Basketball legend Tony Parker stepped into the spotlight at the Yacht Club de Monaco. His 35-meter superyacht, M/Y Infinity Nine, just snagged a coveted 3-star SEA Index® certification, a stamp of eco-friendly excellence in yachting. HSH Prince Albert II handed Parker the honour himself during a ceremony, marking the 55th vessel to join this sustainable roster since the program launched in 2020.

Built in 2022 by AvA Yachts, Infinity Nine isn’t your average luxury boat. This Kando 110 series explorer, flying the YCM flag, boasts a 6,500-nautical-mile range—tops in its class—thanks to cutting-edge tech and energy-saving design. At 333 gross tons, it’s compact but mighty, blending transoceanic muscle with a lighter environmental footprint. “We wanted innovation and performance without compromising the planet,” Parker said. “This certification proves you can have both.”

The SEA Index®, a joint brainchild of YCM and Credit Suisse (under UBS), rates yachts over 24 meters for their CO2 impact, using a rigorous process backed by Lloyd’s Register and RINA’s efficiency tools. A 3-star rating unlocks perks like discounted moorings at Monaco’s ports—Hercule, Fontvieille, and Cala del Forte—plus priority docking from Menton to the Seychelles. Parker’s crew also gets a 10 percent insurance break and sustainability training discounts at YCM’s La Belle Classe Academy.

Monaco’s yachting scene is buzzing with this push for greener seas. “The SEA Index® gives owners a roadmap to cut emissions and stand out,” said YCM Secretary General Bernard d’Alessandri. Since September 2024, the index even factors in fuel cell tech and is eyeing broader pollutants like NOx and particulates. For Parker, it’s a slam dunk off the court—proof that Monaco’s elite waters can lead the charge in sustainable luxury.

Image by YCM – Mesi BD