The Grand Yacht Club Tour with Monaco
An Exclusive Trip for Manhattan Yacht Club Members
July 11-18, 2026
Following the celebrations of the United States Semiquincentennial, Manhattan Yacht Club invites its members to take part in an extraordinary and deeply meaningful voyage, the Grand Yacht Club Tour. During this week, Arabella will escort the legendary Yacht Club de Monaco fleet, including the iconic Tuiga and the elegant Viola, from New York Harbor to Newport, Rhode Island. This flotilla will travel up Long Island Sound with purpose and style, stopping at some of America’s most distinguished clubs, Larchmont Yacht Club, Indian Harbor Yacht Club, Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club, and Devon Yacht Club. Our goal is to help the visiting sailors from Monaco learn about the spirit and traditions of American yachting history.
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Throughout this journey, Arabella serves as your private floating hotel, offering the rare privilege of traveling in company with some of the world’s most historic yachts while enjoying unmatched comfort, hospitality, and friendships. This is not simply a cruise; it is a once-in-a-generation exchange between great yacht clubs, a living expression of international goodwill, and without question one of the most extraordinary weeks in the history of Manhattan Yacht Club. The invitation for the Great Yacht Club Tour is reprinted below.
Tuiga
The Tuiga is one of the most celebrated classic yachts in the world, designed in 1909 by the legendary William Fife III and built in Scotland during the golden age of yacht design. Originally commissioned for competitive racing, Tuiga quickly earned a reputation for her elegance, speed, and perfectly balanced lines, hallmarks of Fife’s genius. Over the decades, she passed through various private owners before falling into decline in the late 20th century. Recognizing her historical importance, Prince Albert II of Monaco and the Yacht Club de Monaco acquired Tuiga in 1993 and undertook a meticulous restoration to return her to her original glory. Since then, she has served as the flagship of the Yacht Club de Monaco, actively racing in prestigious classic regattas and embodying the club’s deep commitment to preserving maritime heritage and the timeless art of yachting.
Viola
The Viola is a beautifully restored classic yacht owned by Kostia Belkin of the Yacht Club de Monaco, and represents the spirit of modern classic yacht racing at its finest. Combining timeless design with an active racing program, Viola is regularly seen competing in the Mediterranean’s most prestigious classic regattas, where she stands out for both her elegance and performance. Under Belkin’s passionate stewardship, the yacht has become a respected ambassador for Monaco’s yachting tradition. Belkin himself has been recognized with the Yacht Club de Monaco’s “Sailor of the Year” honor, a testament to his skill, sportsmanship, and dedication to the sport. Together, Viola and her owner bring a dynamic blend of heritage and competitive excellence to every event, making her a perfect companion to Tuiga in showcasing the enduring legacy of classic yachting.
12 Meters “America II”
The two 1987 America’s Cup 12 Meters known as America II, US-42 and US-46, are among the most powerful and historically significant racing yachts still sailing today, proudly owned and operated by the New York Harbor Sailing Foundation. Built for the intensity of the 1987 America’s Cup in Fremantle, Australia, these boats represent the pinnacle of the 12 Meter era, combining cutting-edge design of their time with the raw, physical sailing that defined the competition. In 2017, these yachts joined Arabella on the first Grand Yacht Club Tour to celebrate Manhattan Yacht Club’s 30th Anniversary, bringing thrilling match racing and camaraderie to yacht clubs along Long Island Sound. That voyage became the stuff of club legend, and now in 2026, we will recreate that magic as the America IIs once again sails in company with the Yacht Club de Monaco fleet, honoring the traditions of international goodwill through friendly competition.
What’s Included
Relax in comfort and style aboard Arabella, your home for the week. Experience the Arabella Lifestyle with gourmet meals, stunning sunsets, and the camaraderie of fellow guests and sailing enthusiasts.
- 9 days and 8 nights of luxury accommodations aboard Arabella
- Includes breakfasts and lunches but no dinners. All dinners will be a la carte ashore.
- Visit the Larchmont Yacht Club, Indian Harbor Yacht Club, Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club and Devon Yacht Club.
