Spread the love

Post Views: 21

Presided since 1984 by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, this private club continues to honour its public service remit by organising world-class events to promote the destination.

January kicks off a busy events programme for 2023 as the Yacht Club de Monaco celebrates 70 years since Prince Rainier III set it up. The agenda fits within its ‘Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting’ approach, initiated by YCM to position the Principality as a centre of excellence in this sector.

The format is unusual for an Optimist regatta, a match race like a duel on the water between teams of four instead of a fleet race of individuals. The best J/70 teams, who have established their training base in the Principality, will meet again this month for Act III of the 10th Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series of monthly regattas, which has become a fixture on the calendar for international teams.

In the run-up to the contest to hone their race techniques, teams are already on-site to participate in an International Clinic (9-11 January 2023) supervised by Chris Atkins.

On January 11th, 64 under-14 sailors representing 16 nations gather to dispute a unique race. The result is 120 races in the knock-out rounds leading up to the finals and requiring finely tuned skills, tactics and teamwork. The Spotlight will then be on one design, with the 10th Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series (2-5 February) and the 39th Primo Cup-Trophée Credit Suisse (2-5 March).

The season begins with the 13th Monaco Optimist Team Race. Races are set to be tight for the fleet, currently led by YCM’s Ludovico Fassitelli on Junda, followed by Graeme Peterson (Moonlight II) and Stefano Roberti (Piccinina), also from YCM.

This highlight precedes the 27th Captains’ Forum, which brings together owners, captains and superyacht industry leaders. This time’s theme will be ‘Superyacht Commitment: Management, Leadership & Mentoring’. Organised under the presidency of HSH Prince Albert II since 2019, it has recognised owners who stand out for their commitments to protecting the marine environment, be it in the design of their yacht or its navigation.

On Thursday, 23rd March, at the YCM, there will be four events, starting with the 12th Environmental Symposium dedicated to the 10th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge on the theme ‘Encouraging the Future for a more Sustainable Yachting’.

Moving on to March, during the Monaco Ocean Week (20-26), organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Monaco Oceanographic Institute and the Scientific Centre of Monaco, YCM will be responsible for the yachting component of this week focused on protecting the oceans.

After the success of the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous (next one at YCM, 24-25 September 2023), M3 (Monaco Marina Management) is launching the first Monaco Smart Yacht Rendezvous. This networking event continues on Friday, 24th March culminating in the Smart Innovative Yacht Awards. Thursday, 23rd March, concludes with the 3rd YCM Explorer Awards by La Belle Classe Superyachts.

To illustrate it and put the spotlight on gourmet cuisine at sea as another facet of yachting professions, the YCM will organise on 30th March the 4th edition of the Superyacht Chef competition, with an international jury chaired by the two-time three Michelin star chef Yannick Alléno.

For the public, it’s an opportunity to see some of the world’s most prestigious classic sailing yachts, period motor yachts and vintage motorboats that create such a spectacle in the YCM Marina. This unique biennial offers a journey through time, synonymous with the celebrated Art de Vivre le Mer lifestyle at sea.

For the last ten years, this event has brought young engineers from technical colleges and universities worldwide into contact with yachting industry players. This edition also celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of Prince Rainier III, who founded YCM in 1953 and was passionate about the sea and boats. As a Club that’s very attached to its sailing heritage, YCM will be organising the 16th Monaco Classic Week –La Belle Classe (13-16th September).

Helping build tomorrow’s future is an essential priority for YCM, an ambition it pursues through the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge for alternative energy sources.

L’Art de Vivre la Mer is the motto of the Yacht Club de Monaco. In July, the 10th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge will take place (3-8 July).