Founded in 1953 by Prince Rainier III, Yacht Club de Monaco has become a prominent facility in the principality. It boasts approximately 2,500 members who range from yacht owners to sailing enthusiasts, not to mention people who simply share a passion for history and the sea.
History and Purpose
Monaco’s history with sailing dates back to 1862, when Prince Albert I founded the Société des Régates in 1888. The goal was to promote and develop nautical sports like sailing and rowing. The YCM was created to keep that tradition alive, and hosts many international events like the International Snipe Tournament, the Mediterranean Star Class Championship, and the Primo Cup.
Since 1984, the club has been presided by Prince Albert II. In 1995, the YCM acquired Tuiga, a 1909 yacht designed by William Fife, and made it its flagship. In June 2014, a new clubhouse was officially opened at Port Hercule. It was designed by architect Norman Foster and had its interiors made by designer Jacques Grange.
Sporting and Training Activities
Yacht Club de Monaco has a sports section that was founded in 1970. It provides year-round sailing courses for both children (from age 6) and adults. Training ranges from beginner-level classes to advanced monotype racing using boats like Laser, J/70, and SB20. The program is led by a group of seven instructors and coaches, all fully certified.
As a collaboration with the national education system, the “School of the Sea” introduces over 2,000 Monegasque students to sailing every year. The course’s curriculum emphasizes self-reliance, physical skills, teamwork, and environmental awareness.
Regattas and Fleet
Year after year, Yacht Club de Monaco hosts high-profile regattas including the Prince Albert II Cup, the Offshore Grand Prix, and the International Yacht Club Challenge. They are always held in partnership with the Manhattan Yacht Club and feature J/24 class racing. The club’s training fleet includes 20 Optimists, 20 Laser Picos, 19 J/70s, and 4 SB20s.
Governance
Nowadays, Prince Albert II serves as president of the club. He is supported by vice-presidents Pierre Casiraghi and Andrea Casiraghi. Bernard d’Alessandri, in turn, holds the position of Secretary General and Managing Director.
Historical background
Since its founding, the Yacht Club de Monaco has evolved into a key institution that promotes maritime culture and sports. Over time, the club has launched initiatives such as establishing a sailing school in 1957, creating a sports section in 1970, and developing flagship events such as the Grand Prix Offshore, the Primo Cup, and the Monaco Classic Week.
It has also nurtured international racing achievements and hosted or co-organized regattas involving world-renowned skippers and sailing legends.
The YCM entered the 21st century introducing sustainability-focused competitions like the Solar-One Regatta, which supports young athletes through the Monaco Sport Academy. It has also engaged globally through “La Belle Classe” initiatives and international partnerships.