As part of the collective initiative “Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting,” the YCM Explorer Awards by La Belle Classe Superyachts celebrate yacht owners committed to ocean conservation and sustainable yachting. Created to encourage innovative and responsible uses of yachts, these awards, presented by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco,highlight projects where navigation becomes a powerful tool for maritime exploration and scientific research.
At a time of environmental transition, the yachting sector is moving towards more responsible practices. The YCM Explorer Awards, organized in partnership with Bombardier, UBS, and the SEA Index®, highlight projects that combine maritime exploration, ethics, and sustainability.
Launched in 2019, the YCM Explorer Awards paid tribute to owners making a tangible contribution to preserving the marine environment. The initiative formed part of a broader approach aimed at promoting innovative, forward-looking yachting.
The main focus for eligible projects was:
• onboard oceanographic research
• technological innovation for the environment
• raising public awareness of the challenges facing our oceans
• protecting marine ecosystems
The Science & Exploration category highlights concrete commitments to the ocean. It includes yachts engaged in scientific missions, awareness initiatives, or expeditions aimed at improving understanding and protecting marine ecosystems, while also encouraging the sharing of discoveries with the public.
The Innovation & Technology category highlights advances that enable more responsible exploration. It includes yachts integrating alternative propulsion, optimised energy management, onboard scientific systems and cutting-edge technologies, promoting more efficient and sustainable operations at sea now.
The 2026 edition, held on 24 March at the Yacht Club de Monaco as part of the first Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting Rendezvous (21–24 March 2026), once again paid tribute to owners whose yachts are designed to conduct exploration missions and research at sea.
As the yachting industry continues its evolution towards scientific and educational purposes, these awards confirmed its role in building knowledge and protecting the oceans.
111 m | Oceanco | 2025
All nominated boats for an award are encouraged to use the SEA Index®, a benchmark tool for measuring the carbon emissions of yachts over 25 metres. Several candidates have already adopted it while others are in the process, and the Yacht Club de Monaco’s ambition is for all vessels to use it, in anticipation of future regulations. The index constitutes an essential step towards gaining a better understanding of the yacht’s environmental impact, promoting responsible initiatives and sending a strong signal to the international community. This latest initiative confirms the commitment driving the collective ‘Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting’ approach.
Through the YCM Explorer Awards by La Belle Classe Superyachts, the Yacht Club de Monaco and key players in the yachting sector are championing a philosophy to demonstrate that it is possible to achieve success while acting in the public interest.
These awards encourage owners and their captains to use their yachts as modern exploration platforms open to scientists, explorers and research.
The YCM Explorer Awards is an international ceremony organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco under the High Patronage of HSH Prince Albert II, the Club’s president. It recognises yachts and their owners and crews who use their yacht as a tool for innovation, exploration, scientific research or environmental awareness. These distinctions are in line with the YCM’s collective ‘Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting’ approach.
The awards are open to yacht owners who can demonstrate a responsible approach to yachting, be it through technological innovation, reducing their environmental impact, supporting science, or cultural engagement focused on protecting the ocean.
Several categories are recognised at the YCM Explorer Awards, the most significant being:
Other projects may be awarded, depending on the candidates projects, for example science, education and exploration missions.
The jury is international and comprises experts in innovation, maritime affairs, the environment and science. Each project is assessed based on technical and ethical criteria.
The YCM Explorer Awards by La Belle Classe are a reminder that yachting can be a driver of change. They recognise projects that combine the pleasure of cruising with environmental responsibility, science and public engagement. It is also a way to unite owners around a challenging and ambitious vision for the future of the oceans.
