The Yacht Club de Monaco’s annual Fête de la Mer brought together families, sailors, students and sea lovers for a joyful day of activities and tributes, highlighting the Principality’s enduring maritime values.
The Fête de la Mer returned on Saturday 21st June with its signature blend of tradition, entertainment and environmental education. Coordinated by the Yacht Club de Monaco in partnership with a host of local institutions, the day-long event drew several hundred people to the YCM Marina. All generations were represented as Monaco’s seafaring community honoured the sea and those who sail it.
Proceedings opened with a solemn parade of boats gathering beneath the Oceanographic Museum, where Deacon Robert Ferrua offered a blessing in memory of sailors lost at sea. Led by YCM’s iconic gaff cutter Tuiga, the fleet then returned to port in a symbolic gesture that tied Monaco’s future to its nautical heritage.
Activities afloat and ashore
The marina quays were alive with activity throughout the day. Children and adults took to the water for diving, kayaking, J/70 sailing, and even E-Foil sessions, while inflatables and a giant slide added extra excitement for younger visitors. A dramatic jet-ski rescue demonstration by the Monaco Maritime Police drew crowds, as did the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge simulator and the eco-educational stands dotted around the venue.
Also featured was the public debut of a new Hansa 303 boat, donated by the Rotary Club of Monaco to promote accessibility in sailing. The day’s extensive programme was made possible through the participation of over a dozen local partners, including Société Nautique de Monaco, Fondation Prince Albert II, the Oceanographic Institute, CESMM, Monaco Mairie, and the Monegasque Fishing Federation, among others.
Young voices, bold messages
Inside the Yacht Club, students from the Collège François d’Assise Nicolas Barré showcased a creative and timely exhibition titled Bouchons-nous pour la mer. Made entirely from recycled plastic bottle tops, the artworks reflected the students’ reflections on waste, consumerism and our collective responsibility toward marine preservation.
Launched in autumn and nurtured with support from YCM’s educational mission, the exhibition powerfully echoed the Club’s values of sustainability and transmission between generations.
Looking ahead to the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge
As the Fête de la Mer came to a close, organisers reminded the public of the upcoming 12th edition of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, set to take place from 1st to 5th July. Backed by the Prince Albert II Foundation, UBS, BMW and SBM Offshore, the challenge will open its exhibitors’ village and paddocks to the public, providing a unique chance to engage with students, engineers and professionals at the forefront of sustainable yachting.
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Photo source: YCM