Monaco Classic Week set to return with nearly 200 historic vessels

Monaco’s harbour is set to become a floating museum next month as 187 classic and vintage boats converge for the 17th edition of Monaco Classic Week – La Belle Classe, one of the world’s most prestigious gatherings of historic vessels. 

The invitation-only event, first launched in 1994 and organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco under the high patronage of Prince Albert II, takes place from 10th to 13th September with 52 sailing yachts, 53 powerboats, 45 motorboats, 15 motor yachts up to 80 metres in length, and 22 Dinghy 12′ vessels.

Vessels that stand out

Among the standout vessels is Partridge, celebrating its 140 anniversary after being rescued from the River Blackwater mud in 1979 and restored over 17 years. The sailing fleet includes the legendary 65-metre Creole (1927) and Zaca (1929), which served as Errol Flynn’s floating home and appeared in Orson Welles’ ‘The Lady from Shanghai’.

Invader (1905) once hosted Hollywood stars and Douglas Fairbanks and Charlie Chaplin, while Manitou (1937) earned the nickname ‘Floating White House’ for its use by the President John F. Kennedy.

The motor yacht category is led by the 79-metre Delphine (1921) and the 45-metre Kalizma (1906), famously gifted by Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor after her Oscar win and now knows as the ‘Orient Express of the seas’.

Competitions and public access

Vessels will be judged by a panel chaired by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, with the Elegance Contest judged by Allegra Gucci. The popular Chefs Competition returns, challenging crews to create gourmet dishes using organic ingredients from a mystery box.

The quays and Exhibitors’ Village will be open to the public for free from 10-13 September, 10am to 7pm. Visitors can explore the historic vessels up close, browse works by marine painters and photographers, discover traditional maritime craftsmen at work, and shop at the YCM Official Boutique.

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Main photo credit: YCM Studio Borlenghi

 

Cirque Piedon brings traditional magic to Monaco

Cirque Piedon, a traditional French circus with more than a century of history has set up its big top in Monaco, offering families a chance to experience the timeless magic of live performance.

The circus, which has been touring France since 1920, is presenting nightly shows at 6:30pm at Espace Fontvieille from 2nd to 13th August. The family-run circus promises an evening filled with acrobats, clowns, animals, and spectacular acts designed to captivate audiences of all ages.

The Piedon family has maintained their nomadic lifestyle for over 100 years, passing down their passion for circus arts from generations to generation. Today, every aspect of the operation remains a family affair, from the performance on stage to the behind-the-scenes organisation, always with the same desire to make people dream.

The Monaco residency marks a highlight of the circus’s summer tour, offering nearly two weeks of entertainment in the Principality.

However, Cirque Piedon maintains its traditional values in an increasingly digital world, with tickets available exclusively at the venue rather than online. For this reason, it is advised to arrive early to secure a good spot and fully enjoy the experience.

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Main photo credit: © Direction de la Communication – Manuel Vitali

Monaco’s two-stop Formula 1 rule to remain for 2026 race

Formula 1 has decided to keep the controversial mandatory two-stop tyre rule for the Monaco Grad Prix 2026, despite widespread criticism following its debut this year.

The regulation was formally included in the updated 2026 sporting regulations published by the FIA on 31st July 2025. The Monaco-specific rule states that “for the race in Monaco, each driver must use at least three sets of tyres of any specification during the race, and, unless they have used intermediate or wet-weather tyres during the race, each driver must use at least two different specifications of dry-weather tyres during the race, at least one of which must be a mandatory dry-weather Race tyre specification.”

This differs significantly from the standard regulation applied for all other races, where drivers need only use “at least two different specification of dry-weather tyres during the Race, at least one of which must be mandatory dry-weather Race tyre specification.”

The Monaco-only regulation was introduced in 2025 to tackle the street circuit’s regulation for processional racing, where overtaking is notoriously difficult. However, instead of creating more wheel-to-wheel action, the rule created new problems when teams found ways to exploit it strategically.

During the 2025 Monaco race, several teams used tactics where one driver would deliberately slow down to hold up competitors while their teammate created space for an advantageous pit stop. The strategy worked, but it didn’t sit well with everyone involved.

Drivers call out ‘race manipulation’

The tactics drew sharp criticism from drivers. Williams driver Carlos Sainz, who was directly involved in the controversial strategies, didn’t mince words about what happened.

“It’s something I definitely didn’t enjoy doing,” Sainz said at the time according to The Race. “Something definitely the sport should look into. Ultimately you’re driving two or three seconds off the pace that the car can do. You are ultimately manipulating the race and manipulating the outcome a bit.”

Mercedes driver George Russell became so frustrated with the blocking tactics that he cut a chicane to overtake Alex Albon. He argued that the two-stop rule wasn’t the right solution.

“We definitely need to have a real think about what the solution is here in Monaco,” Russell said, as reported by ESPN. “I appreciate trying something this year for two stops, but clearly it did not work at all.”

However, the FIA has decided to keep the rule for 2026 despite the concerns raised. The regulation appeared in the latest version of the 2026 sporting regulations following an e-vote approval by the World Motor Sport Council.

Heavy penalties for rule breakers

The regulations include strict penalties for drivers who don’t follow Monaco’s special tyre requirements. Under normal circumstances, “failure to comply with these requirements will result in disqualification of the relevant driver from the Race results.”

The penalties are different if the race gets suspended and can’t be restarted. For Monaco specifically, “thirty seconds will be added to the elapsed time of any driver who did not, when required to do so, use at least two specifications of dry-weather tyre during the race, or who did not use at least three sets of tyres of any specification during the race.”

There’s an additional penalty in extreme cases: “Furthermore, an additional thirty seconds will be added to the elapsed time of any driver who used only one set of tyres of any specification during the race.”

