Organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco from 11-15 September 2013, Monaco Classic Week – La Belle Classe reflects Monaco’s unwavering attachment to the sea and its maritime heritage. The Principality enjoys a historic legitimacy when it comes to top level nautical events; from the first sailing regattas held here in 1862, to the motorboat meetings of the early 20th century and, from 1904, the races, presentations, trials and performances of the early combustion engines which attracted Europe’s elite from industry and the aristocracy. They brought Monaco into a privileged circle of maritime nations, making it a regular port of call for the world’s biggest yachts.

Photos by YCM/Studio Borlenghi