The Monaco Yacht Club is taking the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge global with the launch of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge World Series, an international qualifying circuit designed to meet growing demand while preserving the event’s reputation as a showcase for the world’s most advanced sustainable marine technologies.
The new format will debut in 2027, following this year’s 13th edition, which attracted 54 university teams from 21 countries. Teams competing in the Challenge’s Energy Class, introduced in 2018, will qualify for the Monaco final through regional events.
“The Challenge attracts the best maritime engineering talent from all over the world,” said Bernard d’Alessandri, Director and General Secretary of Yacht Club de Monaco. “To develop it further has led us to take this next step. It will allow us to welcome new teams while upholding the high sporting and technological standards that define this event.”
Darwin named first international qualifier
The first World Series event will be held in Darwin, Australia, which will host the Asia-Pacific Qualifier from 2027. The event will provide university teams from across the region with a pathway to Monaco while bringing together researchers, industry leaders and institutions focused on sustainable maritime innovation.
“It’s a real privilege to be selected to host the World Series Asia-Pacific qualifiers; for Darwin, this is a major milestone that puts us on the same level as Monaco,” said Michael Canaris, Director of Big Blue Ventures APAC and the Australian event coordinator. “Our priority now is to attract university teams from Australia and the wider region.”
Monaco remains the final destination
Rather than creating a series of standalone competitions, the World Series will serve as a qualification pathway to the Monaco final, which remains the flagship event under the Principality’s Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachtinginitiative.
Since its launch in 2014, the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge has grown into a leading platform for sustainable maritime innovation, bringing together students, researchers, shipyards and industry to develop the next generation of clean marine propulsion. Additional continental qualifying events are already under consideration as Yacht Club de Monaco works towards creating a global network dedicated to advancing sustainable yachting.
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Photo source: YCM