Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous to return for sixth edition with new features

The sixth edition of the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous will return to the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) on 20 and 21 September 2026, gathering investors, operators, architects, industry players, public authorities and innovative companies to discuss and share ideas about the marina sector and its infrastructure.

Organised by M3 Monaco, a consultancy specialising in the development and management of marinas, yacht clubs and sailing schools, and supported by partners including the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, ESA NanoTech, Bombardier, MB92 Group, Skytopia, Plus Marine and Italian Yacht Masters, this year's two-day event is expected to welcome more than 250 professionals from the marina, yachting and eco-technology sectors.

The programme will comprise talks, workshops, project presentations and networking sessions, all designed to encourage dialogue, hasten collaborations and generate real-life solutions to drive innovation and sustainability in the marina sector.

Since its inception in 2021, the rendezvous has showcased 146 innovations from 28 nations, 42 marina projects spanning 19 countries and 34 architectural project proposals from 28 international firms. According to YCM, many of these innovations have already moved beyond the concept stage and into the commercialisation or acceleration phases.

“In six years, this meeting has become a catalyst for global change," commented José Marco Casellini, CEO of M3 Monaco. "We are not talking sustainability in the abstract; we foster the partnerships and technology transfers that turn sustainable marinas into operational reality."

YCM director and general secretary, Bernard d’Alessandri, added: “A marina is no longer just a place to park boats; it’s an integral part of the local area that supports its development and must address the environmental challenges and expectations of the new generations of recreational yachtsmen." 

The 2026 edition will also mark a shift in approach for participating marinas. On the competition side, there will be a new S3-Smart & Sustainable Standard label, developed by M3 Monaco, to recognise initiatives already implemented and to encourage a process of continuous improvement for marina facilities.

For this year's architecture competition, professional architects and students will be working on a sustainable transformation of the Opatija Marina in Kvarner Bay, Croatia. Entrants will be tasked with designing two complementary elements: a “Marina Hub” with restaurants, wellness areas, shops and a harbour master’s office; and a sailing school with a facility dedicated to marine biodiversity, education and sharing maritime expertise. The finalists will present their proposals to an international jury and key figures in the marina design field during the event.

Finally, the sixth edition will also welcome the launch of a new B2B digital platform, named Smart Marina Connect, which has been designed to connect providers of innovative solutions with marina managers during and after the event.