For the YCM Awards and its prestigious UBS Trophy, the great Yacht Club de Monaco family gathered under the presidency of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. This event pays tribute to sporting achievements and officially welcomes new members to the Club. In his speech, the Sovereign recalled YCM’s dual mission as a private club dedicated to its 2,500 members (81 nationalities) and its public service remit that contributes to “making Monaco THE destination of reference for yachting, combining as it does innovation and sustainability”. These values are reflected in its collective ‘Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting’ which positions the Club as a key player in protecting the oceans and promoting maritime innovation.
A major player in the Principality committed to innovation and sustainability
To this end the Club has ramped up initiatives like the 12th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge (1-5 July 2025) which will focus on artificial intelligence, and the SEA Index®, an environmental benchmark for owners of pleasure boats. The latter is a tool now being applied in 15 harbours and marinas in the Mediterranean and in the Seychelles to assess CO2 emissions of yachts over 24m. Its methodology now includes fuel cell technologies and raises awareness of noise pollution.
A year of outstanding performances
For the first time, two YCM members reached the finals of the America’s Cup. Ineos Britannia led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe won the Louis Vuitton Cup, while the Defender Emirates Team New Zealand headed by Matteo de Nora won the Silver Ewer for the third time in a row. “A real feat”, commented the Sovereign. Sporting achievements are also a byword for adventure for the YCM, which is supporting Boris Herrmann in his second crack at the Vendée Globe aboard Malizia-Seaexplorer. Currently racing, he had recorded a message a few hours earlier: “I am at 57° South. There are albatrosses and huge depressions. It’s blowing 29 knots and I’m sailing between 20 and 30 knots, so conditions are intense,” he said before ending with a Daghe Munegu [Go Monaco! in the Monegasque language] widely taken up by the assembly. A passion for the sea also applies to motorboating as evidenced by the Offshore World Champion title won by YCM member Tomaso Polli.
A balance between tradition and modernity: countdown to 2025
While the gaff cutter Tuiga celebrates 30 years under Yacht Club de Monaco’s flag in 2025, YCM’s participation in the upcoming Admiral’s Cup, an event making its return after a 22-year absence, was previewed. Led by Pierre Casiraghi, YCM Vice-President and founder of Team Malizia, alongside Peter Harrison, the project was welcomed by HSH Prince Albert II: “These sorts of challenges inspire us. They awaken in us an interest in new vocations and ambitions”.
Graeme Peterson: YCM Sailor of the Year
After awarding HRH Prince Charles de Bourbon des Deux Siciles for his ninth victory in the Smeralda 888 International Championship 2024, and Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio, winner of the Monegasque J/70 Championship, the ceremony ended with the YCM Awards-UBS Trophy being presented. Joost Schuijff, 1st in the Rolex IMA Maxi 1 World Championship, Vladimir Prosikhin, RC44 World Champion, Kostia Belkin, winner of the Vele d’Epoca, Benoît de Froidmont, European IMA Maxi Vice-Champion, Graeme Peterson, World ClubSwan50 Vice-Champion, and Massimiliano Ferruzzi, winner of the Grandi Regate Internazionali, were among the nominees. In the final analysis it was the British sailor Graeme Peterson who won this prestigious award to become YCM Sailor of the Year 2024. Delighted, he said: “It is real honour and source of great pride for my family and crew”. Among the youngest in the youth sailing section, Océane Schroeder was awarded the ultimate honour for her win in the girls category at the International Spring Cup in La Rochelle. An emotional Océane expressed her gratitude and desire to continue improving: “My goal is to win overall in regattas, not just in the girls category”.
Thanks to its members passion and quest for excellence, Yacht Club de Monaco has established itself as a flagship institution at the crossroads of innovation, heritage and sustainability.
