The sails have been lowered on the 17th Monaco Classic Week-La Belle Classe.
Launched in 1994, this biennial event has established itself as a unique gathering combining sport, heritage and the Art de Vivre la Mer lifestyle at sea, attended by numerous personalities including Charles Leclerc and Adriana Karembeu, all united by a shared passion for yachting. Over 150 boats lit up the Principality with 40 classic sailing yachts, half of which are over a hundred years old, a dozen period motor-yachts, 70 vintage powerboats, including a record number of 50 Rivas, and a fleet of 12’ Dinghy Class boats.
HSH Prince Albert II came to meet the crews and praise the owners enthusiasm to keep this sailing heritage alive. “It is not a traditional regatta as all boats are historic. They participate in the races but they also come together and have a great time together. These boats have stories to tell and I think we must continue to share this passion,” believes YCM General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri.
The Monaco Classic Week Trophy, its jury chaired again by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, awarded this coveted prize to the gaff schooner Mariette of 1915 as a perfect combination of quality restoration, elegance and the yachting spirit.
Classic sailing yachts: the crowning of Mariette of 1915
For anyone looking out over the bay, it was like stepping back in time as the classic sailing yacht fleet put on a show. Partridge (1885), celebrating her 140th anniversary, Viola (1908) with Marie Tabarly on board and Mariska (1908) proved age does not impact the performance of a hull designed for racing.
A highlight of this eclectic fleet was the gaff schooner Mariette of 1915, a masterpiece by the “Wizard of Bristol” Nathanaël G. Herreshoff. With her 807m² of sail area upwind and 39.78m hull, she won over the jury to be crowned winner of the Monaco Classic Week Trophy 2025.
The boat’s remarkable condition due to flawless maintenance; the owner’s loyalty over the last 20 years alongside the captain; the wealth of documentation devoted to the boat collected in a book; and willingness to regularly bring on and train sailors alongside permanent crew were all behind the decision to present Mariette of 1915 with this coveted award.
Among the winners were Olympian (1913) in the Vintage Gaff, Falcon (1930) in Vintage Marconi, One Wave (1948) in Marconi B, Mariska (1908) in the Big Boats, Argynne III (1955) of YCM in the Classic Marconi and Oliver in the Dinghy 12’ class. Results that confirm this eclectic fleet is as vibrant as ever, attracting international fans and delegations, like the Amaala Yacht Club on Black Swan (1899) and the Manhattan Yacht Club aboard Mariska (1908). “There is no event in the world like this one with its extraordinary spirit and camaraderie. The atmosphere here is truly exceptional,” says Michael Fortenbaugh, Commodore of the American club.
Period motor-yachts: glamour on parade
A dozen motor-yachts were moored in the YCM Marina, rivals in the sheer elegance of their lines and design, like Moonyenn (1937) and Blue Bird of 1938. Some have a fascinating history, like Kalizma (1906, 46m), once owned by Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, a reminder why these majestic steel giants also belong in the great classic yachting fresco.
Vintage powerboats: an exceptional fleet and record Riva turnout
Alongside these icons, 70 vintage powerboats comprised this fleet, from Chris-Craft boats like Hippocampe V (1955) to boats designed by Frantz Liuzzi such as Rex II (1949) and Harry Gibbs models like Lady Isabelle (1930) to P.J.S. Hampshire’s Triton (1908). But above all it was the 50-strong fleet of Rivas, thanks to Monaco Boat Service, Riva Exclusive Dealer, that caused a sensation, this being the largest fleet ever assembled in Monaco. Many spectators came to watch them including the FI driver Charles Leclerc, enchanted by these mahogany gems symbolising the Italian dolce vita.
“For us, this event is very important, we would not miss it”, says Lia Riva, daughter of Carlo Riva, the “Ingegnere di Sarnico”, who was presented with an award by the Riva Historical Society for Lipicar IV, Carlo Riva’s personal Aquarama named after his three daughters, Lia, Pia and Carla.
Art de Vivre la Mer: gastronomy and elegance
The spotlight shone on the art of hospitality as ten crews competed in the Chefs Competition organised with Moët Hennessy celebrating 20 years of partnership with YCM. Sardines and Piedmont figs were at the core of a basket of organic ingredients, enhanced by chefs on Oriole, winner of this edition.
A symbol of passing skills down the generations, Susanna, aged 10, prepared the boat’s dessert watched by a jury chaired by Tom Meyer, Meilleur Ouvrier de France and Executive Chef at the Chèvre d’Or (Èze), and supervised by Philippe Joannès, Meilleur Ouvrier de France 2000, and Simon Ganache, YCM Events Chef. Jury members included Adriana Karembeu, promoting excellence and glamour.
The Elegance Contest, held under the patronage of BMW, YCM Official Car, transformed Quai Lucciana into a floating podium of beautiful boats, as they were assessed for their lines and crew presentation by a jury chaired by Allegra Gucci, with Yacht Club de France President, Catherine Chabaud, Personnalité de la Mer at Monaco Classic Week 2015.
The result celebrated naval etiquette and style that makes Monaco Classic Week so unique. “For each boat, we judge the aesthetics, the crew of course, then what the French call the ‘coup de coeur’, that’s the emotion the boat inspires,” says Allegra Gucci.
The combined results of the La Belle Classe Restoration Prize, with a jury chaired by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, and the Elegance Contest determines the winner of Monaco Classic Week. “It is very important that we continue to show young people what was done in the past.
What we look to find out is what condition these boats are in, not only how they’ve been maintained over the years, but how they are maintained today. At the time when they were built they represented the pinnacle of technology for using wind to power boats,” explained Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.
On course for America in 2026
In 2026, Viola (1908) and YCM’s flagship the 15M IR Tuiga (1909) will be heading across the Atlantic for an exceptional campaign along the United States East Coast to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence on 4 July.
“It will be an ideal moment to celebrate the friendship between Monaco and the US as well as between the YCM and the Manhattan Yacht Club and all the other American clubs that we will visit in July and August,” explains Kostia Belkin, owner of Viola.
After a week dedicated to maritime heritage, Yacht Club de Monaco turns to the future with its Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous, 21-22 September, focusing on innovation and sustainability, followed by the La Belle Classe Explorer Awards under the chairmanship of Richard Wiese, President of the Explorer Club of New York. These recognise projects where yachts become tools for exploration and science and reflect YCM’s commitment to responsible yachting, illustrated by the SEA Index®, the first index to measure CO2 emissions of superyachts, certified by Lloyd’s Register.
