At the Yacht Club de Monaco a year of transition and innovation begins

MONACO, Jan. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Knowledge-sharing, innovation and collective commitment. The Yacht Club de Monaco kicks off a new season following its ‘Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting’ approach. In 2026, as part of its public service remit to enhance the Principality’s appeal, the Club confirms its role as a focal point of activity in Port Hercule and an international platform, while reinforcing its environmental and societal responsibility commitments. Top-level sport, youth training, the sustainable transition and maritime heritage define a year of events providing an arena for exchanges to build the future of yachting.

The first major event is the 15th Monaco Optimist Team Race (14 to 18 January), now a fixture on the under-14’s international team racing calendar. The winter programme continues with Act III and IV (12-15 February, 5-8 March) of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series, culminating in the 42nd Primo Cup-UBS Trophy (5-8 March), an iconic one design regatta for experienced amateurs and pros on the Mediterranean calendar. On 5 February, the 18th Business Symposium-La Belle Classe Superyachts brings together yacht owners and professionals for an invite-only dinner-debate on the theme: 'Yachting 2035: the economic transformation of the sector in response to environmental standards'. In spring, the Club hosts the first Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting Rendezvous (21-24 March) in a collaboration with the Explorers Club of New York. A delegation of a hundred members from the prestigious American club, founded in 1904, will travel to the Principality for a series of meetings dedicated to ocean exploration and preservation. They include the Environmental Symposium, entitled the Day of Exploration (23 March), and the 30th Captains Forum (24 March), with the highlight being the 6th YCM Explorer Awards (24 March) which honours owners committed to responsible exploration and ocean preservation. On 2 April, the 7th Superyacht Chef Competition puts the spotlight on a profession where excellence is the hallmark. The President is Philippe Etchebest, a two-Michelin star chef and Meilleur Ouvrier de France. A flagship event for YCM, the 13th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge (8-11 July) confirms its status as an international laboratory driving sustainable yachting. Students, engineers and professionals present and test, during on-water challenges, solutions related to alternative energies, propulsion, autonomy and safety. A logical follow-up in the drive to promote innovation and the environmental transition is the 6th Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous (20-21 September). Organised by M3 Monaco, the focus is on concrete solutions for more sustainable and innovative marinas and port infrastructure. Promoting maritime heritage and boosting international outreach, the year 2026 also stands out for the historic participation of the Club’s flagship, Tuiga (1909) and Viola (1908), in the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence (4 July), embodying the dialogue between maritime tradition, cultural diplomacy and intergenerational transmission. On the sports front, the 21st Palermo-Montecarlo (18-23 August) continues the spirit of adventure and performance, before the autumn regattas and winter series begin again. A highlight at the end of the year is the 4th Navicap Challenge-Elena Sivoldaeva, a very popular inclusive sailing regatta. 

Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it

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