From 10 to 13 September 2025, the Principality will be buzzing with activity at the 17th Monaco Classic Week-La Belle Classe, a unique event that combines maritime tradition, lifestyle and culture. Ashore as at sea, the event organised by Yacht Club de Monaco will host some 50 classic sailing yachts, 14 period motor-yachts, 70 vintage powerboats including an exceptional fleet of 52 Rivas, and 25 from the 12’ Dinghy class. All are witnesses to a bygone era that continues to radiate in the Principality. This edition also becomes a gallery with two new exhibitions: Action! Classic Yachts on the Big Screen and Rock & Royals, a photographic series by Kos Evans.
On display along the quays in the YCM Marina, classic yachts embody the timeless beauty of maritime heritage. Among pioneers in the late 19th century expect to see Sky (1890), Lulu (1897), Kismet (1898), Tigris (1899), and Partridge (1885), a gaff cutter celebrating her 140th anniversary. The early 20th century is represented by Invader, Oriole and Vidi II (1905), Viola (1908), Tuiga (1909), Joyant and Corinthian (1911), Olympian (1913), Mariette of 1915 (1915) and Thea (1918). A total of 24 centenarians out of the 52 boats registered will be writing another page in their history in Monaco bay, proving elegance and respect for etiquette at sea are timeless.
YCM also welcomes for the first time, a Saudi delegation from Amaala Yacht Club, which will take part in the regattas onboard the auric ketch Black Swan (1899). Located on the Red Sea at the heart of Triple Bay Marina, this club set to open by the end of 2025, is the centerpiece and flagship structure of the Amaala project. Amaala aims to become one of the modern tourist destinations under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan.
Also in Monaco will be 40 members of the Manhattan Yacht Club, loyal regulars to this event, sailing on the 15M IR Mariska (1908). Such an international presence illustrates the spirit of camaraderie that drives and strengthens bonds between classic yachting enthusiasts from all over the world.
Cradle of motorboating, in 1904 Monaco hosted its first international powerboat meetings. Their legacy lives on in the mahogany runabouts of the 1950s – led by Chris Craft and Riva – that became symbols of the Dolce Vita. In collaboration with Monaco Boat Service, Riva Exclusive Dealer, 52 will get together for this event. The 2025 edition also welcomes 15 motor-yachts that have seen more than a century of technical and aesthetic innovations. Lovingly restored they embody the timeless elegance of classic yachts and prove that this unique heritage is alive and well at sea today.
Action! Classic Yachts and the Big Screen (Meeting Room – Quay Level), produced by Yacht Club de Monaco in collaboration with André Z. Labarrère, is a photographic exhibition of 40 panels. It traces cinema’s fascination with classic yachts, several of which will be here at Monaco Classic Week. Among them is Kalizma (1906), once owned by Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor; Marge (1930), immortalised in ‘Plein Soleil’ starring Alain Delon; Errol Flynn’s legendary Zaca (1928); and the gaff rigged schooner Invader (1905) aboard which Charlie Chaplin and Paulette Goddard met and fell in love. Added to all these are the Rivas, true movie icons and stars of Hollywood and European productions, including several James Bond films, for their sleek silhouette and timeless glamour.
Meanwhile in the Ballroom (Deck 3) photographer Kos Evans, an international figure in marine imagery, unveils her Rock & Royals series. Created on old sailcloth, her unique works combine photography, heritage and craftsmanship to transform a snapshot into a timeless creation.
As well as the races, powerboat demonstrations and unique events like the onboard Chefs Competition, a Grand Jury chaired by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, will award the Monaco Classic Week Trophy, combining results of the La Belle Classe Restoration Prize which ensures compliance with restoration criteria, and the Elegance Contest: a tribute to heritage and expertise in a festive, sociable ambiance.
On the water as ashore, this 17th edition brings time and art together, a reminder that the sea is both a living heritage and an endless source of inspiration.
