Monaco Classic Week enthusiastically attracts enthusiasts and collectors from around the world. Each edition of this prestigious event brings together more than 100 classic sailing and motor yachts in the Principality of Monaco. This exceptional gathering of historic vessels creates a unique atmosphere where global maritime heritage comes together to celebrate nautical excellence, tradition and innovation.
Monaco Classic Week brings together a remarkable diversity of classic boats, organised into four main categories celebrating different aspects of historic yachting.
Traditional sailing yachts form the flagship category of the event. These sailing vessels compete in spectacular regattas specially organised by the race committee, allowing crews to sail in accordance with the authentic traditions of classic yachting.
Among the iconic vessels that have taken part in previous editions are legendary classic yachts such as Creole (1926), Mariska (1908), Tuiga (1909), Mariette of 1915, Partridge (1885), Oriole (1905), as well as many other prestigious sailing yachts dating from the early 20th century and beyond.
Regattas for traditional sailing yachts include dead reckoning navigation events, reviving the authentic methods used by sailors in centuries past. This traditional approach creates an immersive nautical experience where ancestral maritime skill and expertise take precedence over modern technology.
All these races help recreate the atmosphere and spirit of the early 20th-century sailing competitions, a time when speed and innovation were at the heart of major maritime gatherings around the world. In doing so, the crews uphold the traditions of sporting competition and excellence established by their predecessors more than a century ago.
All these races help recreate the atmosphere and spirit of the early 20th-century sailing competitions, a time when speed and innovation were at the heart of major maritime gatherings around the world. In doing so, the crews uphold the traditions of sporting competition and excellence established by their predecessors more than a century ago.
Motor yachts take part in the Concours d’Élégance, which celebrates etiquette, style, and the art of good manners and conduct at sea. Held in a highly festive spirit, this competition honours the timeless values of classic yachting: prestige, refinement, and dignity at sea.
Classic motorboats form an exceptional category at Monaco Classic Week, with a regular presence of more than 70 vessels, including an impressive fleet of Rivas in partnership with Monaco Boat Service.
Motorboats, particularly the iconic mahogany models, embody an unmatched combination of elegance and performance that reflects the golden age of yachting. Often dating back to the 1950s and meticulously restored, these craft represent the very essence of maritime luxury and the technical innovation of their era.
Classic motorboats take part in endurance and maneuverability challenges, recreating the atmosphere of historic nautical competitions where technical mastery and mechanical performance took centre stage.
Classic 12’ Dinghies regularly take part in Monaco Classic Week, bringing a distinctive touch of charm and tradition to the event.
Classic dinghies bring a distinctive touch of charm and tradition to Monaco Classic Week. These small sailing boats, often made of wood, are admired for their maneuverability and timeless elegance. Designed for coastal sailing and friendly regattas, dinghies offer a captivating spectacle on the water, where sailors’ skill takes centre stage.
Each Dinghy 12’ participation showcases the expertise and passion of classic sailors dedicated to preserving nautical heritage. These legendary small sailing boats continue to inspire modern generations through their timeless excellence.
Participating vessels at Monaco Classic Week come from the world’s greatest naval architects, reflecting the event’s international reach.
The traditional sailing yachts on display include masterpieces designed by some of the most renowned naval architects in history, including:
Nathanael G. Herreshoff (Oriole, Joyant, Corinthian, Mariette of 1915, Elena of London)
William Fife III (Mariska, Tuiga, Carron II, Hallowe’en, Rainbow III)
Charles Ernest Nicholson (Black Swan, Barbara, Creole, Suzette)
Sparkman & Stephens (Baruna of 1938, Manitou)
Alfred Mylne (Mariella, Tigris)
John G. Alden (Puritan)
…and many other masters of nautical design whose creations continue to define the legacy of classic yachting.
Motor yachts were built by prestigious historic shipyards:
Classic motorboats include iconic models from:
Riva – A regular fleet representing decades of motorboating prestige
Chris-Craft – Boats from the 1950s–1970s embodying American elegance.
The gathering of more than 100 classic vessels creates an incomparable atmosphere, bringing together maritime heritage from generations past in a single location. The waters of Monaco simultaneously host century-old sailing yachts, prestigious motor yachts, luxury motorboats, and traditional small sailing craft.
Monaco Classic Week is above all a celebration of maritime excellence, historic innovation, and timeless craftsmanship. It is an event where beauty, performance, and tradition sail side by side.