Monaco has long been the spiritual home of yachting, but from April 15 to 17, 2025, it also became its intellectual capital. Under the elegant banner of “Capital of Advanced Yachting,” the inaugural World Yachting Summit made its debut with an ambition as bold as it was necessary: to rethink the industry from the inside out.
Bringing together over 20 nationalities and a diverse cohort of leading shipbuilders, designers, regulators, innovators, and policymakers, the summit delivered more than discussion—it delivered direction. Inspired by heavyweight forums such as COP and Davos, this new addition to the global event calendar was hosted in a format that encouraged deep dialogue, cross-industry collaboration, and, most importantly, vision. Its theme: “Charting the Course for New Horizons.”
Bringing together over 20 nationalities and a diverse cohort of leading shipbuilders, designers, regulators, innovators, and policymakers, the summit delivered more than discussion—it delivered direction. Inspired by heavyweight forums such as COP and Davos, this new addition to the global event calendar was hosted in a format that encouraged deep dialogue, cross-industry collaboration, and, most importantly, vision. Its theme: “Charting the Course for New Horizons.”
A Landmark Beginning
The Summit’s first edition proved more than promising—it was transformative. Across 19 panels and 8 “Inspiration Talks,” it addressed both the urgent and the aspirational. From business and tourism development to yachting’s pathway to net-zero emissions, the event placed innovation, sustainability, and strategy at its core. The atmosphere was one of serious optimism—ambitious, yet grounded.
Giants of the industry were not only present—they were participating. The likes of Espen Oeino, Dan Lenard, Michael Breman (Lürssen), and Patrick Coote (MarineMax) joined the dialogue, while Giovanna Vitelli, Chairman of Azimut Benetti, set the tone in her keynote by urging bold and sincere introspection.
Giants of the industry were not only present—they were participating. The likes of Espen Oeino, Dan Lenard, Michael Breman (Lürssen), and Patrick Coote (MarineMax) joined the dialogue, while Giovanna Vitelli, Chairman of Azimut Benetti, set the tone in her keynote by urging bold and sincere introspection.
Wisdom from Horology to Hydrogen
Opening the “Inspiration Talks,” legendary watchmaker Jean-Claude Biver drew parallels between the luxury watch and yachting industries. Known for reinventing Blancpain and Hublot, Biver stressed the value of being “first, unique, and different”—a sentiment that resonated across disciplines. His tales of innovation, from scratch-proof gold to carbon materials, underlined the summit’s core message: true progress often begins with bold experimentation—and even failure.
Redefining SMART: A New Compass for Yachting
The summit’s most repeated concept was a reimagined acronym—SMART—each letter representing a pillar to guide the industry into a new era:
- Sustainable: “The future of humanity is at stake, not the planet’s,” warned Olivier Wenden, Vice-President of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. From Energy Observer’s zero-emission voyage around the world, as recounted by Victorien Erussard, to DNV’s roadmap to Net-Zero, the consensus was clear: the time for action is now.
- Modern: From digitization to transparency, the modernization of yachting includes better regulation, ethical listings, and embracing new destinations with infrastructure that matches lifestyle expectations. No more fake specs. No more grey zones.
- Attractive: With younger generations redefining luxury, yachting must shift from ostentation to purpose. It’s about experience, storytelling, and accessibility. Students in attendance called for a future that reflects their values—craftsmanship, sustainability, and flexibility.
- Resourceful: Yachting is not just luxury—it’s an economic engine. By communicating its broader contributions and investing in crew training, the industry can better demonstrate its value to society.
- Transformative: From early sailing experiences to excellence in crew and operations, instilling passion and pride at every level is key. “We are guests at sea,” reminded Bernard d’Alessandri, Secretary General of the Yacht Club de Monaco. Respect and humility must underpin the industry’s transformation.
Monaco: A Model for Resilience
As Albert Manzone, Deputy COO of Société des Bains de Mer, outlined, Monaco’s success as a destination is rooted in its political stability, fiscal clarity, and luxurious yet safe lifestyle. The same principles, he suggested, could serve as a roadmap for emerging yachting destinations—and indeed for the industry as a whole.
On the Horizon: Realism Meets Optimism
The summit’s closing session acknowledged the challenges ahead: from generational shifts in crew preferences to the geopolitical and economic volatility shaping client behavior. The next generation is less inclined to own and more inclined to share, more interested in experiences than assets.
Yet, the prevailing sentiment was one of cautious optimism. There was no naivety in the room—only conviction that through collaboration, innovation, and humility, yachting can evolve. Not just to survive—but to lead.
Yet, the prevailing sentiment was one of cautious optimism. There was no naivety in the room—only conviction that through collaboration, innovation, and humility, yachting can evolve. Not just to survive—but to lead.
A Lasting Impression
Strategic partners such as Monaco-based M3 and Dubai’s OMNIYAT helped bring the event to life. “WYS 2025 leaves a lasting impression on the yachting industry,” said José Marco Casellini, CEO of M3. “It generated enthusiasm and praise on all fronts—and has the potential to become a key pillar of global maritime innovation.”
It’s rare for a first-time event to land with such precision, but the World Yachting Summit has done just that. By blending insight with intent, heritage with future-thinking, and luxury with responsibility, it may well have laid the foundation for the next era of yachting.
We’ll be watching the wake it leaves.
It’s rare for a first-time event to land with such precision, but the World Yachting Summit has done just that. By blending insight with intent, heritage with future-thinking, and luxury with responsibility, it may well have laid the foundation for the next era of yachting.
We’ll be watching the wake it leaves.
worldyachtingsummit.com
