In line with its mission to preserve and pass on the heritage of yachting, the Yacht Club de Monaco is launching the 17th Monaco Classic Week. This unique event is bringing together an impressive fleet of over 150 vessels, including traditional sailing yachts, vintage motor yachts and 70 classic powerboats, including fifty Rivas and 25 of the Dinghy 12’ class. Open to the public until Saturday, the quays will showcase more than a century of living maritime heritage.
In the afternoon, the Bay of Monaco came alive, driven by a westerly breeze of 8 to 10 knots. Even without a validated race, the spectacle captivated spectators, who enjoyed watching the sails and sleek silhouettes gliding through Monegasque waters. Century-old vessels such as Madcap (1874), Black Swan (1899), Kismet (1898), Corinthian (1911) and Viola (1908) demonstrated that the regatta is still their domain.
Among the yachts on display, Partridge (1885) epitomises the very essence of Monaco Classic Week. Built by Camper & Nicholson, this gaff cutter was long forgotten but later restored with passion. It is now one of the oldest racing yachts still sailing today. Now owned by a member of the Yacht Club de Monaco, it symbolises the transmission of heritage and the resilience of naval traditions. Its mere presence tells the story of preserving and celebrating artisanal craftsmanship.
The 17th edition also invites visitors to explore the collective imagination through two exhibitions open to the public. In the YCM Meeting Room (quayside), the exhibition ‘Action! Classic Yachts on the Silver Screen’, explores the connections between iconic yachts and film stars. Examples include Zaca (1928), associated with Errol Flynn; Kalizma, associated with Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor; and Marge (1930), immortalised alongside Alain Delon in “Plein Soleil”. Just a few steps away, on Deck 3, the Ballroom is hosting British photographer Kos Evans, a leading name in maritime imagery, with her “Rock & Royals” series. Created on vintage sailcloth, her pieces combine photography, heritage, and craftsmanship to transform the fleeting moment into timeless art.
From tomorrow, Thursday 11 September, the tempo will quicken. The jury will continue its inspections for the La Belle Classe Restoration Prize, while the crews will take part in the Chefs’ Competition from 10.00am, when the ingredient baskets will be distributed.
Meanwhile, at sea, traditional sailing yachts will line up for their regattas at 13:00, followed at 14:00 by the photographic rally for classic powerboats and vintage motor yachts. In the late afternoon, the focus shifts to gastronomy with the presentation of dishes and the awards ceremony, transforming the quays into a true culinary stage.
On Friday 12 September, both competition and camaraderie will be in the spotlight. Traditional yachts and Dinghy 12’ class will set sail once again, while the Riva Rendezvous will celebrate Italian runabouts.
With its regattas, exhibitions, competitions and open quays, the 17th Monaco Classic Week embodies the Yacht Club de Monaco’s vision of combining sport, elegance and maritime culture. It is more than just a gathering; it is an experience where heritage, competition and the art of living converge, establishing the Principality as a significant venue for classic yachting heritage.
