d'alessandri monaco yacht club

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• On the right tack: how Bernard d’Alessandri has transformed a Monaco institution

For this edition of Leadership Insights, we take to the azure waters of the Mediterranean to meet one of the leading figures in international yachting: Bernard d’Alessandri, General Secretary and Managing Director of the Yacht Club de Monaco.

Think ‘Monaco’ and ‘yachts’ and many of us might instantly picture the awesome array of boats crammed into the principality’s harbor during the Monaco F1 Grand Prix. While that once-a-year spectacle is certainly eye-catching, this jewel of the Cote d’Azur is also a magnet for sailors of a more active and sporting persuasion.

A select few among these become accepted into the Yacht Club de Monaco (Y.C.M.), an institution that was founded back in 1953 by Prince Rainier III with a promise to “fulfil its mission as a link between people who love the sea, that it serves the interests of tourism and promotion of Monte-Carlo, and that at home and abroad fosters only affection and friends”.

The man at the helm today – as he has been for the past five decades – is General Secretary and Managing Director, Bernard d’Alessandri. A naturalized Monégasque who was born in France, he first arrived in the principality in 1976, joining a club that was then staffed by just four people. This number has since grown to more than 180.

Few people get to shape an organization over such a prolonged period, so we were delighted to sit down with M. d’Alessandri to talk about all things nautical, while also getting the inside story of one of the world’s premier yacht clubs in one of the world’s most famous luxury destinations…

The Insider: To begin our interview, please introduce us to the Yacht Club de Monaco and its main areas of activity. Bernard d’Alessandri (BA): The club has two main missions. Firstly, it is a private club for its 2,500 members, representing 81 nationalities. For them, the club is a place where they can come with family or friends for lunch or dinner, or to take part in tailor-made events.

We are also a sporting club, and as such we organize some of the finest international regattas, for example the Primo Cup-Trophée UBS, which has just celebrated its 40th anniversary. This event continues to attract the best one-design crews and has seen the participation of some of the biggest names in sailing, from Olympic sailors to ocean racers. I’m also thinking of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series, a monthly regatta circuit for J/70 crews, which is celebrating its 11th anniversary this year.

In addition, we are very attached to our maritime heritage with the Monaco Classic Week-La Belle Classe. Launched in 1994, this unique biennial event aims to showcase the last remaining examples of yachting from the past, including both small and large yachts. The club is also working to build a sustainable yachting industry, notably through the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, the next edition of which takes place in July this year.

Last but not least, through its numerous events and the quality of its members, the Yacht Club de Monaco also contributes to the international promotion of the Principality and thus has a public service mission.

TI: Why do you think so many sailors strive to fly your Y.C.M. burgee (flag)? BA: Joining the Yacht Club de Monaco is an honor. Many apply, but only a few are accepted. Once you become a member, you become part of the Y.C.M. family. It’s a source of pride for them to represent the colors of their club. It is often a combination of the club’s reputation, the benefits of membership, including the services and activities offered throughout the year, and the feeling of belonging to an exclusive community.

TI: From a wider perspective, how important is sailing to the Principality – in terms of both global prestige and as a sporting/leisure pursuit for its residents? BA: Prince Rainier III, founder of the Yacht Club de Monaco in 1953, said “Monaco’s future lies at sea”. Today, more than ever, this is confirmed on a daily basis. We are first and foremost a club where sailing plays a key role. Our members sail and share a common passion, following in the footsteps of our President, Prince Albert II, who himself sails, as do Pierre and Andrea Casiraghi, our Vice-Presidents. Pierre founded Team Malizia, which is now represented by Malizia-Seaexplorer, an IMOCA monohull boat skippered by club member Boris Herrmann, who represents our colors in the most prestigious ocean racing events.

TI: I understand there is a strong commercial community here also, in terms of brokers, shipyards, charter companies, etc. Can you tell us a little about this and its importance to the commercial life of Monaco? BA: The yachting sector is significant in the Principality, representing a turnover of €753 million, employing more than 1,500 people and with 252 yachting companies active here. Yachting professionals are brought together in the ‘Yachting Monaco’ cluster, which was launched in 2014 and which I chair. With more than 70 companies now involved, the cluster has proved to be a unifying force; in accordance with all its members’ wishes, it provides a communication platform between professionals in the Principality while also promoting the sector abroad with one voice.

TI: What is your own background as a sailor, and do you still get out on the water? BA: I’ve always sailed a lot. I have some extraordinary memories, such as the transatlantic race from Monaco to New York on Biotonus-Monaco, which I skippered. That was in 1985. Soon after her arrival, I had the pleasure of being at the helm of Tuiga, our flagship. Built in 1909, she’s one of the last four 15m JIs still sailing in the world.

Whenever the opportunity arises, I get out on the water. Paradoxically, going to sea is a good way to keep your feet on the ground and to remind you that you’re pretty much nothing in the face of the elements.

TI: How would you describe your leadership style? BA: “One Spirit, One Team, One Club” – that’s our motto. I consider this club a second family, as do the staff. As a leader, I listen to them and take an interest in their lives. For some of them, I’ve seen them grow up in this club, from their first attendance as youngsters at the Ecole de Voile (sailing school).

TI: Do you have any influences as a leader, or have you always sought to do things ‘your way’? BA: I think it is first and foremost a question of passion. But if I must be specific, I really learned a lot when I was sailing and being part of a crew. When you’re on board, everyone has a very specific job and if everyone does what they’re supposed to do, the boat moves forward. It’s the same when you’re running a business.

TI: You’ve lived in Monaco for many decades. What makes this place special for you? BA: Certainly the wealth of encounters. Monaco may be a small country, but it’s home to some incredible people whose experience, know-how and talent give the Principality an edge you won’t find anywhere else. And because we’re a ‘small village’, everyone knows everyone else, which means we can get things done more quickly.

TI: Let’s talk more about the club, and in particular how it has evolved since you arrived in the 1970s. What would you say have been the most important and exciting developments to have occurred in this time? BA: The club has grown and evolved with the times, both in terms of our membership, the events we put on and the sporting side, in particular through the organization of international events and the results of our members. They are our best ambassadors, performing exceptionally well, as shown by the world championship titles won this year in various series by five of our members.

I also think that our club has taken on a new dimension internationally. We are trying to pave the way for sustainable yachting. Today, the perfect illustration of this evolution is undoubtedly our main building. In 2024 it will be 10 years old. Its boat-like lines are the work of Lord Norman Foster, and its construction reflects our environmental awareness. The building meets the challenges of our time: as a showcase for the yachting world, it reflects our determination to take concrete action.

In addition, with the creation of the “La Belle Classe Destinations” label, we have become an international benchmark in the field of luxury yachting. Initiated in 2011, this certification sets a standard of excellence in terms of quality of the facilities, services and events offered. The ambition is to establish an exclusive network of yacht clubs and marinas which fully respects the unique character of each destination, while fostering development of sustainable yachting on an international scale.

TI: That ‘Belle Classe’ name is also seen on your yachting academy – can you tell us more about the academy and the work it does to bring on future generations of sailors? BA: We created the Belle Classe Academy in 2015 and it is dedicated to anyone involved in yachting – captains, managers, crew members and other professionals, as well as future owners. Our training center alternates navigation and pleasure boat courses, with the primary aim being to support the young generations. It’s our commitment to building the future!

TI: We can see that sustainability – and protecting the oceans – is very close to your heart. Can you tell us a little more about the club’s initiatives in this area? BA: Through our own policies, and as part of the collective ‘Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting’ approach, Yacht Club de Monaco is ramping up initiatives that underpin our commitment to the environment.

I mentioned before our new building, which was built to Haute Qualité Environnementale HQE® standards and has met ISO 14001 criteria every year since 2016. Eco-features include photovoltaic cells, low-energy LED lighting, effective energy, heating, waste and water management systems, a hydrocooling system recycling water from the harbor, charging points for electric vehicles and boats, and photovoltaic and thermal solar panels throughout. Just recently, a plant was installed to treat the club’s swimming pool water and feed it back into the system to wash boats in the Sports Section.

