A 110-year-old American sailing boat has claimed the top prize at the 17th Monaco Classic Week, which concluded on Sunday after four days showcasing over 150 historic vessels to spectators including Prince Albert II and Formula One driver Charles Leclerc.
Mariette of 1915, designed by renowned naval architect Nathanaël G. Herreshoff, won the Monaco Classic Week Trophy. The jury, chaired by sailing veteran Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, praised her “perfect combination of quality restoration, elegance and yachting spirit”.
During the week, Prince Albert II also visited the harbour, meeting crews and owners. “These boats have stories to tell and I think we must continue to share this passion,” said Yacht Club de Monaco General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri.
Several vessels drew particular attention. Partridge celebrated its 140th anniversary, having been rescued from River Blackwater mud and restored for over 17 years. The motor yacht Kalizma, once owned by Hollywood couple Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, was also among the glamorous entries.
The event, organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco since 1994, brought together 40 classic sailing yachts, 70 vintage powerboats, and a dozen period motor-yachts. Half of the sailing fleet were over 100-years-old.
Meanwhile, a record 50 Riva powerboats created the largest gathering of the Italian marque ever seen in Monaco, drawing particular attention from Charles Leclerc who was among the spectators admiring the fleet.
The event combined heritage with competition. Yacht chefs competed using organic ingredients, with Oriole’s chef Jaime Queipo Del Lano winning the culinary contest. An elegance competition judged by Allegra Gucci assessed both boat aesthetics and crew presentation.
Next year two Monaco yachts, Viola and Tuiga, are scheduled to cross the Atlantic to mark America’s 250th independence anniversary, strengthening ties between Monaco and US yacht clubs.
See more in Kyriaki Topalidou’s video reel below…
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Main photo credit: Yacht Club de Monaco