Following the success of previous editions, the Yacht Club de Monaco, in collaboration with New York’s prestigious The Explorers Club, once again brings together explorers, captains, scientists, engineers and yacht owners in the Principality. Founded in 1904, this renowned American institution unites those who have shaped the history of major terrestrial, maritime and scientific expeditions.
From 12 to 16 March 2027, five days of events will form part of the collective “Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting” initiative, whose ambition is to position the Principality as a global hub for maritime innovation and environmental transition.
From the expedition fleet moored at the YCM Marina to scientific and economic symposiums, as well as the training of future talent and recognition of the most committed yacht owners, this gathering aims to help transform yachting into a genuine platform for exploration, innovation and scientific contribution.
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Located in the heart of the YCM Marina, the Explorer Dock opens the 2027 Rendez-vous with an immersive introduction to the world of contemporary maritime exploration. A true showcase for expedition yachts, this dedicated space brings together an international fleet reflecting new approaches to ocean discovery through technological innovation, scientific research and a strong commitment to marine conservation.
Inaugurated in the presence of representatives from the Yacht Club de Monaco and The Explorers Club, the Explorer Dock gives both visitors and industry professionals privileged access to these exceptional vessels, their crews and the missions they carry out around the world.
Throughout the day, encounters with captains, yacht owners and onboard scientists offer insight into how a yacht can become a platform for exploration and a valuable tool for advancing our knowledge of the oceans.
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The Yachting Student Fair has become a key event for discovering the wide range of careers within the yachting industry. In a sector constantly driven by excellence and innovation, the day gives younger generations the opportunity to meet directly with leading industry professionals, training institutions and active crew members.
Workshops, round tables and meetings with recruiters take place throughout the day, covering careers on deck and in the engine room, onboard hospitality, naval engineering, design and fleet management, as well as emerging skills linked to the energy transition and data.
The objective is clear: to inspire future careers and support the transformation of maritime professions towards ever higher standards of performance and responsibility.
Monday 15 March marks the scientific highlight of the event, with a full day dedicated to the major challenges of ocean exploration. Organised in partnership with The Explorers Club, founded in 1904, the programme brings together those who have shaped the history of major terrestrial, maritime and scientific expeditions.
Explorers, scientists, engineers, yacht owners and captains come together to share findings from research missions conducted aboard exploration yachts and to discuss key scientific priorities, from the deep sea and coral reefs to polar biodiversity and plastic pollution.
Alongside leading institutions, the day highlights the tangible contribution of yachting to scientific research and the commitment of explorers to protecting the planet.
The SEA Index® panels bring together key industry stakeholders to address the challenges of environmental performance and the sustainable transition of yachting. Through discussions, presentations and shared experiences, they provide an opportunity to highlight progress, measurement tools and solutions developed to support the industry in adopting more responsible practices.
Created in 2020 by the Yacht Club de Monaco and Credit Suisse, a UBS Group brand, the SEA Index® provides an objective and measurable approach to assessing the environmental footprint of superyachts. Its ongoing development reflects a commitment to progressively broaden the scope of assessment across a range of indicators, including CO₂ emissions, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter.
The afternoon is dedicated to the economic dimension of the transition. Yacht owners, shipyards, financiers, insurers, fleet managers and institutional representatives come together to examine how yachting fits within the blue economy and which business models can make this transformation sustainable.
Investment in low-carbon technologies, vessel residual value, the international regulatory framework, supply chains, and the attractiveness of destinations and marinas are among the key topics explored, highlighting the practical levers that will shape the sector’s decarbonisation.
In line with the “Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting” initiative, the symposium is built around a clear conviction: environmental performance and economic performance must now move forward together.
As part of the “Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting” initiative, the YCM Explorer Awards by La Belle Classe Superyachts recognise yacht owners who place innovation, exploration and ocean preservation at the heart of their commitment.
Presented by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, these awards honour exemplary initiatives that transform yachts into much more than a means of navigation: genuine platforms supporting maritime exploration, scientific research and a deeper understanding of the oceans.
In response to the challenges of the environmental transition, the YCM Explorer Awards support the evolution of the industry towards more sustainable, responsible and impact-conscious yachting. Organised in partnership with Bombardier, UBS and the SEA Index®, they highlight projects that combine excellence, technological innovation, ocean exploration and respect for the environment.
