ICOYC News
2026 Events & Regattas Highlight Cultural Exchange & Yachting Excellence
In 2026, as part of its public service remit to enhance the Principality’s appeal, Yacht Club de Monaco confirms its role as a focal point of activity in Port Hercule and an international platform for top-level sport, youth training, sustainable initiatives and maritime heritage, while reinforcing its environmental and societal responsibility commitments.
Maintaining Sports Excellence
The Club’s first major event is the 15th Monaco Optimist Team Race, January 14-18, now a fixture on the under-14 international team racing calendar. The winter program continues with Act III and IV of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series on February 12-15 and March 5-8, and culminates with the 42nd Primo Cup-UBS Trophy, an iconic one design regatta for experienced amateurs and pros on the Mediterranean calendar.

Structuring dialogue with the Yachting ecosystem
On February 5, the 18th Business Symposium-La Belle Classe Superyachts brings together yacht owners and professionals for an invite-only dinner-debate on the theme: “Yachting 2035: the economic transformation of the sector in response to environmental standards.”
In spring, the Club hosts the first Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting Rendezvous, March 21-24, in a collaboration with the Explorers Club of New York. A delegation of 100 members from the prestigious American club, founded in 1904, will travel to the Principality for a series of meetings dedicated to ocean exploration and preservation. They include the Environmental Symposium, entitled the Day of Exploration and the 30th Captains Forum, with the highlight being the 6th YCM Explorer Awards honoring owners committed to responsible exploration and ocean preservation.
On April 2, the 7th Superyacht Chef Competition puts the spotlight on a profession where excellence is the hallmark. The President is Philippe Etchebest, a two-Michelin star chef and Meilleur Ouvrier de France.
Encouraging innovation and supporting new generations
A flagship event for YCM, the 13th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, July 8-11, confirms its status as an international laboratory driving sustainable yachting. Students, engineers and professionals present and test, during on-water challenges, solutions related to alternative energies, propulsion, autonomy and safety.
A logical follow-up in the drive to promote innovation and the environmental transition is the 6th Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous September 20-21. Organized by M3 Monaco, the focus is on concrete solutions for more sustainable and innovative marinas and port infrastructure.
Promoting maritime heritage and boosting international outreach
The year 2026 also stands out for the historic participation of the Club’s flagship, Tuiga (1909), and Viola (1908), in the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States on July 4, embodying the dialogue between maritime tradition, cultural diplomacy and intergenerational heritage.
On the sports front, the 21st Palermo-Montecarlo, August 18-23, continues the spirit of adventure and performance, before the autumn regattas and winter series begin again. A highlight at the end of the year is the 4th Navicap Challenge-Elena Sivoldaeva, a very popular inclusive sailing regatta.
Affirming a forward-looking and responsible vision for the future
The 2026 events program confirms YCM’s mission to promote yachting excellence that is sustainable, open to the world and firmly focused on the future.
For the full programme and latest news: www.ycm.org