This means drivers could face up to 60 seconds in time penalties for the worst non-compliance in a suspended Monaco race.

With the rule confirmed for 2026, Formula 1 and the teams now need to figure out how to prevent the strategic games that overshadowed the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix

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Main photo credit: Eleni Topalidou, Monaco Life

Unchained.Art brings cross-continental exhibition to Monaco this August

Artist Beata May will present her solo exhibition ‘Où est Vénus? – Where is Venus’ in Monaco this August, as part of an ambitious cross-continental art showcase by Unchained.Art,

The two-week pop-up runs from 9th to 22nd August, curated by Christina Hiltscher. The exhibition represents Unchained.Art’s vision of “showing art across borders and supporting emerging and experienced artists cross-continentally.”

The first week showcases May’s solo exhibition, described as “a powerful solo exhibition exploring myth and identity through her latest works.” The Polish artist’s piece ‘Icon III’, is created by acrylic mixed media on a 31.5-inch circular canvas.

May’s central question – Where is Venus? – forms conceptual foundation for the entire exhibition.

International artists respond

The second week expands the conversation as six additional Unchained.Art artists respond to May’s question. The group includes Ditte Sørensen, Juliette Lepage Boisdron, Raeanne Schachter, Larry Goode, Jeff Bush, and Magnus, representing artists from Austin, Canada, and Europe.

According to the organisers, “through their collective yet distinct voices, they reflect on identity, transformation, mythology, and the role of women in society” in what is described as “a cross-border dialogue showcasing bold perspectives and bridging artistic communities.”

Unchained.Art states they are “bringing our vision of showing art across borders and supporting emerging and experiences artists cross-continentally to life this Summer,” with the exhibition particularly aimed at Europe travellers.

The exhibition runs 9th to 22nd August at Espace 22 in Monaco.

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Main photo credit: Unchained.Art.Gallery

 

Lifesaving heart surgery brings hope to children from Burundi and Madagascar

Two young children have received critical cardiac surgery at the Centre Cardio-Thoracique de Monaco, thanks to the Monaco Collectif Humanitaire (MCH) and its partner associations.

Mia, a two-year-old from Burundi, and Fayah, aged nine from Madagascar, were treated at the Centre Cardio-Thoracique de Monaco. Their operations were made possible through the support of partner organisations Children & Future, Monaco Aide et Présence, AMADE, and Amitié Sans Frontières Internationale.

Since 2008, more than 630 children with heart conditions have been treated through the Monaco Collectif Humanitaire. The needs remain significant, particularly for countries that do not yet have adequate infrastructure for treating complex cardiac conditions.

2 year old Mia, photo credit: Direction de la Communication / Manuel Vitali

A network of care

The Monaco Collectif Humanitaire was formed when several Monegasque associations involved in international solidarity joined forces to mark the 50th birthday of Prince Albert II. The collective aims to offer treatment in Monaco to children whose heart disorders are inoperable in their countries of origin, with treatment also available for certain orthopaedic disorders.

The treatment process begins when a doctor from the country of origin identifies a child whose heart or orthopaedic disease cannot be treated locally and sends the medical file to MCH. Once approved, MCH arranges travel with Aviation sans Frontières (ASF) providing air transport with an escort.

Upon arrival at Nice airport, children are welcomed by host families who provide care throughout their stay. Depending on the condition, children stay at the health centre between five and 10 days, or longer, and afterwards spend their recovery time with their host family.

Since 2019, MCH has expanded its operations through partnership with the Chaîne de l’Espoir, developing programmes in four countries to operate on children locally when possible. Operations are now funded in Mali, Madagascar, Senegal and Burkina Faso.

More than 515 children have received treatment since the project began: 435 in Monaco and France, 26 in Mali, 42 in Madagascar, 5 in Senegal, and 7 in Burkina Faso.

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Main photo credit: Direction de la Communication / Manuel Vitali

 

No Finish Line 2024 raises record €319,000 for children’s projects

Monaco’s 25th edition of No Finish Line, which took place last November, raised a record-breaking total of €319,005 for children’s causes worldwide. The traditional cheque presentation ceremony took place earlier this week, honouring the main recipient associations.

The nine-day charity event, held from 16th to 24th November at Port Hercule, saw nearly 14,000 participants cover together 319,005 kilometres. Prince Albert II was among those who took to the track, supporting the unique format where every kilometre run translates into one euro for charity.

Since launching in 1999 to celebrate International Children’s Rights Day, the event has raised €5.4 million through the participation of over 189,000 people who have covered together 5.1 million kilometres.

This year’s funds from the November event have been distributed through Children & Future to 26 projects across five regions: Monaco (€101,442), France (€102,498), Europe (€13,915), Africa (€34,648), and Asia (€37,500).

Supporting local and international causes

Among the key recipients in Monaco, the Monaco Collectif Humanitaire received €75,000 to fund paediatric cardiac operations. Save Us was awarded €13,584 to continue its fight against genetic diseases, particularly cystic fibrosis.

Monaco Collectif Humanitaire receiving their check. photo credit: Philippe Fitte

Children & Future funded the acquisition of a vein detector and double cot for the paediatric ward at Princess Grace Hospital Centre, while €9,212 was allocated to the Coeurs Vaillants et Âmes Vaillantes Association to enable children from modest families to participate in holiday camp activities.

In France, the Les Liens du Coeur association in Pessac will receive €30,000 to develop a playground at their future family welcome centre.

International projects include €20,000 towards constructing a nursery classroom in Laos and funding for a minibus in Vietnam to provide safe school transport for orphaned children.

The next edition of No Finish Line is scheduled for 16-24 November 2025.

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Main photo credit: Philippe Fitte