In 1994, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Prince Albert’s presidency and the 90th anniversary of the first international motorboat meetings in 1904, the Yacht Club de Monaco organized a first-of-its-kind event dedicated to classic yachting, then in full revival. Such was the success of this event, which brought together vintage motorboats, vintage motor yachts and traditional sailing boats, that it was repeated in 1996 and again in 1997 to celebrate the Principality’s 700th anniversary.
An exceptional line-up of traditional sailing yachts will once again be at the heart of Monaco Classic Week 2025. Representing the elegance and craftsmanship of bygone eras, these boats, often lovingly and meticulously restored, are still sailing today, testifying to the enduring legacy of traditional shipbuilding.
Intimately linked to the seventh art, yachts have fuelled the collective imagination be they “fl oating places”, “greyhounds of the sea”, legendary fi lm sets or real life protagonists in fi ctional fi lms. From Han Hass’s three-masted Xarifa (1927) to the schooner La Favorita (1914), or Christina O (1943) to Malahne (ex-Narcissus, 1937), these yachts are now embedded in cinematic culture. Several of these yachts have participated in previous editions of Monaco Classic Week, such as Orion (1910), now Sylvana, whose fame is forever linked to that of Ava Gardner and James Mason in the superb Pandora and the Flying Dutchman; or Maria del Mar (1946), today renamed O’Remington, on board which Federico Fellini, Luchino Visconti, Marcello Mastroianni and Maria Callas have sailed. Th e 2025 edition of Monaco Classic Week celebrates this fascination with the return of some outstanding yachts: Kalizma (1906) once owned by Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor; Marge (1930), immortalised in Plein Soleil with Alain Delon; the legendary Zaca (1928) that belonged to Errol Flynn; the gaff – rigged schooner Invader (1905) aboard which Charlie Chaplin and Paulette Goddard met and fell in love before their marriage; and the sumptuous SS Delphine (1921) whose unmistakable silhouette graced Th e Brothers Bloom film.
Launched in 1994, Monaco Classic Week is a biennial event dedicated to classic yachting. It remains one of the few events in the world to bring classic sailing yachts, period motor-yachts, vintage powerboats and the traditional Dinghy 12’ class together. The event showcases large and small yachts, traditional crafts and the ancestral skills of sailors from the past, while celebrating a certain ‘Art de Vivre la Mer’ lifestyle at sea.
Held every two years, Monaco Classic Week welcomes owners who are passionate about their boats to the YCM Marina. Every day they leave the quay to take part in events at sea that can be watched from Quai Luciana and the main harbour wall. During the day, the Village is open to the public which ensures there is plenty to see on the quays while the boats are on the water. The 19th edition will be in September 2027.
Monaco Classic Week brings together by invitation only a wide range of historic boats and their owners and crews. The event Village attracts many artisans, marine painters, photographers and artists who exhibit their skills for the public.
The event aims to celebrate living maritime heritage. It offers an opportunity to see details of restorations and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges of naval craftsmanship while promoting that certain ‘Art de Vivre la Mer’ lifestyle at sea.
As well as the races and other nautical events in Monaco’s bay, the public are welcome to stroll round the quays through the exhibitors Village in the day to see the painters, sculptors, photographers and craftsmen. Come the evening the atmosphere is very lively as owners and crews enjoy the festive yet elegant ambiance.
There are several highlights during the week.
The combined results of these two competitions determine the winner of the coveted Monaco Classic Week Trophy that rewards the boat’s restoration, elegance and “spirit of yachting”.
Monaco has been part of the yachting scene for more than 150 years. From the first regattas in 1862 to the powerboat meetings of 1904, the boldest dreams were taking off in these waters. The Principality was already establishing itself as an open air laboratory where excellence and innovation progressed in tandem. Under the leadership of HSH Prince Albert II, the Yacht Club de Monaco continues its mission to promote yachting and pass on this heritage to future generations. It was in this spirit that Monaco Classic Week-La Belle Classe was created in 1994.
The public can watch the rallies and races from Quai Luciana, or stroll round the exhibitors Village in the heart of the YCM Marina. For those unable to attend, the results, photos and videos are broadcast daily on YCM’s official website and social networks.
For participants, Monaco Classic Week is a unique opportunity to showcase their boats, discover other outstanding restorations, share expertise and celebrate the same passion and commitment that goes into keeping traditional yachting alive. It is a platform for showcasing heritage, tradition and innovation in the classic boat world.
Sports Events
sportevents@ycm.org
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