MONACO — The Yacht Club de Monaco, under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, is set to host the fifth edition of the La Belle Classe Explorer Awards, emphasizing a commitment to yachting with purpose. These awards, designed to promote innovative uses of yachts, highlight projects that utilize navigation as a tool for exploration and scientific inquiry. Rather than solely serving recreational purposes, today’s yachts have the potential to foster a deeper understanding of our oceans while sharing impactful experiences with society at large.
The Explorer Awards encourage yacht owners and captains to embrace their vessels as platforms for modern exploration, welcoming scientists and researchers aboard to support their work. This initiative reflects the philosophy that businesses can succeed while also contributing positively to the community, encapsulated in the motto of "doing well by doing good."
An International Jury, chaired by Richard Wiese, President of The Explorers Club in New York, is currently reviewing various applications. Made up of experts in the fields of maritime affairs, innovation, and environmental science, the jury will determine the winners across three categories: Innovation & Technology, Environment & Ethics, and the Jury’s Special Award.
In the Innovation & Technology category, standout nominees include:
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M/Y Valor (79.5 m, Feadship, 2025) which features hybrid propulsion and silent technology, emphasizing environmental responsibility alongside performance. The inclusion of batteries presents challenges in weight, safety, and recycling, marking a significant step forward for the yachting industry.
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M/Y Leviathan (111 m, Oceanco, 2025), designed to accommodate submarines and drones, highlights a novel approach to living onboard by breaking traditional hierarchies between guests and crew. Its multifunctional platform supports scientific and logistical missions.
- M/Y Maverick (44.3 m, CdM, 2023), part of the Flexplorer series, is recognized for its adaptability and robust design, featuring advanced communication systems for real-time connections between remote expeditions and shore.
The Environment & Ethics category showcases:
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M/Y Breakthrough (118.8 m, Feadship, 2025), the first yacht powered by liquid hydrogen, represents a pioneering choice in eco-friendly propulsion systems and offers modular spaces for scientists, addressing the future of sustainable yachting.
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M/Y Xvalor, recognized for its hybrid solutions and responsible navigation practices.
- S/Y Cat Art Explorer (46.5 m, Perini Navi, 2024), the largest aluminum catamaran, serves as a floating museum that merges art and science, promoting environmental awareness through its design.
Additionally, the Jury’s Special Award includes nominations such as S/Y Cat Art Explorer for its cultural and environmental initiatives, M/Y Valor for cohesive technological and ethical vision, and S/Y Panthalassa (56 m, Perini Navi, 2023), celebrated for its elegant sailing design that enhances energy efficiency.
The International Jury will continue their deliberations ahead of announcing the winners during the Monaco Yacht Show at an exclusive luncheon hosted by the Yacht Club de Monaco. These awards not only underscore the technological advancements in yachting but also highlight the crucial role of human values in maritime exploration, reinforcing the notion that yachts can serve as instruments for knowledge and dialogue.
The Yacht Club de Monaco has also initiated the SEA Index project, a benchmarking tool aimed at measuring yacht carbon emissions, which further aligns with the club’s commitment to enhancing environmental responsibility in the industry. Several nominees have already adopted the index, representing a significant step toward understanding and mitigating environmental impacts.
The oceanic future of yachting is being shaped not only by innovation but also by a growing awareness of the responsibilities that come with it.
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