Preparations are well underway for the eight Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, which is due to take place from July 6 – 10.
Organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco in partnership with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and International Powerboating Federation, the four day event will include sea trials, meetings, an exhibitor’s village and a full day conference of talks.
The conference, which will take place on July 8, will be themed around sustainable initiatives and alternative solutions in the yachting industry. Experts will shine a light on different innovations in yachting, from new energy sources to alternative propulsion packages.
The challenges at sea meanwhile will take place over three days and see a total of 32 teams from 16 different countries compete. They will have to put their boats through their paces in challenges including sea trials, speed records, endurance laps and a 16 nautical mile race.
The exhibitor’s village, which will be open to the public, will see exhibitors and start-ups reveal their own solutions, including the autonomous solar catamaran built by Swiss Sustainable Yachts AG and Neocean’s foiling, electric and automatic boat named Overboat.
On Friday, guests will witness Alexandre Caizergues (Kitesurf World Champion and multiple speed record holder over water) attempt to break the record for 150km/h barrier over water powered by the wind. Caizergues will unveil the prototype of his revolutionary speedcraft that he designed with the teams from Syroco. With this latest sailing speed record quest, Syroco aims to adapt technologies resulting from research for the speedcraft to maritime transport, and modify merchant ships so they become more energy-efficient and eco-friendly.
For the rest of the event's programme, visit the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge website here.