A Maritime Anniversary in Monaco: Prince Albert II Visits the L’Étoile
by Andrew Shelepnytsky Contributor
April 29, 2026
On Tuesday, April 28, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II paid an official visit to the schooner-school L’Étoile during its stopover in the Principality. The 34-meter topsail schooner, a historic vessel built in 1932, currently serves as a training ship for the French Navy.
The visit took place in the presence of H.E. Mr. Jean d’Haussonville, the Ambassador of France to Monaco, and was hosted by the vessel's commander, Lieutenant Victor Kaars Sijpesteijn. This diplomatic and maritime engagement was organized as part of the broader celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of the French Navy.
As a symbol of enduring naval tradition, the presence of the L’Étoile in Monegasque waters underscores the long-standing maritime ties between the Principality and France. The vessel, which has spent nearly a century at sea, continues to serve its mission of instruction, bridging the history of sail-powered navigation with modern naval training.
Photo credits: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier
Andrew Shelepnytsky
Contributor
Andrew Shelepnytsky is the Vice President of International Business Development at The Monegasque™ Magazine, where he spearheads global partnerships. He serves as the host of The Monegasque™ Podcast and is a Partner at FC Barbagiuans, the football club of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco. A dedicated Ambassador for Peace for the Universal Peace Federation. Andrew serves as a contributing writer for Monaco Voice.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MonacoVoice™
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