Art de vivre nautique
Monaco Classic Week is not so much a race as it is a social gala for yachts with a history. It is a time when the craftsmanship of shipbuilders from past generations is showcased in all its glory, and each vessel stands as a testament to a bygone era, continuing to sail the seas while preserving its original appearance and spirit of the time.
The first Monaco Classic Week took place in 1994. The Monaco Yacht Club organized it to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Prince Albert II’s reign and the 90th anniversary of the first international motorboat races held off the coast of the principality in 1904. The success of the event led to its repetition in 1996 and 1997, coinciding with the 700th anniversary of the principality. Since then, Monaco Classic Week has been held every two years, featuring a select fleet of vintage yachts and boats along with their owners.
Unlike other classic regattas in the Mediterranean, this event showcases a wide range of vessels: sailing and motor yachts, mahogany boats from the 1950s and 1960s, and Olympic dinghies from the 1920s. The concept of Art de Vivre la Mer — the art of living by the sea (and also the art of living beautifully) — underpins the event and emphasizes the importance of preserving maritime heritage and craftsmanship traditions. The public has access to the vessels at the docks, as well as themed exhibitions and parties that fill the Week's program. Onshore, Monaco Classic Week brings together owners and crews in the spirit of the Monegasque tradition of savoir vivre, maintaining a lively connection between the sea, history, and people.
Fleet of Masterpieces
Around a hundred carefully selected vessels gather by invitation. The list of participants for the upcoming event includes more than 50 sailing yachts. Among them are the three-masted Creole (1927), owned by the Gucci family, Invader (1905), which once hosted Charlie Chaplin, as well as the two-masted schooners Zaca (1929), Puritan (1930), and Elena of London (2009), and the gaff-rigged tenders Viola (1908) and Partridge (1885). Also present is Manitou (1937) — a Bermudian tender on which, it is said, President Kennedy wrote his speeches. The 15-meter Tuiga (1909) has represented the colors of the Monaco Yacht Club for 30 years. These vessels — many of which we have written about — continue to participate in regattas, upholding the traditions and values of sailing.
Spectators will also be able to admire historic motor yachts, including the 46-meter Kalizma (1906), once owned by Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, as well as the 79-meter SS Delphine (1921). All these living monuments do not merely sail; they glide, hinting that everything in the past was much more elegant.
The small boat section will feature retro boats: Scolopendra (1903), Triton (1908), Lady Isabelle (1930), as well as iconic Riva models, including the 1962 Aquarama, which has become a symbol of the famous Italian shipyard. Races of vintage boats, especially Rivas, add a special character to the event.
The regatta on the Dinghy 12 — Olympic monotypes from 1920, designed by British designer George Cockshott — has a unique charm. These 3.6-meter sailboats combine accessibility and elegance, remaining popular to this day.
Wind, wood, and no electronics — just like in the good old days.
A Spectacle on Water and Land
The festival program is rich and diverse. Classic sailing and motor boats participate in spectacular races against the backdrop of the Bay of Monaco. Monaco Classic Week is not just about yachts; it’s also about style. During the "Elegance Parade," both the vessel and its crew are critically evaluated.
A separate competition allows chefs to showcase their culinary talents and professionalism. In 2023, the chef's prize was awarded to Amina Contin from the motor yacht Sally.
Evenings on land are filled with music, dancing until exhaustion, wine, and endless conversations about how challenging it is to procure genuine teak or order the right mast made of pine.
Occasionally, the organizers host costume parties, transforming the space around the pontoons into a scene filled with characters from past eras.
Trophies
Monaco Classic Week celebrates not only beauty but also contributions to the preservation of classic vessels. The main prize, the Belle Classe Restoration Prize, is awarded for the accuracy of restoration, use of original materials, and level of craftsmanship. In 2023, it was awarded to the yacht The Lady Anne, presented by none other than Sir Robin Knox-Johnston!
In addition to the main prize, awards for elegance are presented. In 2023, the winners in the motorboat category were Scolopendra (1903) and Ida (1913). The 130-foot gaff-rigged ketch Black Swan received the Coup de Coeur prize, while the 73-foot Thelas triumphed among motor yachts. These awards highlight the importance of preserving both the original appearance and the aesthetics of each vessel.
120 years after the first motorboat races, Monaco remains a magnet for marine enthusiasts from around the world. The docks of the yacht club transform into a unique museum where visitors can explore exhibits, interact with their owners, and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the past. It is a celebration for all who love classics, even if they themselves sail on a composite boat. The atmosphere of the Week is infused with salt, champagne, and good taste. Here, everyone becomes part of the maritime community, witnessing history come alive on the water.
