Welcome Aboard the new Yacht Club de Monaco Clubhouse
Personally overseen by the Club President, HSH Prince Albert II, the new Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) clubhouse will celebrate its grand opening on June 20 2014 after more than 10 years of planning and construction. The world-renowned architect, Lord Norman Foster from Foster and Partners was awarded the commission in 2003 and collaborated with local architect Alexandre Giraldi.
The new clubhouse offers members and superyacht owners an exciting space at the heart of the Principality’s remodelled harbour front. The overall design is one of terraces that resemble ocean liner decks and there are spectacular views out to sea and inland across the famous Formula 1 circuit.
Entering the 9,000 square metre space, you’ll find yourself in a jaw-dropping glazed atrium. Walk up the spectacular spiral staircase, which resembles a seashell, to the first floor space accommodating a bar, restaurant and clubroom. Moving up to the second floor is a members’ only space which includes visiting guest cabins, pool, fitness room, event and function spaces and an observation deck. At quay level, there are shops and other amenities such as a sailing school and rowing club. View the official YCM video on YouTube.
Another exciting aspect of the new clubhouse is its environmentally friendly credentials. It goes a lot further than just being visually stunning; the construction meets Monaco’s newest green building standards and it is classed as HQE® (Haute Qualité Environnementale). Particular attention is paid to water and energy management and optimal use is made of sustainable resources. The building is kitted out with photovoltaic cells, solar thermal panels and sea-water cooling systems.
Visiting superyachts will receive a warm welcome to the YCM Marina, as will members of YCM’s twinned clubs throughout the world. Owners of visiting superyachts are accorded privileged access to the YCM Clubhouse during their stay and the YCM also has its own Captains’ Club. The YCM Marina now has additional capacity for superyachts and can accommodate vessels up to 60 metres in one of 26 berths.
These fantastic additions and improvements to the YCM facilities are sure to maintain Monaco’s standing as the home of superyachts in the Mediterranean. Find out more about acquiring a superyacht from the superyacht experts, Fraser Yachts by reading the buying guide. If you’re planning to include Monaco on a superyacht charter around the Mediterranean this summer, then contact us for charter and itinerary ideas.
Photos © Sidney Guillemin
