What is the Explorer Yachts Summit?
The Explorer Yachts Summit, held in collaboration with ExplorerYachts.com and in association with Damen Yachting, is the only international summit dedicated solely to the expanding explorer yachting sector. The first edition was hosted in 2019 by ExplorerYachts.com - a newly founded digital hub to unite and serve those in the global superyacht community who have a shared passion for adventure travel. Following its success, BOAT International (2019 media partner and guest speaker) joined forces with ExplorerYachts.com. The 2024 event promises to bring together leading experts from across the world and address the hottest topics in the exciting, multifaceted world of exploration yachting.
Where and when is the Explorer Yachts Summit?
The event will take place on 13 November 2024 at the Yacht Club de Monaco. The conference will run from 09:00 and conclude with networking drinks at 17:00-18:00.
How to buy a ticket
Tickets for the Explorer Yachts Summit are priced at €375 + VAT and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
BUY TICKETSWhat is happening at the Explorer Yachts Summit 2024?
Attendees can expect a packed programme covering all areas within the explorer yacht sector. The full list of speakers is still being finalised but the following topics have been confirmed.
KEYNOTE: broadcaster Monty Halls on the role of an explorer in a rapidly changing world
Monty Halls is a respected broadcaster, speaker, naturalist, former Royal Marine, marine biologist, travel writer and leadership specialist. His experience covers over two decades of leading teams in some of the most remote environments on earth, as well as presenting wildlife and adventure documentaries. In his keynote for the Explorer Yachts Summit, Halls will talk about the ever-changing role and responsibilities of the explorer in a modern world and how travel needs to be approached in a more holistic and mindful way.
One of Hall’s latest projects is Leaderbox Blue, a marine conservation project in a box which can be used by coastal communities anywhere in the world to help preserve their habitats. Participating yachts who join the scheme will be able to drop these boxes off in any location where they operate. Inside each box will be the tools for communities to design, plan and run their own conservation campaigns, and will include lesson plans to help educate and inform young people. Leaderbox Blue aims to ignite thousands of conservation projects across coastal regions worldwide within communities, institutions and organisations who would not otherwise have access to the skills and expertise required.
Explorer yachts market insight
BOAT International's business editor, Gabrielle Lazaridis, will kick off the summit with a compelling analysis of the explorer market backed up by BOATPro statistics. Gain valuable insights into the sector's expansive growth, the key players shaping its trajectory and the demographics of those purchasing explorer yachts.
A project update on REV Ocean from CEO Nina Jensen
The build of this 195-metre, ocean-saving expedition vessel has been feverishly covered in the press. REV Ocean's CEO Nina Jensen reveals the inside story behind what is set to be the world's largest yacht and the stunning innovations behind this record-breaking project.
From fishing trawler into expedition yacht: the real story behind Scintilla Maris
It was a bold vision: to turn a 46-metre fishing trawler into an expedition yacht. It was bolder still to take on the project when you’re not a designer or naval architect by trade. But hands-on Dutch owner Erik Vonk knew what he wanted to achieve with Scintilla Maris and set to working stripping her back to the bare bones and refashioning into the comfortable, capable vessel she now is today.
It was a huge ambitious undertaking, and one beset with various construction challenges and complexities. In this fireside chat with editor-in-chief Stewart Campbell, Erik Vonk reveals the story of what really went into creating this one-of-a-kind yacht.
How to tame the Northwest Passage
One of the most legendary and perilous waterways on the planet, a trip through the Northwest Passage remains the greatest maritime challenge. For over 400 years, explorers risked their lives to search the Arctic for a lucrative trading route between Europe and Asia. The greatest challenge was sea ice, which blocked the channels during winter, remained frozen in bad summers and could crush ships. Even to this day, with global warming making the passage sufficiently ice-free, the route remains hazardous and only around 300 ships have passed through. In this ultimate guide, key experts will take to the stage to discuss the risks, regulations, safety, the best routes to take, as well as how to visit the area in a responsible way.
How climate change could affect marine and charter traffic
Longer storm seasons, freak weather, unpredictable winds - the effects of climate change on weather patterns around the world are already having an impact on the marine industry. But, if we continue on the same trajectory, how will it affect the marine traffic and charter seasons in the longer term? Sebastian Wache is a senior meteorologist at WetterWelt GmbH, which produces highly individualised weather forecasts using constantly updated technology to generate high-precision weather analyses and forecasts, drawing on and refining a magnitude of raw data material from the world’s best forecast models available. Wache supports regatta crews worldwide, using special high-resolution models for pre-routing. He also assists anyone from beginners to professionals in any geographical location.
How explorer yachts can support scientific research
Yachts For Science is an organisation which helps “match-make” marine scientists and researchers with superyacht owners and crew with the ultimate goal of helping science and conservation. Max Bello, Policy Advisor for Mission Blue, will reveal how Yachts For Science became the linchpin for their vital conservation project in the Dominican Republic this summer.
Read More/How a superyacht is supporting ocean conservation and a marine sanctuary in the Dominican RepublicAre the world's oceans getting safer and more dangerous?
The International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre reports global piracy and armed robbery incidents increased by 4 per cent in 2023 compared to 2022, reversing an overall downwards trend enjoyed over the past decade. Should superyachts be concerned? Where are the riskiest areas to have on your radar? And, is cyber-piracy a threat as the headlines suggest? Captains, insurers and maritime security providers gather to discuss the reality of sailing to far-flung corners of the world, and what owners, captains and crew should do to ensure the safety of everyone on board.
Further information about the Explorer Yachts Summit 2024
For more information about the Explorer Yachts Summit, please contact the BOAT events team.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Harry Warburton.
For more information about speaker opportunities, please contact Lucy Dunn.
Thank you to our premium partners Cantiere delle Marche and EYOS.