As summer sun continues to shine on European hotspots in the Med, super yachts of all shapes and sizes have descended on Monaco, using the prestigious Yacht Club de Monaco as their base. Baroque Yachts takes a look
Super yacht owners from all over the world moor their fine vessels at the famous Yacht Club de Monaco every year – and this summer is no exception. Monaco is, after all, a key yachting destination, and whether they visit the Principality to enjoy an important event, like the Monaco Grand Prix, or use this jet set destination as their base from which to explore further afield in the Med, those who can afford to own or charter a luxury yacht pass through Monaco every summer.
Many of the world’s most prestigious luxury yachts moor here permanently, whilst others visit during the warmer months. But at any time of the year you’ll find at least 25% of the world’s largest super yachts moored at this architecturally beautiful establishment, which was designed by Norman Foster in 2014 to resemble a boat. This beautiful structure is the perfect location from which to enjoy a drink as the sun sets over the harbour on a warm summer’s evening.
The Monaco Yacht Club, as it is called in English, offers numerous facilities including a burgeoning sports section where members can learn how to sail. This part of the Yacht Club was founded by Prince Rainer III in 1970; it offers sailing lessons for experienced sailors and amateurs from the age of six. The lessons, coaching and training sessions are held year-round by highly experienced instructors.
The Yacht Club de Monaco also plays a pivotal role in the life of Monaco’s main port, Monte Carlo, making it the center of maritime activities for the Principality and for all those who visit there. Throughout the year there are numerous sporting and social events in Port Hercule. The next one on the agenda is coming up in September 2017.
This is Monaco Classic Week – La Belle Classe, held from 13 to 17 September this year, a bi-annual event when the harbour is filled with a variety of historical boats, from small recreational craft to luxury vessels. Visitors come to see classic sailing yachts of the past, as well as dinghies, motorboats, and motor-yachts from different eras. They stroll through the southern part of the quay of the Yacht Club de Monaco, learning about Monaco’s proud maritime heritage and the many vessels that have sailed here, all meticulously restored to their former glory.