The yachting industry is welcoming a brand-new event to the calendar in 2025 - the World Yachting Summit (WYS). Taking place on 15–17 April 2025 in Monaco, the event aims to position itself as the "Davos of yachting" or the "COP of the seas”. With a focus on shaping a progressive future for the industry, the summit will tackle critical global challenges, including the sector's occasional struggles with public perception and the need for more consistent regulations worldwide.
The summit promises insightful exchanges, exclusive gatherings and valuable networking opportunities, intending to develop actionable roadmaps for the growth of the yachting industry. This vision is driven by the diverse insights and contributions of its participants and industry stakeholders. BOAT takes a look at some of its rationale...
1. Flip the script on how the world sees yachting
As business models evolve, owner and charterer preferences shift, generational changes reshape wealth dynamics, and external market forces exert influence, the yachting industry is poised to transform. These shifts are set to redefine traditional practices, potentially bringing significant changes that will shape the industry for the next decade and beyond.
Using a SWOC (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges) framework, the WYS will delve into four pivotal areas driving industry transformation, seeking to redefine the narrative around yachting in order to help present it as a forward-thinking and responsible industry.
The objective is to join forces, not only to highlight the industry's benefits and positive undertakings but also to ensure the industry’s growth remains dynamic and inclusive.
2. Make sense of complex global issues
Established markets have long recognised that the success of yachting is intertwined with a broader ecosystem. This includes addressing infrastructure requirements, offering compelling lifestyle experiences, and navigating - if not simplifying - the complexities of regulatory frameworks.
The summit will spotlight a range of critical topics. Beyond raising awareness, it aims to facilitate discussions and propose actionable solutions to navigate these issues. By addressing the needs of all stakeholders - current and future clients alike - across the diverse yachting spectrum, from 10-metre day yachts to 100-metre superyachts, the summit seeks to chart a clearer, more sustainable path for the industry's future.
3. Make your voice heard
One of the defining features of the summit is its attendee-driven approach. Rather than dividing audiences into siloed events, the summit takes inspiration from global forums like Davos, offering a unified convergence platform with multiple avenues for engagement.
Unlike traditional conferences, the summit encourages active engagement, inviting companies to participate as both speakers and attendees. This format makes the event not only informative and educational but also interactive. With flexibility at its heart, it allows participants to tailor their experience.
While the WYS editorial team oversees the overarching structure, participants are also invited to propose topics and ideas that resonate with them. These contributions, if aligned with the summit's vision, are integrated as keynotes, case studies or roundtable discussions. This approach transforms attendees from passive listeners into engaged contributors, creating a space where voices across the industry can shape meaningful dialogue.
4. Turn ideas into real action
Unlike events tied to commercial agendas, the summit is independent of yacht shows or media affiliations, ensuring its sole focus remains on the exchange of ideas and solutions. Rather than being a platform solely for discussion, it aims to be a catalyst for action. With a proactive approach akin to global events like COP, the WYS intends to set measurable targets that will drive progress across the yachting industry, from educational objectives to efficient use of resources, best practices to improved collaboration, and recyclability to smart development.
This is why there will be a report published after the summit, bringing forward proposed recommendations that can then be shared as a unified voice with regulators and authorities. A proactive approach not only aims to showcase yachting’s commitment to positive change but also highlights its valuable contributions to economies - such as tourism and the wider luxury sectors - and recognises the essential role of its participants.
5. Network with a packed programme of social events
The summit extends far beyond the conference halls, offering opportunities to connect with players from across the yachting ecosystem and beyond.
Networking begins even before the summit officially opens, with a Welcome Cocktail on 14 April at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel, providing a relaxed setting for introductions and informal conversations. The social calendar then features a Gala Dinner on 15 April at Hôtel de Paris’ Salle Empire, one of Monaco’s most luxurious venues. The summit concludes on 16 April at the prestigious Yacht Club de Monaco, offering attendees a final chance to network, reflect on the summit’s content and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
Notably, the WYS aims to launch an annual tradition, with the second edition already scheduled for spring 2026 in Dubai. This development is made possible through the collaborative efforts of its two strategic partners: M3, a Monegasque waterfront development consultancy, and OMNIYAT, a Dubai-based luxury real estate company.
For more information, visit the World Yachting Summit website and view the various participation packages.
Sponsored content created for World Yachting Summit