Behind every Explorer Yacht is a man and/or woman driven by an insatiable quest for exploration. This unwavering commitment is acknowledged by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, who states, “Thanks to their strong environmental awareness, yacht owners play and will continue to play a crucial role in marine exploration, providing invaluable support to scientists and local communities. The tradition of exploration, deeply rooted in the history of our Principality and inherited from my great-grandfather, Prince Albert I, reminds us of the urgent need to safeguard our marine environment with respect and devotion.”
Since 2019, the YCM has been paying tribute to them
with this ceremony, asserting its role as a key player in yachting’s
ecological transition.
M/Y Valor
S/Y ArtExplorer
S/Y CACHALOTE 25m
M/Y LATITUDE (47M)
M/Y GIGI 49M
M/Y ARCHIMEDES 68M
S/Y Marie Joseph (24 m)
M/Y OceanXplorer (87m)
S/Y Seahawk (60 m)
M/V Plastic Odyssey (40m)
M/Y ARTEFACT (80 m)
M/Y Gene machine (55m)
M/Y Dragon Fly (73)
M/Y Bravo Eugenia (109m)
M/Y Alucia (56m)
M/Y Ege (42m)
M/Y Polarfront (55m)
S/Y Tara (36m)
The YCM Explorer Awards is an international ceremony organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco under the High Patronage of HSH Prince Albert II, the Club’s president. It recognises yachts and their owners and crews who use their yacht as a tool for innovation, exploration, scientific research or environmental awareness. These distinctions are in line with the YCM’s collective ‘Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting’ approach.
The awards are open to yacht owners who can demonstrate a responsible approach to yachting, be it through technological innovation, reducing their environmental impact, supporting science, or cultural engagement focused on protecting the ocean.
Several categories are recognised at the YCM Explorer Awards, the most significant being:
Other projects may be awarded, depending on the candidates projects, for example science, education and exploration missions.
The jury is international and comprises experts in innovation, maritime affairs, the environment and science. Each project is assessed based on technical and ethical criteria.
The YCM Explorer Awards by La Belle Classe are a reminder that yachting can be a driver of change. They recognise projects that combine the pleasure of cruising with environmental responsibility, science and public engagement. It is also a way to unite owners around a challenging and ambitious vision for the future of the oceans.
