Presented by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, the initiative forms part of the broader “Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting” approach, which promotes the use of yachts in ways that support scientific discovery, ocean protection, and public understanding of marine ecosystems.
Launched in 2019, the awards focus on projects where navigation becomes a tool for exploration and knowledge. Eligible initiatives often involve onboard scientific facilities, technology designed to reduce environmental impact, research expeditions, or programs aimed at raising awareness of the challenges facing the oceans.
Nominated motor yachts are also encouraged to measure emissions using the SEA Index®, a benchmarking system created by the Yacht Club de Monaco to assess the carbon footprint of yachts over 25 meters.
Finalists for the 2026 YCM Explorer Awards
- 111m Leviathan by Oceanco - Features onboard expedition infrastructure including a dive center, laboratory, hospital, and 3D-printing workshop, supported by diesel-electric propulsion and a large battery system designed to enable quieter operation.
- 66m Hodor by Astilleros Armon - A purpose-built support vessel equipped with a helipad, submarine garage, and dive center, developed to carry equipment and logistical support for large-scale expedition operations.
- 62m Simena by Ares Yachts - A modern hybrid sailing ketch with six propulsion modes, including silent electric cruising and hydro-generation while sailing.
- 59m Akula by Rossinavi - An ice-class expedition yacht with diesel-electric propulsion and a long-range capability of up to 8,000 nautical miles.
- 41m Lady Jade by Inace - A refitted explorer yacht modernized in 2023 for extended cruising and exploration.
- 40m Plastic Odyssey by Damen Refit - A research vessel used to raise global awareness about plastic pollution through international expeditions.
- 41m Be Mine by Lurssen - A classic long-range motor yacht designed for extended cruising with practical expedition capability.
- 37m Our Way by Tenix Defence - An ice-class expedition yacht with a range of approximately 4,800 nautical miles suited to remote cruising.
- 26m Continents by MH Corbin - A compact sailing yacht representing owner-led exploration at a smaller scale.
- 22m Martita by Extra Yachts - A modern production yacht equipped with solar panels generating up to 4kW of onboard power.
Notable Previous Winners
Since the program launched in 2019, the YCM Explorer Awards have recognized projects that show how yachts can support scientific research, responsible exploration, and environmental initiatives.
Several winners have focused on advances in technology and energy efficiency. The 80m Valor won in 2025 for its large-scale hybrid propulsion system and use of biofuels, while the 25m sailing yacht Cachalote received the 2024 award for strong energy efficiency on a smaller vessel, earning a four-star SEA Index® rating. Earlier, the 80m Artefact by Nobiskrug was honored in 2022 for its hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and advanced hydrodynamic design, achieving a three-star SEA Index® rating. The shipyard is also known for building the award-winning sailing yacht A, recognized for its hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and status as the world’s largest sail-assisted motor yacht.
Scientific capability has also featured prominently. The 68m Archimedes won in 2024 for supporting underwater mapping missions, while the 87m OceanXplorer received recognition in 2023 for its onboard research capability and media production focused on ocean science. In 2022, the 55m Gene Machine was honored for its onboard laboratory dedicated to genetic sequencing and marine research.
The awards also include a jury-selected Coup de Cœur category highlighting projects with a strong spirit of exploration. Recent recipients include the 47m Latitude in 2024 for its adventurous cruising philosophy, the 40m Plastic Odyssey in 2023 for its work addressing plastic pollution, and the 36m Tara in 2022 for its plankton research expeditions.
Together, the 2026 finalists illustrate the growing role of yachts as platforms for exploration, research, and environmental engagement across a wide range of vessel types and sizes. As the awards return to Monaco this March, the program continues to highlight how modern yachting can contribute to scientific understanding and ocean stewardship.
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