From 8 to 11 September 2027
Motor yachts are a major category of Monaco Classic Week, celebrating more than a century of innovation and shipbuilding expertise applied to recreational motor yachting. These vintage motor vessels embody the evolution of maritime technology, from the transition from steam to the first internal combustion engines, through to the sleek, high-performing designs of the 1960s.
Restored with care and rigour, historic steam yachts and vintage motor yachts bear witness to the splendour of maritime history and offer a unique glimpse of the timeless elegance and nautical luxury of past generations.
01
From steam to engine
The era of steam-powered pleasure yachting began around 1870. It gently faded from the 1910s onwards, but not before producing some of the most magnificent achievements in the history of naval architecture.
The arrival of the motor yacht gradually brought the age of steam to a close. Just before and after the First World War, the motor yacht introduced technical and aesthetic advances that steadily established it, without losing the refinement characteristic of classic yachting. These motor vessels represent an elegant transition between two eras of maritime innovation.
02
Milestones
Around 1870
The beginnings of steam-powered pleasure yachting.
The pioneering and interwar period marks the golden age of the classic motor yacht. The yachts from this period shown at Monaco Classic Week stand out for their slender lines and remarkable craftsmanship, with hulls of fine timber or steel.
These exceptional vessels bear the signatures of renowned yards such as G.L. Watson & Co, Camper & Nicholsons and De Vries Lentsch, world leaders in naval architecture. Each motor yacht of this era combines seaworthiness with elegant interiors, reflecting the luxury and sophistication of the period.
During the Second World War, the shipbuilding industry focused entirely on the war effort, halting yacht construction. After 1945, production of pleasure motor yachts was slow to resume, reflecting the hardships of the post-war years.
From the 1950s, a gradual revival began. For smaller yachts, the introduction of fibreglass revolutionised boatbuilding. This innovative material allowed lighter, stronger hulls, complemented by modernised designs that foreshadowed the aesthetics of the decades to come.
The 1960s saw motor yacht construction return in full force. The motor yacht of this era combined comfort, performance and style. Lines became sleeker under the influence of aviation and the motor car: slender silhouettes, open cockpits, bright and spacious interiors.
In the Netherlands, the Royal Van Lent and De Vries yards became benchmarks, producing motor yachts of up to forty metres. In Italy, Baglietto and Benetti stood as undisputed references, creating iconic designs perfectly suited to Mediterranean cruising.
This era marked the turning point towards the modern motor yacht, balancing performance, luxury and respect for classic heritage.
Beyond the classic historic periods, the story of the motor yacht continues to the present day, which is seeing the first experiments with hybrid propulsion. These innovations open up radically new prospects for the future of motor yachting, combining performance with environmental responsibility.
03
In the marina
Notable motor yachts that have taken part in the event and berthed in the marina include Pacha III, Delphine, Istros and Thelas. These motor vessels stand out for their refined design and impressive performance.
With her graceful lines and luxurious interior, she embodies the elegance and opulence of classic motor yachting.
Renowned for her historical significance and sumptuous features, she continues to captivate with her majestic presence.
She stands out for her timeless style and technical excellence.
She is celebrated for her clean design and superior performance.
Vintage motor yachts are iconic witnesses to a bygone era, embodying maritime elegance and luxury. At Monaco Classic Week, an eclectic collection of these yachts is showcased, each with its own unique story. Selected for their authenticity, meticulous restoration and exceptional state of preservation, they parade majestically across the Bay of Monaco in spectacular nautical parades.
04
At Monaco Classic Week
The motor yachts taking part in Monaco Classic Week parade majestically across the Bay of Monaco in spectacular nautical parades. These parades highlight the performance and timeless design of each vessel, offering a true journey back in time through the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean.
