New York is usually known for its tall skyscrapers and busy streets, but this week, two very special boats are stealing the show. As the United States gets ready to celebrate 250 years of independence, the Tuiga (1909) and the Viola (1908) from the Yacht Club de Monaco have arrived in the harbour, marking the start of a big trip.
The arrival of these two century-old flagships signals the beginning of an ambitious summer campaign, during which the vessels will traverse the East Coast to visit historic institutions that have defined American yachting.
A symbolic bridge between two nations
The Principality’s connection to American waters is long-standing and significant. Tuiga, a world-renowned racing yacht, brings with her a prestigious logbook featuring the sport’s most celebrated figures, including seven-time world champion Paul Cayard and four-time America’s Cup winner Dennis Conner. This journey serves as a tribute to the 1985 Monaco-New York race—the only transatlantic crossing ever held between the two cities—reinforcing the enduring legacy of the Yacht Club de Monaco.
Bernard d’Alessandri, Director and General Secretary of the YCM, is currently in New York to accompany the delegation and oversee the week’s events, ensuring the Principality’s maritime presence is felt across the Atlantic.
Joining the ‘Sail4th 250’
The highlight of the tour will take place on 4th July, when the fleet joins the ‘Sail4th 250’ parade. Alongside nearly 50 tall ships and 40 naval vessels, Tuiga and Viola have been assigned the distinguished role of escorting La Belle Poule, the French Navy’s 1932 topsail schooner. The flotilla will process from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to the George Washington Bridge, offering a spectacular view as they pass the Statue of Liberty and the U.S. International Naval Review.
A grand tour of the Northeast
Following the Independence Day festivities, the cutters will embark on a tour of the American Northeast’s most exclusive yachting enclaves, with scheduled stops at Larchmont, Indian Harbor, Seawanhaka, and the Montauk Yacht Club.
The voyage will reach its conclusion in Newport during the New York Yacht Club’s 2026 Race Week. While Tuiga is set to conclude her tour in Nantucket, Viola will remain in the region to compete in classic regattas throughout the summer, continuing to showcase Monaco’s commitment to the sport.
Preserving maritime heritage
For the Yacht Club de Monaco, this journey is a testament to the preservation of traditional maintenance and rigging. These classic sailing practices remain at the heart of the YCM’s philosophy, a dedication to maritime heritage that will be celebrated once more during the 18th edition of the Monaco Classic Week in September 2027.
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Photo source: YCM