The Yacht Club of Monaco: a prestigious club

The Yacht Club of Monaco is a world-renowned institution located on the French Riviera, in the heart of the Principality of Monaco. Founded in 1953 by Prince Rainier III, it now has more than 2,500 members from more than 81 countries. The club is best known for its commitment to sailing, its fleet of luxury yachts and its large-scale events.

An iconic building designed by Norman Foster

The architecture of the Yacht Club of Monaco is remarkable. Designed by British architect Norman Foster, it was inaugurated in 2014. The building, 22 meters high, 204 meters long, with 5,000 m² of interior space and 4,000 m² of terraces, is reminiscent of the transatlantic liners of the last century. It is located along the Quai Louis-II, at Port Hercule, and offers breathtaking views of the sea and the Rocher of Monaco. The building was built in compliance with HQE (high environmental quality) standards, limiting the environmental impact during construction and throughout the life of the structure. It is home to two of the Principality's most prestigious institutions: the Nautical Society and the Yacht Club of Monaco.

Elegant interior design

The interior of the Yacht Club of Monaco is just as remarkable as its exterior architecture. The interior spaces were decorated by renowned French decorator Jacques Grange. The club's rooms and terraces look like ship's decks, all made of European oak by local carpenters. The warm tones of wood are found in the interior spaces, creating an atmosphere of both tradition and modernity. The most prestigious areas of the club house – lounges, private areas and guest rooms – are furnished by Fendi Casa. The palette is made of soft pastels and shades of nature, from leather to sand to ivory.

A fleet of luxury yachts

A quarter of the world's 100 largest yachts fly the club's banner, which shows its prestige and fame. The club hosts large-scale sailing events, such as the Rolex Cup, the Monaco Classic Week (a unique gathering in the world of classic sailing and motor yachts, motor boats and 12' dinghies) and the Monaco Yacht Show, an annual international show dedicated to yachting that is held every year at the end of September in the enclosure of the Port Hercule of Monaco. The event, established in 1991, features an exhibition of exceptional yachts afloat as well as exhibition stands on the docks. It is now an iconic event popular with visitors who come to discover an incredible concentration of yachts available for purchase or charter.

Dining and relaxation at the Yacht Club of Monaco

The Yacht Club of Monaco offers its members a wide choice of quality activities and services, for an unforgettable experience. In addition to water activities, the Club also has facilities for dining and relaxing.

The Restaurant 1909, located on the terrace of the Club, offers refined and elegant cuisine. Executive Chef Renato Secchi and his team concoct tasty dishes, based on fresh and local products, to offer an unforgettable culinary experience. The terrace offers stunning views of the marina, for a romantic dinner or a sunny lunch.

The Sunrise, with its 180° panoramic terrace overlooking Port Hercule and the bay, is the ideal place to enjoy a buffet of appetizers and desserts, as well as a dish of the day, during summer lunches. The idyllic setting and tasty cuisine make it a popular place for members.

The Yacht Club de Monaco also has a wellness area to relax. Members can also enjoy the pool and gym equipped with modern machinery to keep fit.

Become a member of the Yacht Club de Monaco: the application and sponsorship process

The Yacht Club of Monaco is a very selective club, reserved for a high-end clientele passionate about sailing and the nautical world. To become a member of the club, it is mandatory to follow a rigorous application and sponsorship process. All candidates must be presented by two sponsors, members of the YCM for more than one year. Once the application file has been completed and signed by the candidate and his two sponsors, it is examined by an admission committee chaired by H.S.H. Prince Albert II, president of the club. If the application is accepted, the official induction of the new member is done at a cocktail party in the presence of all members of the club. The sponsor plays a vital role in the admissions process as they are responsible for the new member they introduce. He must integrate him into the life of the club, introduce him to other members, involve him in the various activities, but also ensure that he adheres to the philosophy and values of the YCM. Only one application per sponsor may be proposed per session, and the Admissions Committee reserves the right to refuse it without notification.

In conclusion, the Yacht Club of Monaco is a world-renowned institution, a true emblem of the Principality. The Club offers a wide range of activities for all ages, from sailing lessons for children to high-level regattas for seasoned competitors. It also offers a unique setting for relaxing, entertaining and dining, with top quality facilities and stunning views of the Bay of Monaco. Our real estate agency offers a wide selection of high-end properties for sale or rent near this mythical place. We can, for example, present you a beautiful studio in the golden square – Monte Carlo Star residence, this luxury residence has many facilities, such as an indoor pool, a fitness room, a concierge and a 24-hour security service. If you are looking for an apartment near the Yacht Club of Monaco, our team will be happy to accompany you in your search and offer you properties that meet your requirements and selection criteria. Contact us now to learn more about our real estate offers.

The Yacht Club is not the only attraction in Monaco. Know that the Principality is full of many captivating activities. If you aspire to discover the treasures that Monaco has in store, we invite you to browse our article on the Top 10 things to do in Monaco.