True to tradition, Yacht Club de Monaco brought together members for its annual Summer Cocktail when new members are welcomed and flagship projects presented in the presence of Club President, HSH Prince Albert II, and the Management Committee.
With 2,500 members from 82 nations, this institution gathers owners and yachting enthusiasts from all over the world around its founding values: team spirit, respect for maritime traditions and an openness to innovation.
Transmission, training, growing
In his speech, the Sovereign highlighted the passion that drives the Club: “As the writer Hegel wrote, “Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion”. And it is this passion that permeates our every project, meeting and regatta”. He recalled the Club’s historic mission: “Our Yacht Club actively promotes the Principality’s maritime, sporting and environmental reputation and influence. We support the most ambitious and innovative projects towards sustainable yachting”.
HSH Prince Albert II also highlighted the importance of transmission: “That is why we set up the La Belle Classe Academy ten years ago to inspire yachting vocations and professionalize the industry”. He went on to announce with pride that the Yacht Club de Monaco is now an accredited RYA centre. This international recognition rewards our management teams for all the work they do, and reinforces the quality of our courses for the benefit of professional crews and the young people in our Sports Section. I hope we can take it even further by developing the ‘RYA La Belle Classe Academy’ programmes to train tomorrow’s sailors with rigour and enthusiasm”.
In this vein, the YCM Summer Yachting Camps by La Belle Classe Academy offer 16-22 year-olds an immersive course combining navigation and safety at sea in a comprehensive introduction to inspire vocations and build on skills.
A Club that acts to make a difference
Another highlight of the evening was public recognition of members who have enrolled their boats in the SEA Index®, a benchmark tool developed by YCM in collaboration with Credit Suisse (a UBS Group brand) to measure the carbon impact of yachts over 24 metres.
“We have a responsibility to support the new generation of boat owners and professionals in the sector to adopt more eco-responsible practices. But in order to act effectively, we must first be able to put a figure on the issue,” said the Club President.
The SEA Index® has established itself as a standard for assessing and improving the environmental performance of superyachts. Certified independently by Lloyd’s Register, it is based on verifiable data and a transparent methodology to guide continuous improvement. There are now around a hundred yachts involved in the process. The tool continues to be rolled out, with 20 harbours and marinas in the Mediterranean already integrating the SEA Index® into how they manage their facilities. Internationally, it is in the process of being adopted in the Seychelles and Italy.
A Club looking to the future
This summer season is particularly eventful. From 1st to 5th July, the Yacht Club hosts the 12th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, dedicated to alternative energies and open to the public, that has grown into a major event for anyone involved in nautical innovation. “This meeting is particularly close to my heart. Not only does it create a bridge between the upcoming generation of engineers and professionals working in the sector, but also unveils projects that are visionary and practical,” said HSH Prince Albert II.
On the quays, in the YCM Marina and at sea, students, engineers and builders come together to share their ideas on electric propulsion, hydrogen, hybrid solutions and experiments with onboard autonomy using AI. A highlight will be the presence of the Energy Observer, an iconic laboratory vessel for new energies.
YCM navigating between modernity and tradition
This summer too YCM will be competing for the first time in the Admiral’s Cup, a legendary regatta revived by the Royal Ocean Racing Club after an absence of two decades. From 17th July to 1st August, two Monegasque boats, the TP52 Jolt 3 skippered by Peter Harrison and the Carkeek 42 Jolt 6 by YCM Vice-President Pierre Casiraghi, will be representing the Club in Cowes, Isle of Wight. Pierre Casiraghi recently won the British IRC National Championship during the 250th anniversary celebrations of the Royal Thames Yacht Club.
In August, all eyes will be on another great classic, the 20th Palermo–Montecarlo, a 500 nautical-mile offshore race in the Mediterranean from Sicily to Monaco, organised by Circolo della Vela Sicilia. Seasoned professionals and young hopefuls come to take part, a perfect example of YCM’s desire to be a springboard for the new generation.
Last but not least, from 10-13 September, Port Hercule hosts the 17th Monaco Classic Week-La Belle Classe, a biennial event for owners and their inimitable Art de Vivre la Mer lifestyle.
Vintage sailing and motor yachts gather together with vintage powerboats to celebrate living maritime heritage and artisanship in all its elegance. This edition pays tribute to the 30th anniversary of Tuiga (1909) flying the YCM’s colours, and access to the quays and exhibitors Village is open to the public. As always, the La Belle Classe Restoration prize and Elegance Parade will be highlights of this event where traditions and stories are passed down through the visual memories created in the eyes of the beholders by these beautiful boats.
“More than ever, our Club aims to be a welcoming place where generations, cultures, disciplines and commitments converge,” said Prince Albert II. It is this union, this shared passion and sense of duty that will continue to bear the Yacht Club de Monaco onwards to new horizons.
