The Yacht Club de Monaco's historic flagship, the gaff cutter Tuiga, built in 1909, is setting sail for an extraordinary season-long tour along the United States East Coast. This prestigious voyage, which includes the gaff cutter Viola from 1908, is timed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence, marking a significant cultural and nautical exchange between Monaco and the United States.
An Ambassador of Maritime Heritage
Tuiga, transported by cargo ship for this journey, will serve as a floating ambassador for the Yacht Club de Monaco upon its arrival. Its presence aims to elevate the international profile of the Principality while celebrating European maritime traditions. The campaign underscores the enduring relationship between Monaco and the United States, fostering connections with Club members across the Atlantic and visiting several historic American yacht clubs along the way.
Detailed Itinerary and Celebrations
The tour kicks off in late June 2026 in New York City, featuring a series of high-profile events:
- June 26-28, 2026: A Monaco Exhibition, with three days of parades dedicated to showcasing the Principality's culture and heritage.
- July 4, 2026: Participation in Sail4th 250, an international maritime gathering on the East River and Hudson River, joining an impressive fleet of tall ships from around the globe.
- July 11-18, 2026: A sailing expedition along the East Coast, with planned ports of call at iconic yacht clubs including Larchmont, Indian Harbor, Seawanhaka Corinthian, Devon, and Newport—a renowned hub for international yachting.
These events are designed to strengthen historic ties between the Yacht Club de Monaco and major American nautical institutions, emphasizing knowledge sharing and openness.
Tuiga's Legacy and Role
Designed by the famed William Fife III in 1909, Tuiga belongs to the 15 Meter IR class and has been the flagship of the Yacht Club de Monaco since its acquisition in 1995. Over the decades, it has represented the Club at numerous prestigious events worldwide, such as the Lisbon Expo in 1998, the America's Cup Jubilee in Cowes in 2001, the 32nd America's Cup in Valencia in 2007, the 25th Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta in 2012, and the IXe Trofeo Principato di Monaco in Venice.
This American tour is part of the Yacht Club de Monaco's broader 'Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting' initiative, which promotes innovation and excellence in sustainable yachting. It also extends discussions from the Day of Exploration held in Monaco in March 2026 with The Explorers Club of New York, highlighting a commitment to maritime exploration and heritage.
Symbolic Significance
The joint presence of Tuiga and Viola at the New York celebrations on July 4, 2026, symbolizes the continuity of relations between Monaco and the United States in a historic and maritime context. This campaign not only honors a pivotal moment in American history but also reinforces the shared values of nautical excellence and cultural exchange between the two nations.
