From July 1 to 6, 2024, the waters of Monaco will host the 10th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, a unique motor boating event dedicated to sustainable innovation through alternative energies. Organized by the Yacht Club de Monaco in collaboration with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, this event blends sporting competition with environmental advocacy.
In response to critical environmental and technological challenges, the Yacht Club de Monaco promotes a new vision of yachting through this one-of-a-kind event. Under the leadership of President HSH Prince Albert II, the Yacht Club serves as an incubator for yachting R&D, driving the development of clean energy propulsion methods. This event seeks to inspire the engineers of tomorrow and the yachting industry to embrace sustainable practices.
First organized in 2014, the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is an international event that is open to the public, attracting students and professionals from around the world. Competitors race in three classes:
Energy Class: Introduced in 2018 by the YCM, this class challenges students to design the most powerful and durable cockpit and propulsion system using renewable energy sources, from a limited energy supply (max. 10 kWh stored on board).
Solar Class: Since the event's inception in 2014, Solar Class boats have competed in match racing, slalom, and endurance races, all powered by solar energy.
Open Sea Class: Primarily for exhibitors from the YCM Marina and market-ready boats, this class includes an endurance race from Monaco to Ventimiglia, Italy, testing the capabilities of green-energy propulsion systems.
The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge brings together young engineers from global schools and universities, connecting them with key players in the yachting industry. The goal is to stimulate creativity and develop eco-friendly propulsion systems, fostering collaboration between future engineers and industry leaders.
The 2024 edition will feature the 2nd YCM E-Boat Rally, showcasing electric boats currently available on the market. This event offers the public a glimpse into the future of yachting, with a 21 nautical mile journey from Monaco to Cala del Forte in Ventimiglia, where participants can recharge their boats and display them to Italian spectators.
Located at YCM’s marina, SeaLab showcases cutting-edge projects, prototypes, and demonstrators, including boats not yet certified for the Open Sea class by the EU. Each exhibition includes interactive presentations and information panels, offering insights into the technology, design principles, and vision behind each project. Experts are often available to discuss the technical aspects and development challenges of these innovative boats.
A visit to SeaLab is a journey to the forefront of marine technology, celebrating the passion, dedication, and innovation driving the future of sustainable yachting. Visitors will witness various teams utilizing renewable energies and propulsion systems to create boats with impressive ranges and top speeds, leaving a lasting impression on all who attend.