3 Aug
Monaco Classic Week – La Belle Classe from september 13th to September 17th 2017
Monaco, 3rd August 2017. One of the largest gatherings of classic boats, Monaco Classic Week – La Belle Classe, starts W
In the image of the first powerboat meetings initiated in 1904 and international competitions launched by Prince Rainier III to the YCM’s founding in 1953, owners of classic sailing and motor yachts, and those passionate about motor-boats go out of their way to meet in the Principality. It is a major event, as evidenced by the thousand sailors who attended the previous edition.
Journey back in time unique of its kind
Once again, an exceptional collection of sailing and motor yachts will be moored in the YCM Marina, including over 60 classic sailing boats, period motor-yachts and 40 vintage motor-boats.
As in 2015, when there were nearly 50, the classic single and double-hander 12’ Dinghy class, an Olympic series for the first time in 1920, will be brightening up the race area. They will be on parade alongside many of the world’s most beautiful boats, including the four surviving 15 Metre International Rating class still sailing: Hispania, Mariska, The Lady Anne and the YCM’s flagship Tuiga.
A festival at sea and ashore
Classic yacht races, regularity trials and speed contests combine with a Chefs Competition, Elegance Parades, and a host of other activities organised around the YCM’s Clubhouse. A loyal public regularly turn out for this meeting, keen to see what the Monaco Classic Week village has to offer and meet exhibitors. For this edition, they will be strolling down Quai Hirondelle and Quai Louis II where a display of large photographs from the Palace archives retraces the history of Monaco’s harbour in L’Évolution du Port de Monaco (1830-2003).
Creole celebrates 90 years
Considered by many as Charles Nicholson’s masterpiece, this three-mast schooner was built in 1927. Bought by Maurizio Gucci in 1983, she required six years to restore, starting in the Italian Beconcini shipyard then Lürssen. It was completed in the Astilleros yard in Mallorca. After an absence of 20 years, the yacht started competing again and won the 2013 Monaco Classic Week Trophy. The prize recognises the best restoration that has remained faithful to its original plans, combined with elegant lines, respect for naval etiquette, crew presentation and fair-play. This year Creole celebrates her 90th anniversary and will be sailing alongside Sylvia. Two years older, the ketch is the second largest boat that Charles Nicholson designed after Creole, and is coming to Monaco for the first time. Another newcomer is the 50m three-mast Trinakaria, launched 1927 as a Bulgarian training school yacht, whose current owner converted her into an offshore cruiser.
Provisional programme (subject to change)
Wednesday 13th September
9.00am Arrival & Registration
Start of technical inspections by the La Belle Classe Restoration jury
12 noon 15M IR races start
Classic boat races (starts organised by rig type - Big Boats, Vintage Gaff, Vintage Marconi and Classics – CIM rating)
6.30pm Members Cocktail ‘A la Rencontre de la Monaco Classic Week’ (by invitation)
Thursday 14th September
9.00am Technical inspections by the La Belle Classe Restoration jury
9.00am-10.00am Chefs Competition (distribution of ingredients)
11.00am 15M IR and other classic boat races (starts organised by rig type - Big Boats, Vintage Gaff, Vintage Marconi and Classics – CIM rating)
5.00pm-7.00pm Chefs Competition: presentation of dishes on the quays with Moët Hennessy
8.00pm Crew Party (by invitation)
Friday 15th September
11.00am 15M IR and other classic boat races (starts organised by rig type - Big Boats, Vintage Gaff, Vintage Marconi and Classics – CIM rating)
11.00am 12’ Dinghy class races
8.00pm ‘La Belle Classe’ evening (by invitation)
Saturday 16th September: Belle Époque Day
11.00am 15M IR and other classic boat races (starts organised by rig type - Big Boats, Vintage Gaff, Vintage Marconi and Classics – CIM rating)
11.00am 12’ Dinghy class races
2.30pm-3.30pm Vintage rowing skiff race (in collaboration with Société Nautique de Monaco)
3.00pm-4.30pm Exhibition of Powerboats
4.30pm-5.30pm Elegance Parade (sailing-yachts)
8.00pm Nuit du Yachting (by invitation)
Sunday 17th September
11.00am Prize-giving (by invitation)
Press contact: Yacht Club de Monaco
Tel: +377 93 10 64 09 – Email: [email protected]
Copyright-free photos and video footage available on request
Press boats available for accredited press and require prior reservation