Every two years “Monaco Classic Week – La Belle Classe” adorns the Monaco coastline. This year’s event starts on Wednesday September 13, shortly before the annual Monaco Yacht Show, and will be sure to impress enthusiasts and the general public alike.
One of the largest gatherings of classic boats, Monaco Classic Week was launched over 20 years ago and remains an authentic and unique Belle Époque event in the world, organised by the Monaco Yacht Club (YCM).
According to YCM, the first sailing regattas were held in Monaco in 1862, followed by motorboat gatherings in the early 20th century. From 1904, the races and presentations of the early combustion engines attracted Europe’s elite “from industry and the aristocracy”, who propelled Monaco into “a privileged circle of maritime nations, making it a regular port of call for the world’s biggest yachts”.
Owners of classic sailing and motor yachts make a point of meeting in the Principality for this major event, and thousands of keen sailors have attended the previous editions.
An exceptional collection of sailing and motor yachts will be moored in the Monaco Yacht Club Marina, including over 60 classic sailing boats, period motor-yachts and 40 vintage motor-boats.
Classic yacht races, regularity trials and speed contests combine with a Chefs’ Competition, Elegance Parades, and a host of other activities organised around the YCM’s Clubhouse.