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How the Yacht Club de Monaco Became the World’s Most Exclusive Club—And What’s Next

Rachel Ingram
October 10, 2024

Yacht Club de Monaco © MC-Clic / Soirée d'intronisation Yacht Club de Monaco

As yacht club de monaco celebrates a decade in its new building and 40 years of hsh prince albert ii’s presidency, we discover what’s on the horizon for the fabled nautical hub..

The Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM), founded in 1953 by Prince Rainier and presided over by HSH Prince Sovereign Albert II since 1984, brings together more than 2,500 members from across the globe. Many of the world’s most prestigious private yachts fly the club’s burgee, which is testimony to its elite position on the international yachting scene.

In 2014, the club moved into its current location in a yacht-inspired clubhouse, designed by esteemed architect Sir Norman Foster. It’s since become not only a hub for the global yachting industry, but a centre for innovation and sustainability.

As YCM celebrates its 10-year anniversary in the building, the club’s general secretary Bernard d’Alessandri talks us through some of the key accomplishments of the last decade—and what we can expect in the coming years.

What does this key milestone signify for YCM?

Bernard d’Alessandri: The past 10 years reflect the diversity of actions undertaken by the Club, which has become a reference in the yachting world. The building designed by Lord Foster has proved to be an exceptional tool serving our dual missions: as a private yacht club dedicated to its 2,500 members, and through our public service remit to put Monaco on the global nautical map.

We offer many more services and activities to our members, who see the Club as a home from home for all the family, while also being a communication platform for professionals working in the sector. On both levels, YCM unites all those who love the sea, whether sailing, cruising or just messing about on boats, but crucially also those committed to protecting the environment, shaping yachting’s future and promoting the Principality and its influence internationally.

Monaco has always been a major yachting destination, and YCM plays a key role in preserving the “Art de Vivre la Mer”, encompassing naval etiquette, solidarity, fine cuisine, environmental protection and maritime heritage. These are values that drive YCM’s La Belle Classe label, which extends beyond the membership to unite owners and all yachting stakeholders.

Central to our vision for the future is a long-standing environmental policy that informed the design of the Clubhouse and the advanced facilities we have. YCM now hosts many more international regattas and hundreds of crews, enhancing the appeal of yachting. Through its La Belle Classe Academy training centre, it supports industry professionals in their careers. As a nautical hub, it strengthens relationships between key yachting players who freely exchange ideas on current topics at the many conferences we organise here.

What are your proudest moments from the last decade?

One of our defining accomplishments in this field is the annual Monaco Energy Boat Challenge (12th edition: July 1st-5th). Since its launch in 2014 it has gone from strength to strength to be a cornerstone for promoting alternative propulsion systems and sustainable yachting solutions. It attracts both young engineers and key industry players, fostering collaboration and pushing the boundaries of what’s technologically possible.

A notable example is the recent partnership between Vita and Evoy, who met at the YCM just one year prior to their announcement and together are now Europe’s leader in high-power electric marine propulsion for inboard and outboard applications. Synergies like this underscore the pivotal role YCM plays in driving innovation and shaping the yachting industry’s future. The sector is on the brink of a major transition and we are actively participating in it. We place great emphasis on building the future with the new generation. We also support yacht owners in this transition, a prime example being the development and roll-out of the SEA Index®, most recently into 15 marinas between Menton, Saint-Tropez and Bonifacio in Corsica and Monaco, including both YCM Marina and the Ports of Monaco (SEPM).

I’m also proud of our Club’s international influence. YCM is regularly cited as an example and sought after by other destinations who want to draw inspiration from our structures and values. This is how we set up and developed La Belle Classe Destinations, a label that allows us to establish a standard of excellence in terms of the quality of facilities, services and events offered. The ambition is to establish an exclusive network of yacht clubs and marinas that fully respects the unique character of each destination while promoting sustainable yachting on an international scale.

Why has it been so important for the club to drive innovation and sustainability?

In the past decade, the Yacht Club de Monaco has indeed evolved into more than just a hub for the global yachting industry; it has become a beacon for innovation and sustainability. This transformation was crucial because we recognise that the future of yachting and our planet hinges on our ability to innovate and adopt sustainable practices. The yachting industry is at a pivotal moment where cutting-edge technology and eco-awareness must go hand in hand.

