The yachting industry of Monaco set a course towards eco-responsibility on 22nd March 2023, as it celebrated World Water Day under the collective ‘Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting’ brand. The Yacht Club de Monaco took charge of the Yachting Day during the 6th Monaco Ocean Week (20-26 March 2023), an initiative of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, along with the Monaco Government, the Monaco Oceanographic Institute, and Monaco Scientific Centre.
The event aimed to modernise the yachting industry and bring about pragmatic solutions through research and innovation. Bernard d’Alessandri, General Secretary of YCM and President of Cluster Yachting Monaco, emphasised that it was time for the industry to act on decarbonisation, future regulations, and the role of yachts in the circular economy and sustainability.
The occasion was filled with events that focused on encouraging sustainability in yachting, engaging the industry, and the new generation of engineers. The 12th Environmental Symposium La Belle Classe Superyachts was held to explore alternative energy source efficiency for superyachts, while the 27th Captains’ Forum focused on superyacht commitment in management, leadership, and mentoring.
The YCM Explorer Awards by La Belle Classe Superyachts recognised eco-committed yacht owners under the presidency of HSH Prince Albert II. The awards were given in three categories: Technology and Innovation, Mediation and Science, and Adventure and Environmental Ethics.
The M3 (Monaco Marina Management) also organised the first Monaco Smart Yacht Rendezvous to promote sustainability solutions for superyachts. The ultimate aim was to pay tribute to smart solutions in three categories: start-up, scale-up, and corporate. From research and development to its usage, maintenance, and dismantling, the first edition gathered an ecosystem of all those involved who worked together to help fast-track the use of innovative technologies towards a sustainable future. Designers, owners, captains, shipyards, investors, startups, scaleups, and innovation-focused companies all acted together towards this goal. Those selected were referenced in an E-Catalogue with short presentations on their new solutions applicable to yachts. The ultimate aim of the process was to present a Smart Innovative Yacht Award on Friday, March 24th for the most intelligent and eco-responsible solution in three categories: startups, scaleups, and companies.
The Monaco Ocean Week was a success, bringing together naval architects, owners, captains, shipyards, investors, startups, scale-ups, and innovation industrialists to collaborate on new solutions across the whole life cycle of a yacht.
