Home Monaco Classic Week

10-13 SEPTEMBER 2025

Launched in 1994 to celebrate ten years of HSH Prince Albert II as President of the Yacht Club de Monaco and the 90th anniversary of the first international powerboat meetings (1904), the first Monaco Classic Week was such a success that it became a major biennial classic yacht event.

At sea

Races for classic sailing boats, dead reckoning for motor yachts, endurance and manoeuvrability tests for motorboats, all these contests bring back to life the atmosphere and spirit of nautical competitions in the early 20th century, when speed and innovation were at the heart of maritime gatherings.

On land

This competition assesses etiquette, style, and respect for good manners and solidarity at sea, in a festive, friendly and always fun spirit.

Organised in collaboration with Moët Hennessy and supervised by Simon Ganache (YCM Events Chef), this culinary competition invites crews to showcase their creativity by producing dishes on board their boat from a basket of organic ingredients.The results are judged on the quay by a panel of renowned chefs, including Philippe Joannès and Christian Garcia, giving participants and spectators alike an extra special gastronomic experience.

A bespoke nautical, cultural and social programme has been put together for owners and crews as well as the general public who are free to stroll along the quays to see what the Village of exhibitors has in store. They include painters, photographers, marine craftsmen, boatyards, sculptors and YCM’s Boutique.

As well as the races and motorboat events, the Monaco Classic Week Trophy, judged by a Jury presided by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, is awarded to the boat that combines the best score in the coveted La Belle Classe Prize and the Elegance Contest.

Participants

All the yachts of yesteryear still sailing continue to fascinate as reminders of a rich cultural heritage from a distant past, and the public enjoy watching them racing together. Also present are the tall ships which since the 700th Nautiques have called into the Principality for Monaco Classic Week. The public are invited to visit these beautiful ships which play a key role in training sailors, another example of YCM’s commitment to preserving and celebrating maritime heritage.

These motorboats from the 1950s, including the iconic Chris-Craft and Riva, add a historical and aesthetic dimension to the event, highlighting the elegance and innovation of classic motorboating.

Vintage motor yachts, with their classic lines and timeless luxury, represent the pinnacle of prestige yachting.

la belle classe tradition

The aim of this label is to unite owners around its values and to promote the highest quality of seamanship and maritime craftsmanship to pass on to future generations a priceless cultural heritage and certain Art de Vivre la Mer. Today, La Belle Classe Tradition brings together over 60 owners of the most prestigious classic yachts and leading figures from the yachting world. All have affirmed their attachment to the label’s values by signing the La Belle Classe Charter, a genuine moral commitment.