The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is not only about the competition but above all is a catalyst for change in the yachting industry. Through bold projects and collaborations that bring results between students and professionals the event embodies the future of a more eco-friendly yachting sector. Every prototype, every exchange, every technical solution presented has the potential to redraw the future where technology and ecology move forward together.
Over 450 engineering students representing 40 universities and 25 nations have made the trip to the Principality to present their prototypes and meet major players in the yachting industry at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge. Since 2014 this event, which is part of the collective Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting approach, combines alternative propulsion and hull design to drive the future.
“One of the unique aspects of this event is the interaction between students and yachting professionals,” says Yacht Club de Monaco General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri. “It offers one-off mentoring opportunities, knowledge-sharing and networking which are vital to stimulate innovation and research”. Supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, UBS, BMW and SBM Offshore, the event is open to the public, held in open source and has attracted involvement by renowned names including Monaco Marine, Oceanco, Ferretti Group, Azimut/Benetti Group, Sanlorenzo and Lürssen.
Last minute adjustments
Since Monday the quays have been buzzing with activity as the 46 teams arrived and were already busy making last minute adjustments before on-water challenges start tomorrow. Set up in their paddocks, one by one contestants have unveiled their prototypes ready for inspection by the Technical Committee. Comprising yachting professionals, the committee has been scrutinising each one to ensure they conform to type and are applying the event’s technical rules to guarantee safety at sea.
All about exchange
A breeding ground of ideas and opportunities, the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge has a host of initiatives in place to foster exchanges such as programmes like the Corporate Mentoring Programme which involves the industry all year round with the new generation. For example, Monaco Marine through its Monaco Marine University branch has been supporting Tameo Ensta from ENSTA Paris and Hydrogadz from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Arts & Métiers, for both the preparation phase and the competition itself. Mentoring takes on several forms from tutorials on organisational aspects, project management and techniques to making available their shipyards and boat-handling resources. In addition to this support, all contestants have the chance to apply for jobs and internships posted by the industry via a Job Forum.
A 360° event
In terms of mobility the meeting is a zero-emission event. Contestants divided into three classes – Energy, Solar and Open Sea – have plenty of time to compete in contests that can be watched from the shore. They include a parade, sea trials, speed record, fleet race, YCM E-Boat Rally, and endurance, maneuverability and slalom events, in short a comprehensive programme for teams from Italy, France, Netherlands, Portugal, Greece, Germany, Sweden, Croatia, Poland and as far away as India and Chili.
Visitors and competitors alike can also explore the interactive space on educational digital terminals that introduce these alternative technologies, as well as simulators where they can experience for themselves what being in the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is like and compete in the E-Sport Championship held on Friday 5th July at 7.30pm. For the first time this year, the game is also available on Playstore
The theme being alternative propulsion development, the meeting is also a big opportunity for professionals to take the floor at two half-day conferences the first (Thursday 4th July) on alternative fuels and cutting-edge technologies for yachting. The next day is the annual Hydrogen Round Table (5th edition this year) organised by Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Energy Transition Mission and YCM on the issues of hydrogen innovation in the maritime and pleasure boating industry. Both can be attended in-person (registration required) or followed online and are freely available on the event website.
Alongside alternative propulsion discover eco-design in the paddocks and at sea
The teams lined up on the quays are ready to put their innovative projects to the test that could result in them gaining the Jury’s votes. While many dream of victory, all hope to make a contribution to progressing a transformation in yachting, be it in hull design like the French from HydroVinci. Students from the Leonardo di Vinci Institute have used cork as the main construction material for their cockpit.
The Croatians in the Adria Energy Boat Team have also opted for an eco-friendly approach by integrating flax and hemp in the construction of their monohull and by working on optimised weight distribution and better durability. The team also focused on advanced safety functions in terms of both real-time telemetry and temperature sensors. The Belgians from UAntwerp Solar Boat Team have explored new methods of communication between the boat and the team and have worked on dividing the propellor into a sprint and endurance version for better battery efficiency.
