history

Monaco, A Long Maritime Tradition

For over 700 years, and under the guidance of its successive Princes, the destiny of Monaco and its deep-water bay has been closely linked to the sea. As early as 1862, Prince Charles III supported the organization of the first regattas in the Principality. In 1888, the Société des Régates de Monaco was founded by a group of sailing and rowing enthusiasts, who, by 1889, began attracting international regattas. This passion for the sea was passed down to Prince Albert I, an eminent navigator and pioneer of modern oceanography, who inaugurated the Oceanographic Museum in March 1912.

Monaco, a showcase for international yachting, became a magnet for technological innovations as early as 1904, with the creation of the Exposition and the International Meeting of Motorboats by the Société des Bains de Mer (S.B.M.). This event attracted major manufacturers who came to test their new engines, as automobile road races, which had become too deadly, were banned. The success of these events was undeniable, as evidenced by the numerous grand yachts that flocked to the front row of these exceptional gatherings.

Now regarded as an essential destination, Monaco quickly became a hub for innovation and fashionable water sports. The second half of the 20th century would echo this growing fame.

clubhouse

A Passion for the Sea

Read more

cocktail des membres

Evolution of building

Read more

yacht club de monaco historique

Key date

Read more

monaco & the sea

1953

In 1953, Prince Rainier III sought to provide the Principality with a yacht club similar to those he had visited during his cruises. Convinced that sport alone was not enough and that “Monaco’s future lies in the sea,” the Sovereign Prince aimed to develop a structure capable of attracting and retaining yachtsmen from around the world. The Prince’s strong belief was that the Yacht Club should also be a major element in the development of the Port of Monaco, which serves as the Principality’s primary tourist hub.

From 1954, under his presidency, the Yacht Club de Monaco revitalized motorboat meetings, international regattas, and numerous other nautical activities, while also training generations of sailors through the Sailing School, which was inaugurated in 1970.

1954

In 1954, the Yacht Club de Monaco revitalized motorboat meetings, international regattas, and numerous other nautical activities (such as big game fishing and scuba diving), while also training generations of sailors at the Sailing School, which was established in 1957. The first outcome of these events was a doubling in the number of visitors to the port. This “builder” prince also encouraged Carlo Riva, in 1959, to create the first dry dock and floating moorings, followed decades later by the installation of a semi-floating breakwater. These three major global innovations were instrumental in driving economic development focused on the sea.

1984

In April 1984, Prince Albert, the Hereditary Prince, was appointed by Prince Rainier III as the President of the Yacht Club de Monaco.

In his first year of presidency, several major events were organized, including the Voiles en Février, which would later become the Primo Cup, now established as the largest winter monotype gathering in the Mediterranean. He also oversaw the Monaco-New York Transatlantic, a race that remains memorable with the participation of the Monaco-based crew Biotonus-YCM, as well as the Formula 40’ Grand Prix.

Believing that understanding the past is key to building the future, H.S.H. Prince Albert II also focused on traditional yachting. In 1994, he organized the Monaco Classic Week, created and coordinated the Prada Challenge for Classic Yachts for five years, and in 1995, acquired Tuiga, which became the flagship of the Yacht Club de Monaco.

2005

In 2005, the President launched the “La Belle Classe” label to unite yacht owners around a Charter that upholds essential values: respect for etiquette, environmental preservation, safeguarding the heritage of classic sailing yachts, and fostering innovation for large luxury yachts. The initiative also aimed to support new destinations wishing to create Yacht Clubs around the world in their efforts.

2014

On June 20, 2014, the Yacht Club turned a new page in its history with the opening of its new Club House, housed in a building designed by Lord Norman Foster. This remarkable showcase of Monaco’s yachting heritage has, in line with the Sovereign’s wishes, facilitated the creation of the “Yachting Monaco” Cluster and “La Belle Classe Academy”, a specialized training center for luxury yachting. This initiative reinforces Monaco’s position as the global capital of luxury yachting.

From One Dock to Another

1953

The Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) was founded in 1953 by Prince Rainier III, with an initial membership of 600. Without its own premises, it was hosted by the Société des Bains de Mer in an old pottery workshop. A display case at the Hôtel de Paris showcased the club’s trophies. From its inception, the YCM quickly established itself as a key player in Monaco’s maritime life, enhancing its prestige through international events.