This is where the annual Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous (4th edition, September 22nd-23rd) has a critical role to play. It’s another major YCM initiative, alongside the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, that fosters dialogue and synergies between the 250+ delegates that attend, all key stakeholders and experts in the marina, real estate and technology sectors. Discussions focus on promoting and progressing smart sustainable marinas, thereby advancing solutions that benefit not just the yachting community but the wider maritime industry.

It’s not just about keeping pace with change but about leading it. We believe that by championing innovation and sustainability, we are not only preserving the beauty of the oceans but also securing the future of yachting for generations to come. This commitment is reflected in every initiative we undertake, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the impact we are making.

What are your key aspirations for the next 10 years to come?

My wish is that the Club continues its momentum and remains a major player in the yachting world and the environmental transition. I hope the industry will continue its eco-responsible evolution and become a model to follow. I hope that at my level and with my means, I will have contributed to this change. Above all I want to share my passion for yachting with the new generation, who are the key to everything.

Regulations are changing rapidly, and we must be ready to adapt. For Monaco, yachting plays a crucial role. We want to continue to promote this activity, but not in its current form. It’s imperative to find ways to reduce fuel consumption, to embrace innovation and to focus on the significant contributions of the younger generation. We need to show that we are actively driving change.

I’m optimistic about the future. For too long we have neglected the oceans. Now it’s time to act. The process will be long and hard, but we are not alone. We are working with renowned proactive organisations such as the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. Together we can make significant progress towards a sustainable future for yachting and marine conservation.

Thinking about the future also means inspiring vocations through transmission, particularly by encouraging young people to learn to race. We have two remarkable ambassadors: Tuiga, celebrating thirty years under the YCM pennant during Monaco Classic Week (September 10th-13th, 2025), and Malizia, the IMOCA yacht of Team Malizia initiated by YCM vice-president Pierre Casiraghi and skippered by Boris Herrmann, who will line up on the start on November 10th for his second consecutive Vendée Globe—the world’s greatest solo, non-stop and unassisted sailing race. YCM will also be proudly participating in the Admiral’s Cup in July 2025, reinforcing our commitment to excellence in sailing.

We want to inspire the new generation to ensure they enjoy going to sea. Our ultimate goal is to create momentum and a genuine project for the new generation. Young people need to know that they can build a career in yachting, and we are here to support them.

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Interview: Yacht Club de Monaco Director Bernard D’Alessandri

This year marks the 10 th anniversary of the Yacht Club of Monaco clubhouse and, as General Secretary and Managing Director Bernard D’Alessandri explained to Monaco Life , it’s been pivotal in the evolution of the Yacht Club of Monaco.

Bernard D’Alessandri has been at the helm of the Yacht Club of Monaco since 1976, over 48 years, and under his tenure as general secretary and managing director, the club moved to a new state-of-the-art premises. Since then, membership has increased exponentially, representing a myriad of nationalities.

Prince Rainier III created the Yacht Club of Monaco in 1953 and it has been presided over by Prince Albert II since 1984, when he gave it a new impetus. It is important to remember that the first regattas date from 1863; before the YCM, there was the Monaco Nautical Society, so the Principality has integrated the world of yachting for over 160 years, well over a century.

After the Yacht Club de Monaco’s 70 th anniversary celebrations last year, festivities continue in 2024 with the commemoration of 10 years in the new clubhouse designed by Lord Foster, one of the most prominent architects in Great Britain. Once again, the calendar lives up to the ambitions of the collective ‘Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting’ approach, initiated by YCM to position the Principality as a center of excellence in this sector. High-level sport, the environment, luxury yachting, and maritime heritage are again in the spotlight throughout the year.

Nicholas Monsarrat wisely said: “Sailors, with their built-in sense of order, service, and discipline, should really be running the world.” That is precisely how Bernard d’Alessandri has captained the Yacht Club of Monaco for almost five decades, plus his magnetism and charisma.

Monaco Life: What does this anniversary milestone mean to its members, yachting, and the Principality?

