6 things we learnt at the 2024 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge

The 11th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge was held between 1 to 6 July at the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) and in the waters off the coast. Supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, UBS, BMW and SBM Offshore, the event is the largest test bed for alternative propulsion and fuels in the boating sector and aims to promote and encourage university-led innovations with support from some of the biggest players in the yachting industry.

Here are 6 things we learnt at this year's edition... 

1. There was a record turnout of boats
The 2024 event saw a record turnout of competing university teams, with more than 50 boats from around 40 international universities participating in the races. Of the university teams, there were more than 25 nationalities represented and ten teams harnessing hydrogen (up from seven teams last year). As well as the impressive participation from the university teams, the event has also grown in size, with more visitors attending and supporting the event. “This week is a very popular event judging by all the visitors here to see the innovations," noted YCM general secretary Bernard d'Alessandri. Stewart Wilkinson, founder of  Vita and Aqua, added: "From participating with one boat six years ago, Vita had eight electric ribs and two luxury day boats at the [event], which also provided support for the YCM’s event organisational team".