Classic Boats & Maritime History in Monaco

Monaco Classic Week - La Belle Classe, will host everything from the smallest steam launch to the stunning race yachts and motor-yachts, many decked out in exotic wood and collectable items, these are the epitome of luxurious floating residences.

As this year marks the 20th anniversary since the gaff cutter Tuiga arrived to take up her role as the Yacht Club’s flagship, the four International Rule 15M Class yachts, Mariska (1908), Hispania (1909), The Lady Anne (1912) and Tuiga (1909), skippered by Pierre Casiraghi and Bernard d’Alessandri will be the first on the water to race on Wednesday 9th September.

They will be greeted by some of the world’s finest yachts, including two three-masters: Creole (1927) and Croce del Sud (1923), the schooner Elena (replica of the 1911 original) and Lulworth (1920), the largest gaff rig cutter still sailing today.

From Thursday 10th to Saturday 12th, the rest of the fleet joins them in Hercules Bay. In total around 50 classic sailing yachts will be racing alongside 30-plus entrants from the 12’ Dinghy Class, while period motor-yachts and vintage powerboats, including at least a dozen Rivas take part in manoeuvrability trials.

Note that fans of Riva and their varnished mahogany hulls can admire two masterpieces by the ‘Ingeniere di Sarnico’ from the quay: Carlo Riva’s personal Aquarama, Lipicar IV (a contraction of his daughters’ names – Lia, Pia and Carla) and Via, the Tritone that belonged to Prince Rainier III.

For those who are interested in yachting sailing and yachting history this is magnificent event that should not be missed!