The Explorer Awards 2026 once again placed the spotlight on yachting as a force for scientific exploration and ocean preservation, with the ceremony celebrating initiatives that go beyond traditional maritime pursuits…
Organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco, the event recognises owners and projects that actively contribute to research, sustainability and innovation at sea. This year’s edition brought together a strong field of candidates, reflecting a growing movement within the yachting world to align luxury with environmental responsibility. From advanced vessel design to global expeditions, the shortlisted projects demonstrated how the sector is increasingly engaging with the challenges facing marine ecosystems.
Among the winners, the Ganana catamaran stood out in the technology and innovation category, showcasing a model built on renewable energy and low environmental impact. Combining solar power, wind assistance and hydrogeneration, the project points toward a future where yachting can significantly reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining performance.
In the science and exploration category, Plastic Odyssey was honoured for its global mission to combat plastic pollution. After a multi-year journey across several continents, the initiative has focused on identifying and sharing practical recycling solutions that can be replicated worldwide, offering a tangible response to one of the ocean’s most pressing issues.
A separate jury prize recognised a yacht noted for its design and presence, rounding out a selection that balanced innovation with tradition.
More broadly, the awards reflected a shift in priorities across the industry, with collaboration, sustainability and forward-thinking technology now central themes. In Monaco, the message was clear; the future of yachting is increasingly tied to the health of the oceans it explores.
Image: Monaco Yacht Club