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Sailing ships dating from 1880 to 1970, restored in accordance with their original plans, which transform Port Hercule into a floating museum for a week.
A style competition, period costumes and the art of living by the sea: the rankings aren’t decided solely on the water.
Shipwrights, sailmakers, riggers and crews share a wealth of expertise that La Belle Classe is committed to keeping alive.
A group stage in which all the teams play each other, ensuring that each team plays as many matches as possible.
The classes compete on coastal courses off the coast of the Principality, under CIM handicap rules, following in the wake of Tuiga, the Y.C.M.’s flagship.
Elegance competitions, seamanship trials, the Chef Competition and La Belle Classe events set the pace for the days spent at berth.
The awards ceremony honours the winners in each class, as well as the heritage awards, including the restoration prize.
Launched in 1994, Monaco Classic Week is a biennial event dedicated to classic yachting. It remains one of the few events in the world to bring classic sailing yachts, period motor-yachts, vintage powerboats and the traditional Dinghy 12’ class together. The event showcases large and small yachts, traditional crafts and the ancestral skills of sailors from the past, while celebrating a certain ‘Art de Vivre la Mer’ lifestyle at sea.
Held every two years, Monaco Classic Week welcomes owners who are passionate about their boats to the YCM Marina. Every day they leave the quay to take part in events at sea that can be watched from Quai Luciana and the main harbour wall. During the day, the Village is open to the public which ensures there is plenty to see on the quays while the boats are on the water. The 19th edition will be in September 2027.
Monaco Classic Week brings together by invitation only a wide range of historic boats and their owners and crews. The event Village attracts many artisans, marine painters, photographers and artists who exhibit their skills for the public.
The event aims to celebrate living maritime heritage. It offers an opportunity to see details of restorations and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges of naval craftsmanship while promoting that certain ‘Art de Vivre la Mer’ lifestyle at sea.
As well as the races and other nautical events in Monaco’s bay, the public are welcome to stroll round the quays through the exhibitors Village in the day to see the painters, sculptors, photographers and craftsmen. Come the evening the atmosphere is very lively as owners and crews enjoy the festive yet elegant ambiance.
There are several highlights during the week.
The combined results of these two competitions determine the winner of the coveted Monaco Classic Week Trophy that rewards the boat’s restoration, elegance and “spirit of yachting”.
Depuis plus d’un siècle et demi, Monaco vit au rythme du yachting. Des premières régates de 1862 aux meetings de canots automobiles de 1904, les rêves les plus audacieux s’élançaient déjà sur ce plan d’eau. La
Principauté s’imposait alors comme un laboratoire à ciel ouvert, où excellence et innovation avançaient de concert. Sous l’impulsion de S.A.S. le Prince Albert II, le Yacht Club de Monaco perpétue cette mission : promouvoir le Yachting et transmettre cet héritage aux générations futures. C’est dans cet esprit qu’est née, en 1994, la Monaco Classic Week – La Belle Classe.
The public can watch the rallies and races from Quai Luciana, or stroll round the exhibitors Village in the heart of the YCM Marina. For those unable to attend, the results, photos and videos are broadcast daily on YCM’s official website and social networks.
For participants, Monaco Classic Week is a unique opportunity to showcase their boats, discover other outstanding restorations, share expertise and celebrate the same passion and commitment that goes into keeping traditional yachting alive. It is a platform for showcasing heritage, tradition and innovation in the classic boat world.
