of posters and lithographs from the Yacht Club is a reflection of what yachting is today. When we talk about Monaco as a capital of yachting, it is a story that began a long time ago and which continues.”

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, President of the Monaco Classic Week Grand Jury “We were given a wonderful welcome by all the crews who told us the story of their boat, the restoration works that have been carried out, and always with the same passion and love. In the end, it’s a very difficult decision to make, so many craftsmen who work on these boats to preserve them in all their original grandeur have done a great job. In the end, it’s the heart that decides for each member of the jury.”

Prizes and Trophies Monaco Classic Week Trophy 2021: Mariella (1938) The 33 classic sailing yachts were divided into four groups, according to their size, age and rig type. After three days of racing, the results are as follows:

Big Boat: 2 races validated 1- Mariella (Fife 1938) – Peter Simmons 2- Tuiga (Fife 1909) – Daniel Pereira 3- Mariska (Fife 1908) – Dan Polsjak

Classic: 2 races validated 1- Stiren (Stephens 1962) – Oren Nataf 2- Dambuster (Illingworth & Primrose) 1962 – Nicholas Hill 3- Brynhilde (Parker 1958) – Niall Robinson

Vintage Marconi – 3 races validated 1- One wave (1948) – William Borel 2- Meerblick Classic (1917) – Gabrielle Kohlmann 3- Skylark (Olin Stephens 1937) – Martin Fox

Vintage gaff – 3 races validated 1- Viola (Fife 1908) – Kostia Belkin 2- Olympian (Gardner 1913) – Guillaume Fetas 3- Vistona – (McPherson 1937) – Gian Battista Borea d’Olmo

La Belle Classe Restoration Prize: S/Y Mariella ( yawl – Fife 1938) Motorboat Iran (1948) (Stempler Corsier Port ) M/Y Blue Bird of 1938 S/Y Olympian (Gardner P-Class 1913)

Elegance Contests: Motorboat: Iran (1948) – Eric André Motor-yacht: Istros (1954) – Mr Nuten Sailing yacht: Viola (Fife 1908) – Kostia Belkin

Photo Credit : YCM / Studio Borlenghi

Tags on NauticNews : Monaco Classic Week

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