From July 1 to 6, the “Monaco Energy Boat Challenge,” an event open to the public featuring the best engineering students on the planet, will be staged in Monaco. The most cutting-edge nautical projects that combine technology, design and environmental sustainability are competing.
Monaco Energy Boat Challenge
Recreational boating is experiencing a true epochal revolution on the innovation front. The environmental crisis, the search for alternative energies, the use of onboard home automation, and the lifecycle issue of boats and equipment are all key factors driving shipyards, designers, and manufacturers in the marine industry to seek cutting-edge solutions to meet new market demands.
A particularly interesting event, where all these dynamics of change converge and confront each other, is the “
Monaco Energy Boat Challenge
” being staged July 1-6 in the Principality of Monaco. In this 11th edition, more than 450 engineering students, representing 40 universities and 25 countries, present their nautical prototypes, compete in practical tests and undergo judging by a panel of experts who award prizes to the best designs.
Challenges in the water in front of the audience and technical jury
Competitors are divided into three classes, Energy, Solar, and Open Sea, and throughout the event with their prototypes they participate in parades, sea trials, speed records, fleet races, endurance events, and mooring maneuverability. All under the eyes of the public and especially those of a technical committee of boating professionals who evaluate a number of parameters, including design, ergonomics, ease of use, remote connection and control, safety, environmental impact, and energy sustainability.
“One of the unique aspects of this event is the interaction between students and boating professionals,” explains Bernard d’Alessandri, secretary general of the Yacht Club de Monaco. “In fact, it offers unique opportunities for mentoring, knowledge sharing and networking, which are essential for stimulating innovation and research.” Supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, UBS, BMW, and SBM Offshore, the event is open to the public, in open source on the web, and this year involved renowned nautical brands such as Monaco Marine, Oceanco, Ferretti Group, Azimut/Benetti Group, Sanlorenzo, and Lürssen.
Conferences and exhibitions on eco-design and “green” powertrains
To complement the student challenge, a series of side events are also planned, including lectures on the topic of developing “green” propulsion and alternative fuels, panel discussions on the use of hydrogen in the nautical field, exhibitions dedicated to eco-design with projects made of hemp, flax, cork and other organic fibers, and finally “live” competitions at the simulator for the E-Sport Championship, this year also available on Playstore.
In short, the “Monaco Energy Boat Challenge” is not just a competition, but is above all a catalyst for change in the recreational boating industry. Through bold projects and collaborations that bring results between students and professionals, the event embodies the future of a more modern and environmentally friendly recreational boating industry. Every prototype, every exchange, every technical solution presented has the potential to reshape the future in which technology and ecology advance together.