- Also stops are planned in Port Jefferson Harbor and Block Island.
- This will be one of American yachting’s greatest weeks for international goodwill through friendly competition.
The Itinerary – 9 Days & 8 Nights
Saturday, July 11, 2026 - Boarding & Larchmont Yacht Club
All guests are invited to come aboard Arabella beginning at 9 am. We will weigh anchor at 10 am and head up the East River and into Long Island Sound. Our first stop will be the Larchmont Yacht Club. Once we arrive, our delegation will head ashore, flip a coin, let LYC select which 12 Meter they wish to race and then we will head out for a friendship race, with and no against each other. Immediately after this is finished, all racing sailors and race committee will be invited onboard Arabella for a one-hour Mt Gay Rum & tonic party. This will be followed by ashore with the host club throwing the “Monaco Party.” Once the club bars closes for the night, all sailors will head to rest and recovery except a few privileged sailors who may apprecicate the one-hour Le Discotheque Arabella
Sunday, July 12, 2026 - Indian Harbor Yacht Club
Today will be a slightly later start since the distance to Indian Harbor Yacht Club is quite manageable. Then the same procedure will be employed, with our delegation first going ashore, flipping a coin and letting the host club select their 12 Meter before the Friendship Race. The same magical social events will occur again after racing.
Monday, July 13, 2026 - Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club
Our flotilla will travel across Long Island Sound today to the North Shore and stop in Oyster Bay at the prestigious Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club which hosted the 2025 6 Meter World Championships. The same magical social events will occur again after racing.
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 - Day of Rest, Port Jefferson
The trip to our next host yacht club is fairly long so we will break up the delivery into two days, with a night of rest inside Jefferson Harbor. This will be the quiet night of the week.
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 - Devon Yacht Club
The sailing and social events pick back up again today. First there is the remainder of the long delivery starting early morning from Port Jefferson to the east end of Long Island. Then we arrive off the Devon Yacht Club to repeat the coin toss, Friendship Race and all the other social event. The Devon Yacht Club raced in Monaco Classic Week in 2023 by chartering the Sparkman & Stephens classic “Manitou.”
Thursday, July 16, 2026 - Block Island Crew Party
The evening stop in Block Island is an opportunity for all the crew to have a little fun. This small island is renown for the late night and boisterous bars along the main drag.
Friday, July 17, 2026 - Race to Newport
Once the sea breeze picks up on Friday, our flotilla will do “The Great Race,” all starting together off Block Island and heading downwind to the sailing capital of America, Newport. The finish will be off Castle Hill and each yacht shall be saluted as they enter the harbor.
Saturday, July 18, 2026 - Racing in Newport & Closing Ceremony
The events for Saturday still need to be determined but they may include some racing inside the harbor or starting inside and heading out and back. This will surely be a memorable day and evening. Stay tuned.
Sunday, July 19, 2026 - Departure Day
The final morning arrives quietly, with the harbor still carrying the echoes of last night’s celebration. After a relaxed breakfast aboard Arabella, guests gather their bags and say their goodbyes, often lingering just a little longer on deck. Departures will begin at 9 am and be finished by 10:30 am.
Please remember that all sailing itineraries are subject to change based on many factors including weather, depth of water, special events and gatherings of boats. The Captain will use his or her discretion and experience to always try and deliver the best sailing vacation for you and all of our guests.
