Yacht Club de Monaco has announced its 2026 programme, featuring a landmark new event developed with New York’s prestigious Explorers Club alongside 12 returning fixtures, as the club reinforces its role as an international platform for advancing sustainable yachting.
The year’s calendar features 13 major events spanning youth training, sports excellence, maritime heritage and the sustainable transition, beginning with the 15th Monaco Optimist Team Race from 14th to 18th January.
“True to our ‘Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting’ approach, this season emphasises collective commitment to building the future of yachting,” the club said in announcing the programme on Tuesday.
Youth development and competitive sailing
The winter sports programme continues with Act III and IV of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series on 12th-15th February and 5th-8th March, culminating in the 42nd Primo Cup-UBS Trophy from 5th to 8th March. The one-design regatta attracts both experienced amateurs and professionals on the Mediterranean racing calendar.
The Monaco Optimist Team Race, now a fixture on the under-14 international team racing calendar, opens the season by bringing emerging talent to Port Hercule.
Industry dialogue on environmental standards
On 5th February, the 18th Business Symposium-La Belle Classe Superyachts brings together yacht owners and professionals for an invitation-only dinner debate on ‘Yachting 2035: the economic transformation of the sector in response to environmental standards’.
Spring marks the first Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting Rendezvous from 21st to 24th March, developed in collaboration with New York’s Explorers Club. A delegation of 100 members from the prestigious American organisation, founded in 1904, will travel to the principality for meetings dedicated to ocean exploration and preservation.
Events include the Environmental Symposium, titled Day of Exploration on 23rd March, and the 30th Captains Forum on 24th March. The gathering culminates with the 6th YCM Explorer Awards on 24th March, honouring owners committed to responsible exploration and ocean preservation.
The 7th Superyacht Chef Competition on 2nd April puts the spotlight on culinary excellence, with two-Michelin-star chef and Meilleur Ouvrier de France Philippe Etchebest serving as president.
Innovation and sustainable technology
The 13th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge from 8th to 11th July serves as an international laboratory for sustainable yachting, with students, engineers and professionals presenting and testing solutions related to alternative energies, propulsion, autonomy and safety through on-water challenges.
The innovation focus continues with the 6th Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous on 20th and 21st September, organised by M3 Monaco. The event examines concrete solutions for more sustainable and innovative marinas and port infrastructure.
Historic American voyage
2026 features the historic participation of the club’s flagship Tuiga (1909) and Viola (1908) in celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence on 4th July. The voyage embodies the dialogue between maritime tradition, cultural diplomacy and intergenerational transmission.
The 21st Palermo-Montecarlo regatta from 18th to 23rd August continues the spirit of adventure and performance before autumn regattas and winter series resume. The year concludes with the 4th Navicap Challenge-Elena Sivoldaeva, an inclusive sailing regatta.
Public service mission
The club emphasised its public service remit to enhance the principality’s appeal as a focal point of activity in Port Hercule. The 2026 programme confirms YCM’s mission to promote yachting excellence that is sustainable, internationally engaged and firmly focused on the future.
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Main photo: Primo Cup Trophy, credit: Studio Borlenghi