Hosted by the Yacht Club de Monaco since 2014, the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is the world’s leading open-air laboratory for sustainable maritime technology. Each year, 50+ university teams from 20+ nations bring electric, solar, hydrogen, hybrid and autonomous boats to Port Hercule to race in real sea conditions where performance and clean energy are tested together. Beyond the racing, the event brings together engineers, shipyards, institutions and industry leaders around conferences, a Job Forum and a mentoring programme, making it a unique bridge between emerging talent and the future of yachting.
Held at the Yacht Club de Monaco on Port Hercule, the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge brings engineering students and yachting professionals together around one goal: to experiment, demonstrate and debate sustainable maritime mobility. Each year around 1,000 students from more than 20 countries take part, designing and racing boats powered only by clean energy.
The overriding goal of the Challenge — pursued three ways.
A real-world testbed for clean propulsion — solar, hydrogen and electric — and for innovative, recyclable materials.
A mentoring programme and Job Forum bridge young engineers and the yachting industry, creating real career links.
Daily Tech Talks and two conferences — on advanced yachting technology and on hydrogen & alternative fuels — turn ideas into action.
Boats are divided into classes by energy source and technological approach, for fair competition.
Design an innovative cockpit and the most efficient, sustainable propulsion system on a standardised hull.
New in 2025: autonomous vessels that integrate AI into their navigation and energy management.
The Challenge’s main class — naval-architecture teams design and build cutting-edge prototype boats.
Exhibitors from the YCM Marina and boats already on the market or about to launch.
A complete event experience — at sea, on the quays and in the heart of the Village.
Manoeuvrability and endurance trials, the YCM Speed Record, slalom and the championship final on Port Hercule.
A festive public hub on the quays — the beating heart of the event, open to all.
The Advanced Yachting Technology Conference, the Hydrogen & Alternative Fuels Conference and daily Tech Talks.
Meetings with industry leaders and a recruitment forum linking talented students with professionals.
Since 2014, the Challenge has grown into a global community.
First edition
Students / year
Countries / year
Racing classes
Editions held
FPA II Award
Universities (2024)
AI Class debut
The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge has been organised and developed by the Yacht Club de Monaco since 2014. Presided over by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco — who meets the teams in the paddocks each year — the YCM runs the event with the support of its main partners. General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri has underlined the growing maturity of the projects and the strong commitment of schools, universities and industry.
Enter your team, follow the racing or come down to the quayside — the next edition is on Port Hercule, 8–11 July 2026.
