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Everyone on the water for Fête de la Mer

  • 1 July 2019
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On this 29th of June, which is the Feast of St Peter, patron saint of fishermen, it was a fun day of laughter and celebrating the sea in the YCM Marina, transformed for the day into a water park. It was a day for all the family, as young and old alike enjoyed the festive atmosphere to try out the many activities organised by the Club, including flite-boarding, pedal-boarding, a giant slide, walking on water bubbles, scuba diving and of course sailing, all supervised by instructors who love what they do. For this was the day of the annual Fête de la Mer organised in partnership with the Monaco Mairie, the Société Nautique de Monaco (rowing club) and the Pontons de Monaco association.
The day began with the traditional boat parade. The mood was sombre as everyone gathered on the sea in front of the Oceanographic Museum to hear Archbishop Bernard Barsi’s blessing and his moving homage to the three lifeboat crew (SNSM) who lost their lives in a tragic accident on 7th June this year at Les Sables d’Olonne: Alain Guibert, Yann Chagnolleau and Dimitri Mouli. After a minute’s silence, a wreathe was thrown into the sea after which all the boats sounded their horns in a final farewell to these heroes before the procession made its way back to the YCM Marina. Around 40 sailboats, motorboats, rowing boats and pointus were there, led by the Menton SNSM lifeboat followed by the YCM’s two flagships, Tuiga (1909) and Malizia II (IMOCA 60).In the YCM Marina paddle-boards, flite-boards, electric boats and pedal-boards were already in action. Families turned out in droves to watch a sea rescue demonstration, try their hand at sailing and scuba diving, find out more about protecting the oceans and generally enjoy all the activities on offer.
“Fête de la Mer is a wonderful initiative as it allows youngsters in particular to discover new water sports. They are invited to have fun, but at the same time this occasion was marked by the moving tribute paid to the three lifeboat crew,” said Jacques Pastor, counsellor responsible for sports and leisure at the Mairie, before the choir from the Music and Theatre Academy sang the national anthem and sea chanties. After lunch and a Latino dance show, everyone was back on the water for the afternoon. This latest edition was a huge success thanks to YCM partners: Monaco Mairie, Société Nautique de Monaco and the Pontons de Monaco association, as well as all the Monegasque institutions with links to the sea: Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, the Oceanographic Institute, the scuba diving Club d’Exploration Sous-Marine de Monaco, and Association Monégasque de la Protection de la Nature.
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