14th MONACO CLASSIC WEEK “LA BELLE CLASSE”
by Romano Lupi with Ilaria Salerno
MONACO. From 11-15 September 2019, the Yacht Club de Monaco is organizing the 14th Monaco Classic Week – La Belle Classe. This event was the first in the world to showcase both sailing and motor boats from the past, and is testimony to the Yacht Club’s unwavering commitment to maritime heritage.
Launched in 1994 and recalling the first powerboat meetings of 1904, this biennial event stands out in that it brings together in one harbour the full spectrum of boats of yesteryear, from the small recreational craft to the luxury units: classic yachts, period motor-yachts and vintage motorboats, to which must be added the 12’ Dinghy class fleet that has lit up the bay for the last four editions. Between tradition and the art de vivre la mer lifestyle, this is a week for strolling along the southern quay of the YCM Marina to admire these dames from another era, all restored to their youthful prime by their owners.
This year, Monaco Classic Week pays tribute to the USA, a nation so dear to the heart of the Club’s President, HSH Prince Albert . YMC has chosen an American theme to pay tribute and showcase American-built yachts and their designers. The Yacht Club de Monaco is more than honoured to welcome America’s Cup legend and outstanding sailor Dennis Connor as President of the Grand Jury for the 14th Monaco Classic Week.
It all kicks off on 11th September with a rendition of America’s most famous Sousa march, ‘Stars & Stripes Forever’, performed by France’s naval military band, Musique des Equipages de la Flotte. A spectacular way to launch the Yacht Club de Monaco’s biennial flagship event, which sees American yachting heritage take centre stage. The Yacht Club de Monaco plays a dynamic leading role in the life of Monaco’s main port, according to its statutes and mission which are for the Club to serve as “a link between those who love the sea and the interests of tourism and promoting the Principality”. All year round the YCM hosts a wide range of sporting and social events in Port Hercule. Among new elements for this 2019 edition is the presence of the International Metre Classes. Dating back to when this rating was first developed in 1906, these boats have won numerous Olympic medals and countless international regattas. Also at the party will be some of the most beautiful boats by naval architects from the early America’s Cup races, like Nathanael Herreshoff, John G. Alden to whom we are indebted for legendary schooners like Puritan (1930), A.A. Chesebrough who designed Invader (1905), and the three-mast schooner Atlantic 2010 (replica of the original from 1903) which set a record time for the Atlantic ocean crossing in 1905.
Around a dozen schooners will gather in Monaco, among them Elena of London 2009 (1910 replica) and Orianda (1937), all members of the International Schooner Association for whom Monaco Classic Week is the second stage on their 2019 circuit. Sparkman & Stephens designs will also be there, gems like Manitou (1937), chosen by J.F. Kennedy to be his presidential yacht, Skylark (1937), Comet (1946) and Argyll (1948). As for the 12’ Dinghy, ever since their first appearance in 2013, the fleet of these delightful 3.6m Stradivarius gems, with their mahogany hulls flitting across the water like dragonflies, continues to expand. Designed by Georges Cockshott, these dinghies for single or double-handers achieved status as an international class in 1914 and became an Olympic series for the first time in 1920.
Among newcomers this year to Monaco Classic Week is Atlantic, the famous NYYC schooner which in 1905 set the record for an Atlantic crossing of 12 days 4 hours 1 minute 19 seconds.Rebuilt at the instigation of Ed Kastelein, an expert in recreating famous sailing yachts, the 66m (LOA) Atlantic is an identical replica of the three mast schooner that Charlie Barr, the Scottish born naturalized American professional sailor, commissioned for the Kaiser’s Cup in May 1905. Designed by William Gardner, the boat was built by Townsend & Downey (New York) and launched 28th July 1903. It was during a race initiated by William II, Emperor of Germany that the Atlantic crossing reference time was set between Sandy Hook and Cape Lizard. Charlie Barr and his 50-strong crew never relaxed for a second, even establishing a record for the longest distance covered under sail of 341 miles in 24 hours on 24th May 1905. It was not until 1st August 1980 that Eric Tabarly improved on that time on this 2,925 mile course. It’s aboard one of the most exceptional sailboats of tradition that HIEVENTS offers you the possibility to participate in the regattas of the Monaco Classic week, probably one of the biggest international nautical events.
HiEvents takes care of the exclusive commercialisation of this mythical sailboat which is registered in the most important regattas like the Monaco Classic week from 11 to 15 of September 2019. We propose you to board in order to participate in regattas as a crew member! And who knows maybe you’ll take the first place… HiEvents assures you exceptional moments that will certainly remain in your memory forever. Your legendary sailboat was built in 1930 in Denmark by one of the most renowned shipyards on the planet. Its designers hoped it swift and luxurious. That’s why its hull is slender, its deck is in teck and fittings are in mahogany. It transported on all the seas of the globe many kings and queens as well as numerous personalities. With its spacious cabins, 1200 m2 sail, 32-meter-high main mast and 39-meter-long deck, sailing on this schooner is a real pleasure at any time. In dry dock for 2 years, it was completely renovated by the best craftsmen with all the modern comfort. It is based in the Mediterranean Sea now and its sailing does not really go unnoticed.For individual or limited groups bookings, HiEvents makes available three beautiful sailing boats in order to follow the Regattas: “The Pointu Provençal» 12m long sailing boat with a capacity of 6 people during a sea cruise; “Ketch aurique» 11m long sailing boat with a capacity of 5 people during a sea cruise; «Goélette» 24m long sailing boat with a capacity of 12 people during a sea cruise.
YOUR VIP PACKAGE MONACO CLASSIC WEEK: Reservation of the sailboat for your exclusive use. Maximum capacity: 22 people each day. The captain and his crew will welcome you on board . Regatta’s program and rules, explanations about sails, safety and operation, bay testing. Everyone holds a position during regatta. Quality packed meal served on board during the regatta with drinks. Closing cocktail with champagne at the end of the regatta. Maritime and port permission, insurance and registration fees for the regatta. HiEvents Support. Option: We also take care of your complete stay on site: accommodation, transfers, party… RATE/DAY (VAT 20% include): 14400 €
BELLE CLASSE PROGRAMME: Friday 11 from 12am, departure of the 15 M JI Regatta; Saturday 12 from 11am, departure of the 15 M JI and Historical Sailing Boats Regattas Voiliers; Sunday 13 from 11am, departure of the 15 M JI Regatta, the Historical Sailing Boats Regatta, and the Dinghies 12’ Regatta; Monday14 from 12am, departure of the 15 M JI Regatta, the Historical Saliling Boats Regatta, the Dinghies 12’ Regatta, Old Yawls Regatta + Motorboats exhibition and Elegance Conquest on the Sea from 4.30pm; 8.00pm American Night (dress code: Great Gatsby, Thirties, by invitation) Sunday 15th Prize-giving (by invitation).
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.YCM members can follow all these events from the Clubhouse terraces, including the Regatta Deck (Deck 6) set up specially for the occasion, or stroll around the Monaco Classic Week Village and exhibitor stands – boatyards, classic yacht experts, marine painters, sculptors and photographers – which will also be open to the public (Quai Louis II and Quai de l’Hirondelle).