We aim to raise environmental awareness among yacht owners through the SEA Index®, the first carbon footprint calculator to allow quick comparisons between superyachts over 25m, with an incentive system to spur reductions in CO2 emissions in yachting. We also organize events to underline technological progress and innovations, and to encourage the construction and development of virtuous marinas. These include the Monaco Smart Marina Rendezvous on 22-23 September 2024, while earlier this year we hosted the Monaco Smart Yacht event.

Last but not least, we support the development of the energy transition to build the yachting of tomorrow through the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, with our 11th edition running from 1 to 6 July 2024. This event is all about the future of engineering around the theme of alternative propulsion and sustainability. It brings together the key players in the industry with the aim of giving them a forum to exchange ideas and to test their research and innovations in nautical events. The challenge itself attracts participants from all over the world, as evidenced by the participation of 46 teams from 31 universities and 25 nations in 2023. The event has become a benchmark in the yachting world, with the participation of shipyards such as Oceanco, Ferretti, Sanlorenzo, Lürssen, Monaco Marine, and Palumbo SY Refit.

TI: Let’s finish by focusing on the future. What are your principal ambitions for the club in the coming years? BA: My wish is that the club will continue its momentum and remain a major player in the yachting world and especially the environmental transition. I hope the industry will continue its eco-responsible evolution and become a model to follow. I also 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, which is the key to everything. It is for the new generation that we are working to accompany the sector’s evolution, to encourage it to become more eco-responsible in order to protect the environment and allow our children to continue to enjoy the sea. In line with the wishes of Y.C.M. 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 want to demonstrate that the technology exists and is efficient.

TI: And for yourself, when eventually you relinquish the helm of this amazing institution, what do you think you’ll look back on with most pride from your time as General Secretary and Managing Director? BA: There are so many points to make. But I think the most important thing to remember is how this small club, founded in 1953 with a handful of passionate members, has grown into the institution it is today. It’s an incredible source of pride to have been part of that journey and to have seen it grow. I hope also to have contributed to the transformation of yachting, to the realization that it must become sustainable.

• To discover more about the Yacht Club de Monaco, visit the website

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By SuperyachtNews 27 Sep 2022

From cosy yacht club to world knowledge bank

Bernard d’alessandri, general secretary and managing director of yacht club de monaco, explores its evolution from meeting place to platform for change….

The superyacht industry is at an interesting juncture in its development. Unlike previous years, when growth was primarily focused on selling and building as many vessels as possible, there is now a much greater emphasis on sustainable growth and long-term viability.

Yacht Club de Monaco has a vital role to play in the superyacht industry’s future and its model has changed to take on far more responsibility, leveraging its vital link between owner and industry.

“If we go back to 2012, the Yacht Club de Monaco in its current form did not exist. We were in a different location on the other side of the marina,” says general secretary and managing director Bernard d’Alessandri. “It was, like most other yacht clubs, a cosy traditional yacht club that served as a meeting place for our various members. However, when we changed the building to where we are today, the expectations for what we must achieve changed overnight.

“Today, our primary roles are twofold. Firstly, we are the world’s premier yacht club and, secondly, we have a duty to promote yachting and Monaco to the world.”

While this view might be contested by various other yachting hubs around the world, it’s generally accepted that Monaco is the true global capital of yachting and, as such, it was never likely that Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) would be able to continue being just a yacht club in the purest sense. The world, whether Monaco and the yacht club like it or not, looks to the region to set the agenda for the yachting community and lead by example when it comes to supporting and implementing change.

Of course, there are limits to what an institution such as YCM can achieve given the complexity of the assets, the profile of their owners and the speed and variety of ongoing developments.

“In terms of development, YCM’s most important role is to be a platform of communication. We have to present the solutions to our members and try to create links between them and the premium industry at large,” adds d’Alessandri.

“Within an industry that is so incredibly complex, from the engine room to the unique relationships between stakeholders, it is impossible to contain all the necessary knowledge in-house. That said, it is our job to do whatever we can to bring the most pertinent developments, especially where this relates to sustainable solutions.”

With such a high concentration of industry players and businesses within an area of only two kilometres (1,561 employees, 150 companies and €753m of annual superyachting revenue), YCM, on moving to its current facility in 2012, launched the Monaco Capital of Yachting project to further strengthen the business in the region and reaffirm the Principality’s position as a global leader.

“Without immediate change, there simply will be no industry in the future. As the oceans become increasingly damaged, fewer and fewer people will want to go yachting. The two are inexorably linked and we must do everything in our power to protect the oceans.”

At its core, the Capital of Yachting project focused on the promotion of luxury and superyachting, and how they both related to Monaco. However, earlier this year, it was determined that the Capital of Yachting project simply did not go far enough, so YCM launched Monaco Capital of Advanced Yachting.

At that launch, Pierre Dartout, minister of state for Monaco, said, “The vision is simple: Monaco must always be ahead on economic and environmental issues. We must mobilise all stakeholders. It is an essential factor in our economy’s appeal to business as the Principality offers an exceptional network of all professions operating in this industry.”

“Because of the influence that Monaco has on the superyacht industry, we have a responsibility to promote not only luxury and the superyacht experience, but also the most sustain-able and beneficial ways of yachting,” says d’Alessandri. “Personally, I feel an immense amount of guilt and shame for the way that the industry has conducted itself up to this point.

“Of course, during certain periods, we were not furnished with all the necessary information, nor indeed were certain systems and practices available to make yachting more sustainable. Nevertheless, I am determined to use my remaining time to leave the industry in as good a position as possible to try to balance my own impact.

The guiding principle of the Advanced Yachting project is to drive growth that is not only economically sound, but also pays due respect to the environment through engaging stakeholders in a number of projects to promote sustainable yachting.

However, it’s important not to see the project as just a sustainability initiative because the industry’s future and growth is dependent on making sustainability an economically viable option. Pulling the project together is a charter that allows stakeholders to make clear their commitment to sustainable development.

Founded by YCM and Credit Suisse, the Superyacht Eco Association (SEA) has been introduced to increase the industry’s awareness of its carbon footprint. Through the SEA Index, YCM and its partners aim to create a clear system for rating the carbon efficiency of superyachts.

While there are also various other systems of measurement, these are primarily aimed at technically and scientifically minded businesses and individuals; the SEA Index aims to simplify the process to allow owners and other major stakeholders to easily track the credentials of their own vessels, with a mind to making changes and improving their ratings.

The hope is that the SEA Index will become a global standard of measurement for the industry. As well as the SEA Index, a number of ongoing programmes, including Ocean Week and Energy Boat Challenge, will continue to drive the sustainable agenda.

“Faced with the now all too obvious effects of the climate emergency, we need to be agents of change,” emphasises d’Alessandri. “The whole yachting eco-system has to evolve. As a communication platform, YCM wants to highlight and test new solutions, like alternative power sources for boats; that’s the aim of YCM’s Monaco Energy Boat Challenge that celebrates 10 years [5-8 July 2023].

“But it’s also vital to have intelligent virtuous marinas to accommodate them, hence our support for the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous [25-26 September 2022]. It really is a unique opportunity to get the whole ecosystem together – start-ups, manufacturers, investors, yachting professionals, etc. – to build the future. After all, marinas are like micro-cities.”

To fully understand the evolution of YCM, an analogy can be drawn between it and the World Bank. Originally created to provide loans, debt relief and various other financial mechanisms to promote free market-led recovery in struggling nations, the World Bank realised a number of years ago that its primary function was not enough to spearhead effective change.

Gradually, the World Bank developed the notion of becoming a knowledge bank as well as being a financial institution, and YCM has gone through a similar transition. Its original model, a cosy yacht club, was not sufficient to support sustainable growth of the industry. Today, YCM is a knowledge bank and communications platform that is taking on ever more responsibility for the development of the industry.

As the conduit between the premium industry and some of the world’s most influential superyacht owners, the platform and communications channel that YCM now represents is vital for not only stimulating market growth, but also stimulating the right kind of market growth. D’Alessandri and his team have a vital role to play in showing the market how change should be implemented.

This article first appeared in  T he Superyacht Owner Repor t . To gain access to The Superyacht Group’s full suite of content, publications, events and services, click here to join The Superyacht Group Community and become one of our members.

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• BOAT SHOWS , Hybrid and Electric , Interviews , News

Bernard D’Alessandri and the future of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge

• Editorial Staff
• August 5, 2022

With the latest Monaco Energy Boat Challenge , held from 4 to 9 July, the Yacht Club of Monaco confirmed its important role as a supporter of zero-impact and eco-sustainable boating. It was a very successful event, the only one in the world dedicated to boating innovation and sustainability, in which young engineers from all over the world and belonging to 27 different universities from over 20 countries participated to showcase their prototypes of clean energy boats through various types of competitions. We met Bernard d’Alessandri, Secretary General of the Monaco Yacht Club since 1984, who revealed important insights into the Principality’s future projects.

Mr Bernard D’Alessandri, what are the values that drove you to promote this event?

“ We invented nothing; we simply took up the idea of automobile competitions. Between 1904 and the First World War, Monaco was already at this time the place where people competed to switch from the steam engine to the heat engine. One of the most important automobile competitions in Europe was organized in Monaco at that time and already had 10,000 spectators. Today, we are still a land of innovation and since 2014, with the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge , we want to give a new impetus to the yachting players and turn this sector into a real industry. Monaco is now a platform for research and communication, a kind of laboratory where new technologies necessary for the energy transition are tested and implemented, in collaboration with young engineers from all over the world and the industrialists who participate in this event”.

It is an event that has grown bigger and bigger over the years. What are this year’s figures and what are your future goals?

“We started with the Solar Class in 2014 and today we have three classes in different categories, in which 38 teams participated in the last edition. This year was the first time an Indian team participated, and on this occasion the ambassador of India travelled specially to support the team. In short, there is a real buzz around this event that promises us some great technological performances and interesting innovations. The ambition will be to run this event for four days with zero emissions”.

To what extent do you think this event contributes to the technological development of alternative energies in boating?

During the event, we noticed the presence of a Job Forum. How does this initiative contribute to the creation of new jobs for young people?

“The main objective of the Job Forum, with the involvement of the Prince of Monaco and his Albert II Foundation, is to work for and with young people, who are directly involved in and impacted by this energy transition. The Job Forum is designed to give young engineers the opportunity to meet with the yachting industry (this sector is currently experiencing a shortage of engineers) and to create new employment opportunities and develop the professions of the future”.

“Monaco Capital of Advanced Yachting” is a large-scale project which includes the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge. What does this initiative represent for the boating world and for the Principality of Monaco?

“The goal is the consolidation of Monaco as one of the international yachting capitals. Enforcing a commitment is not only a concept, but also a way of thinking about the positioning of yachting: by transmitting our environmental values, we want to create a common vision of hospitality, services, performance; to share our knowledge and create a true international network”.

“I think the energy transition will take place if it is accompanied by an economic transition. Boating must be seen as a real industry, similar to tourism: moving with a yacht, from a certain size upwards, is a bit like moving with an entire hotel. You can’t predict what will happen with the different forms of energy that will be used, and if, for example, we think of electricity for cars, the problem is quickly understood: how will it be possible to recharge all these cars with nuclear power stations, if half of them in France have been closed? We don’t have all the solutions yet and we have to keep working together to find alternatives. The use of liquid hydrogen is now an interesting avenue to pursue, but there must be a strong will on the part of the shipyards and the marine industry to invest in research, which is still too fragile if we compare it to the automotive industry. On the other hand, a regulation dedicated to eco-sustainable boating will inevitably have to be put in place in order to regulate and organize this energy transition”.

You also developed a special metaverse for the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge event. Why?

“We don’t pretend to say that we created a real metaverse, but since it is new, we wanted to try. We tried to get as close as possible to our target audience, which is young people: today we can choose between paper communication, traditional television or this new tool that is the metaverse, and we chose the latter to be closer to the gaming universe of young people. Thanks to this more playful tool, in fact, inside they can find all the information about the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge and virtually walk around the marina. This is also part of the ‘Monaco Capital of Advanced Yachting’, a project that seeks to change codes and use new means of communication, allowing us to spread our messages in a more interactive way. For now it is only a first step, but we will continue in this direction”.

The Monaco Yacht Club is a partner in the development of the Corinthia Yacht Club in Doha, Qatar. Can you tell us more about this?

“This project is part of the ‘Belle Classe Destination’. We were asked to share our expertise on projects to develop new destinations, and this allows us to pass on the Principality’s values, experience and know-how of the Yacht Club to the world: it’s a way of guaranteeing quality performance for users, offering environmental, reception and service guarantees; with the aim of forming an international network between partner yacht clubs and creating interaction on sporting events with young competitors through the Monaco Sport Academy. It is a way of promoting yachting internationally through sharing common values”.

In general, what are the Monaco Yacht Club’s goals for the future?

“Faced with the climate emergency we are witnessing every day, we have to be actors of change and contribute to this transformation. The entire yachting sector is interested and must evolve. As a true platform for communication and exchange, the Yacht Club of Monaco’s desire is to highlight and test the new solutions that exist, both in terms of propulsion and alternative energies. This is the vocation of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, organized by our Club and whose 10th edition we will be celebrating next year from 5 to 8 July 2023, but this is also a general objective concerning the promotion and development of virtuous and intelligent marinas that can host sustainable yachts. As such, the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous, which the Yacht Club of Monaco will host on 25 and 26 September 2022, offers a unique opportunity to bring together the entire ecosystem made up of marinas, start-ups, industrialists and financiers, with the will to achieve a future that must be eco-responsible, considering marinas as micro-cities of the future.”

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Interview: Yacht Club de Monaco Director Bernard D'Alessandri - Monaco Life

This year marks the 10th 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.

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MYS Series: The Monaco Yacht Club Director

If the Monaco Yacht Show were a fleet, then the Yacht Club of Monaco (YCM) would be its flagship, and the Commanding Officer at the helm would be YCM General Secretary and Managing Director Bernard d’Alessandri.

‘Helmsman’ d’Alessandri has worked at the Club for close to 50 years and one of the best and unforgettable moments that he can remember was the inauguration of the new club designed by British architect Lord Norman Foster on 20th June 2014.

“The Club is a wonderful ‘device’ that allows us to host exceptional events,” says d’Alessandri. “Twice we have hosted the arrival of the Rolex Giraglia Cup, Mike Horn set off on his around the world sailing trip on board SY Pangaea from here, and we can organise big events such as the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, Monaco Classic Week and next year the J/70 Championships.”

For him, MYS is the Principality’s international showcase, demonstrating that Monaco is the ‘Yachting Capital’ of the world. D’Alessandri reckons that despite the pandemic, the yachting sector has been very active over the last two years and for him the Monaco Yacht Show is a vital market place for yacht owners and shipyards, brokers etc. to meet.

“The Show unites the industry. It gives businesses the opportunity to compare new developments and technologies on the most glamorous of stage sets that Monaco knows how to pull off so well. MYS is all about the ‘Yachting Lifestyle’, not just about the boats,” reflects D’Alessandri.

D’Alessandri considers the YCM as the yachting industry ’s core, but it also has a role in promoting the Principality. With its ‘Monaco, Capital of Yachting’ project, the YCM is there to help attract the global yachting industry to Monaco and provide a platform for communication and promotion. ‘The Cluster Yachting Monaco’ initiative now has 1,561 yacht-owning members, while 252 yachting related businesses are based in Monaco with a turnover of 753 million euros. “I think to a large extent the industry is still sometimes misunderstood and it has much to offer in terms of employment for the young,” he says.  

More generally, d’Alessandri sees his and the Club’s role as promoting and sharing a passion for the sea. “The sea is in our DNA,” he says. “And any Monaco resident who wants to learn or improve their sailing is more than welcome. During the holidays we offer courses for the children, such as our SeAdventures Camps”.

As MYS draws closer, d’Alessandri is in a reflective mood, telling me: “At the Club, we try and work on different levels to give the industry’s reputation a makeover and change its attitude. We’ve introduced initiatives such as Sea Index, a benchmark or frame of reference aimed at owners of yachts over 40m to measure their CO2 emissions and improve their eco-responsible performance.” He also supports the development of ‘new generation’ marinas that will accommodate the ‘green’ yachts of tomorrow. The Club will support the Smart and Sustainable Marina  rendezvous, organised by Monaco Marina Management, that takes place on 20th  September.  

He adds, “I am also really pleased at how well the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is developing. The 9th Challenge will take place next year from 5 th to 9 th July. It has become the show that gives pride of place to new/future propulsion systems. I love the atmosphere at the Challenge which combines speed boat tests with daily tech talks and the exchange of knowledge, conferences and an exhibitor village to discover the progress of sustainability in the maritime sector.”

Close Quarters with Bernard d’Alessandri

If you weren’t MD of the YCM, what would you be? 

I’d most definitely be a captain. My passion for the open waters is a real vocation and I can’t imagine a life without the sea.  

What’s your advice to someone looking to follow in your footsteps?

There’s only one criteria and that’s passion! With it, you can move mountains and love limitlessly. I am so lucky to be passionate about what I do.  

The worst moment in your career?

 That still feels a bit too raw to talk about, so I prefer not to say.

The best moment?

Oh, there are so many! I’m thinking about my Monaco-New York Atlantic crossing in 1985 on board Biotonus – Yacht Club de Monaco . Or the first time I set eyes on the YCM Flagship SY Tuiga (1909), and of course the first time I took the helm.

What are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of the modest contributions we all make day to day for the future of yachting. Now more than ever we need to build an eco-responsible future.

Someone you admire ?  

I admire many people, not because of their celebrity but because of their commitment. Dedicated sailors such as Eric Tabarly or the explorer Mike Horn. People of character who are enraptured by a passion for the sea.

  RELATED STORIES:

MYS Series: The Superyacht Captain

MYS Series: The Superyacht Broker

MYS Series: The Superyacht Shipyard Director

    Top photo of Bernard d’Alessandri by Francesco Ferri      

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Bernard d’Alessandri – Celebrating Yachting in Monaco

Every year in the last weekend of September, a global celebration for the most luxurious yachts takes place in the heart of Monaco. Specializing in superyachts (yachts r anging from 40 metres to more than 180 metres in length), the Monaco Yacht Show prides itself as the reference in Europe and in the world since its inception in 1990. This picturesque gathering of rows and rows of spectacular and luxurious vessels at the Port Hercule of Monaco remains as one of the highest circulated images of Monaco on the Internet, etched in the impressions of visitors from all around the world.

But how did yachting become such an irreplaceable part of Monaco, contributing to its global reputation? 

Back in the late XIXth century, Monaco had already established itself as a centre of sailing, rowing, motorboat and hydroplane races. In fact, Monaco was the birthplace of the motorboat hydraulic engines, a technology later tested and pioneered on motorcars, thereafter creating the first Grand Prix in the world. Prince Charles III of Monaco, who built Monte-Carlo, developed Monaco to become the forum for European and American boat constructors and engine specialists to test out their most advanced equipment. 

A few decades later, believing that “the future of Monaco lies with the sea”, Prince Rainier III took to his responsibility to develop the yachting industry of Monaco beyond its then current watersports reputation. The Yacht Club de Monaco was therefore established in 1953 to oversee the development of the port and of the nautical tourism of the Principality. In 1984, Prince Albert II was appointed as the President of the Yacht Club de Monaco and still is the visionary and spearheader today.

Bernard d’Alessandri, Pierre Casiraghi, Prince Albert II of Monaco and South African and Swiss explorer and adventurer Mike Horn

With an incredible and intimate affinity with the marine world and an experienced skipper himself, Bernard d’Alessandri assumes the respected role as the General Secretary and Managing Director of the Yacht Club de Monaco. In an exclusive interview, we speak with Mr. d’Alessandri to learn more about the respected Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) and its activities in Monaco and abroad.

What is your background and how did you manage to run such a prestigious organization as the YCM?

More than prestige, the Yacht Club of Monaco is the ideal place to share one’s passions for the sea. Personally, I discovered sailing when I first boarded a boat and felt a real feeling of freedom.

It has been more than 40 years since I was entrusted with the privilege to serve this beautiful institution: a wonderful experience that I never get tired of. I started in 1976 thanks to the development of the sailing school. Then, little by little, under the leadership of HSH Prince Albert II, who took over the presidency in 1984, I accompanied the development of our sport with the creation, in 1985, of new regattas, such as the Primo Cup or the transatlantic race – Monaco to New York – where I also skippered Biotonus, the sailboat flying the flag of the YCM. A true sportive and human adventure, and one rich in encounters.

From a relatively humble configuration during its first decades, the YCM now enjoys one of the most amazing environments to feed its activities and development. How and why did all this happen?

Both the Yacht Club and yachting have evolved over the past 30 years, as evidenced by the exponential increase in yachts’ size. Thanks to the work done by members of the “Monaco Yachting Cluster”, a study carried out by the IMSEE (Monaco’s Institute of Statistics) has shown that our industry is the 4th largest in the Principality, representing more than 5% of Monaco’s global turnover. 

With the construction of the new building designed by Lord Norman Foster in 2014, Prince Albert II of Monaco wanted to show His interest in this key sector of Monaco. This new Yacht Club has allowed us to intensify our representation internationally and to enter a new dimension with the project of “Monaco, Capital of Yachting” that we initiated, to affirm our ambition to be a leader in this sector.

In accordance with our statutes, the YCM is not only a private and exclusive club dedicated to its members, but a major player in the attractiveness of the Principality of Monaco with its training center “La Belle Classe Academy” and also an attractive partner for the port, considering the many nautical activities and competitions organized throughout the year.

You have recently created and promoted a nautical event unique in the world based on solar energy-propelled motors. Can you tell us more?

Since 2014, the YCM organizes, each year in July, in collaboration with the Union Internationale Motonautique and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation , the “Solar & Energy Boat Challenge”. This unique event revives Monaco’s tradition of innovation in terms of motorization when the Principality organized its first motorboat meetings in 1904.

The objective of this motor-nautical gathering, which brings together 3 categories of boats: Solar, Offshore and Energy Class, is to leave the field free to the creativity of the young engineers associated with the experience of industrialists, in order to imagine, create and optimize the various modes of propulsion for the Yachting sector of tomorrow, exclusively with clean energy sources. This is a real technological adventure, to face the energy and environmental challenges of the nautical and maritime industries. I invite you to discover these surprising innovations every year in July! We challenge both competitors and our members to get as close as possible to zero emissions daily, throughout the week.

Is the YCM active in Asia and what is its advantage?

YCM forges links with Asia through the development of its “La Belle Classe Destinations” label, with the mission of supporting the creation of yacht clubs and marinas around the world. The first yacht club with which we initiated such a collaboration was the Visun Royal Yacht Club of Sanya, more than 8 years ago.

Located in Hainan, this Club is unquestionably the first true Yacht Club in China. President Lawrence Wang is a true precursor. As part of this “La Belle Classe” certification, the YCM offers support in both social and sport domains. Through “La Belle Classe Academy”, we organize training camps for their young, their technical staff and their supervisors. It is our wish to educate the youth in the world of sailing, so we are jointly developing the Monaco Optimist Team Race, by organizing a selective regatta in Sanya for young Chinese athletes.

