Monaco Raises the Sails of International Prestige

With an unwavering dedication to excellence in maritime education, the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) has reached a new landmark in its development.

Through its La Belle Classe Academy and the Sports Section, the Club has become an accredited Royal Yachting Association (RYA) training centre; an internationally recognised hallmark of quality in boating and watersports instruction.

The announcement was made by YCM President, HSH Prince Albert II, during the Club’s annual Members Cocktail, a highlight of the yachting social calendar.

The accreditation places YCM’s La Belle Classe Academy firmly among elite global institutions shaping the next generation of maritime professionals.

YCM began delivering RYA Powerboat Level I and II certifications in March 2024. Now, the Academy has expanded its offering to include RYA Dinghy Sailing and Personal Watercraft (jet ski) courses, reflecting its mission to offer comprehensive, year-round training aligned with international standards.

“This international recognition reinforces the quality of our training for the benefit of professional crews and young people in our Sports Section. I hope we can take it further as we develop the ‘RYA by La Belle Classe Academy’ programmes to train tomorrow’s sailors with rigour and enthusiasm”,- said HSH Prince Albert II

Laying Foundations for Future Leaders

At the forefront of this educational evolution is Tiziano Massa, the first coach at YCM to receive the RYA Sailing Scheme Senior Instructor certification, achieved at the UKSA centre in Cowes, Isle of Wight.

Massa is now responsible for preparing young members of the Club’s Sports Section to become Assistant Instructors; an essential step for those aspiring to supervise and lead future sailing courses for children and newcomers.

This development is supported by an intensive three-day Assistant Instructor programme focused on seamanship, teaching techniques, safety procedures, and the assessment of technical skills.

The course will be overseen by James Brooke, Chief RYA Instructor at YCM, whose experience spans continents.

“Having travelled the world supervising RYA courses, I am extremely proud to be part of this outstanding team at YCM where a diversity of skills is used to offer opportunities to a broader public,” says James Brooke.

Positioning Monaco at the Vanguard of Nautical Education

With a full calendar of certified RYA courses available year-round, YCM’s strategic aim is clear: to develop skilled sailors, support maritime professionals and enthusiasts alike, and promote Monaco’s standing as a global force in yachting innovation.

By joining a network of over 2,400 RYA-recognised centres across the globe, the Principality is further anchoring its commitment to educational excellence and sustainable leadership in the nautical world.

YCM Summer Yachting Camp Returns in 2025 (7–11 and 14–18 July 2025)

Following the success of its inaugural edition, the YCM Summer Yachting Camp will return for two sessions in July 2025. Tailored for individuals aged 16 to 22, the immersive programme, developed in partnership with Seascope France, offers a unique introduction to the maritime sector through both theoretical instruction and practical training.

Participants will earn internationally recognised qualifications including:

• RYA Personal Watercraft (PWC)
• RYA Powerboat Level II (licence to drive boats up to 10 metres)
• STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping)

No prior experience is required, making this an exceptional opportunity for curious and motivated young people to explore the world of yachting while acquiring valuable skills that could shape their future.

Open Access to Certified Courses Throughout the Year

RYA Dinghy Sailing courses are now a permanent fixture at YCM’s Sports Section, taught by a team of fully qualified instructors.

Whether for professional advancement or personal development, the Academy's offerings cater to all levels of experience. Full course details are available at: www.labelleclasseacademy.com

This latest recognition underscores YCM’s ambition to position itself as a centre of excellence in maritime training.

“By developing internationally renowned certificated courses, La Belle Classe Academy continues to meet the needs of boating enthusiasts and professionals, while affirming Monaco’s position as a global reference of sustainable yachting.” - Bernard d’Alessandri, Managing Director and General Secretary of the Yacht Club de Monaco