Yacht Club of Monaco-'New clubhouse new horizons,' says Prince Albert

by Yacht Club of Monaco/Sail-World on 11 Jun 2012 The Yacht Club of Monaco is getting a new clubhouse and with the shell of the spectacular new building finished, it was time to celebrate at the traditional 'summer cocktail', attended by sme 1,000 members. The President of the Club, HSH, the Sovereign Prince Albert II opened the celebrations, saying:

'This being World Oceans Day, the fact I wanted us to be here together in the outer harbour, facing our new building, is not only to show our attachment to the sea but also to confirm my desire that we should have a new Clubhouse. Today we are celebrating completion of the shell of the building. This new landmark in the heart of the Principality also has a duty and key role to play in animating and promoting both of Monaco’s harbours.'

As well as being a festive yet formal occasion, when 35 new members representing 15 nationalities were welcomed into the Club, the evening was an ideal opportunity to present an exclusive first report on how the new Clubhouse is progressing.

The President of the YCM continued: 'The building has the prestigious signature of Sir Norman Foster behind its design, and I would like to congratulate all the services involved for the work accomplished to date, crowning the efforts made over several years towards the redevelopment of the harbour’s facilities. Delivery of this new building represents one of the major milestones in the restructuring of the physiognomy of the harbour. Completion of this architectural gem symbolises the Principality’s ambition to confirm its role as the capital of yachting.'

Indeed the Principality of Monaco has long been a major destination for the yachting world, both as home port and favourite port of call for owners and their superyachts, as well as the headquarters of many boat designers and the big brokers. The Yacht Club de Monaco unites many of the world’s most prestigious yachts under its burgee, including a quarter of those featured in the 100 biggest private yacht list, and occupies a unique position in the international luxury yachting sector. A link between all those who love the sea, the YCM’s mission is to support professionalism at every level, and unite all those involved in yachting around its art de vivre la mer.

Government Minister for Facilities, the Environment and Urban Planning, Marie-Pierre Gramaglia, then presented the new building in more detail: 'It will include the clubhouse, restaurants, bars, meeting rooms, a pool and a car park with around 150 spaces. It will also be home to the sailing school, with changing rooms and workshop/sail loft. The Société Nautique will also be there with its own restaurant/snack bar, cloakroom and boathouse. The construction abides by HQE (Haute Qualité Environnementale) standards, minimising noise pollution, use of energy and water, etc.

'The building’s shell is almost complete. The next phases are weather-proofing, installing the masts and boom on the roof’s west side, and erecting the metal structure for the atrium’s monumental staircase. The glass façade will be done in the autumn and then the finishing works can begin.

'The Yacht Club is one of the major projects for our country. They illustrate the State’s continued efforts to support new facilities and investments, evidence of a policy that knows how to contain its expenditure while preserving its capacity to invest in the future.'

HSH Prince Albert II concluded his speech: 'Between tradition and modernity, the Yacht Club de Monaco, with 1,200 members from 56 nationalities, enjoys an international reputation. The dynamic force and rich variety driving our Club lies in the cultural diversity of its members and the outstanding quality of its fleet of pleasure boats and superyachts.

'I very much want us to further develop our training courses for young people and to raise their awareness of the maritime world, as well as supporting owners and their crews through our 'La Belle Classe' label. We have so many assets. Let us now start preparing to board our new building on the other side of the harbour and set sail for new horizons...'.