After a collaboration with the Chinese group Wanda in Qingdao, we are currently working on a project near Shanghai, which is still confidential, with the teams of awarded architect Jean Nouvel.

As the Managing Director of the YCM, what legacy do you want to leave behind?

Our heritage and our history are our wealth. Our ancestors created the first regattas in Monaco in 1862, before creating the Society of Regattas, the origin of our Club.

“To know where you are going, you have to know where you come from”: it seems important to me to keep our marine and sailing heritage alive and to be able to transmit it intact to the new generation. Today, while worries are growing about the future of our planet, I really believe in the development of yachting towards clean energy and I hope that with the Solar & Energy Boat challenge, we will raise awareness and help these young  engineers – that I find very concerned by the environmental problems – with their will to preserve the Ocean.

Representing more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, the sea is our future. Fifteen years ago, we thought we knew about 15% to 20% of the underwater fauna and flora. Today, scientists agree that we know less than 1% of marine microbiology: imagine the potential! Thanks to the ocean’s resources, we have many opportunities to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

But to achieve this, I think that shipowners play a key role, because they are the ones who often give the impetus and finance research and development. A proof of this is the advanced technology on some super-yachts. YCM must accompany them and honor those who make a special effort to develop certain types of boats, such as the Explorers. It is in this spirit that we created the YCM Explorer Awards, to celebrate the conquering spirit of Prince Albert I of Monaco, who spent his entire life running the seas in search of scientific truth.

Learn more about La Belle Classe at the Yacht Club de Monaco here .

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• Yacht Management
• Client Experience
• Sustainability

Interview: Abdullah Nahar and Bernard D'Alessandri

Bernard d'Alessandri and Abdullah Nahar discuss the future of yachting

Abdullah Nahar, Director, YPI and Bernard d’Alessandri, Secrétaire Général & Directeur Général, Yacht Club de Monaco discuss the future of yachting, sustainability and the next generation of yachting enthusiasts.

1. The Yacht Club de Monaco unites yachting enthusiasts in Monaco and beyond. What do you think makes the YCM and yachting so special?

Bernard d'Alessandri: Firstly, the YCM is special, possibly unique in the world because it is a private club with a public service remit to promote the Principality. Born out of the Société Nautique des Régates established in 1888 and founded in 1953 by Prince Rainier III, it draws on close to 150 years of yachting tradition in the Principality — almost as much as the America’s Cup, the oldest sports trophy in the world.

Second, like the Principality, it is a very cosmopolitan Club which is reflected in our membership: 2,500 members from 79 nationalities. All are united by their love of the sea and yachting and the values they represent: solidarity among seafarers, naval etiquette at sea and ashore, respect for maritime heritage, and a determination to protect the marine environment – the sea is their playground after all - through innovation.

And finally, we are very inclusive and encourage members to get involved. For example, our annual Oktoberfest party was instigated by our German members while the Russian community were a driving force behind our Russian New Year party in January. Their involvement and presence as Club representatives abroad, when competing in major regattas for example, make them our best ambassadors. Their pride in the Club is embodied by our motto, ‘One Spirit, One Team, One Club’ and collectively we are proud to belong to the global yachting fraternity.

Abdullah Nahar: YPI was founded on a love of sailing and a passion for the ocean and following my appointment as a director of YPI, I have quickly come to truly share this philosophy. We honour the same traditions and shared values as the YCM. YPI is one of the world’s oldest yachting houses and we have a mutual understanding and respect for the Club. Our collective ambition to protect the marine environment made this partnership a natural fit. What makes the YCM truly special is the diversity of the members, with global perspectives and conversations taking place every day that will help shape the future of our industry for decades to come.

2. What brought you into yachting and motivated you to build a career in the industry?

Bd'A: I was a child when I discovered sailing. My first time on the water was on an Optimist, I experienced such a wonderful feeling of freedom. That was the beginning and I have not looked back! I started at the YCM in 1976 and I have been at the helm for 44 years. I am lucky to have a job that allows me to live, work and breathe my passion, and which puts me in contact with all those involved in the industry.

AN: I purchased my first motorboat at the age of 21 while living in the US, and it was a great source of joy and freedom. That ignited a real passion, and I am extremely fortunate that my career has led me to part of the industry. The partnerships and collaboration taking place between designers, shipbuilders, clients and the YCM is a great source of excitement and opportunity, and a shared motivation to accomplish our ambitions for the global yachting community.

3. YPI is the yacht club’s first Nautical Partner, what are your hopes for the future and what do you hope to achieve by working together?

Bd'A: Our ambition with this partnership is to appeal to a new generation of owners and support them in their yachting adventure. YPI, under Abdullah Nahar’s leadership, is seeking to establish a new type of relationship with the yachting world. I am convinced that with this dynamic young team new horizons will be explored, in line with our values.

AN: It is a phenomenal achievement for YPI to be the Club’s first Nautical Partner. Attracting the new generation of industry talent, welcoming new clients and owners and protecting the marine environment are essential to the future of our industry. I am confident that with Bernard D’Alessandri’s leadership and expertise and both YCM’s and YPI’s team we have the talent, skills and enthusiasm to amplify the Principality’s global appeal and create further exceptional experiences.

4. How can organisations like the Yacht Club de Monaco and YPI encourage the next generation of yachting enthusiasts and talent within the industry?

Bd'A: In my opinion, we must be innovative to keep thinking outside the box to build the future and attract young people. A prime example is the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge we organise every year to encourage student engineers, working with the industry, to develop clean propulsion systems for boats. The current health crisis is another big challenge. We just finished the ‘Monaco Capital of Yachting Experience’, combining face-to-face and remote participation. Its success, judging by the numbers who joined us online and used the replay facility, demonstrates that Monaco is the epicentre of yachting.

AN: Over the last decade we have welcomed new yachting enthusiasts from regions such as China, India and the Middle East, with a younger audience coming from tech hotspots such as Silicon Valley. For us, it’s about communicating the unique benefits only achieved from yachting; the feeling of freedom from being out on the water, the access to untouched, isolated destinations and to some of the world’s most beautiful locations, and the memories you create that can last a lifetime for family and friends. We also know that we need to demonstrate the technological and engineering innovations taking place that will see yachts having a reduced impact on the marine environment, and encourage young talent to collaborate and share their innovations and thought leadership within this space.

5. The Yacht Club de Monaco is an active advocate for sustainability and the protection of marine life. What do you hope to see over the next ten years?

Bd'A: Cleaner greener alternative fuels for boats! In the YCM Marina we are setting an example with rapid charging stations installed for electric boats and three electric tenders for the Marina and for supervising sailing classes. We are also building a zero-emission committee boat for regattas, with a hybrid electric-hydrogen system for propulsion and onboard energy needs, so no noise pollution and no emissions. Meanwhile, in response to growing demand from owners we joined forces with partners to launch the first emissions rating for superyachts in September [during the Monaco Capital of Yachting Experience]. Called the Superyacht Eco Association (SEA) Index, it is a bespoke tool to help owners assess and improve their yachts’ environmental performance. It is only by acting together that we will succeed in making our contribution to a more climate-friendly yachting sector, one that will do everything in its power to reduce the effects of air and sea pollution, and will encourage good practices across the board by owners and crew.

AN: We know that clients are increasingly concerned about the impact the industry can have on the environment and one marine life in vulnerable ecosystems. It is an ongoing, daily conversation but we’re making great strides with initiatives such as plastic free charters, internal sustainability champions at YPI and innovations happening within yacht design and build. The next decade is going to be vital in taking huge strides to protect the planet for future generations, and YPI and YCM are committed to making this happen.

6. Finally, what is your favourite sailing memory or anecdote?

Bd'A: A difficult one – there are so many. My two favourites are when I skippered Biotonus-YCM for the Monaco-New York transatlantic in 1985, then all the years being at the helm of the Yacht Club’s flagship Tuiga (1909), which will be participating in the 2021 Monaco Classic Week (8-12 September).

