For Yacht Club de Monaco, invited to participate in the Sail4th 250 celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the American Declaration of Independence, it was an action-packed start to its roadshow. A delegation of Club members, sailing on the gaff cutters Tuiga (1909) and Viola (1908), took part in keystone highlights of the New York festivities.
Marked by the victory of Viola at the Monaco Challenge Cup and a spirit of friendship with The Explorers Club, this first leg launched a tour that will take the two sailing yachts to major US East Coast yachting destinations.
Before the July 4th celebrations, Viola helmed by YCM member Kostia Belkin won the inaugural Monaco Challenge Cup in fine style. Organised by the Manhattan Yacht Club, the regatta took place in New York Harbor in the stretch of water between Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. This victory over several American yacht clubs was a fitting start to the Yacht Club de Monaco’s tour, which aims to strengthen ties with major East Coast sailing institutions while showcasing Monaco’s classic sailing heritage.
This American week is also serving to reinforce the relationship between Yacht Club de Monaco and The Explorers Club, a global authority in the scientific exploration field. Richard Wiese, President Emeritus of the renowned New York-based club, welcomed the YCM’s two centenarian gaff cutters.
Their exchanges build on the partnership launched in the Principality in 2024 and consolidated during the Day of Exploration at YCM last March. They also pave the way for the next Monaco Capital of Advanced Yachting Rendezvous scheduled for 12-16 March 2027. It will include the Day of Exploration, the YCM Student Yachting Fair and the YCM Explorer Awards with a jury chaired by Richard Wiese.
After New York, the Yacht Club de Monaco’s American tour continues to key sailing destinations along the East Coast. The two sailing boats will call into Larchmont, Indian Harbor, Seawanhaka, Devon and Montauk Yacht Club, before arriving in Newport for the 2026 Race Week organised by the New York Yacht Club. The tour then extends to Nantucket for Tuiga, while Viola continues her season on the New England classic regatta circuit through to early September.
This exceptional campaign confirms YCM’s ambition to promote classic yacht excellence, while building lasting bridges between maritime heritage, innovation, exploration and international cooperation.
Share:
