Yacht Club de Monaco Unveils Shortlist for 2025 Explorer Awards

The Yacht Club de Monaco has announced the shortlist for the 2025 La Belle Classe Explorer Awards, an initiative aimed at promoting yachting as a means of exploration and scientific inquiry. The awards, held under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, recognize projects that elevate navigation beyond leisure, emphasizing the potential of yachts to contribute to scientific knowledge and environmental awareness.

In its fifth edition, the Explorer Awards celebrate the philosophy of “nobility of purpose.” This concept highlights the idea that yacht owners and their crews can achieve success while positively impacting society. By encouraging the use of yachts as platforms for exploration, the Yacht Club de Monaco aims to foster collaborations between scientists, explorers, and the broader community.

Richard Wiese, President of The Explorers Club in New York, chairs the International Jury responsible for evaluating the submissions. The jury, composed of experts in maritime affairs, innovation, and environmental science, is currently reviewing applications across three categories: Innovation & Technology, Environment & Ethics, and the Jury’s Special Award.

Categories and Shortlisted Projects

The shortlisted projects reflect a commitment to innovation and sustainability in yachting. In the category of Innovation & Technology, the following yachts have been recognized:

– **M/Y Valor**: A 79.5-meter vessel by Feadship, featuring hybrid propulsion and silent technology. The owner has opted for battery systems, a choice that presents challenges in weight, safety, and recycling, potentially shaping the future of yachting in the next 10-15 years. The yacht also utilizes HVO biofuel.

– **M/Y Leviathan**: This 111-meter yacht from Oceanco is designed to accommodate submarines and drones. It introduces a unique living environment where guests and crew share spaces, and includes an exploration platform with capabilities for submersibles and remote-operated vehicles (ROVs).

– **M/Y Maverick**: A 44.3-meter vessel from CdM, part of the Flexplorer series, designed for versatility. Equipped with advanced communication systems, it enables real-time connections between remote expeditions and shore, facilitating long-range exploration.

In the Environment & Ethics category, the shortlisted projects include:

– **M/Y Breakthrough**: A pioneering 118.8-meter yacht by Feadship, powered by liquid hydrogen. This innovative propulsion system generates part of the yacht’s electrical needs, offering modular spaces for scientific research.

– **S/Y Cat Art Explorer**: This 46.5-meter aluminum catamaran by Perini Navi serves as a floating museum, promoting art and environmental awareness. It is noted for its transoceanic autonomy and renewable energy production through photovoltaic panels.

The Jury’s Special Award recognizes projects that exemplify boldness and commitment to cultural and environmental causes:

– **S/Y Cat Art Explorer**: Acknowledged for its artistic and ecological vision.

– **M/Y Valor**: Celebrated for the coherent integration of technology and responsibility.

– **S/Y Panthalassa**: A 56-meter sailing yacht chosen for its elegant design and energy efficiency, offering an immersive sailing experience.

Looking Ahead: Awards Ceremony and Future Initiatives

The final winners will be announced at the Monaco Yacht Show during an exclusive luncheon hosted by the Yacht Club de Monaco as part of the Superyacht Owners Lunch. This event underscores the belief that the future of yachting is defined by both technological advancements and the human values that drive them.

The Yacht Club de Monaco also emphasizes its commitment to environmental sustainability through initiatives like the SEA Index, a tool for measuring the carbon emissions of yachts. Several candidates have already integrated this index, with aspirations for widespread adoption in anticipation of future regulations. This initiative represents a significant step towards understanding and mitigating the environmental impact of yachting.

The awards and associated initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the role yachts can play in scientific exploration, knowledge sharing, and environmental stewardship. As the industry looks forward to the next edition of the awards during Monaco Ocean Week in March 2025, the Yacht Club de Monaco remains dedicated to fostering innovation and responsibility within the yachting community.