The Fife-built classic yacht Mariella, originally delivered in 1938, has been crowned the winner of the Monaco Classic Week trophy 2021.
Mariella was awarded the La Belle Classe Restoration Prize by a jury chaired by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, who paid tribute to all the yachts on display.
“In the end, it’s a very difficult decision to make, so many craftsmen who work on these boats to preserve them in all their original grandeur have done a great job. In the end, it’s the heart that decides for each member of the jury,” he said.
Other winners included the 1948 motorboat Iran, 1954 motor yacht Istros and 1908 sailing yacht Viola, who won their respective categories in the Elegance Contests.
The yachts were among a coveted selection of vintage yachts built before 1950 which attended the event from September 8-11. This included a dozen motor yachts, including the 78.5 metre SS Delphine, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year and led a grand parade on the last day of the event.
Alongside the nautical events was a bustling social calendar, including the coveted chef’s competition, which was entered by ten boats and saw chefs tasked with concocting culinary delights based on the theme “Land and Sea”. The winning chef was Thibaud Barbafiera on board the Bermudan 1938 cutter Eileen.
Speaking about the event, general secretary of the Yacht Club de Monaco, Bernard d’Alessandri, said: “As the curtain falls on this 15th edition of Monaco Classic Week, we are all feeling very emotional at having shared our passion for all these boats.
“This event is unique but also has meaning as it brings together people who have the same concept of sailing and pay the same attention to preserving maritime heritage.”
Combining heritage, elegance and glamour, the Monaco Classic Week has been held every two years since its launch in 1994.