1st Explorer Dock
The Explorer Yachts at the Yacht Club of Monaco embody a passion for adventure and innovation, each designed to navigate beyond traditional boundaries and face the challenges of the oceans.
À Chacun Son Cap: a unique adventure at sea for children in remission from cancer
Monday 4th March 2024. François Miribel from Yacht Club de Monaco has just unveiled a fabulous initiative entitled À Chacun Son Cap (“each to their own”) cruise.
This ambitious project aims to give children aged 10 to 17 from IHOPe in Lyon, who are in remission from cancer, a truly memorable experience. Thanks to the generosity of YCM members, from 21-27 April these young people will have the opportunity to sail along the coast between Hyères and Monaco on boats made available for the trip at no charge.
Swiss dominate first day
The weather did not dampen the enthusiasm of the 25 teams in competition for Act II of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series of monthly regattas that sees international J/70 crews competing on a technically difficult race area as they prepare for the upcoming season. A north-easterly nudging 20 knots at times spiced up this first day which according to the sailors required oilskins.
Honouring forward-looking owners
3rd YCM Explorer Awards by La Belle Classe Superyachts | Thursday 23rd March 2023
Thursday 23rd March 2023. Reflections on conserving and protecting the marine environment took centre stage during Monaco Ocean Week, organised on the initiative of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation alongside the Monaco Government, Monaco Oceanographic Institute and Monaco Scientific Centre. At this year’s event, Yacht Club de Monaco ran the debates again for the superyacht sector, on Thursday 23rd March, a highlight of which is the YCM Explorer Awards by La Belle Classe Superyachts, held under the collective Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting brand.
This year, in paying tribute to a long tradition of exploration and innovation initiated by Prince Albert I and the strong links he had with music, the meeting opened with pianist Vincent Forestier and violinist Fabrizio Von Arx playing a 1720 Stradivarius, ‘The Angel’, an exceptional, rare instrument reflecting the unique-of-its-kind 3rd YCM Explorer Awards.
Urging a more responsible yachting industry through alternative energy sources, innovation and collaboration
12th Environmental Symposium | Thursday 23rd March 2023
Thursday 23rd March 2023. “Yachting is not like any other industry. There is a passion associated that is very strong and we must keep this in mind to find acceptable solutions. We need to build the future of yachting in a reasonable way. And that is the whole point of us all being here today,” began Bernard d’Alessandri, YCM General Secretary and President of Cluster Yachting Monaco opening the 12th Environmental Symposium. Organised under the collective Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting brand on Yachting Day, run by YCM during the 6th Monaco Ocean Week, the meeting focused on the upcoming 10th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge.
The over-arching objective is to open the debate by mixing industry players with students to highlight actions being taken. Alternative energy sources, innovation and efficiency anchored discussions on sustainability in the sector and need to involve not only new generation engineers but the whole industry.
Yachting industry mobilised for sustainable future
Monaco Ocean Week Yachting Days (23-24 March 2023)
As every year, Yacht Club de Monaco is in charge of the Yachting Day, under the aegis of the collective Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting brand, during the 6th Monaco Ocean Week (20-26 March 2023). This is an initiative of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation alongside the Monaco Government, the Monaco Oceanographic Institute and Monaco Scientific Centre.
“Yachting faces major changes. A modernisation has become inevitable, and those involved in the sector are mobilised to initiate this evolution through research and bringing on new solutions,” says Bernard d’Alessandri, General Secretary of YCM and President of Cluster Yachting Monaco. “The assessment phase is over, we must act now with pragmatic solutions like the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and brings young engineers together with industry professionals to present and test their innovations in propulsion”.
To this end, a packed programme of events open to all (registration required) takes place Thursday 23rd March dedicated to the future of a more eco-responsible yachting industry.
9.00am-12.30pm: 12th Environmental Symposium La Belle Classe Superyachts: ‘Encouraging Sustainability in Yachting, engaging the industry and new generation of engineers’
2.00pm: 27th Captains’ Forum: ‘Superyacht Commitment: Management, Leadership & Mentoring’
3.30pm: Monaco Smart Yacht Rendezvous
6.30pm: 3rd YCM Explorer Awards by La Belle Classe Superyachts
12th Environmental Symposium La Belle Classe Superyachts: sustainability for industry players
A must-do fixture in the calendar for all those involved in the industry, the focus of this 12th Environmental Symposium is on the 10th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge to take stock of alternative energy sources and their efficiency for superyachts. The theme ‘Encouraging Sustainability in Yachting, engaging the industry and new generation of engineers’ will highlight initiatives underway to give owners and the industry keys to a more eco-responsible approach, and to present a Sailing Yacht Zero scenario, hulls of the future and progress on electric and hydrogen/electric hybrid propulsion systems.
