A perfect first! The first edition of the World Yachting Summit just concluded in Monaco, world capital of yachting. The event lived up to expectations and was successful in achieving its mission: to provide industry stakeholders, from the entire supply chain, a meeting platform to reflect on innovation, trends and the challenges for yachting. Inspired by well-known global meetings like the COP and World Economic Forum in Davos, the Monaco-based event gathered together a vast international public, from over 20 different countries.

Among the partiipants were key players of the yachting industry, international organisations, tourist and regulation authorities, as well as government representatives, waterfront developers and industry innovators. The three days of the event were filled with active and constructive debate through 19 dedicated panels and 8 motivational speeches help by industry experts, alongside excellent opportunities for networking. some of the main topics discussed were market prospects and tourist development, as well as industry challenges in creating a solid action plan to achieve zero emissions and reinventing yachting.

First, unique, diverse

Jean-Claude Biver, one of the most important watchmakers in the world, known for his many CEO mandates and leader of Blancpain and Hublot, held the first motivational speech on Tuesday 15 April, highlighting the importance of staying connected with the future and listening to future generations. “Innovation – he said – comes from being first, unique and diverse”.

Rethinking and reinventing yachting

In light of recent criticism regarding the perceived lack of the industry in aligning with the 17 objectives to sustainable development defined by the UN, during the World Yachting Summit, it was highlighted how the yachting industry not only needs real introspection, but also tangible actions. After the opening speech held on Wednesday 16 April by Giovanna Vitelli, president of Azimut Benetti, a number of industry stakeholders, including well known speakers like Espen Oeino (EOI), Dan Lenard (Nuvolari-Lenard), Michael Breman (Lürssen) and Patrick Coote (MarineMax), spoke in depth about future plans for sustainability.

“Sustainability – noted Olivier Wenden, vice-president and CEO of the Prince Albert II foundation – is no longer an option, we are at a turning point in human history and we are pondering the place of human beings on this planet. I believe that the future of humanity is at stake, not the future of the planet itself.” During Wenden’s speech and during those of others like Barbara Sanches (DNV) on the feasibility of reaching zero emissions, what came to light was that the path to sustainability did not just have one solution. The combination of practical actions today with strategic innovation for tomorrow is necessary in order to move the industry from reaction to proactive climate leader, with an even stronger partnership between all stakeholders.

In addition to being sustainable, the debate highlighted that changes to the industry must also be modern and attractive to new generations, full of resources and transformative. The paths to modernise boating are many and they include increased transparency, new destination and meeting the expectations of tomorrow’s clients, who are becoming today’s. Other important aspects are communication, which needs to be positive regarding results, and the continued training of the crew, which contributes to the overall value of the vessel. In conclusion, the industry must concentrate on the new generations, encouraging their exposure to boating from a young age, and promoting a person-centred approach, which is the key for combining technical excellence with emotions and experience to create an enriched life style.

Cautious optimism

The final session of the World Yachting Summit provided opportunities for dialogue and reflection on the future of the industry, with a climate of “cautious optimism”. During the debates, complex challenges emerged in measuring the market, including geo-political instability, regulatory pressure and the demographic evolution of clients, in addition to new trends. The next generation of yacht owners is more focused on sustainability, guided by experience and less inclined to take on the commitment of ownership.

Even the lack of expert crew and skilled artisans was identified as a growing concern, with a generational shift in work habits. Debates also focused on global shifts in richness and the development of infrastructure, in particular in the Middle East, which is positioning itself as an alternative winter destination for yachting. However, many highlighted how the cultural and historical heritage and lifestyle of the Mediterranean is still unrivalled for summer cruising.

In sum, while there is a worry about a possible contraction in the market, the overall feeling remains “cautiously optimistic”, anchored by the belief that careful adjustment and renewed attention on training, sustainability and simplicity centred around the client, will allow the yachting industry to prosper in a changing world. “When we are at sea – noted Bernard d’Alessandri, general secretary for Yacht Club Monaco – we are visitors to a world that is now our own.” 

The success of the World Yachting Summit in Monaco, for which Daily Nautica was a media sponsor, was made possible through a strategic partnership with M3, a consulting agency for tourist marinas based in Monaco, adn OMNIYAT, a leading real estate developer in the luxury sector, based in Dubai. “The World Yachting Summit 2025 – said José Marco Casellini, Ceo of M3 – will leave a long-lasting impression on the yachting industry. The summit has proven to be an extraordinary initiative on many levels, generating enthusiasm and approval among industry stakeholders. Their positive feedback both on the quality of the content and the organisation of the event, highlights its great sales potential. This event will become a driver for innovation and strategic thinking on the future of yachting on a global scale.”

by Arianna Gurreri