Monaco Ocean Week Yachting Days | Thursday 23rd & Friday 24th March 2023

 

At the 6th Monaco Ocean Week, an initiative supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Yacht Club de Monaco is entrusted every year with the yachting component. A packed agenda was on offer the first day with the 12th Environmental Symposium, 27th Captains’ Forum and 3rd YCM Explorers Awards.

At the same time, Yacht Club de Monaco hosted the first Monaco Smart Yacht Rendezvous, organised by Monaco Marina Management. HSH Prince Albert II came to kick off proceedings, keen to meet the startups, scaleups and corporates there to present innovative solutions adaptable to superyachts. “As part of our public service remit, Yacht Club de Monaco intends to be a key player in the environmental transition as a platform for communication and exchange for the yachting industry. All these meetings are part of our collective Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting approach,” said its General Secretary, Bernard d’Alessandri.

The 12th Environmental Symposium focused on the upcoming 10th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge (3-8 July 2023) in tackling alternative energy sources, energy efficiency and how these issues are being addressed by the new generation of engineers.  “Young people can contribute hugely to the change and bring innovation across the process. To do this, we have to work on propulsion, hulls, structures, materials and energy sources. We must work step by step to develop these technologies with all those involved in the sector, starting with producers and owners,” stressed Thomas Grosjean, Marine Fuel Cell Engineering Manager at Hélion.

Next up was the 27th Captains’ Forum, an opportunity for these key professionals to make their contribution to building and developing the future for yachting on the theme ‘Superyacht commitment: Management, Leadership & Mentoring’.

A highlight of the first day were the YCM Explorer Awards by La Belle Classe Superyachts destined for owners who stand out for their commitment to protecting the marine environment, be it in the design of their yacht or what they do with it. The ceremony was attended by HSH Prince Albert II: “I hope we can continue to work together to protect the planet for future generations. We must continue to be fascinated by and testify to what nature and the ocean has to offer us, while preserving them,” said the Sovereign who is also President of the Yacht Club de Monaco.

Awarded by a Jury of experts, there are three categories: Technology and Innovation which went to S/Y Marie Joseph (24m), Mediation and Science for M/Y Ocean Explorer (87m) and Adventure & Environmental Ethics for S/Y SeaHawk (59m). M/V Plastic Odyssey (39m) was the big winner of the Coup de Cœur (jury favourite) category. “Plastic Odyssey,” explained its founder Simon Bernard, “is a round the world expedition that started with the desire to combat plastic pollution by involving local entrepreneurs in recycling plastic before it gets discharged into the sea. It is an honour to be here, especially because we are young. I was here in 2018 for the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge and now a few years later I’m here again receiving this award, it’s a very exciting moment for me”.

Discussions continue tomorrow with the Monaco Smart Yacht Rendezvous, organised by Monaco Marina Management, and the Smart Innovative Yacht Awards in three categories (startups, scaleups and corporates).

Press contacts: Yacht Club de Monaco – Tel: +377 93 10 64 09 – Email: presse@ycm.org