The Monaco Grand Prix Yachting Experience: Four Perfect Days in May

Every driver wants to win it. Every fan simply aches to watch it. And every socialite, celebrity, ambassador, and tastemaker attends its parties, preparations, and celebrations. It is the Monaco Grand Prix, the epitome of elite Formula One racing, enhanced by haute couture glamour in an incredibly beautiful setting.

There is really only one way to watch this fabled race, and that is in person, on your own private yacht. With a track set seaside on the Cote d’Azur of the Mediterranean, this French Principality is the world’s most elegant setting for a Grand Prix Formula One race. On your own private yacht charter, you’ll watch from the most enviable viewing perch imaginable, with every comfort attended to, and every possible wish granted.

Next year marks the 75th annual event in Monaco, making this Grand Prix race all the more memorable, moored alongside friends, aboard point after point of exquisite yacht, watching four days of superb racing. Of all the Grand Prix tracks, Monaco is the most treacherous, but most valued of wins. The only track with an exception to Grand Prix guidelines requiring a 305km/190mi course, Monaco completes 78 laps totaling 260km/161mi. Monaco’s shorter course makes up the distance in its details. Massive acceleration up Casino Hill after Virage St. Devote’s perilous turn, the exhilarating maneuvers at the Grand Hotel Hairpin, the dark to light and airstream physics changes of the tunnel, the challenge of the right, left chicane, followed by Rascasse Corner, all set the course in Monaco for thrilling intensity through more than 4,500 gear changes and maximum speeds of 305 kmph.

From Thursday, May 21st qualifying races to Sunday’s main event start at 1400 hours, the grueling, two hour Grand Prix Automobile de Monaco race galvanizes spectators throughout the event. As the engines quiet down each day, nightlife goes ballistic at parties and clubs throughout the Principality. Post race parties at Zelo’s Podium Lounge attract a cadre of Formula One drivers, supermodels, and style pacesetters, ready to celebrate the day’s results, and clubs come alive with social soirees of elaborate design.

Relaxing and entertaining on your yacht will no doubt be prime, but you’ll want to set foot on land for a few exceptional excursions. Explore the haute couture fashion houses lining Cercle d’Or and along the Avenue de Princess Grace, for the perfect attire advice from those who know fashion’s Cote d’Azur whims. Indulge in some of the Principality’s most treasured jewels near the casino district from Zegg & Cerlati along Avenue des Spélugues, Cirabelli, Bernasconi Gioielli, the trendy yet serene Fred Boutique, or along the Boulevard de Moulin for exotic bling.

While fashion reigns, food also earns high praise in the Principality Of course, you must stop for a coffee at Café de Paris, or perhaps a sinfully delicious repast at Alain Ducasse’s famed Louis XV on the Place du Casino, the Joel Robuchon Monte Carlo, La Table de Patrick Raingeard, La Chèvre d’Or, or Le Cap, for the best of the best.

For post race awards dancing till the morning, there are lots of private parties, especially on board yachts, but the clubs also garner their share of glitter. Attire is casual chic with exceptions of spectacular private affairs, but nights can be chilly, so bring or buy an elegant wrap. Consider a stop at The Amber Lounge, Jimmy’z, The Bhudda Bar, or the Living Room to rub shoulders with an elevated crowd where you’ll find it difficult not to photobomb celebrity pics as paparazzi click away. The heady atmosphere surrounding Monaco’s nightlife is intoxicating enough, but the champagne, much of it coming from France’s most exclusive houses, completes a most delightful evening.

An event that mixes all of life’s most interesting elements, the Monaco Grand Prix is certain to earn annual booking on your calendar. To reserve your yacht for next years grand prix contact us today at .charters@thebestofyachting.com