From Rainier I (raised to the rank of Admiral of France in 1304), through Prince Honoré II (owner of four ships for the King of France), Prince Albert I (the oceanographer prince), Prince Rainier III (a great yachting enthusiast and founder of the Yacht Club de Monaco) and Prince Albert II, President of the YCM since 1984, the passion and practice of yachting has been perpetuated within the princely dynasty.

The first regattas were organized in the Principality as early as 1862, and in 1888 Prince Albert I founded the Société des Régates with twelve Monegasque members to organize races and "promote, encourage and develop the water sports of sailing and rowing". Monaco became one of the most popular winter resorts for the world's rich and famous, who ensured the success of the sport.

In 1953, Prince Rainier III founded the Yacht Club de Monaco, an offshoot of the Société des Régates, which organizes numerous annual international events: "Tournoi International de Snipes", "Trophée Losange d'Or", "Championnat International de la Méditerranée de Star Class", "Meetings motonautiques Internationaux de Monaco", "Big Game Fishing".

In 1984, Hereditary Prince Albert was appointed President of the Club by his father. In 1995, the Yacht Club de Monaco acquired and refurbished Tuiga, a 28-meter schooner built in 1909 in Scotland, which became its flagship yacht.

Since 1994, the Club has organized the biennial "Monaco Classic Week" to welcome and race vintage racing yachts.