The Yacht Club de Monaco reveals 11 finalists for the 2026 Explorer Awards, honoring yachts that champion innovation and ocean conservation.
The Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM), under the presidency of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, has officially unveiled the finalists for the 6th YCM Explorer Awards. This prestigious event is a cornerstone of the “Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting” initiative, honoring owners who go beyond luxury to embrace innovation, environmental ethics, and scientific contribution. The winners will be announced during a gala ceremony on March 24, 2026, following a rigorous selection process by an international jury of experts.
The YCM Explorer Awards are not your typical design awards. They specifically target yachts that serve as platforms for discovery. Whether through cutting-edge propulsion, zero-emission technologies, or by hosting scientific teams to study marine biodiversity, these 11 finalists represent the future of “purpose-driven” yachting.
The 11 Finalists of 2026
M/Y LEVIATHAN
111 m, 2025 Oceanco
M/Y HODOR
66 m, Feadship 2018, Armon 2019
S/Y SIMENA
62 m, 2026 Ares
M/Y AKULA
59 m, 2024 Rossinavi
M/Y LADY JADE
41 m, 2008 Inace Yachts
R/V PLASTIC ODYSSEY
40 m, 1974 + Damen refit 2022
M/Y BE MINE
40 m, 1991 Lürssen 2026 Ratanachai
M/Y OURWAY
37 m, 2023, Tenix Defence
S/Y 7 CONTINENT
26 m, 1992, MH Corbin
M/Y MARTITA
22.33 m, 2022 Extra Yachts
S/CAT GANANY
21.30 m, 2025 Ocean Development
Award Categories
The jury will evaluate these vessels across four distinct categories:
- Technology & Innovation: For groundbreaking solutions in propulsion and energy management.
- Science & Discovery: For significant contributions to oceanography and marine biology.
- Adventure & Environmental Ethics: For exemplary behavior in remote areas and commitment to conservation.
- Coup de Cœur: A special jury prize for the most inspiring project of the year.