Pierrik Devic and Noah Garcia rewarded | Sport and environment – YCM is committed on all fronts
YACHT CLUB DE MONACO WINTER COCKTAIL | YCM AWARDS – TROPHÉE CREDIT SUISSE 2022 | 21st December 2022
HSH Prince Albert II, president of the Yacht Club de Monaco, HE Mr Pierre Dartout and the great YCM family gathered for the traditional Winter Cocktail to celebrate the arrival of new members and reward its top sailors.
All the emotions of sport
Over the decades, Yacht Club de Monaco has become “a major player on the international yachting scene,” noted HSH Prince Albert II, its President since 1984, “establishing itself as a meeting point where big events converge contributing to the Principality’s reputation and influence”. Whether through its race members as proud ambassadors competing on seas all over the world or the quality of its organisation as organiser of prestige events, the Club takes centre stage when it comes to sport. It was an opportunity to look back on a busy and varied season, a highlight being the J/70 World Championship, and pay tribute to Pierrick Devic (Leonteq) who put in an excellent performance to clinch the J/70 World Vice-Champion title out of a 90-strong fleet from 23 nations and congratulate the silver medal in the One Pro category of Ludovico Fassitelli (Junda).
In 2022, YCM was also active offshore with two members on the start of the 12th Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe. Boris Herrmann (Malizia-Seaexplorer) and Oren Nataf (Rayon Vert) were competing in this legendary solo race, “We were very proud to have two boats flying the YCM flag on the start of this prestigious transatlantic,” continued the Sovereign. Boris Herrmann, skipper for Team Malizia founded by Pierre Casiraghi, will be heading for Alicante in Spain for the start on 15th January 2023 of The Ocean Race, a round the world in stages with crew.
The sea and sports events are fundamental to the Club which brings together the world’s best sailors, and this evening is a chance to honour them at the YCM Awards – Trophée Credit Suisse. This year’s ceremony was preceded by the awarding of a new distinction in the form of a chevron (bronze, silver and gold) by HSH Prince Albert II to all winners since the Awards were launched in 2005 as reward for consistently good results. The recipients present were: Dan Meyers (YCM Sailor of the Year in 2010), Igor Simčič (2012), Vladimir Prosikhin (2015), Pierre Casiraghi (2017), Kostia Belkin (2019), Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (2021) and Guido Miani (2008 and 2011).
And Sailor of the Year 2023 is …
Among nominees for the coveted YCM Awards – Credit Suisse Trophy (Sailor of the Year) were great helmsmen: Nico Poons, RC44 World Champion, Pierrik Devic, J/70 World Vice-Champion, Joost Schuijff, winner of the Rolex Middle Sea Race (Monohull Line of Honours), Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio, Swan36 European Vice-Champion, Vladimir Prosikhin, Melges 20 World Vice-Champion and Leonardo Ferragamo, Swan50 World Champion. This year’s trophy was awarded to Pierrik Devic, making his first appearance in the nominees, who stood out for his remarkable consistency all season in the J/70 class, in addition to his World Vice-Champion title. “I am very touched to receive this Award which I dedicate to my crew without whom I would not have won it. It represents 60 days on the water together. It’s a fixed team and I wanted from the start to create a good atmosphere on board. Above all, we are good friends who want to have fun on the water. It’s just magical”.
The evening starts with awards for the new generation and lifeblood of the YCM’s Sports Section. For the second time in his short career, young Noah Garcia won the cup. After shining in the Optimist class in 2019, this season he excelled in ILCA 4, including bagging the French Champion title, and says he “can’t wait to fly the YCM flag high at other meetings” next season. The cup adds to a track record that recalls that of the Monegasque kiteboarder, Alexander Ehlen, French Formula Kite Vice-Champion who has his sights set on the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Steeped in solidarity
YCM members Fabrice Papazian and François Miribel recalled their adventure in the Antarctic aboard the Boréal 47, Sir Ernst. “After spending nearly a month in the Antarctic as far as Marguerite Bay 67° South, we sailed in the Patagonia channels in the southern winter. We are getting ready to do another trip over there before heading back to the Mediterranean to prepare another polar expedition in two years’ time,” explained Sir Ernst’s owner, François Miribel. The first boat to take part in the citizen science bathymetry programme in partnership with the IHO as part of the Seabed 2030 project, Sir Ernst recorded depth measurements in places where no data had existed until now. The two sailors presented their book of photos, the proceeds of which will be donated to a research institute battling cancer in children. “This trip was important for these kids and their families. It is important to help them achieve their dreams,” said Fabrice Papazian. “This launch at the Club is very special for me as this is where I started sailing”.
Book to discover here: https://sirernst-expeditions.org/index.php/le-livre/
Writing history and the future
YCM has travelled a long way since its launch on 17th June 1953, reflecting the wishes of HSH Prince Rainier III who wanted the Principality to have a yacht club like those he visited when cruising on his boats. For the 70th anniversary, YCM has a string of events in store, including the 16th Monaco Classic Week (13-16 September 2023) which is set to be exceptional. This one-of-its-kind biennial honours our sailing maritime heritage by bringing together classic yachts, period motor yachts and vintage motorboats.