1966

In 1966, the YCM moved to Quai Antoine 1er, but its premises quickly became too small. In 1987, after a year of renovation work, the spaces were redesigned to better accommodate its activities. As the club grew, temporary extensions were added to meet the increasing demand. The YCM thus became a must-visit destination in the world of yachting.

2014

In 2014, the new headquarters of the YCM was inaugurated on Quai Louis II, designed by architect Norman Foster. This modern building, reminiscent of a ship, meets the growing needs of the club. The historic event was attended by 4,000 guests. Under the presidency of Prince Albert II since 1984, the YCM has strengthened its position in international yachting while honoring its prestigious heritage.

key date

Edit Content

1984

In April 1984, Hereditary Prince Albert became president of the Y.C.M., appointed by Prince Rainier III. He developed the club’s sporting aspect by strengthening youth training and creating international events, such as the Primo Cup, the Monaco-New York Transatlantic, and the Formula 40’ Grand Prix. He also emphasized traditional yachting, launching the Monaco Classic Week in 1994 and acquiring Tuiga in 1995, which became the flagship of the Y.C.M.

1985

February

The creation of ‘Voiles en Février’, a one-design regatta that would become the ‘Primo Cup’. Over the years, the Primo Cup-UBS Trophy, which celebrated its 40th edition in 2024, has welcomed the biggest names in Olympic sailing and offshore racing, who come to the Principality to kick off the Mediterranean circuit alongside knowledgeable amateurs.

Monaco New York

The transatlantic was set up with the support of Mr. Victor Pastor, then Vice-President of the Yacht Club, and the participation of Biotonus – Monaco, whose entirely Monegasque crew was skippered by Bernard d’Alessandri.

1987

May

H.S.H. Prince Albert Trophy – Biotonus Maxi Cup Monte Carlo, reserved for maxis. This coastal race was repeated in 1989, 1990, 1991, and 1992.
1987: the One-Ton Munegu finished 3rd in the World Championship.

October

First participation of the Y.C.M. in La Nioulargue in Saint-Tropez.

1987

One-Tonner World Championship

The One Ton Cup is a trophy awarded to the winner of a nautical competition created in 1899 by the Cercle de la Voile de Paris. These regattas originally featured duels between light sailing boats, often dinghies, with a maximum size of one ton according to the 1892 Godinet rule. This international Cup of the Cercle de la Voile de Paris was first contested in 1907 on 6 m JI boats to the international rating, except for a four-year period from 1920 to 1923, when it was raced on 6.5m SI boats. The One Ton Cup was revived in 1965 for offshore races. It was then contested on 22-foot RORC-rated boats, followed by 27.5-foot IOR boats starting in 1971, and later 30.5-foot IOR boats in 1984.

1987

Monaco, the first time as a stage city of the Tour de France à la Voile.

Created in 1978, the Tour de France à la Voile (now called Tour Voile), a major popular event, was unique for offering a stage race along the French coast, starting in the North Sea and heading towards the French Riviera. It combined a successful mix of semi-offshore races, regattas between 3 buoys, and coastal raids. In 1987, for the first time in its history, Monaco became one of the 21 stages of the Tour. Starting from Dunkirk, the competitors sailed the 1,800 nautical miles of the course before anchoring in Menton, the final destination of that edition.

Edit Content

1988

Second notable appearance of Monaco on the map of the Tour de France à la Voile.

That year, a Monegasque crew participated in the Tour de France à la Voile for the first time. The race started again in Dunkirk, with the finish line set in Menton. It was aboard the one-design “Sélection” Monaco MON40 that the Y.C.M. crew, led by Bernard d’Alessandri, embarked on the event.

1989

Stefano Casiraghi, Vice-President of the Y.C.M., wins the Offshore World Championship in Atlantic City.

1990

Hereditary Prince Albert alongside Stefano Casiraghi and his team at the finish of the first Venezia-Monte Carlo.

