We sit down with one of the most famous faces at the prestigious Yacht Club de Monaco to discover his personal passions and fondest memories.
For almost five decades, Bernard d’Alessandri, general secretary and managing director of the Yacht Club de Monaco, has quietly steered the institution with unwavering dedication. Arriving in Monaco from France in 1976—when the club was a modest operation with just four staff—d’Alessandri has overseen its evolution into a globally respected institution with 2,500 members representing more than 80 nationalities. A naturalised Monégasque and a seaman at heart, d’Alessandri has brought both humility and charisma to an organisation rooted in maritime heritage and innovation.
Under his leadership, in 2014 the new Norman Foster-designed clubhouse became a landmark—embodying the club’s blend of elegance and modernity. His influence spans launching the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, pioneering the SEA Index, and skippering the 1985 transatlantic race from Monaco to New York.
Here we get a rare glimpse into the man behind the helm of the club, tracing the experiences, ideas and passions that have shaped his life, career and the spirit of the Yacht Club de Monaco.
How do you start your day?
By looking out to sea. I spend a few quiet minutes watching the water before the day truly begins. Then I head to the club early, usually stopping for a coffee at the Yacht Club de Monaco Sports Bar before making my way around the clubhouse to check in with the teams, greet members and get a sense of the day ahead.
What items do you keep on your desk?
It’s a mess! I have work files, a notebook for ideas and a fountain pen, because I prefer to write by hand.
What constitutes luxury to you?
Luxury isn’t excess. It’s commitment, craftsmanship and the privilege of turning a lifelong passion into a profession. At the Yacht Club de Monaco, it’s this shared love for the sea that unites us. Luxury is also about expertise, art and heritage, hence our philosophy: “Art de Vivre la Mer”.
What items do you love to collect?
I don’t actively collect anything, but I’ve kept many objects from my sailing life—such as maps, old instruments and photos. Each piece tells a story. I also collect Jean Cocteau posters. His work is closely linked to the Mediterranean and the Riviera, and I admire the way he captured the elegance and poetry of the region.
How do you like to relax?
By going out to sea whenever I can. Other than that, I like reading as another way to escape.
You’re known as a keen sailor. Where did this passion stem from?
I grew up in the mountains, but the horizon drew me in. My first time on a boat— a small Optimist—was a revelation. I experienced a sense of freedom unlike anything I had ever known before. I’ve sailed ever since. I have some extraordinary memories, including the 1985 transatlantic race from Monaco to New York, which I skippered, and sailing Tuiga—our flagship—which was built in 1909 and is one of the last four 15 m IRs still sailing in the world.
What’s your favourite boat to sail?
Without a doubt, Tuiga. She embodies tradition and elegance. When you’re onboard, it feels as though time has stood still. It is sailing as it once was: entirely reliant on the crew’s teamwork.
Where do you love to sail?
I’ve had the privilege of sailing all over the world, but the Mediterranean is still my home. Each coastline has its own character, but few can offer the history, beauty and light that we find here. You’ve been at the yacht club during an exceptional time in its history.
What’s your fondest memory of the place?
The 1985 transatlantic race. It was a bold and ambitious undertaking that brought together a young team from Monaco. It was a statement about what the club could achieve. Another highlight was inaugurating the new Yacht Club de Monaco building in 2014.
Who are some of the most memorable people you’ve met through the club?
There have been many, including legendary sailors, world leaders and visionaries, but it is those who carry a quiet passion for the sea that I find most inspiring. Eric Tabarly stood out for his humility and determination, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston for his maritime expertise and pioneering spirit.
What is your favourite annual event in Monaco?
The Monaco Classic Week-La Belle Classe, which always takes place in September. Launched in 1994, it became the only biennial event bringing together the most beautiful classic yachts, motorboats and period yachts. Another is the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, that we’ve hosted since 2014, which brings together young engineers and shipyards to shape the future of clean yachting. It is fantastic to see their creativity and enthusiasm as they share ideas in an open-source spirit to develop practical solutions.
How have you seen the Monaco Yacht Show evolve over the years?
The show has grown immensely in both scale and influence. But—more importantly—it has embraced the challenge of transformation. Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s integral—and the show is evolving into a platform for progress.
How important is sustainability to you—and the Yacht Club?
For many years, we have raised awareness of the yachting industry’s obligation to transform towards greater sustainability with concrete, measurable actions. We created tools such as the SEA Index to help superyacht owners assess and improve environmental performance. It is satisfying to see these ideas gain traction, even if progress is—in my opinion—never fast enough.
Where are your favourite locations in Monaco—apart from the Yacht Club?
I enjoy calm places where I can recharge my batteries and reconnect with nature. Sometimes this might simply mean being by the sea or taking the time to sit and read a book. At other times, I seek out green spaces where I can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and centre myself.
Do you have any hidden gems in the Principality, or nearby on the Riviera?
There’s a small bay just beyond Cap-d’Ail that I’ve always loved. It’s nothing special, but it’s peaceful. The Ligurian coast—not far from here—still holds some secrets, too.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Not advice, but a saying: “Never forget why you started.” The only way to know where you’re going is to remember where you came from. Perhaps that’s why Tuiga is special to me. On July 4th 2026, she will cross the Atlantic for the Sail4th 250, saluting the Statue of Liberty for the first time in her history.