AN: I’ve been lucky to have spent time on chartered superyachts with colleagues, family and friends, and we’ve always come away with unforgettable memories and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. A personal highlight from the last year has been the time spent with Bernard and the YCM during the pandemic, which has become a safe haven for many during this challenging time.

Bernard d’Alessandri : « Le Yacht Club de Monaco n’est pas un yacht club traditionnel. C’est un lieu de vie »

Dans le cadre de notre grand dossier consacré aux 70 ans du Yacht Club de Monaco, nous avons rencontré son Secrétaire général, Bernard d’Alessandri. L’occasion pour lui de revenir sur les temps forts du club, qui allie vie sportive et vie sociale.

Une fierté pour Bernard d’Alessandri, Secrétaire général du Yacht Club de Monaco. « Après 70 ans, le club reste dynamique, jeune, avec beaucoup d’espoirs, d’innovations, de projets, affirme-t-il. C’est une grande fierté d’avoir participé à la vie de ce club. Mais je tiens à rappeler que les premières régates à Monaco datent de 1863 ! Il y avait donc, avant le Yacht Club, la société nautique de Monaco. Nous ne devons pas oublier le travail fait par les anciens, qui a permis à la Principauté d’être présente dans le monde du yachting depuis plus d’un siècle. »

Et en effet, Monaco occupe une place de choix sur la scène nautique internationale. Ne serait-ce que par sa participation aux nombreuses compétitions à travers le globe. « Monaco participe à au moins une épreuve internationale par an. La première, qui nous a marqués, fut Monaco-New York [en 1985] , dès l’arrivée du Souverain. Une dizaine de bateaux, dont un équipage monégasque, ont fait la course ; c’était la première transatlantique qui partait depuis la Méditerranée ! Je crois, d’ailleurs, que cette course a marqué l’entrée du Yacht Club de Monaco dans une nouvelle phase », se souvient Bernard d’Alessandri.

« On a beaucoup d’espoir dans Malizia-Seaxplorer »

Toute cette fierté ne se limite pas aux seuls compétiteurs : dans ce club à l’esprit familial, on accueille les plus jeunes dès l’âge de sept ans, qui peuvent s’initier à l’Optimist, jusqu’à l’âge de 14 ans, avant de passer au dériveur Laser. « Nous les suivons tout au long de leurs parcours », appuie Bernard d’Alessandri dans un sourire.

Pour le Secrétaire général du club, pas de doute : les excellents résultats des bateaux préparés à Monaco contribuent grandement à l’émulation des plus jeunes et développent leur intérêt pour les activités nautiques. A l’instar de Malizia-Seaexplorer , skippé par Boris Herrmann, qui a fait escale, début juillet, en Principauté, à l’occasion du Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, après avoir terminé troisième de la 14e édition de The Ocean Race. Boris vient d’ailleurs d’annoncer sa participation, avec Will Harris, à la prochaine Transat Jacques Vabre, dont le retour en solitaire est qualificatif pour le Vendée Globe.

« Malizia-Seaexplorer contribue certainement à l’image du Club, même si ce n’est pas le premier qui a fait la course autour du monde. On a beaucoup d’espoir dans cet IMOCA. La dernière fois, il était très, très bien placé. Il a aussi battu un record de vitesse : c’est de bon augure pour que Boris participe au Vendée Globe [en novembre 2024, ndlr] dans de meilleures conditions encore. La dernière édition du Vendée Globe, il l’avait faite sur un bateau d’occasion. Cette fois-ci, il sera sur un bateau entièrement neuf. (…) Et chaque fois que Malizia-Seaexplorer est là, des sorties sont organisées avec les jeunes. Durant l’été, pendant les summer camps, nous recevons environ 400 jeunes de sept à 18 ans. On leur propose de l’initiation à la voile, de la sensibilisation, de la découverte des milieux marins. En résumé, c’est une autre approche de la voile », dévoile Bernard d’Alessandri.

Les membres très engagés dans la vie du club

Le Secrétaire général du club se réjouit également de constater l’implication de ses membres lors des compétitions : « nous pouvons mesurer le dynamisme du club à travers ses volontaires : pour chaque régate, nous comptons entre 50 et 100 bénévoles, qui assistent et aident à tout organiser. Je tiens d’ailleurs à remercier et à saluer la Flotte des Commissaires, car sans eux rien ne serait possible. Au club, il y a ceux qui pratiquent et font de la compétition, et il y a ceux qui aident autour. « Un esprit, une équipe, un club » : c’est notre devise ! »

Et après sept décennies d’activité, tant sur le plan sportif que sur le plan social, le Yacht Club de Monaco est bien loin de se reposer sur ses lauriers. Avec un air mystérieux, Bernard d’Alessandri nous confie que « beaucoup de choses se préparent, à l’instar de la Monaco Classic Week (du 13 au 16 septembre 2023), un rassemblement unique de yachts de tradition (voile et moteur), qui met à l’honneur le patrimoine maritime vivant. Certains projets sont encore dans les cartons, mais ce ne sont pas les idées qui manquent. Le club, par son ingéniosité et son dynamisme, est toujours présent. »

Parmi ces projets, une petite indication tout de même : Bernard d’Alessandri nous confie que le Club souhaite, « très prochainement » être le premier yacht club à proposer des événements à 0 émissions de CO2, en adéquation avec la démarche «  Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting  », à l’image du Monaco Energy Boat Challenge (prochaine édition du 1er au 6 juillet 2024). Un projet très novateur qui s’inscrit dans la longue liste des actions mises en place par le lieu pour s’orienter vers un yachting éco-responsable.

MONACO’S MARITIME MASTERPIECE

A yacht club with an environmental edge.

• Antoinette Champclos
• Aug. 2, 2024

“One Spirit, One Team, One Club” is the guiding principle of the renowned Yacht Club de Monaco, established in 1953 by Prince Rainier III. Since 1984, the club has been under the presidency of Prince Albert II, and currently boasts a membership of 2,500 individuals from 86 different nations.

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Yacht Club de Monaco’s new building and the 40th anniversary of H.S.H. Prince Albert II’s presidency, we had the opportunity to meet with the Club’s Secretary General, Bernard d’Alessandri. During our meeting, he reflected on the significant milestones in the institution’s sporting, social, and environmental commitments.

How did you get involved in yachting?

I have always felt drawn to the sea. Sailing seemed to me to be the perfect way to experience it at close quarters. I was just a child when I discovered sailing. My very first time on the water was in an Optimist, and that gave me an incredible feeling of freedom! That was the beginning of everything and I have never looked back.

As a young person, I enjoyed repairing boats and taking them out on the water. Every time I left the harbour, I felt like I was discovering a whole new world of oceans and marine life. Sailing is also a great way to travel quickly and explore different parts of the world.

Tell us how you came to the YCM

I came to Monaco in 1976, rather by chance and I saw a lot of potential in this country. So, I started working for YCM. When it was founded in 1953, the club was still very small. In 1976, I started developing the club and proposing projects. Soon the YC was organising and taking part in regattas in Monaco and around the world, as well as a number of regattas that no longer exist. I’ve always been passionate about regattas.

Now I’ve been part of this institution for 48 years. I’m lucky to have a job that allows me to live, work and breathe my passion and that brings me into contact with all the players in the sector.

The Yacht Club de Monaco brings together yachting enthusiasts in Monaco and far beyond. What, in your opinion, makes it so exclusive?

The Yacht Club de Monaco’s greatest asset is its members, who have achieved remarkable feats, from winning regattas to securing world championship titles. The YCM is an international institution by nature. Another important strength of the YCM is its dedicated team, which epitomises the spirit of the club.

