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The building that houses the Yacht Club de Monaco emulates the shape of classic luxury liners. This masterful work by Pritzker-winner architect Sir Norman Foster—one of the world’s leading names in architecture and design—looks so spectacular that it actually outshines all the vessels moored at the emblematic marina.
Yacht Club de Monaco and Marina.
As we all know, Monaco is identified with the high life: luxury, royalty, the sea, casinos and, of course, the most spectacular yachts. It also boasts one of the most exclusive yacht clubs on the planet: the Yacht Club de Monaco, which opened its doors in 2014. The Club is the epicenter of nautical life in the small Principality and one of the most important in all the Mediterranean for its strategic location and the number of vessels that visit the port on a regular basis.
With a total area of 97,000 square feet, the imposing building has 54,000 square feet of interior space; the rest are semi-covered areas and large terraces plus a series of public spaces for the delight of all members and visitors. Its five floors are connected by the twin aft stairs and an imposing central spiral staircase.
The inviting glass structure offers spectacular views of the marina, harbor, and the Mediterranean. Completing its nautical aesthetic, the fourth level has a retractable canvas roof located on a sort of rigid structure that simulates the boom, which continues to reach the two towering 100-foot tall masts located at the front of the building. The space also boasts 26 docks for larger vessels up to 180 feet long, which make it a formidable and safe harbor for the some of the largest megayachts in the world, which usually spend the summers in the area.
The Yacht Club of Monaco resembles a classic ocean liner.
The Yacht Club de Monaco offers all kinds of luxurious and comfort amenities for its members and visitors, such as restaurants, ballrooms, special event space, public areas and a private club on the first floor. It also has an elegant library with more than 1,600 nautical titles, five guest rooms, gyms and a spectacular pool for a very enjoyable day-visit or a larger stay while sailing the fabled coast of the South of France.
In the surrounding area, there is ample parking for 140 cars. The interior of the building was decorated with delicate elegance and refined touches using Fendi Casa furnishings and materials that evoke luxury liners, such as wood in different textures and shades, polished aluminum and pristine white lacquer. Numerous works of art adorn the halls and the splendid Riva Bar, celebrating the traditional Italian yacht and luxury motorboats manufacturer, is the meeting place for those who enjoy navigation and socializing in one of the most elegant settings in Monaco.
The building is not only beautiful but also modern and environmentally-friendly. It has an elaborate system of photovoltaic panels for electricity generation, as well as a novel and sophisticated cooling system that operates using seawater. Combined, these state-of-the-art resources yield energy savings of 60 percent. ■