1991

July

The Silver Jug, affectionately nicknamed the Auld Mug, is considered the oldest trophy in international sport still contested and the hardest to win in sailing. This famous trophy of the America’s Cup made its first stop at the Yacht Club de Monaco; it would return to the Principality in 2011 and again in September 2019, following the victory of Team New Zealand, led by Matteo de Nora, the CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand and a member of the Y.C.M. Board of Directors.

1991

September

International Yacht Club Challenge, organized with the Manhattan Yacht Club, bringing together crews from the most prestigious yacht clubs in the world (25 nations) on J/24s. Victory for the Société Nautique de Genève.

1991-92

Yacht Club de France Challenge

The Monegasque crew led by Eric Kitzinger won the second edition of the “Yacht Club de France-Yacht Club de Monaco Challenge.”

1993

The Lineltex Yacht Club de Monaco 50’ Cup 1992 saw many skippers and tacticians from the America’s Cup face off in match racing: Sid Fisher, Paul Cayard, Marc Pajot, John Kolius, Enrico Chieffi, Pierre Mas, Marc Bouet, and others. This event was the prelude to the first stage of the 50′ IOR World Championship, organized by the Y.C.M. from March 3 to 7, 1993, and won by Sid Fisher and Peter Gilmour.

Edit Content

1994

Creation of the Monaco Classic Week

In 1994, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Hereditary Prince’s presidency and the 90th anniversary of the first motorboat meetings in 1904, the Club organized an unprecedented event entirely dedicated to classic yachting, which was experiencing a resurgence at the time. The Monaco Classic Week brought together vintage motorboats, period motor yachts, and traditional sailboats. A unique gathering, which today still invites the most beautiful yachts in the world every two years, with passionate owners on board.

1995

Acquisition of the 15 M JI Tuiga, a 1909 Fife design. A true ambassador of the Principality, this gaff-rigged cutter participates in numerous gatherings and traditional yacht regattas, supported by the members of the “Comité Tuiga.”

1997

700 Nautiques: Celebration of the 700th anniversary of the Principality

On the occasion of the 700th anniversary of the Grimaldi family’s reign in the Principality of Monaco, the Y.C.M. was entrusted with the nautical aspect of the celebrations by organizing a new edition of Monaco Classic Week, under the name 700e Nautiques. The program included the exceptional presence of large sailing ships such as Gloria (Colombia), Libertad (Argentina), Capitán Miranda (Uruguay), and Sedov, the largest sailing training ship in the world, with its 117.5-meter hull.

1997-98

Whitbread Round the World Race

As part of the ongoing celebrations for the 700th anniversary of the Principality, the Y.C.M. decided to enter, for the first time in its history, a boat representing its colors in a round-the-world race with stops and a full crew. The 7th edition of the Whitbread Round the World Race saw the participation of Merit Cup, a boat with a Monegasque sail number (MON 700) and skippered by New Zealander Grant Dalton, partnered with Italian Guido Maisto. It finished second, with two stage wins.

1998

April 11 to 17 - Star European Championship.

81 double-handed crews from the best European sailors, representing fifteen nations, participated in Monaco in the Star Open European Championship, initiated by Jochen Schwarz, former Vice-President of the International Star Class. This event was part of the first qualifying phase for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

Edit Content

2000

25 May

The Y.C.M. organizes the first edition of the Laureus Regatta. For four years, athletes and celebrities from around the world will participate in this friendly regatta, leading up to the presentation of the Laureus World Sports Awards.

2001

Tuiga wins the America’s Cup Jubilee Regatta in Cowes.

Riva Days

An exceptional gathering of Riva boats during Monaco Classic Week.

2005

Launch of the offshore Palermo-Montecarlo regatta.

Creation of “La Belle Classe Tradition,” a club of traditional yacht owners sharing common values in support of preserving maritime heritage.

2006

First edition of the Riva Art Trophy, a regularity race between Monaco and Saint-Tropez.

2007

The Principality hosts the Games of the Small States of Europe. The young Monegasque sailors will win seven medals, including two gold.

2008

Monaco hosts the first edition of the World Yacht Racing Forum, organized under the patronage of the Y.C.M. An initiative that will be repeated in 2009.

2009

Celebration of Tuiga’s 100th anniversary during Monaco Classic Week – La Belle Classe.