The YCM’s building and facilities are also a source of pride. Designed by world-renowned architect Lord Norman Foster, the building strikes a perfect balance between aesthetics and sustainability. The glass facades can be opened to allow natural ventilation from the sea, making the building an icon not only in Monaco, but around the world.

The YCM has two key missions: to preserve the unique spirit and relationship between its members and their federation and to help members choose the right boats for their needs, while maintaining links with the industry and prioritising environmental sustainability

| A UNIQUE POSITIONING

Monaco has long been a must-visit destination, not only as a crucial port of call but also as a hub for yachting enthusiasts. The first recorded regatta in Monaco dates back to 1863.

Today, the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) organises major nautical events and strives to maintain close relationships with its members and boat builders to meet their evolving needs and provide optimal sailing conditions. However, becoming a member of the YCM is not easy. It requires two sponsorships and meeting certain criteria, as membership is limited to a specific number.

The YCM also serves the Principality of Monaco by enhancing the appeal of yachting and showcasing the beauty of its harbour.

What are the most significant changes that have occurred at the YCM since your arrival?

One of the first major changes occurred in 1985 when Prince Albert II of Monaco organised the inaugural “Monaco – New York” transatlantic race, in which I had the privilege of participating. I was skipper of a boat crewed exclusively by young people from Monaco, which demonstrated the club’s potential to compete in such events. It was a truly incredible experience.

Another significant change was the acquisition of Tuiga, which had a profound impact on the YCM. Tuiga’s arrival at the club enhanced its image, as the vessel embodies both tradition and the sporting aspect of racing with elegance. These elements reflect the overall concept of the club: its conservative style combined with a focus on tradition and performance. The evolution of the club was particularly notable in the 1980s when Tuiga became an icon representing the Yacht Club de Monaco and the Principality of Monaco. It enabled us to visit other yacht clubs every year, to travel several times to Ireland, the West Indies, Venice, and England and to organise numerous regattas.

Which events during your career have had the most significant impact on you?

There have been many. In the field of sport, the most memorable was undoubtedly the challenge we undertook with a team of young people in 1985, sailing to New York in the winter. I was the skipper of the Monaco boat. However, there were also some difficult moments that deeply affected me, such as the tragic offshore accident involving Stefano Casiraghi in 1990.

Another significant achievement was my involvement in creating the world’s first classic boat circuit. Lastly, the inauguration of our new building in 2014 was a milestone that gave us increased visibility both locally and internationally. This year, on 17 June, we celebrated the building’s 10th anniversary.

What are the primary missions of the YCM?

The YCM is currently pursuing two main goals. Firstly, we want to maintain our tradition as a club, and secondly, we are focussing on the needs of our 2,500 members. To achieve this, we offer a wide range of activities and events. Members can start their day with gymnastics or sports classes, and we have restaurants open daily. The YCM is a family-friendly destination and we organise activities for children and adults. For young people, the focus is on teaching the concept through our sailing school, which offers a wide range of activities. We offer numerous training courses, organise competitions and conferences and invite well-known sailors to share their experiences, discoveries, adventures and successes with our children and young members.

| PASSIONATE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS

For adults, we organise competitions, events and conferences throughout the year that attract a wide range of visitors. The YCM is a recognised sailing centre with exceptional weather conditions, and the stronger winds now make it possible to organise regattas. During the winter months, the YCM welcomes sailors from all over the world for the Sportboat Winter Series.

The YCM’s second priority is to sensitise sailors to the need to protect the oceans and promote environmental responsibility. To this end, the YCM has developed the ‘Sea Index’, the world’s first tool to measure marine pollution from yachts, which is currently being rolled out across the sector and the industry.

Finally, the YCM has created the Monaco Sport Academy (MSA), which offers various types of support to regatta sailors, including technical assistance and individual coaching for sailors (sports coaches) with customised nutrition programmes and concentration techniques to improve performance.

| PROMOTING MONACO AS A PREMIER YACHTING DESTINATION

The Yacht Club de Monaco is unique in that it is not just a typical yacht club. In addition to providing traditional club activities for its members, such as regattas and conferences, the YCM also has a mission to promote yachting in Monaco.

Like many other clubs in Monaco, we fulfill this mission by organising events throughout the year, averaging one event per month, as well as large-scale events. During the winter months, we host regattas such as the ‘Primo Cup Winter Series’ and the European J70 Championships, and we welcome IMOCA boats, in which well-known sailors such as Boris Hermann take part.

By hosting these events, we are able to promote Monaco as a premier yachting destination, both within the sporting world and beyond. The YCM’s reputation for exclusivity and luxury further enhances the Principality’s image as a top destination.

What are the biggest challenges facing the Club in 2024?

The most significant challenge we face is undoubtedly the realisation that we need to protect our planet. As we enter a new era of environmental sensitivity, it is crucial that we continue to take concrete actions on a daily basis, such as reusing water, saving energy and drastically reducing plastic usage.

At the Yacht Club, we are committed to being as environmentally conscious as possible in all our activities on and off the water. To achieve this, we have established a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) department that provides extensive training to our staff to ensure that our club fulfils the latest environmental requirements.

| GROUNDBREAKING

The Yacht Club de Monaco has emerged as a pioneer in the field of marine environmental preservation. We organize events such as ‘Monaco Smart Marina’ and ‘Monaco Smart Yacht’, and collaborate with various companies worldwide to transform the yachting industry and integrate it successfully into environmental requirements.

Yachting is a vital tourist industry that generates numerous jobs, making it important for us to preserve both the sea and the economy. Our challenge is to protect the planet through our actions while sustaining the yachting industry. The YCM supports 250 families, and we believe that a reasoned transition can only be achieved by adapting human activity.

To achieve this, we focus on developing yachting, optimising sailing and motor boats, and promoting the best possible balance while being sensitive to the environment and reducing the impact of human activity on our planet. For too long, we have neglected our beautiful blue oceans.

One of the highlights of the year was ‘A Day of Exploration’, which focused on the future of yachting and its innovative aspects. We also presented the ‘Explorer Awards’, which recognised yacht owners in three categories: ‘Technology & Innovations’, ‘Environment & Adventure’ and ‘Science’.

‘A Day of Exploration’ emphasised the importance of exploring little-known places and pushing boundaries while respecting nature and designing boats with minimal environmental impact. We are working on mapping the oceans and using cutting-edge technology to adapt to the environment while minimising our impact on future choices.

One of the priorities of our Sovereign and the YCM is to protect all environmental aspects of our planet.

What are the most significant changes that the Yacht Club will face in 2024?

Undoubtedly, the biggest change that the Yacht Club de Monaco will face concerns environmental protection. It is an imperative that we cannot ignore, and we are committed to making progress in this area with the help of technology.

The second significant change that the YCM is currently facing is related to the first and concerns the integration of digital technology into the world of yachting. When I first started sailing, boats moved at the speed of the wind. Now, they can move four or five times faster, reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h. As a result, we must adapt to this progress and its impact on the marine environment.

What is your secret to preserving the soul of YCM despite its significant growth?

Now that the Yacht Club de Monaco has reached its maximum capacity of 2,500 members, the key to preserving its soul is passion. All our members share a deep love and devotion for the sea and the boats that bring us together.

How can the Yacht Club de Monaco cultivate the next generation of enthusiasts?

This is an important question as today’s young people are often influenced by various distractions such as screens and video games, which can cause them to lose appreciation for hard work and an active lifestyle. To attract and inspire young people, we need to be innovative and think outside the box.

One example of our efforts to encourage the next generation of enthusiasts is the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, an annual event that encourages engineering students to work with industry professionals to develop clean propulsion systems for boats.

Another challenge is the inevitable digitalisation of today’s world. However, the aim is to get people to see modernity as a tool and not as a means of enslavement. The danger is that people consume information without questioning its origin. In today’s world, it is essential to scrutinise information as there is no longer any upstream control, making it easy to be manipulated by our screens and influenced in our consumption and leisure choices.

