YACHT CLUB DE MONACO JOINS SAIL4TH 250 PARADE AT THE HEART OF THE UNITED STATES 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIGNING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

For Yacht Club de Monaco, invited to participate in the Sail4th 250 celebrations marking the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the American Declaration of Independence, it was an action-packed start to its roadshow. A delegation of Club members, sailing on the gaff cutters Tuiga (1909) and Viola (1908), took part in keystone highlights of the New York festivities.

Marked by the victory of Viola at the Monaco Challenge Cup and a spirit of friendship with The Explorers Club, this first leg launched a tour that will take the two sailing yachts to major US East Coast yachting destinations.

A noteworthy presence in the heart of America’s celebrations at Sail4th 250 (3-8 July) at the International Parade of Sail, Tuiga and Viola represented the Yacht Club de Monaco in a fleet of 50 Tall Ships from 20 nations, including the Amerigo Vespucci, Libertad, Gloria, and Capitán Miranda. The July 4^th parade from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to the George Washington Bridge via the Statue of Liberty was a major highlight of the celebrations.

As the Monegasque yachts were escorting the French Navy’s La Belle Poule, they were also involved in the International Naval Review of the 37 US and allied naval vessels attending. Thousands of spectators witnessed this extraordinary day, which continued with an air show featuring 150 aircraft, including the famous Blue Angels, followed by the traditional July 4^th fireworks display. Some 20 YCM members alongside a delegation from The Explorers Club watched the historic spectacle from Hudson Vu, a privileged viewpoint for all the celebrations.

Viola opens American roadshow in style with a big win before the July 4^th celebrations, Viola helmed by YCM member Kostia Belkin won the inaugural Monaco Challenge Cup in fine style. Organised by the Manhattan Yacht Club, the regatta took place in New York Harbor in the stretch of water between Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. This victory over several American yacht clubs was a fitting start to the Yacht Club de Monaco’s tour, which aims to strengthen ties with major East Coast sailing institutions while showcasing Monaco’s classic sailing heritage.

Yacht Club de Monaco and The Explorers Club continue to cement ties this American week is also serving to reinforce the relationship between Yacht Club de Monaco and The Explorers Club, a global authority in the scientific exploration field. Richard Wiese, President Emeritus of the renowned New York-based club, welcomed the YCM’s two centenarian gaff cutters.

Their exchanges build on the partnership launched in the Principality in 2024 and consolidated during the Day of Exploration at YCM last March. They also pave the way for the next Monaco Capital of Advanced Yachting Rendezvous scheduled for 12-16 March 2027. It will include the Day of Exploration, the YCM Student Yachting Fair and the YCM Explorer Awards with a jury chaired by Richard Wiese.

On course now to the great American institution after New York, the Yacht Club de Monaco’s American tour continues to key sailing destinations along the East Coast. The two sailing boats will call into Larchmont, Indian Harbor, Seawanhaka, Devon and Montauk Yacht Club, before arriving in Newport for the 2026 Race Week organised by the New York Yacht Club. The tour then extends to Nantucket for Tuiga, while Viola continues her season on the New England classic regatta circuit through to early September.

This exceptional campaign confirms YCM’s ambition to promote classic yacht excellence, while building lasting bridges between maritime heritage, innovation, exploration and international cooperation.