Organised by Yacht Club de Monaco, the 17th Monaco Classic Week celebrates the inimitable Art de Vivre la Mer lifestyle and living maritime heritage that classic yachts represent. Since 1994, this biennial event has paid tribute to large and small boats, craftsmanship and the seafaring skills of sailors in the long distance past.
A unique spectacle at sea and on the quay
The event is unique in that it welcomes, by invitation only, around a hundred selected boats:
- Among some 50 classic sailing yachts will be the three-masted Créole (1927) and Invader (1905), the schooners Zaca (1929), Puritan (1930) and Elena of London (2009), the Bermudan cutter Manitou (1937), the gaff cutters Viola (1908) and Partridge (1885) celebrating her 140th anniversary, and of course Tuiga (1909), the 15M IR marking three decades flying the YCM colours;
- Around 15 or so period motor-yachts are expected, including Kalizma (1906, 46m), one of the oldest classic motor-yachts still in operation, and once belonged to Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, as well as the legendary American steam-ship SS Delphine (1921, 79m);
- Of the 60-plus vintage powerboats expect Scolopendra (1903), Triton (1908), Lady Isabelle (1930) and several emblematic Riva models, including the legendary Riva Aquarama, launched in 1962 that became an icon of this famous boatyard in Sarnico;
- And a dozen of the one design Dinghy 12’, an Olympic class in 1920, which embodies the spirit of small accessible elegant pleasure craft.
Onshore entertainment and festive parties
As well as the racing and nautical events animating Monaco’s bay, the exhibitors Village, open to the public, hosts painters, sculptors, photographers, marine artisans and shipyards. As night falls, owners and crews prolong the festivities in an always elegant and friendly ambiance.
There are several highlights during the event.
- The prestigious La Belle Classe Restoration Prize, with a jury chaired by British sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, which will be awarded for the quality of the restoration undertaken on boats that are often over a hundred years old.
- The Elegance Contest, with a jury chaired by Allegra Gucci,will assess the etiquette, style and respect for the Art de Vivre la Mer lifestyle at sea.
Results from the two contests determine the winner of the coveted Monaco Classic Week Trophy which recognises restoration, elegance and a certain “Spirit of Yachting”.
Finally, the Chefs Competition adds extra spice to the occasion by inviting crews to showcase their talent by producing a menu onboard their boats, within a set time from a basket of mystery ingredients.
Celebrations on the programme
Two emblematic celebrations will leave their mark on the 2025 edition:
- The 30th anniversary of Tuiga (1909) under the Monaco flag. This famous 15M IR designed by William Fife III in 1909 has been YCM’s ambassador on her travels throughout the world since 1995.
- The 140th anniversary of Partridge (1885), a forgotten masterpiece by naval architect J. Beavor Webb.
Stranded on the English coast having been converted into a house-boat, Partridge owes her rediscovery to her former owner, Peter Saxby, and his nephew Alex Laird, Restorations Project Lead at Classic Works in La Ciotat. They identified two key inscriptions engraved in the beam: “Harry”, a shipwright, and the date 1885. The clues made it possible to reestablish the boat’s true identity and initiate an exemplary 17-year restoration led by Alex Laird in the UK and completed in 1999.
Between tradition, transmission and passion, Monaco Classic Week-La Belle Classe is a major event on the calendar for maritime heritage lovers, where generations, expertise and the seafaring spirit converge.
