Monaco is set to reinforce its position at the forefront of innovation, exploration and sustainable excellence with the Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting Rendezvous, taking place from 21 to 24 March 2026.
Announced during the Yacht Club de Monaco’s official cocktail reception by its President, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, the event marks a significant new chapter with the launch of a collaboration between Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) and The Explorers Club of New York. This partnership represents a major milestone within the collective initiative Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting, strengthening ties between the yachting world and the global exploration community.
As part of this alliance, a delegation of around 100 members of The Explorers Club, founded in 1904, will visit the Principality during the Rendezvous. The collaboration will also extend symbolically beyond Monaco, with YCM’s flagship Tuiga (1909) and Viola (1908) participating in celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence on 4 July 2026—a historic moment for Monaco’s 15 Metre International fleet.
Positioning Yachting as a Platform for Knowledge and Responsibility
Across four days, the Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting Rendezvous will unite owners, captains, scientists, institutions and innovation leaders around a shared ambition: redefining yachting as a platform for exploration, scientific contribution and environmental responsibility.
Explore Your Future
The programme opens on Saturday 21 March with a Yachting Career Fair, the first event entirely dedicated to professions within the yachting sector. Designed to inspire younger generations, the fair will highlight the diversity of careers available while encouraging skills development and knowledge transfer across the industry.
Between Surface and Depths
On Sunday 22 March, Port Hercule becomes the focal point with the inauguration of the Explorer Dock, guided visits of Explorer yachts and a friendly regatta. This immersive day aims to foster dialogue and collaboration between the yachting and exploration communities.
Science at the Core
Monday 23 March marks the scientific highlight with the Day of Exploration, dedicated to the deep ocean and coral reefs. In collaboration with partners such as the Monaco Scientific Centre and Coral Gardeners, and featuring renowned explorer Victor Vescovo, the programme will showcase how yachts are increasingly supporting scientific research and environmental monitoring.
Captains Leading Change
The Rendezvous concludes on Tuesday 24 March with the 30th Captains’ Forum, focused on practical, onboard solutions that can be implemented immediately. Workshops will place particular emphasis on the SEA Index®, the Yacht Club de Monaco’s benchmark tool for measuring and improving the environmental footprint of superyachts.
Celebrating Ethical Exploration
A defining moment of the event will be the presentation of the 6th YCM Explorer Awards, organised by La Belle Classe Superyachts. Chaired by Richard Wiese, President of The Explorers Club, the awards will honour exemplary projects demonstrating how yachts can be used as platforms for exploration, research, innovation and knowledge sharing.
Awards will recognise excellence across technology and innovation, adventure, environment and ethics, and science and discovery, alongside a Jury Special Prize.
A Shared Vision for the Future of Yachting
Through the Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting Rendezvous, Yacht Club de Monaco and The Explorers Club affirm a common vision: a future where technological progress in yachting goes hand in hand with scientific engagement and environmental responsibility.
Exploration is no longer a privilege—it is a responsibility.