While the Club remains attached to the past, it continues its drive to shape the future with the 10th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge (3-8 July 2023), a meeting for alternative power sources. The 10th edition is packed with new elements, including the first ever E-Boat Rally for electric boats available on the market, enabling a record number of builders to show the public what the future of pleasure boats looks like. Also of note is a new Mentoring Programme to get the yachting industry involved in supporting students. It complements the Job Forum initiative that gives these young engineers a great opportunity to get an internship or their first job.
The future is being written now for YCM which remains committed to the industry’s eco-transformation. In parallel to the SEA Index, a rating to assess superyacht CO2 emissions and the YCM Explorer Awards that recognise owners for eco aspects of the design and how they use their yacht, in 2023 the Club will host the first Monaco Smart Yacht Rendezvous (23-24 March 2023).
At the dawn of a new year and the 70th celebrations, YCM intends to maintain its course on major sporting, environmental and innovative projects, under the aegis of the Monaco Capital of Advanced Yachting approach, to contribute to development of sustainable yachting.
11th Environmental Symposium – La Belle Classe Superyachts: ‘Yachting with sense’
Monaco Ocean Week (20-25 March 2022)
Friday 25th March. As part of Monaco Ocean Week (20-25 March 2022), Yacht Club de Monaco was in charge of the yachting component during a week organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Monaco Government, in partnership with the Monaco Oceanographic Institute & Monaco Scientific Centre. The purpose was to progress thinking on how to protect the environment.
Oceanographers, captains, expedition leaders, biologists and maritime experts gathered to share their experiences and analyses on the theme ‘Yachting with sense’.The 11th Environmental Symposium was the scene of intense discussions on one of the most vulnerable regions that is attracting increasing numbers of visitors: the Antarctic.
American oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle, an iconic leader in ocean preservation was on the panel, and who better to kick off the discussions. Referred to in jest as “Her Deepness”, a reference to the many records in exploration she has set during a long career, Sylvia Earle returned to the need to protect the ocean, so vital to life on Earth: “Let’s not take nature for granted,” she reminded the audience.
The last continent to be discovered and then explored, the Antarctic is drawing in the crowds while also being the region most threatened by global warming.
Thursday 24th March: Monaco Capital of Yachting
Monaco Ocean Week (20-25 March 2022)
Monday 21st March – The Principality of Monaco is all set to host the 5th Monaco Ocean Week, 20-25 March 2022, an initiative driven by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation alongside the Monaco Oceanographic Institute, the Monaco Scientific Centre (CSM) and Yacht Club de Monaco.
As it does every year, Yacht Club de Monaco is responsible for the yachting aspect on the Thursday, 24th March, with a full day dedicated to this important industry’s role.
“The sector is in the process of changing in the face of environmental issues; indeed the industry is actively evolving in response to the resulting constraints. All professionals involved in the sector are mobilised to propose concrete actions that make a difference and to speak as one voice,” says Bernard d’Alessandri, YCM General Secretary and President of the Cluster Yachting Monaco.
A full programme of meetings on Thursday 24th March is open to all (by prior registration), with a strong emphasis on innovation.
9.00am-3.45pm: 11th La Belle Classe Superyachts Environmental Symposium
9.45am-10.00am: Presentation on 2nd Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous
11.00am: Presentation on the Phase II road map of Monaco Capital of Yachting attended by YCM President HSH Prince Albert II
4.00pm-5.50pm: Monaco Energy Boat Challenge meetings
6.00pm: WISAMO – Innovation harnessing wind – talk by Michel Desjoyeaux
7.30pm: La Belle Classe Superyachts YCM Explorer Awards
11th La Belle Classe Superyachts Environmental Symposium: a long-term commitment
A fixture in the diaries of owners and their captains, this year’s symposium entitled Yachting with sense helps them keep up to date with developments and brings together all those involved in the sector to discuss the way forward in exchanges led by guest speakers invited to share their analyses and experiences.
A first roundtable (9.00am-11.00am) will focus on the Antarctic, followed by an afternoon session (2.00pm-3.45pm), entitled ‘Superyacht Crowdsourced Data Collection’ for scientific purposes.
Presentation of 2nd Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina rendezvous
J/70 Training Clinic
J/70 Training Clinic – 26-27 February
Ten teams turned out for the 4th J/70 Training Clinic of the year. Organised by YCM and supervised by high-level technique gurus it was a great opportunity for the Monegasque fleet to fine tune skills for upcoming regattas, including the Primo Cup-Trophée Credit Suisse and of course the J/70 World Championship here in Monaco (14-22 October).