Fête de la Mer was celebrated again this year with a grand parade in Monaco’s bay.
It was organised by Yacht Club de Monaco in collaboration with Monegasque institutions namely: the Pontons de Monaco association, Société Nautique de Monaco (rowing club), City Hall, Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Government, SEPM, Oceanographic Institute, the Roca Jet Club of Monaco, sports fishing federation (Fédération Monégasque de Pêches Sportives), CSAM (Centre de Sauvetage Aquatique et de Plongée de Monaco – scuba diving for children) and local scuba diving club, Club d’Exploration Sous-Marine de Monaco.
The 60-strong fleet of participants gathered around the new police launch, the Princesse Gabriella launched last December, for the parade which began with the traditional blessing by Archbishop Dominique-Marie David in homage to all those lost at sea. It was a solemn moment during which a heart-warming tribute was paid to Jean-Marc Giraldi, President of the rowing club (Société Nautique de Monaco) and Vice-President of Union Internationale Motonautique. A colourful and central figure in the Principality, Mr Giraldi dedicated his energy and passion to the sea.
Sailing boats, rowing boats and motorboats were among the many who responded to the invitation, including Tuiga, the 1909 gaff cutter and Yacht Club de Monaco flagship. After setting off from in front of the Oceanographic Museum, the fleet headed towards Larvotto before turning into Port Hercule to be greeted by a cacophony of sound as all the yachts in the harbour blew their horns.