2010

First edition of the Westward Cup (Cowes), with the joint collaboration of the Royal Yacht Squadron, the New York Yacht Club, and the Yacht Club de Monaco. It will be repeated in 2012.

2012

Celebration of a triple event: the 170th anniversary of the Riva shipyard, the 50th anniversary of the Aquarama, and the 90th birthday of Carlo Riva, the Ingegnere of Sarnico, who transformed the small family yard into a true legend.

2013

After departing from Monaco and four years of expedition around the world, the arrival of Mike Horn’s sailing vessel, Pangaea.

Edit Content

2013

Creation of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series.

As part of the club’s sporting policy, the first edition of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series brought together and retained around twenty crews across five stages. Starting in October 2013, this winter regatta program is aimed at both professionals and amateurs, eager to prepare for their season at the highest level on the Mediterranean circuit.

2014

2014 marked a turning point for the Y.C.M., as it inaugurated its new building. For the past 10 years, this structure has given a new impetus to the club’s international ambitions, entrusted with a public service delegation, as evidenced by its role as a hub for the port and a catalyst for all yachting-related activities in the Principality.

2015

Creation of "La Belle Classe Academy," the training center of the Y.C.M.

June

H.S.H. Prince Albert II participates in Cowes, aboard Kentra, in the celebrations of the bicentennial of the Royal Yacht Squadron.

October

Organization of the first J/70 European Championship.

2017

First participation of Malizia II, the Monegasque boat, in the Transat Jacques Vabre.

May 6 to 13.

Organization of the 470 European Championship (90 crews, 26 nations).

July

Departure of the M/V Yersin, the scientific platform for the Monaco Explorations, and the official launch of the YCM Explorers’ Club.

October

First YCM Captains’ Club “Superyachts’ Workshop.”

November

Creation of the Monaco Optimist Academy.

2018

First edition of the Monaco Globe Series, a 1,300 nautical mile offshore race, in pairs, without stops or assistance, around the western Mediterranean.

Creation of “La Belle Classe Explorer.”

Edit Content

2019

First edition of the YCM Explorer Awards.

Since 2019, the Y.C.M. has been entrusted with the yachting aspect of Monaco Ocean Week, organized under the initiative of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, alongside the princely government, the Monaco Oceanographic Institute, and the Monaco Scientific Centre.

2020-21

Vendée Globe: Participation of Malizia-Seaexplorer, led by Boris Herrmann from the Yacht Club de Monaco, which finished 5th in this solo, non-stop, and unassisted round-the-world race.

2022

Launch of the collective umbrella brand “Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting.”

Summer

First tour of Tuiga in the Adriatic, including participation in the 9th Trofeo Principato di Monaco in Venice.

October

First-time organization of the J/70 World Championship.

November

Participation of two Y.C.M. boats in the Route du Rhum (Rayon Vert by Oren Nataf and Malizia III by Boris Herrmann).

2023

January - The Ocean Race

For the second time in its history, the Y.C.M. lined up at the start of this crewed, stage-based round-the-world race, after Grant Dalton’s second-place finish in 1997-1998 aboard the WOR 60 Merit Cup (MON 700). The race began on Sunday, January 15, 2023, in Alicante, Spain, with 6 VO65s and 5 IMOCA boats, including the five crew members of Malizia-Seaexplorer, skippered by Boris Herrmann.

March - 1er Woman Leading Sailing Trophy

For the first time, the Y.C.M. organizes an all-female J/70 event in collaboration with the Monegasque and French Sailing Federations, and initiated by the Pink Wave, a group of around fifty women sailors from the Y.C.M. who come together to share their love of sailing.

2023

April - First Cagliari-Monaco.

The creation of the first edition of the Cagliari-Monaco, organized in collaboration with La Lega Navale Italiana section of Cagliari, the Yacht Club Porto Rotondo, and the Yacht Club de Monaco. Around ten boats and 150 sailors gathered for this inaugural edition. Botta Dritta by Adalberto Miani, a member of the Y.C.M., won the race in 2 days, 16 hours, 50 minutes, and 46 seconds.

June

Celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Yacht Club de Monaco.

2024

Mars

The Primo Cup-UBS Trophy celebrates its 40th anniversary.