Bernard d’Alessandri: This 10th anniversary of the new clubhouse is significant, as we wanted to reflect the international ambitions of the Principality. The Yacht Club de Monaco has two primary missions. Firstly, it is a private club that brings together people who are passionate about the sea. It has 2,500 members representing 81 nationalities and aims to be a unique place to live. It is, therefore, responsible for organising numerous events exclusively for its members.

But the YCM also has a public service mission to promote the yachting destination. It is a driving force in the port and in raising Monaco’s international profile. It is a veritable showcase for yachting that is undergoing a fascinating transformation. Today, sustainability is the watchword. In line with HSH, Prince Albert II’s vision, “Proof must replace promise”: we must reinforce and quantify actions to promote them with facts and figures. Under a policy firmly focused on protecting the environment, and as part of the collective ‘Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting’ approach, the YCM is ramping up initiatives that underpin its commitment.

What are the added benefits of this impressive new building that became the centerpiece of the harbour?

The Club, open to the sea and Monaco, is an iconic structure at 43°44’15” north latitude and 7°25’40” east longitude. This ship-like building, inaugurated in 2014, boasts 5,000 m2 of interior space, 4,000 m2 of terraces, 204 meters long, a height of 22 meters, and six floors, allowing for the simultaneous hosting of various events.

YCM is committed to environmental protection through initiatives like the YCM Explorer Awards-La Belle Classe (21 st March 2024) and the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge (1 st to 16 th July 2024). The clubhouse reflects this commitment, built to Haute Qualité Environnementale HQE standards and consistently meeting ISO 14001 criteria since 2016.

Eco-friendly features include photovoltaic cells, energy-efficient LED lighting, adequate energy, heating, waste, and water management systems, a harbor water-recycling hydro cooling system, electric vehicle and boat charging points, and widespread photovoltaic and thermal solar panels. Recently, we added a plant to treat the Club’s pool water, further contributing to boat washing in the Sports Section. A temporary standalone hydrogen production station, a world premiere, has also been installed.

YCM also promotes individual eco-responsibility and raises awareness among yacht owners through the SEA Index, encouraging the reduction of CO2 emissions in yachting. Event organisation includes using dynamic buoys with electric motors, preserving the ecosystem, and electric boats for events and sailing courses.

Actively engaged in promoting individual eco-responsibility, YCM also raises awareness of yacht owners through the SEA Index, the first carbon footprint calculator to allow quick comparisons between superyachts over 25m, targeting objectives to reduce CO2 emissions in yachting with an incentive system for the most virtuous.

Event organisation is not left out. With the Club’s use of dynamic buoys equipped with an electric motor to position them remotely throughout a race, there is no need to anchor them to the seabed, which protects it, and a portable battery so it can run PC regattas autonomously in terms of energy. The use of semi-rigid electric boats for events and its many sailing courses completes the solutions now in place.

All these actions illustrate YCM’s ambitious, proactive vision of what being eco-responsible means today.

How did your work change when the MYC moved from its smaller, familiar quarters to the new state-of-the-art building?

To be honest, we weren’t very confident at the beginning, as it was a significant challenge to undertake. However, this new building quickly brought about substantial changes to our work, opening a world of possibilities. Firstly, this new spacious infrastructure allowed us to host and coordinate various events simultaneously, which was challenging in our former, more confined premises. The addition of Lord Foster’s signature boosted our international reputation. This yacht-shaped building showcased Monaco’s yachting prestige and the Yacht Club of Monaco, solidifying its status as a leading institution in the international yachting arena. Ultimately, this building marked a pivotal milestone in the evolution of the Yacht Club of Monaco.

What is your secret for keeping the soul of the YCM intact despite moving to more extensive facilities with an increased membership?

We were committed to preserving the soul of the Yacht Club of Monaco despite moving to larger facilities and increasing our membership by embracing our motto, ‘One Spirit, One Team, One Club’. Our unwavering dedication to preserving our heritage, promoting a welcoming atmosphere, and continuously involving our 2,500 members has been crucial. We have carefully preserved significant elements from our previous location, strengthened our staff, and maintained our Club’s friendly spirit.

There is no better tool or equipment you can have on board than a well-trained crew. What strategy do you employ for building an efficient work team?

Passion is our driving force and a unifying factor among our staff. Probably due to the unique nature of the YCM being a private club, YCM staff shares a deep attachment to our members and the values of yachting. This devotion for the sea and yachting is accompanied by continuous training and various complementary profiles, with everyone committed to excellence in serving our members.