StateRooms
All staterooms include:
- Single or Double Beds
- Individual Climate Control
- Electrical Sockets
- Ensuite Bath with Sink & Toilet
- Private Shower
- Hand & Bath Towels
Owners Stateroom
- Largest and Most Luxurious Staterooms
- Queen Bed
- Located Amidships (the most stable part of the boat)
- 2 available each trip
Premier Stateroom
- Queen Bed
- Located Amidships (the most stable part of the boat)
- 4 available each trip
Deluxe Stateroom
- Queen Bed
- Located in the Forward Section of the Yacht
- 6 available each trip
Double Stateroom
- Over/Under Single Bunks, ideal for singles
- Located in the Aft Section of the Yacht
- 4 available each trip
Single Stateroom
- Single Berth
- Located in the Aft Section of the Yacht
- 2 available each trip
Single Supplement Option: Arabella also warmly welcomes solo travelers. If you are traveling on your own and would like to reserve a double-occupancy cabin for private use, you may do so through our single supplement program. The single supplement rate is 1.5 times the standard cabin fare and is offered on a space-available basis. Arabella typically keeps one or two cabins open specifically for this purpose, so that singles can enjoy comfort and privacy without needing a roommate. To inquire or reserve a single supplement cabin, simply call or email our office at marketing@arabellalifestyle.com or 201-753-1207 and speak with our marketing specialist, who will be happy to assist you.
FAQs
Where do we meet Arabella?
Guests will meet Arabella anchored in New York Harbor. Please arrive at the Manhattan Yacht Club in Jersey City between 8:30 and 9:30 am.
Do I need to have racing experience in order to join this adventure?
No prior sailing experience is needed to enjoy an unforgettable week aboard Arabella, our luxurious 157-foot mega yacht. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or have never stepped on a boat before, this journey is designed for everyone. The guests on Arabella can also race on the boats if they have been invited or are a member of the MYC 12 Meter Syndicate. Racing is arranged separately and not part of the Arabella cabin fare. Guests on Arabella do not have to participate in any of the races. You can just ride along, watch the incredible spectacles and enjoy all the social events with the sailors.
How should I pack?
Even though Arabella is a 157-ft mega yacht, space onboard is at a premium. We encourage you to pack light. Please bring clothes in a soft duffle bag which can be folded up and stored in a cabinet. We discourage any hard suitcases because there will not be a place to store them in your room. For clothing, you will need enough to last the week and there are no laundry facilities on board. You can send laundry out in Saint Maarten but it may pricey. Sailors specialize in making the most of a small wardrobe. All sailors look great in a blue blazer with a tie or scarf. You can get fancier from there as well. There is also be some special regatta gear which you can purchase before the event. Wearing the team gear to social events is usually well received. Most cabins have a few drawers for clothes storage plus a place for some hangers. The Premier and deluxe lines cabins have more storage space than the double and singe staterooms.
Are there electrical outlets in the cabins?
Yes. Each of the cabins has individual 110 volt electrical outlets. You will be able to charge your phone and computer each night. You can also run a hair dryer.
Are linens included?
Yes. The staterooms are fully stocked with linens and towels. Each cabin has a set of sheets, four pillows plus a fleece blanket and bed cover. Arabella does a “turnover” (where our stewardesses change the sheets) once per cruise, usually on the middle day, but sometimes staggered over two days (because there could be up to 20 guest cabins filled). It is recommended that you bring a small beach towel for your onshore excursions.
What is the situation with bathrooms and showers?
Each cabin also has its own private head (the nautical word for toilet), shower, and air conditioning. You will have privacy and be able to keep your room at your preferred temperature. However, water on a yacht is precious and we have to make all the water using our new Parker Aquamatic watermaker. Because our water supply is limited, please help us conserve it by taking “navy” showers. We appreciate your support and cooperation.
How is food and drink handled during the cruise?
This cruise includes all breakfasts and lunches but no dinners. Dinners shall be taken ashore during the cruise. Arabella focuses on healthy eating and whenever possible, our provisioning is farm-to-table. The cabin fare also includes non-alcoholic beverages. There is also a cash bar for beer, wine and mixed drinks which you may purchase while onboard.
Cancellation Policy
Because only a limited number of cabins are available for each vacation, we request that guests pay the full cabin fare when they register. If this is an issue for you, please call us to discuss (201-753-1207). In order to protect your investment, guests are required to purchase trip insurance through a third party. If a guest cancels a trip 60 or more days in advance and we can fill the cabin with another guests, they will receive a 75% refund of all monies paid. If a guest cancels a trip between 30 and 60 days and we can fill the cabin with another guest, they will receive a 50% refund. No cancellations are permitted within the final 30 days before departure.