Launched in 1994, Monaco Classic Week remains one of the few in the world able to bring together classic sailing yachts, period motor-yachts, vintage powerboats and classic Dinghy 12’ Class boats in one place. Today until tomorrow, a veritable flotilla will fill the YCM Marina with a fleet of 150 boats displayed along the quays open to the public, showcasing over a century of living maritime heritage. Races start tomorrow at 2.00pm.
Some 50 sailing yachts are expected including 20 over a hundred years old, like the gaff cutters Kismet (1898) and Viola (1908), or Madcap (1874), the oldest pilot cutter still in working order. Some are celebrating remarkable anniversaries like the 140 years of Partridge (1885), and the 110 years of Mariette of 1915. Others open their decks to international delegations. These include the 15M IR Mariska (1908) and her American crew from the Manhattan Yacht Club, who are regular attendees, and the gaff ketch Black Swan (1899), which is welcoming a delegation from the Amaala Yacht Club in Saudi Arabia. Such an international presence illustrates the spirit of camaraderie that drives and strengthens bonds between classic yachting enthusiasts from all over the world.
Glamour icons par excellence, Riva’s mahogany runabouts are regulars at this event. This year, in collaboration with the Riva Exclusive Dealer, Monaco Boat Service, 50 will be joining the 68-strong line up of powerboats announced, the largest gathering of Rivas ever seen in the Principality. Among them the legendary Lipicar IV, Carlo Riva’s personal Aquarama, will recall the Dolce Vita spirit behind a golden era of Italian design. Alongside them, motor-yachts like Kalizma (1906) and Blue Bird (1938) embody the art of traditional navigation, witnesses to a century of refinement and expertise.
The 17th edition also invites visitors to delve into the collective imagination with a new exhibition ‘Action! Classic Yachts and the Big Screen’ on display in the Meeting Room (quay level – free access to the public). Visitors will discover how legendary yachts and movie stars have crossed paths, both in Monaco and on the big screen: Zaca (1928) forever associated with Errol Flynn, Kalizma made famous by Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, and of course Marge (1930) immortalised alongside Alain Delon in Plein Soleil.
Ashore, the Chefs Competition pays homage to gastronomy in collaboration with Moët Hennessy. Working with pre-set ingredients, chefs on participating boats redouble their creativity to surprise a demanding jury chaired by Tom Meyer, Meilleur Ouvrier de France and Executive Chef at the Chèvre d’Or (Èze), supervised by Philippe Joannès, Meilleur Ouvrier de France 2000, and Simon Ganache, Events Chef at YCM.
Another highlight is the Elegance Contest organised under the patronage of YCM’s Official Car partner, BMW, and best viewed from the end of Quai Lucciana. Chaired this year by Allegra Gucci, it showcases the fleet’s beautiful lines, the crews’ attire and respect for naval etiquette. Elegance and style define this parade at Monaco Classic Week where all the boats file slowly past an exceptional jury of artists and personalities.
As is tradition, the quality of restorations will be recognised by the coveted La Belle Classe Restoration Prize sponsored by Monaco Marine. Preserving maritime heritage and perpetuating craftsmanship is at the heart of this award. A jury chaired by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, comprising maritime history and yachting experts assesses each boat based on respect for the original plans and materials, and quality of the restoration.
For the races and exhibitions, Monaco Classic Week is open to all (free entry) with a Village on Quai de l’Hirondelle where the public can meet craftsmen, artists and shipyards and discover a world where tradition and expertise combine. This year mechanical treasures displayed on the quay include a BMW 309 from the 1930s flanked by two vintage motorcycles from 1932 and 1957. There is also a marine knots and seamanship session, organised by YCM’s La Belle Classe Academy training centre, on Saturday 13 September at 3.00pm. Registration required: https://form.jotform.com/252431505823350
Monaco Classic Week is much more than a gathering of classic boats, it is an experience combining racing, art, heritage, gastronomy and encounters. From the sea spray to the elegant soirees and crew parties, everyone leaves feeling they have enjoyed an interlude rooted in tradition and looking to the future.
