Under the esteemed presidency of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) will host the 5th edition of the Explorer Awards by La Belle Classe Superyachts on Thursday, September 24th, 2025. The highly anticipated event will take place in a refined new format—as an exclusive Owners’ Luncheon, paying tribute to the modern spirit of ocean exploration and sustainability.
Honoring the Pioneers of Responsible Yachting
Launched in 2018, the YCM Explorer Awards celebrate superyacht owners who have distinguished themselves through innovation, ethical navigation, scientific contribution, and environmental stewardship. The awards recognize excellence not just in design and engineering, but in how yachts are used as platforms for discovery, awareness, and sustainability.
Organized under the initiative of La Belle Classe Superyachts, this event has become a symbol of Monaco’s deep-rooted commitment to preserving the ocean while promoting leadership and innovation within the global yachting community.
Award Categories
The awards are traditionally divided into four distinct categories:
- Technology & Innovation
- Science & Discovery
- Adventure & Environmental Ethics
- Coup de Cœur (Judges’ Favorite)
Last year’s recipients were honored directly by H.S.H. Prince Albert II, reflecting the prestige of the event:
- S/Y Cachalote (25m) – Technology & Innovation
- M/Y Archimedes (68m) – Science & Discovery
- M/Y Gigi (49m) – Adventure & Environmental Ethics
- M/Y Latitude (47m) – Coup de Cœur Award
2025 Edition Highlights
This year’s edition introduces an updated luncheon format, enhancing networking and conversation among guests in an intimate setting. The event will be chaired by Richard Wiese, President of The Explorers Club, reinforcing the Awards’ alignment with authentic exploration and scientific outreach.
“These awards reflect the best of yachting—those who dare to explore, lead responsibly, and give back to the ocean,” said a YCM spokesperson.
Call for Nominations
Superyacht owners and captains are invited to submit their yachts for consideration. Whether through pioneering technology, scientific collaborations, or ethically driven expeditions, all entries will be evaluated based on impact, innovation, and alignment with the principles of sustainable exploration.
📅 Deadline for nominations: June 15, 2025
🔗 Submit now: https://lnkd.in/dkV6_wxE
More Than an Award
The YCM Explorer Awards are more than accolades—they are a statement of values. They unite forward-thinking owners, engineers, designers, scientists, and adventurers around a common mission: to explore with purpose and protect our planet’s most fragile frontier—the ocean.
