The Yacht Club de Monaco was founded by Prince Rainier III in 1953, and H.S.H. Prince Albert II has been the organisation's President since 1984. The Club is famously associated with the maritime 'art de vivre' and hosts prestigious events that ensure Monaco is at the centre of the sailing world throughout the year.
The 2023 season began in style for younger sailors, with 64 competitors aged under 14 from 16 nations arriving in January for the 13th Monaco Optimist Team
Race. The international elite then came together off the Principality for some 120 top level races!
This winter, one-design racing is dropping anchor in the Principality. The best J/70 crews (a class of regatta yachts, most of which adopted Monaco as their training base to prepare for major races) will be in the waters off the Principality from 2 to 5 February for the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series, ahead of the Primo Cup-Trophée Crédit Suisse from 2 to 5 March. That event, since its creation in 1985 by H.S.H. Prince Albert II, has established itself as the biggest European one-design elite meeting in the Mediterranean.
Following the course set by the Principality, the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) is also committed to sustainable development. Organised from 20 to 26 March by the Albert II Foundation in conjunction with the Oceanographic Museum and the Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco Ocean Week is an important fixture of the Monegasque calendar, a prominent event that aims to raise awareness about the conservation of marine ecosystems. The Yacht Club de Monaco will be contributing to the week's activities by hosting the 12th Environmental Symposium on the theme "Encouraging the future of more responsible yachting".
The future is a priority for the YCM, as reflected in the hosting of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, which is now into its 11th year. From 3 to 8 July, this meeting on the theme of alternative energy sources will bring together young engineers and stakeholders from the yachting industry. In its sights will be the first E-Boat Rally, which will offer the public a glimpse at the future of yachting.
The climax of a busy 2023 will be the famous Monaco Classic Week – La Belle
Classe. The charm of yachting will be calling at the Principality from 13 to 16 September, an opportunity to discover the most prestigious vintage sailboats, classic motor yachts. This year's 16th edition of the event will be particularly special, as Monaco marks the centenary of the birth of Prince Rainier III.
The varies and prestigious calendar is worthy of the YCM's "Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting" strategy, aimed at positioning the Principality as a leading centre of excellence in this sector!