The Yacht Club de Monaco is set to host an extensive four-day summit dedicated to shaping the future of yachting and maritime innovation from March 21-24, 2026. Under the banner "Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting," this significant gathering will bring together approximately one hundred explorers, captains, scientists, engineers and yacht owners to discuss critical topics surrounding environmental transition and technological advancement in the maritime sector.
Building on Previous Success
Following the successful inaugural Day of Exploration, the Yacht Club de Monaco has partnered with The Explorers Club of New York to organize this expanded event. The collaboration brings together leading international figures for a comprehensive program featuring conferences, knowledge exchanges and on-the-water demonstrations throughout the four-day period.
Opening with Educational Opportunities
The program commences on Saturday, March 21 with the Yachting Student Fair, organized in cooperation with Monaco's Department of Education, Youth and Sport and Monaco City Hall. This public event, accessible free of charge with registration, aims to introduce students and recent graduates to diverse career opportunities within yachting and maritime professions.
Numerous training institutions and specialized schools will present educational programs covering management, naval architecture, maintenance and port operations. Additionally, YCM's La Belle Classe Academy will showcase its specialized programs in service excellence, brokerage and sustainability practices.
Explorer Dock and Regatta
On Sunday, March 22, the YCM Marina transforms into the Explorer Dock, inaugurated by YCM General Secretary Bernard d'Alessandri and The Explorers Club President Richard Wiese. This interactive exhibition will feature expedition yachts, immersive experiences, virtual reality diving simulations and discussions focusing on ocean finance and blue-economy investment models. The day concludes with a friendly regatta in the picturesque Bay of Monaco.
Day of Exploration Focus
Monday, March 23 marks the Day of Exploration, bringing together prominent scientists and explorers to address pressing maritime topics. Discussion themes include marine biodiversity in Peru, deep-sea exploration technologies, Arctic research initiatives, marine wildlife preservation efforts and Mediterranean archaeology discoveries.
The program further examines polar ecosystem changes and the future development of deep-sea exploration vessels. The day culminates with a closing conversation exploring imagination's role in shaping the ocean's future.
Captains' Forum and Awards Ceremony
The 30th Captains' Forum on Tuesday, March 24, organized in partnership with Oceanco, MB92 Group, Jutheau Husson and ICON Yachts, focuses on practical solutions at the intersection of science, yachting and exploration. Discussions will address oceanographic research methodologies, seabed exploration techniques, crew engagement in scientific projects and onboard eco-solutions implementation.
A key highlight includes examination of the SEA Index, developed collaboratively by YCM and Credit Suisse (a UBS brand), which assists yacht owners in measuring and reducing their environmental impact through standardized assessment tools.
The event concludes with the prestigious 6th YCM Explorer Awards by La Belle Classe Superyachts, presented in partnership with UBS and Bombardier and attended by YCM President HSH Prince Albert II. Awards recognize outstanding projects in two categories: Innovation & Technology and Sciences & Exploration, honoring initiatives that utilize yachts as platforms for scientific research, technological advancement and environmental commitment.
Through this comprehensive initiative, the Yacht Club de Monaco reaffirms its commitment to Prince Albert I's visionary legacy, promoting a purposeful and forward-looking yachting sector that balances luxury with environmental responsibility and scientific exploration.
