The YCM fleet in New York

Tuiga and Viola set sail for the United States

In 2026, the Y.C.M. fleet will cross the Atlantic for an exceptional campaign on the East Coast of the United States. The Principality will be represented by two classic yachts that are emblematic of Monaco’s maritime heritage: Tuiga (1909), the Club’s flagship, and Viola (1908). This historic presence is part of the celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence, on 4 July 2026. It reflects the close ties between the Yacht Club de Monaco and leading American yachting institutions, notably the Manhattan Yacht Club, a reciprocal club.

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The Y.C.M. fleet, ambassador of Monaco’s maritime heritage

The Y.C.M. fleet embodies the elegance and excellence of classic sailing. In New York, two iconic yachts will carry these values on American waters.

Tuiga (1909), flagship of the Y.C.M.

Born from the genius of naval architect William Fife III, Tuiga is a nautical jewel and a true symbol of elegance and maritime tradition. This 15-Metre International Rule yacht embodies the very essence of the history and passion that drive the world of sailing. More than a yacht, she stands as a testament to continuity, transmission and the Club’s commitment to preserving maritime heritage.

Sailing in American waters holds special significance for Tuiga. Throughout her history, the gaff cutter has been helmed by several major figures in transatlantic sailing, including Paul Cayard, seven-time world champion and key figure in the America’s Cup, as well as American legend Dennis Conner, four-time winner of the iconic Silver Ewer.

Viola (1908), a gaff cutter listed as a historic monument

Alongside her, Viola (1908) illustrates the tradition of great gaff cutters. Recognised as a historic monument and owned by Kostia Belkin, a member of the Y.C.M., she reflects the passion of yacht owners for the preservation of maritime heritage.

A historic transatlantic campaign

For the first time, Tuiga and Viola will set sail together to represent the Principality on the American circuit. This campaign highlights the long-standing ties between the United States, the Yacht Club de Monaco and its President, H.S.H. Prince Albert II. Built on a shared passion for competition and maritime innovation, this relationship was notably illustrated in 1985 with the Monaco-New York race, the first and only transatlantic race linking the two cities. It was won by Canadian sailor Mike Burch, with the participation of Biotonus-Monaco, a Monegasque crew led by Bernard d’Alessandri, Director and Secretary General of the Y.C.M., who will also be present in New York for the festivities.

Sail4th 250 — 3 to 8 July

For six days, the Port of New York and New Jersey will host what is set to be the largest maritime gathering in modern U.S. history: nearly 50 tall ships representing around 20 nations, more than 40 American and allied naval vessels, and an aerial parade featuring over 150 aircraft. Among the iconic vessels expected are Amerigo Vespucci from Italy, Libertad from Argentina, Gloria from Colombia and Capitán Miranda from Uruguay.

 

International Parade of Sail — 4 July

Tuiga and Viola will escort La Belle Poule, a schooner of the French Navy, during the grand parade on 4 July: from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to the George Washington Bridge, passing in front of the Statue of Liberty. They will sail past 37 military vessels as part of the International Naval Review — the 7th to be held in U.S. history. The programme will also include the Blue Angels and the fireworks marking the 50th anniversary of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks.

 

A route at the heart of American sailing

After New York, the two gaff cutters will set course for several yacht clubs that have shaped the history of American sailing. Each stopover will combine institutional meetings, classic yacht gatherings and regattas, offering Viola the opportunity to compete against some of the finest yachts on the American circuit. Their journey will take them successively to Manhattan, Larchmont, Indian Harbor, Seawanhaka, Devon and the Montauk Yacht Club, before reaching Newport for the New York Yacht Club Race Week 2026. For Tuiga, the campaign will conclude in Nantucket; Viola will continue her season until September in the major classic regattas of New England. These are values dear to the Yacht Club de Monaco, celebrated every two years during Monaco Classic Week – La Belle Classe, whose 18th edition will take place from 8 to 11 September 2027.

Programme highlights

25–27 JUNE 2026

Monaco Challenge Cup

New York on Monaco time! Three days of international regattas and exclusive celebrations are planned to mark the presence of the Principality in the United States.

4 JULY 2026

250e anniversaire des États-Unis

New York will celebrate 250 years of history with the Sail4th 250 parades. The world’s greatest tall ships are expected on the East River and Hudson River for a historic maritime tribute.

11–18 JULY 2026

Grand Yacht Club Tour

An exceptional journey along the East Coast of the United States. From New York to Newport, Tuiga and Viola will stop at some of the most prestigious yacht clubs: 

1New York Yacht Club— New York, NY
2Manhattan Yacht Club— New York, NY
3Larchmont Yacht Club— Larchmont, NY
4Indian Harbor Yacht Club— Greenwich, CT
5Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club— Oyster Bay, NY
6Port Jefferson Yacht Club— Port Jefferson, NY
7Devon Yacht Club— Amagansett, NY
8Montauk Yacht Club— Montauk, NY
9Block Island Club— Block Island, RI
10Newport (NYYC Harbour Court)— Newport, RI
11Nantucket Yacht Club— Nantucket, MA