Monaco is best associated with romantic crystal waters and a historic sailing culture associated with a life of luxury. Naturally, Monaco boasts a thriving boating industry – in fact, it’s one of the biggest contributors to the country’s economy. As such, Monaco has invested heavily in both the expansion and preservation of boat building, innovation, racing and luxury yachting. Under the banner of 'Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting', industry leaders are banding together to push the boundaries of the maritime landscape. At the forefront of this movement are esteemed shipyards including Sanlorenzo, Oceanco, Ferretti, Lürssen and Monaco Marine. Their collaborative efforts seek to spearhead the next big wave of maritime innovation, which has set a precedent for sustainable practices in the yachting industry. Central to Monaco’s mission is the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, a groundbreaking initiative that traces its roots back to the historic powerboat meetings in Monaco. Originally conceived as a showcase of traditional powerboat design and performance, the challenge has evolved to embrace sustainability and alternative energy sources. This shift reflects Monaco’s proactive approach to addressing environmental concerns in the maritime sector. The Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) played a pivotal role in catalyzing this transformation. It’s time maritime practices become sustainable and YCM responds to this movement by shifting the focus of its traditional powerboat meetings towards energy innovation. Monaco’s rich maritime history further bolsters its position as an overall trailblazer. In 1904, the principality hosted the first international powerboat contest – a historic moment in maritime sports. Fast forward to the present day, Monaco continues to champion progress with initiatives like “Solar One” and the introduction of the Offshore Class, showcasing the latest advancements in eco-friendly boating technology. The introduction of the Solar Class in 2014 marked a significant milestone here as it paved the way for solar-powered vessels to compete in Monaco’s waters.