With a circuit that runs through the streets of Monte Carlo and La Condamine, past the many superyachts which are moored in the harbour, the Monaco Grand Prix is considered to be one of the most prestigious and exciting sporting events in the world.
Known to be one of the most demanding courses in Formula One, the circuit contains both the slowest corner and one of the fastest in the Grand Prix calendar, as well as a variety of uphill and downhill sections.
Organised by the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM) and the Fédération International de l’Automobile (FIA), the Grand Prix circuit takes around 6 weeks to build and 3 weeks to disassemble.
In addition to the main Formula One race, other events in the FIA series (such as GP2 and GP3 touring-car races) are provided to keep crowds entertained. There are also hundreds of other related events and parties that draw some extremely high-profile guests. Many of these guests combine their trip with a visit to the Cannes Film Festival, which takes place at around the same time and is only a short boat ride away.
In 1995, the harbour was also used as a location in the James Bond film GoldenEye. The title character (played Piers Brosnan for the first time) tries to stop Xenia Onatopp from stealing a military helicopter.
Charter guests watching the race from the marina have a perfect view as the cars emerge from the famous tunnel at speeds of 280 kilometres per hour and are forced to break sharply in order to successfully negotiate the tight left and right chicane. This is arguably one of the most exciting areas of the track as it is generally one of the only places that drivers can attempt overtaking manouvres. The chicane has produced some of the biggest accidents in the past few years.
After coming through a corner called Tabac, charter guests can continue watching the cars move quickly through the swimming pool section and through the two final corners (La Racasse and Virage Antony Noghes). The cars then begin the ascent back up towards Casino Square.
Renting a berth in Port Hercules may be too pricey for some, but anchoring just outside the port is free and an equally enjoyable experience. Boats anchored outside the port won’t have a perfect view of the race, but most clients c
hose to book a lunch and viewing spot on the private balcony or roof terrace of one of the many high-rises around Monaco. Guests are brought in by tender before the race starts. We can help you find the best viewing tickets as part of our comprehensive Monaco Grand Prix service.
Among the boats that we have available during the Monaco Grand Prix is D5, a Fairline Squadron 78 with plenty of indoor and outdoor living space. We recommend chartering her (or one of our other fantastic crewed motor yachts) as part of a 4 or 5-day charter from Antibes up to Monaco for the race on Sunday and along to Portofino or Corsica.
Please have a look at our Monaco Grand Prix Yacht Charter Overview for more information and a comprehensive listing of boats that are available for charter in Monaco.