Yacht Club de Monaco: more than a yacht club

Established by Prince Rainier III in 1953, the Yacht Club de Monaco is the emblem of Monegasque yachting. Since 2014, it has had its own emblematic building, a striking piece of architecture by Britain’s Norman Foster.

With its sleek lines and architecture reminiscent of an ocean liner, the Yacht Club de Monaco’s headquarters building never fails to provoke a reaction. Officially unveiled in 2014, it was designed by Pritzker Prize winner Norman Foster.

“This building has been designed like a miniature city, integrated into the existing urban landscape of Monaco,” explains the architect, who was also behind the Millennium Bridge (2000), Millau Viaduct (2004), Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona (2007) and Vieux Port in Marseille (2013).

Today, the Yacht Club de Monaco organises a number of regattas, such as Monaco Classic Week, the Primo Cup and, more recently, the Monaco Solar and Energy Boat Challenge One.

“As part of our ‘Monaco, capital of yachting’ project, through this event the Principality helps to bring together manufacturers, engineers, shipyards, students and ship owners to share their experiences and respond to the energy and environmental challenges facing the nautical sector,” says Bernard d’Alessandri, Secretary General of the Yacht Club de Monaco.