The history of Monaco Classic Week is closely tied to the exceptional maritime tradition of the Principality of Monaco, a tradition dating back more than a century and a half. Since its creation in 1994, Monaco Classic Week has established itself as the essential biennial event in global classic yachting, celebrating living nautical heritage and the timeless values of the art of living at sea.
In 1994, the Yacht Club de Monaco organized an unprecedented event dedicated to classic yachting. This special initiative marked two significant anniversaries: the 10th anniversary of Crown Prince Albert’s presidency and the 90th anniversary of the first international motorboat meetings held in Monaco in 1904.
The event was created at a time when classic yachting was experiencing a remarkable revival, with growing international interest in preserving and sailing historic vessels.
The success of this inaugural event exceeded expectations. It brought together a remarkable variety of classic boats: vintage motorboats, period motor yachts, and traditional sailing yachts, creating an incomparable nautical spectacle.
This initial success led to the event’s renewal in 1996, quickly establishing Monaco Classic Week as an essential gathering in classic yachting.
Since its creation, Monaco Classic Week has welcomed, by invitation, the finest vessels in traditional yachting and vintage motorboating. This selective approach ensures that each edition celebrates the most remarkable vessels of the world’s maritime heritage.
The event brings together, aboard these exceptional vessels, passionate owners committed to preserving and sailing these historic boats. Each participant contributes their own expertise, passion, and dedication to keeping nautical heritage alive.
Monaco’s maritime tradition dates back well before the creation of Monaco Classic Week. As early as 1862, Prince Charles III, eager to make Monaco a showcase for yachting and technological innovation, encouraged the organization of the first regattas in the Principality’s waters.
This princely vision laid the foundations for a tradition that would define Monaco’s maritime identity for generations to come.
The Société des Régates de Monaco was founded in 1888 through the initiative of a group of sailing and rowing enthusiasts. These visionary founders recognized the importance of structuring and organizing nautical competitions to attract international attention.
As early as 1889, the Société des Régates began hosting international regattas, transforming Monaco into a hub for sailors and maritime enthusiasts from around the world.
The Yachting section of the Société des Régates evolved into the Yacht Club de Monaco, officially founded in 1953. This institution gradually established Monaco as a world capital of classic yachting and maritime prestige.
Founded in 1953 by Prince Rainier and chaired since 1984 by H.S.H. Prince Albert II, the Yacht Club de Monaco now has 2,500 members across 82 countries, holding a prominent place in the global yachting community.
La Belle Classe Tradition is an initiative of the Yacht Club de Monaco, created to preserve and promote the craftsmanship and elegance of classic yachts. This label represents a deep commitment to safeguarding nautical heritage and passing on the timeless values of classic yachting.
The La Belle Classe Tradition label guarantees a high standard of quality in the following areas:
Restoration – Respect for authentic methods and original designs
Service – Excellence in upkeep and maintenance
Environmental Responsibility – Sustainable and responsible practices
La Belle Classe Tradition brings together passionate owners and yachting enthusiasts around a set of core values:
Respect — for heritage, traditions, and others
Courtesy — a hallmark of maritime etiquette
Solidarity — among members of the classic yachting community
The event was renewed in 1996, confirming its lasting future. In 1997, Monaco Classic Week took on an added dimension by celebrating the 700th anniversary of the Principality of Monaco, thereby intertwining the history of the event with that of the territory itself.
Since these early successes, Monaco Classic Week has become established as a biennial event, held every two years. This rhythm allows each edition to be a major celebration of maritime heritage, with meticulous preparation and a rigorous selection of participants.