I believe that individuals need to think critically and do their own analysis. For example, if young people are driven by social media, they need to understand that they are no longer independent thinkers but consumers of preconceived ideas, which is a threat to a society that no longer values physical or intellectual endeavour.

What are your long-term plans for the YCM?

It is not an easy time to plan for the long term, especially in sailing. However, one area where we expect to see significant development is in boat design and technology. We are already seeing experimental boats with less traditional buoyancy, such as foiling, which reduces water resistance and allows higher speeds than traditional surfing. We expect this to become more and more common as technology develops.

The computer has enabled us to design boats that we could not have imagined before, as we now have the means to carry out complex studies on structural strength and other factors. This means that we can design robust boats without having to rely on excessive weight. The Tuiga, for example, contains 25 tonnes of lead, which require a lot of energy to move. Nowadays, boat stability is ensured by more than just weight and shape, which allows us to make technological improvements.

Young people are interested in alternatives that allow them to renew their yachting experience, and we see this as a great opportunity for the YCM.

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Captains Club

Place of honour for captains.

The Yacht Club de Monaco has always had the greatest regard for captains which is why in September 2007 it launched this club for captains with the 500 GT certificate (or equivalent). Today it has over 150 members of all nationalities who meet regularly at the YCM to share ideas and experiences all year round.

As YCM General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri explains: “As the YCM brings together more than 800 boat owners, including owners of 541 yachts over 40m and 25 of the world’s 100 largest yachts, we wanted to open our doors to their captains who are key players in the yachting world”.

Indeed, they are seen as ambassadors of the Club’s core values that are behind its ‘Art de Vivre la Mer’ philosophy.  Members respect a Charter perpetuating excellence in yachting practices, which are embedded in the YCM’s DNA: respect for naval etiquette and solidarity at sea; protecting the ocean and its biodiversity for future generations; and developing and promoting innovative technology for the maritime sector.

The club organises social events and regular forums where captains can debate key yachting issues.

How to join the Captains Club?

New members must be sponsored by two members of the Captains Club. Any captain wishing to become a member will need to return his/her completed and signed admission form to the Yacht Club de Monaco with a copy of his/her CV.

Membership to the Captains’ Club is exclusively reserved to captains holding a 500GT certificate with at least five years’ experience. All applications will be individually considered by the Captains’ Club Committee, and a letter sent to you confirming your membership, which will become effective upon payment of the annual membership fee.

YCM BLUE PLEDGE:

The Yacht Club de Monaco, which has been committed to an environmental approach for many years, with the support of the Monaco government through its Energy Transition mission, is pleased to present its YCM BLUE PLEDGE.

Drawn up in collaboration with superyacht captains in the YCM’s Captains Club and Claire Férandier Sicard, Environmental Training for Yacht Crew instructor at the La Belle Classe Academy, this YCM BLUE PLEDGE aims to meet a common objective: to support yacht crews in reducing their environmental impact while respecting the needs and requirements of modern yachting.

The YCM’s BLUE PLEDGE addresses the specific needs of yachts in two categories:

• Yachts >40m
• Yachts <40m

Cristina Ruiz

[email protected]

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+377 93 10 63 06

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The yacht club de monaco and the royal selangor yacht club strengthen relations with the signing of an mou.

The Yacht Club de Monaco and the Royal Selangor Yacht Club strengthen relations with the signing of a Mou

TURIN, Italy, Dec. 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Yacht Club de Monaco and the Royal Selangor Yacht Club signed a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) on November 27th in Kuala Lumpur to strengthen the relations between the two Clubs. Following the signing in 2008 of a reciprocity agreement between Yacht Club de Monaco, whose President Prince Albert II of Monaco, and the Royal Selangor Yacht Club, under the Royal Patronage of The Sultan of Selangor, the two Clubs wish to reinforce their bonds of friendship and collaboration by signing the document  with a view to the Royal Selangor Yacht Club obtaining the ‘La Belle Classe Destinations by YCM’ certification. Initiated in 2011, this certification sets a standard of excellence in terms of quality of the facilities, services and events offered. The ambition is to establish an exclusive network of yacht clubs and marinas which fully respects the unique character of each destination, while fostering development of sustainable yachting on an international scale.

The signing took place at the Monaco Economic Forum 2023 during the state visit of Prince Albert II of Monaco to Malaysia. It was signed on behalf of the Yacht Club de Monaco by Bernard d'Alessandri, its General Secretary and on behalf of RSYC by its Commodore, Che Wan Azuar witnessed by Prince Albert II and Tengku Amir Shah, Crown Prince of Selangor and Life Commodore of RSYC.

The entering into of this MOU will enable the two Clubs to jointly organise social and sporting events; to facilitate exchanges of staff and members; and to offer members of the respective Clubs an opportunity to attend each other’s exclusive events. Projects in the pipeline include deployment in Malaysia of the SEA Index, the first carbon footprint calculator enabling a rapid comparison of superyachts (+25m); and putting forward a Malaysian team to participate in the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge (1-6 July 2024), a major event for alternative sustainable energy sources, which brings together key players in the yachting industry and the future of engineering.

The ultimate goal of this collaboration is to encourage development of yachting in Malaysia, a sector that forms a real bridge between two countries who share the same vision in terms of innovation and the environment, as both view their coastlines as having a key role to play in their economic growth. Modelled on the collective ‘Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting’ approach, the ambition is to build in Malaysia the foundations for a responsible yachting sector in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

For more information: Press Office LaPresse - [email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e7fd81da-d043-4804-bb79-ae4d0cfe2a0a

Yacht Club de Monaco: more than a yacht club

Home Environment 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).

Chaired since 1984 by Prince Albert II , the Yacht Club de Monaco, with its 2,000 members representing 60 nationalities and prestigious yachts , illustrates Monaco’s historic role in the world of yachting .

The first regattas organised in the Principality date back to 1862, while the first international motorboat races – which arrived with the development of the first combustion engines – were contested in Port Hercule in 1904.

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.

The YCM has two influential ambassadors: Le Tuiga, considered by sailor Eric Tabarly to be “one of the most beautiful yachts in the world”, takes part in major classic yacht events, while the Seaexplorer (formerly Malizia II) , the eco-friendly vessel that took Greta Thunberg across the Atlantic in summer 2019 to attend the UN Climate Summit, finished fifth in the Vendée Globe 2020, the first time it has taken part in the race.

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• This New 161-Foot Explorer Yacht Offers 6 Days of Autonomy at Sea

Leapher's new NAVIX50 can also cruise for 5,500 nautical miles at 10 knots.

Rachel cormack.

Digital Editor

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Leapher Yachts is slowly but surely getting bigger.

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“The NAVIX50 embodies our philosophy of creating vessels that excel in any environment,” Leapher CEO Yiannis Andriotis said in a statement. “From the Drake Passage to the coast of St. Tropez, this yacht redefines what’s possible in the sub-500GT category.”

The spacious interior includes six generous cabins, with the option for a seventh cabin or expanded skylounge. The guest cabin on the main deck can also be turned into a gym, wellness area, or an expanded owner’s suite. All guest cabins are equipped with king-size beds, while the owner’s suite is fitted with a plush super king-size bed. The yacht is also home to six crew cabins that can sleep up to 11.

The exterior decks are replete with alfresco dining areas, lounges, and sunbeds. The aft deck is arguably the standout, with two folding terraces, a large, 18-foot pool, a sprawling sunbathing area, a swim platform, and not one but two wet bars. At the opposite end, the foredeck doubles as a garage for two tenders.

“It [the NAVIX50] offers unparalleled versatility and luxury while maintaining an attractive value proposition for seasoned owners,” added Andriotis.

Leapher operates on a site formerly owned by cruise ship producer De Hoop that closed at the height of the pandemic. The yard is set to deliver the first NAVIX60 later this month. Christened Horizon, the 198-foot explorer will be on display at the Monaco Yacht Show from September 25 to 28.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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