Registration is now open for the XIVth edition of the Monaco Classic Week, the biennial international event for classic sailing and motor yachts in Monte Carlo, from September 11ththrough the 15th, 2019. On-line registration is underway and official entry yachts will be given free mooring in Monte Carlo for the entire week. This edition’s theme is the United States of America, commemorating yachts designed or built in the USA.
AMERICA AT THE FOURTEENTH MONACO CLASSIC WEEK
Since its beginning in 1994, the biennial Monaco Classic Week – La Belle Classe is one of the most important and popular events for classic yachts in the Mediterranean. Twenty five years after the first edition, for almost an entire week, the Principality of Monte Carlo will host the most beautiful yachts sailing today, designed by famous yacht designers (including John Alden and Olin Stephens), built by famous shipyards (including Herreshoff, Chris-Craft, Garwood and Hacker-Craft).
The 14thedition is dedicated to the United States of America, one of Prince Alberto II of Monaco’s favorite countries. A special “American Village” will commemorate the nautical heritage of the country that has made such an important contribution to the history and development of yachting around the world. 70 yachts are expected to compete in the racing, parades and elegance contests. Any yacht may ask to participate (on-line at www.ycm.org/mcw2019).
A special selection of yachts will be chosen for official invitation: those chosen will have entry fees waived and will be given free mooring for the duration of the event. Owners and crew will also be invited to participate in the shoreside activities on the docks and at the Yacht Club de Monaco.
TYPES OF YACHTS AND THE AMERICAN VILLAGE
The numerous classes represented at the Monaco Classic Week will also include yachts designed under the International (Meter) Rule. The fleet dates from the early 1900’s and vaunts participation in the Olympics and numerous international regattas. All four surviving 15 Meters will be present: the 1909 gaff cutter Tuiga, flying the Yacht Club de Monaco burgee, with a special evening celebrating 110 years from her launch; The Lady Annefrom 1912; Hispania, also from 1909, commissioned by then King of Spain Alfonso XIII; Mariskafrom 1908.
Several schooners belonging to the International Schooner Association will hold the second event of their 2019 circuit, among them Puritan, 1931, and Orianda, 1937. Numerous other fleets will also be present, including the 12’ Dinghy, designed by George Cockshott in 1913, wooden Rivas and Chris-Crafts from the USA.
Invitations will be extended to selected nautical associations to host stands inside the American Village; invitations will also go out to commercial enterprises involved in classic yachting.
