For the 17th Monaco Classic Week-La Belle Classe, Port Hercule was transformed into an open-air maritime museum from 11 to 14 September 2025. Over 150 historic boats travelled to the Principality, including 40 classic sailing yachts, half of which are over a hundred years old, a dozen historic motor yachts, 70 vintage motorboats - including a record number of 50 Rivas - and a 20-boat fleet of 12-foot dinghies. The event, which has been held every two years since 1994, is a regatta and a meeting of classic boat enthusiasts who preserve maritime heritage.
Record fleet from Rivas
In addition to these icons, this fleet comprised 70 vintage formats, including Chris Craft boats such as the Hippocampe V (1955), boats designed by Frantz Liuzzi such as the Rex II (1949) and models by Harry Gibbs such as the Lady Isabelle (1930) through to the Triton (1908) by P.J.S. Hampshire. Above all, however, Riva's fleet of 50 boats caused a sensation thanks to the Monaco Boat Service, an exclusive Riva dealer. It was the largest fleet ever assembled in Monaco. Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc was also impressed by the mahogany jewels. "This event is very important to us, we wouldn't want to miss it," says Lia Riva, daughter of Carlo Riva. Lipicar IV, the personal aquarama of the "Ingegnere di Sarnico" and named after his three daughters Lia, Pia and Carla, was honoured by the Riva Historical Society.
Elegance and etiquette in show driving
Part of the Monaco Classic Week-La Belle Classe is also the "Concours d'Élégance", a kind of beauty contest known as a gathering of classic automobiles. At the "Concours d'Élégance", yachts and their crews presented themselves to the judges positioned on the Quai Lucciana. They were judged on the beauty of their lines, the clothing of the crew and their adherence to maritime etiquette.
In addition to the classic sailing yachts, the historic motor yachts were also impressive. A dozen of these beauties were anchored in the harbour of the Yacht Club de Monaco, competing in the sheer elegance of their lines and design, such as the Moonyenn (1937) and the Blue Bird from 1938. Some have a fascinating history, such as the Kalizma (1906, 46 m), which once belonged to Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor - a reminder of why these majestic steel giants are also part of the great classic yachting fresco.
Culinary art on land
The art of hospitality took centre stage as ten crews competed in the chef competition, organised in collaboration with Moët Hennessy and celebrating the 20th anniversary of the partnership with the YCM. Sardines and figs from Piedmont formed the centrepiece of a basket of organic ingredients, which were refined by the chefs on the Oriole, the winner of this edition. Symbolising the passing on of skills to the next generation, 10-year-old Susanna prepared the boat's dessert, watched over by a jury chaired by Tom Meyer, Meilleur Ouvrier de France and Executive Chef at Chèvre d'Or (Èze), and overseen by Philippe Joannès, Meilleur Ouvrier de France 2000, and Simon Ganache, YCM Events Chef.
Results Monaco Classic Week
La Belle Classe Restoration - Monaco Marine:
- 1st Italica (1964)
La Belle Classe Canot automobile:
- 1. lipicar IV
- 2nd Lady Isabelle (1930)
Coup de cœur of the jury:
- 1st Tulli (1960)
- 2 Moonyeen (1937)
Elegance competition - BMW:
- Motor yacht: Blue Bird (1938)
- Vintage motorboat: Lady Isabelle (1930)
Manoeuvrability test:
- 1st Papagena 2 (1965)
- 2nd Albatross (1955)
- 3rd Riva Classiche (1968)
Photo rally - motorboats:
- 1st Aristote S. - Patrick Raffeneau - Dames et canots
- 2nd Canot Pucci I - Bruno Huber - Musée en vitesse
- 3rd Canot Cocoa - François Belle - La Dolce Vita
Riva price:
- 1. lipicar IV
Riva Classiche price:
- 1st Pasha - Aquarama 2nd series from 1969 No. 245 by Enzo Pellizzaro
- 2nd Mato - Ariston 2nd series from 1960 No. 317 by Gabriele Turchi
MBS Riva price:
- 1st La Grande Bellezza
