Whether in the harbour, ashore or at sea, the 80 boats expected for the 10th Monaco Classic Week-La Belle Classe on 14 to 18 September are living proof that our maritime heritage is alive and well, and bears testimony to the Principality’s commitment to the values surrounding it. This year the Yacht Club de Monaco, a virtuoso when it comes to regattas and parties, has attracted an exceptional group of sailing yachts, vintage motoryachts and steam yachts with, for the first time, a fleet of Chris Craft heritage-inspired motorboats alongside the traditional Rivas.
Monaco Classic Week- La Belle Classe - Image credit to T Ameller
1994 was the year when Monaco’s harbour hosted the inaugural motorboat meeting and another “landmark date in the history of yachting” when the Yacht Club de Monaco launched the Monaco Classic Week. This event commemorated the centenary of the first motorboat meeting and paid tribute to HSH Prince Albert II, then heir to the Monegasque throne, and his ten years as President of the Yacht Club. Its aim was also to demonstrate Monaco’s unwavering attachment to the sea. Unique of its kind, even then Monaco Classic Week had one over-riding objective: to unite the survivors of a golden age of yachting, large and small leisure crafts alike: motorboats, vintage steam yachts, motoryachts, and classic sailing yachts for at least a week in one harbour.
THE LINEUP
In total 80 vessels will be attending; a melange of motorboats, motoryachts and sailing boats, including newcomers from Chris Craft and Hacker Boats. Following the previous edition which celebrated one hundred years of the YCM’s flagship, Tuiga, this year will welcome around 50 of the world’s most prestigious boats to the Principality, this time to celebrate the centenary of the magnificent 38m gaff cutter Mariquita (1911).
A TRIBUTE TO THE 15 M IR
This year Hispania (1908) will be sailing in Monaco for the first time. Having recently undergone a restoration, this 15 M IR which belonged to King Alphonse XIII of Spain is the sister-ship to Tuiga and recalls how crowned heads used to regularly compete in Monaco and on the Riviera in the golden age of yachting. Having been separated for nearly a century, the surviving four 15 M IR boats still sailing, out of a series of 19 designed by the superb draughtsman William Fife, will be here in Monaco for what promises to be an incredible reunion.
Monaco Classic Week 2009 Bruno Cocozza/YCM.
THE PROGRAMME
The regularity and manoeuvrability trials as well as the other events will be very similar to those held in 1904; the crew who most elegantly apply and respect the codes of naval etiquette will be judged by a panel including princesses and artists; and the chefs competition will underline the importance of living and eating well on board.
The races which will be timed and winners awarded timepieces by the famous watchmaker Hublot will see gaff cutters, sloops, ketches, yawls and schooners compete off the coast of Monaco.
A spectacle is guaranteed as, for the first time, the Race Committee plans to alternate the starts according to rig type, not rating.
With all these activities there will be little respite for the owners, skippers, captains and crews, although it is obvious they come here to enjoy themselves and in doing so offer everyone a unique spectacle. Other highlights include the prestigious “La Belle Classe” evening and the “Nuit du Yachting” hosted at the Oceanographic Museum when the coveted “Personnalité de la Mer” prize is awarded.
A week of both tradition and yachting lifestyle, whilst strolling along the quay on the south side of Port Hercule you will step back in time, and marvel at the achievements of a bygone era which, through the patronage of a select few, have been given a new lease of life. At the foot of their passerelles will be around 15 vintage cars from the first Classic Lancia Torino to Monaco, a nod to this year’s centenary celebrations of the Monte-Carlo Rally.
Monaco Classic Week 2009 - Photo Stefano Gattini
PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME 2011 (may be subject to change – 1st September 2011)
Wednesday 14 September: Day dedicated to the future generations
2.00pm Sea outing for the Youth Section of the Sailing School (Mariquita, Tuiga…)
Thursday 15 September
10.30am-3.30pm Chefs Contest
1.00pm Classic Yachts Regatta (start by rig type)
2.30pm-4.00pm Poker Run (Chris Craft & Hacker Craft and vintage powerboats)
8.00pm Crew Party (by invitation)
Friday 16 September
8.30am Start of the Classic Lancia Torino to Monaco Rally (historic car rally)
10.30am-noon Dead reckoning navigation competition (motor-yacht)
1.00pm Classic Yachts Regatta (start by rig type)
3.00pm-4.30pm Maneuverability Trials (Chris Craft & Hacker Craft and vintage powerboats)
5.00pm Stop and Go of the Classic Lancia Torino to Monaco Rally at the Place du Casino
5.30pm-5.45pm Arrival of the Classic Lancia Torino to Monaco Rally on the Port
8.30pm “La Belle Classe” gala dinner (by invitation)
Saturday 17 September: Celebration of the 10th edition of the Monaco Classic Week
10.00am Sailing yachts Concours d’Elegance parade outside the port
1.00pm Classic Yachts Owners Regatta (start by rig type)
2.00pm-4.00pm Motoryachts and motorboats Concours d’Elegance parade
8.30pm Nuit du Yachting evening at the Monaco Oceanographic Museum (by invitation)
Sunday 18 September
11.00am Prize Giving (by invitation only)
2.00pm Start of the“Trophée Grimaldi – La Belle Classe” race to Cannes
