Vintage motor yachts, with their classic lines and timeless luxury, represent the pinnacle of prestigious yachting. These magnificent yachts, often carefully restored, are living witnesses of maritime history and offer a unique glimpse into life on board at a time when yachting was synonymous with great adventure and exploration.
Organized by the Yacht Club de Monaco, this celebration of classic motor yachts highlights their enduring charm and sophistication. Each yacht illustrates the craftsmanship and design of its era, showcasing the elegance and innovation that defined the golden age of yachting. The event offers an exceptional opportunity to admire these floating masterpieces and appreciate the rich heritage they embody.
Vintage motor yachts are iconic witnesses of a bygone era, embodying maritime elegance and luxury. At the Monaco Classic Week, an eclectic collection of these yachts is showcased, each telling a unique story. Selected for their authenticity, meticulous restoration, and exceptional condition, these yachts majestically parade during spectacular nautical parades in the bay of Monaco. These parades highlight the performance and timeless design of each ship, offering a true journey through time across the crystal-clear waters.
These yachts are distinguished by their graceful lines and remarkable craftsmanship, with hulls built in fine woods or riveted steel. Created by renowned shipyards such as G.L. Watson & Co., Camper & Nicholsons and De Vries Lentsch, they combine seaworthiness with refined interiors.
During the Second World War, the shipbuilding industry being focused on the military effort put a brake on yacht newbuilds. After 1945, production was slow to restart. The 1950s marked a turning point with the introduction of fibreglass for the smaller boats, allowing for lighter
The 1960s witnessed a rapid resurgence in yacht construction that combined comfort, performance and style. Hulls and superstructures became more refined under the influence of aeronautics and the automotive world, with sleek silhouettes, open cockpits and light-filled interiors. In the Netherlands, Royal Van Lent and De Vries built motor yachts up to 40m in length, while in Italy, Baglietto and Benetti established themselves as leading names, creating iconic models with a distinct Mediterranean flair.