Yacht Club de Monaco Honors Ocean Explorers and Innovators at 2026 Explorer Awards
The spirit of exploration and innovation was celebrated in grand style at the sixth edition of the Yacht Club de Monaco Explorer Awards, held in Monaco on March 26, 2026. This prestigious ceremony marked the culmination of four days of intensive discussions focused on exploration, scientific advancement, and technological innovation, bringing together a distinguished gathering of explorers, scientists, and pioneers dedicated to forging a more sustainable future for our planet.
Royal Emphasis on Discovery and Protection
Opening the evening, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, who serves as president of the Yacht Club de Monaco, underscored the profound mission behind the event. "To explore is to venture beyond known horizons in order to understand what lies beyond. This is the very spirit that brings us here together this evening for the 6th edition of the Yacht Club de Monaco Explorer Awards, which concludes four days of discussions dedicated to exploration, science and innovation," he stated. The Prince extended his gratitude to the Explorers Club of New York and its outgoing president, Richard Wiese, for their collaborative support.
Prince Albert II highlighted the critical work of record-breaking marine biologist Sylvia Earle, who was present in the audience. Quoting Earle, he emphasized, "The only way we can protect the ocean is by learning to understand it in all its depth." He further elaborated on the immense challenges and opportunities in exploration, noting that territories to be explored span scientific, environmental, and technological domains. "Innovation is an essential lever to better observe, understand and protect. This is the very purpose of our initiative 'Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting', supported by initiatives such as the Sea Index and the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge," he added.
Recognizing Pioneering Projects for Ocean Conservation
As part of the collective 'Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting' approach, the YCM Explorer Awards by La Belle Classe Superyachts specifically honor yacht owners who demonstrate a strong commitment to protecting the oceans. Among the notable projects recognized during the evening was the R/V Plastic Odyssey, an ambitious maritime expedition dedicated to combating plastic pollution on a global scale.
This initiative utilizes a research vessel to develop and disseminate practical solutions aimed at reducing plastic waste, particularly in regions most severely impacted by the crisis. Co-founder Simon Bernard expressed both pride and emotion upon receiving the award in the Science & Discovery category. "Plastic Odyssey is an expedition aboard a research vessel, and we're working on plastic pollution, on concrete solutions to end this massive issue. We've been traveling around the world, across Africa, South America and Asia. I'm feeling a bit emotional, to be honest, because it all started here. It's a long story with the Yacht Club de Monaco and with Monaco — a long story of support. This is an amazing recognition, honestly," Bernard shared.
Innovation in Sustainable Yachting
Another highlight of the evening was the recognition of the innovative S/Cat Ganany, the MODX 70 project, a pioneering catamaran designed to redefine sustainability within the yachting sector. This project exemplifies the forward-thinking approach championed by the awards, showcasing how technological advancements can align with environmental stewardship to create a more responsible future for maritime activities.
The Yacht Club de Monaco Explorer Awards continue to serve as a vital platform for celebrating and promoting efforts that merge exploration with sustainability. By honoring projects like Plastic Odyssey and the MODX 70 catamaran, the event reinforces Monaco's role as a hub for advanced yachting and a leader in the global movement towards ocean conservation and innovative maritime solutions.