How do you interact with the Board of Directors? What would you say is their primary role?

We have a very regular exchange on roadmaps and policies. It’s a collaborative effort, and discussion is essential. The Executive Committee is like a council of wise men, an approval authority for the YCM budget and overall strategy.

So many events, so little time! How do you organise so many members’ events, sailing school, yachting conferences, exhibitions, competitive regattas, private affairs, and more?

I think it’s a matter of strong will. We have incredibly motivated competent teams working tirelessly to ensure our events run smoothly. We also rely on the Commissaires Fleet, comprised of many Yacht Club of Monaco volunteers. They are the living force contributing enthusiasm and their expertise to organising all the Club’s events. Working hand in hand with the Club’s staff, the Commissaires Fleet is organised into five departments and offers its recruits training courses throughout the year to ensure the quality of the welcome and the smooth running of the Club’s gatherings, positioning it as a benchmark in sporting events.

What is the most rewarding about being a director of the YCM?

It is undoubtedly seeing the joy on the faces of those who come regularly to the Club and participate in our events, whether they are members, sailors, the yachting industry professionals, or the public. But I’m also thinking of the young racers in the Club’s sports section. They come to training with smiles and make memories that will last a lifetime. That’s priceless!

What was the most challenging task you faced in your career so far?

I think it’s the one common to all industries and institutions nowadays: access to sustainability. We continue to transform, as do all conscientious industries. All the players are willing and open to change, but the biggest challenge is not change itself but the acceleration of the process.

How do you see the Yacht Club of Monaco evolving into the future?

I hope the Club will continue its momentum and remain a significant player in the yachting world and through the environmental transition. I hope the industry will continue its eco-responsible evolution and become a model to follow. My aspiration at my level and with my means is that I will have contributed to this change.

Above all, I want to share my passion for yachting with the new generation, which is the key to everything. It is for them that we are working to accompany the sector’s mutation, to encourage it to become more eco-responsible to protect the environment and allow our children to continue to enjoy the sea. In line with the wishes of YCM President HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, who believes, “Faced with the climate emergency, it is imperative that living proof of progress replaces the promises,” we strive to demonstrate that the technology exists and is efficient.

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Main image: Bernard d’Alessandri, credit: Jean-François Ottonello

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Yacht Club Monaco

Founded in 1953 by Prince Rainier and presided over by HSH Prince Sovereign Albert II since 1984, the Yacht Club de Monaco brings together more than 2.500 members from 80 nationalities. Many of the world’s most prestigious private yachts fly the Yacht Club de Monaco’s burgee, testimony to its unique position on the international yachting scene.

Inauguration of the new YCM building

At 43°44’15’’ N and 7°25’40’’ E, this hi-tech building which looks like a liner docked on Quai Louis II is home to two of the Principality’s historic clubs: the Société Nautique (rowing club) and the Yacht Club, a meeting point for owners and focus of international yachting activities. Alongside Lord Foster and Monegasque architect Alexandre Giraldi, Jacques Grange and Nelson Wilmotte have put their talents to the service of the new building’s interior and exterior layout and design.

“ Allow me to express a very sincere wish that the Yacht Club de Monaco fulfil its mission as a link between people who love the sea, that it serves the interests ”

— Prince Rainier III

To be a member of the Yacht Club de Monaco is above all a commitment. It is a desire to preserve a certain ethic, both on land and on the water, and to foster a respect for naval etiquette and preservation of the environment. The Yacht Club de Monaco’s philosophy is based on the need to perpetuate but also to pass on a heritage, inherited from our ancestors, to ensure that the Yacht Club remains a lively and progressive place.

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In accordance with its statutes, the YCM is enabling the Club to fulfil its missions: on one hand as a private Club, dedicated exclusively to its 2,500 members (80 nationalities), and on the other by reinforcing its role as a nautical hub for the port and catalyst for the yachting industry, with a range of new spaces available for events.

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The YCM fully intends to contribute to the Principality’s attractiveness, by offering owners and professionals in the sector a new tool to promote Monaco’s reputation, the ultimate goal being to make Monaco the world capital of yachting.

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