2026

8-11 July 2026 · Port Hercule, Monaco

The 13th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge brought together 54 teams representing 21 nations for four days of sea trials, races, conferences and technological demonstrations. Competing across four categories — Energy Class, AI Class, SeaLab Class and Open Sea Xperience — the teams showcased advances in electric propulsion, hydrogen, e-methanol, hydrofoiling and autonomous navigation. The 2026 edition also delivered a new outright speed record, with the Frauscher x Porsche 790 Spectre reaching an average speed of 51.05 knots. Swiss Solar Boat, representing the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, claimed the overall Monaco Energy Boat Challenge title. The University of Bologna Argonauts Team — UniBoAT — secured victory in the Energy Class.

54

Competing teams

4

Classes

21+

Nationalities

+1000

Students

+10

Nautical challenges

NEWS

What marked this edition

E-methanol makes its debut

E-methanol made its debut this year aboard the University of Twente’s SURGE Methanol Foiling Team entry.

Speed record: 51.05 knots

FRAUSCHER x PORSCHE — le 790 SPECTRE

Swiss Solar Boat - 2026 MEBC Champion

Switzerland topped the overall ranking with Swiss Solar Boat (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne – SeaLab Class).

Monaco already onto the next stage

Beyond the sporting results, the 13th edition confirms the continued evolution of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, now firmly established as an international platform for innovation.

Results & winners

Overall winner · 2026 MEBC Champion

Swiss Solar Boat

Energy Class

UniBoAT

Univ. of Bologna Argonauts Team · Italy ·

AI Class

Adria Autonomous Boat Team

Croatia

SeaLab Class

Red Wave

Univ. of Bologna, Alma Mater Studiorum · Italy

Other prizes

2026 MEBC Champion: Swiss Solar Boat (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne-Suisse)

Energy Class winner: University of Bologna Argonauts Team (Italy)

AI Class winner: Adria Autonomous Boat Team (Croatia)

SeaLab Class winner: Red Wave (Italy)

Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Sustainable Yachting Technology Award -> Kumaraguru College of Technology (India)

Innovation Prize -> Physis Polimi Energy (Politecnico di Milano-Italy)

Design Prize -> Swiss Solar Boat (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne-Switzerland)

Communication Prize -> Tecnico Solar Boat (Portugal)

Eco-Design Prize supported by MarineShift -> Swiss Solar Boat (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne-Switzerland)

Jury Coup de Cœur Prize -> Wia Electric Yachts (Hungary)

Rookie Prize -> Ugent Sailing (Belgium)

SeaLab record over 16 nautical miles -> Xnrg8.3 (Netherlands)

E-Sport Championship -> Tu Delft Hydro Motion Team (Netherlands)

Gallery

Relive the edition

Technology spotlight

From 2027, the event enters a new phase with the launch of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge World Series (29 June – 3 July), an international qualifying circuit dedicated to the Energy Class. The first qualifier will take place on Lake Como, Italy, with the support of Volta27 and the Alessandro Volta Foundation, before moving to Darwin, Australia, for teams from the Asia-Pacific region with further stops to follow on other continents.

Explore another edition

From 2027, the event will enter a new phase of development with the launch of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge World Series (29 June – 3 July), an international qualifying circuit dedicated to the Energy Class. The first qualifying event will take place on Lake Como, Italy, with the support of Volta27 and the Alessandro Volta Foundation, before moving to Darwin, Australia, for teams from the Asia-Pacific region, followed by a gradual rollout across other continents.

These qualifying events will enable new teams to join the Challenge while preserving the sporting and technological standards that define the Monaco final. Remaining true to its ambition, the Challenge will continue to foster, test and accelerate the innovations that will help shape the future of yachting.