From cutting-edge technology to timeless maritime tradition, the Yacht Club de Monaco’s summer season is under way, with President Prince Albert II calling for a continued focus on sustainability, youth training and international leadership. At the annual Summer Cocktail, the Prince joined members in celebrating a vision of yachting rooted in innovation and responsibility.
The Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM), which today unites 2,500 members from 82 nations, marked the season’s opening with new member inductions and key project announcements. Prince Albert II, addressing the gathering, reaffirmed the Club’s mission: to promote Monaco’s maritime influence while fostering sustainable practices and supporting the next generation of yachting professionals.
Central to that mission is the La Belle Classe Academy, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and recently became an accredited RYA (Royal Yachting Association) centre. This status bolsters YCM’s commitment to rigorous training standards and enhances its offerings for both aspiring sailors and professional crews. This summer, the Academy’s immersive yachting camps for 16–22-year-olds continue to build vocational pathways into the maritime industry.
Tackling emissions with the SEA Index
Environmental performance remains a top priority, as YCM’s SEA Index continues to gain traction among superyacht owners. Developed with Credit Suisse and certified by Lloyd’s Register, the tool provides verifiable metrics on carbon emissions for yachts over 24 metres. With 100 vessels now participating, and adoption extending to 20 Mediterranean marinas as well as ports in Seychelles and Italy, the SEA Index is becoming a recognised benchmark in the sector.
Prince Albert II used the occasion to commend members who had enrolled their vessels in the system, highlighting the need for data-driven solutions to reduce yachting’s environmental footprint.
A summer of high-profile races and innovation
From 1st to 5th July, the Club hosts the 12th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, a major international forum for alternative marine energy. Students, engineers and innovators will showcase technologies ranging from electric and hydrogen propulsion to AI-enhanced autonomy, with the Energy Observer set to make a standout appearance.
Meanwhile, the sporting season includes Monaco’s first-ever entry into the revived Admiral’s Cup in the UK, with YCM Vice-President Pierre Casiraghi leading one of the teams.
August brings the Palermo–Montecarlo offshore race, and September sees the return of the Monaco Classic Week-La Belle Classe, a biennial celebration of vintage sailing and motor yachts, this year honouring the 30th anniversary of the iconic Tuiga under YCM’s colours.
Tradition meets transformation
From heritage restorations to solar-powered speedboats, the Yacht Club de Monaco’s summer calendar reflects its evolving role as a global hub for yachting excellence. As Prince Albert II noted, the Club remains “a welcoming place where generations, cultures, disciplines and commitments converge”—a message as timely as ever in an era of growing environmental and social consciousness on the water.
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Photo source: YCM