The Principality of Monaco will host the first edition of the Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting Rendezvous, from 21 to 24 March 2026.
The event has been launched to bring yacht owners, captains, scientists and innovators together to explore how the industry can play a more active role in exploration, research and environmental responsibility.
Behind the Rendezvous is a new collaboration between the Yacht Club de Monaco and The Explorers Club of New York, a partnership that was born from a shared belief in exploration as both opportunity and responsibility. Founded in 1904, the American nonprofit organisation counts among its members those behind some
of the world’s most significant exploration milestones, from the first to reach the North Pole to the first to dive to the ocean’s deepest point.
The event opens on Saturday 21 March, with a Yachting Student Fair designed to highlight the array of professional pathways within the sector for younger generations. Entry to the Yachting Career Fair is free, subject to registration, and open to the public from 10.00am to 5.00pm. Activity then moves to YCM Marina on day two with the inauguration of the Explorer Dock, visits to explorer yachts and a friendly regatta that is intended to encourage synergy between the yachting and exploration communities.
Scientific engagement takes centre stage on Monday, with the Day of Exploration, focusing on deep-ocean research and coral reef preservation. Supported by partners including the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco, Monaco Scientific Centre and Coral Gardeners, with participation from famed explorer Victor Vescovo, the day will underline the contribution yachts can make to scientific research and environmental observation.
The Rendezvous draws to a close on Tuesday, with the 30th Captains’ Forum centred on solutions that can be directly implemented on board. A particular spotlight will be placed on the SEA Index, Yacht Club de Monaco’s benchmark tool for measuring and reducing the environmental impact of superyachts.
The four-day event culminates with the sixth YCM Explorer Awards by La Belle Classe Superyachts, recognising exceptional initiatives in adventure, technology and innovation, environment and ethics, and science and discovery. The awards, chaired by the president of The Explorers Club, Richard Wiese, will crown honourable projects showcasing alternative uses of yachts for exploration, research, innovation and the distribution of knowledge.
The Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting Rendezvous marks just one step in a strong international dynamic between the Monegasque and American organisations and will be marked by the participation of two classic Fife-designed sailing vessels: Yacht Club de Monaco’s flagship, the 15 Metre Tuiga, delivered in 1909, and the 1908 Viola, in the 250th anniversary celebration of the US Declaration of Independence on 4 July.