The inaugural World Yachting Summit, held from Tuesday, April 15 to Thursday, April 17, has been hailed as a game-changer for the global yachting industry. Drawing inspiration from heavyweight gatherings like Davos and COP, the Summit brought together leading figures from across 20 nations — from shipbuilders and tech innovators to regulators, investors, and government officials — for three days of robust debate, visionary dialogue, and razor-sharp focus on the future.
Held in Monaco, the event tackled pressing industry challenges head-on, with panels and keynotes focused on innovation, sustainability, and reshaping the yachting narrative for a new generation. From addressing public scepticism around luxury boating’s environmental impact to calling for a rethink in how the sector communicates its economic value, the message was clear: evolve or be left adrift.
Heavyweights like Jean-Claude Biver (watchmaking icon), Olivier Wenden (Prince Albert II Foundation), and Giovanna Vitelli (Azimut Benetti) delivered punchy “Inspiration Talks,” while sector leaders mapped a SMART vision for yachting’s future — Sustainable, Modern, Attractive, Resourceful, and Transformative. Calls were made for better transparency, smarter destinations, greener tech, and a cultural shift that embraces humility and human-centric design.
Key issues such as a looming crew skills gap, generational changes in ownership attitudes, and Middle Eastern market emergence were discussed with refreshing honesty. Despite ongoing challenges — geopolitical volatility, regulatory headwinds, and a more experience-driven clientele — the prevailing mood was one of cautious optimism.
The event, powered by M3 consultancy and Dubai-based developer OMNIYAT, exceeded expectations in content and calibre. As José Marco Casellini, CEO of M3, noted: “This Summit has cemented its place as a vital platform for the future of yachting — not just as a business, but as a culture in transformation.”
