The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge returns from 1st to 5th July with its most ambitious edition yet, where cutting-edge technology, artificial intelligence, and student ingenuity converge in Port Hercule for a week of high-stakes racing and innovation.
In a setting once animated by the thunder of the earliest motorboats, a new era of propulsion is quietly revolutionising Monaco’s waters. Organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco, this 11th edition brings together over 40 universities and international marine industry leaders such as Azimut-Benetti, Ferretti Group, and Sanlorenzo. Together, they are reshaping maritime mobility through real-world competition.
Four racing classes – Energy, SeaLab, Open Sea, and the brand-new AI Class – form the cornerstone of the event. These categories explore propulsion via solar power, hydrogen fuel cells, and electric batteries, many of which now integrate AI technologies to improve performance and autonomy. From qualifying laps and slalom races to endurance trials and a dramatic 16-nautical mile speed record challenge, each race pushes the envelope on efficiency and speed.
Introducing artificial intelligence to the high seas
The 2025 edition marks the debut of a fully autonomous racing class. Vessels equipped with advanced AI will compete independently, testing the limits of automation in marine navigation. This addition signals a future where crewless boats may serve in research or rescue missions, thanks to reliable, intelligent systems born from the challenge’s open innovation ecosystem.
AI’s inclusion also extends to the SeaLab platform, a hub for innovation inside the YCM Marina. Here, visitors can discover prototypes crafted with recyclable materials and natural fibres, electric docking solutions developed with Aqua superPower, and dynamic exhibits that explore energy efficiency through tangible experimentation.
Mentorship, industry links, and future careers
True to the Yacht Club’s mission of shaping future maritime leaders, the Challenge doubles as a mentorship and career forum. Industry giants collaborate with students through networking events, while the Job Forum allows participants to apply directly for internships and employment opportunities. It’s a rare collision of youth and experience, where conversations can spark future enterprises.
Adding to the immersive experience, the Challenge offers an interactive race simulator that places spectators in the virtual cockpit of the competitors, capturing the thrill of real-time racing in Monaco’s iconic port.
A festival of innovation and public engagement
Throughout the week, the event transforms Port Hercule into a public celebration of clean technology. Visitors can witness races from the YCM and Lucciana quays, attend daily Tech Talks and round tables on hydrogen propulsion, and explore Monaco’s broader efforts toward carbon-neutral yachting, including the benchmark SEA Index.
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Photo courtesy YCM