Living up to its reputation as a platform of communication, in 2019 YCM launched the Job Forum to meet and match a growing demand from young engineers for internships and jobs to the needs of the industry. Monaco Marine, Sanlorenzo, Palumbo SY Refit, E1, SBM Offshore, Comarbel, Vita and M3 (Monaco Marina Management) are all players who met competitors and potential candidates on a one-to-one. “It is vital we encourage young people and sustainable solutions that can be applied to yachting which is why we are here to support all those involved in this event,” explains Tanguy Ducros, Chief Commercial Officer at Monaco Marine. Professionals convinced of participants’ potential like Antonio Palumbo, from the Palumbo SY Refit yard agree: “We believe in them, particularly when it comes to sustainability as we think they will be the main players in the future of this sector”. This year, there were more than 80 interviews much to the delight of the students. “It’s fantastic to be here taking part in the races and being able to talk to representatives of the industry,” says Daniele, 29, from the University of Messina. “It’s interesting to learn about the interview process. It’s a really useful initiative and if I were about to graduate I would view it as one of the main reasons for participating in the Challenge,” adds Iacopo, 21, from Bologna University.
Building yachting’s future together
A key objective being to get participants exchanging ideas is where the daily Tech Talks in Open Source come in that give contestants a chance to present their project to all the other teams. It was in this spirit that this year saw launch of the Corporate Mentoring Program so the industry can give bespoke support to students on their projects, as for example Oceanco did for the Néréides UTT Marine team competing in the Energy Class. “We mentored them and supplied them with a fuel cell. It’s a laboratory where students are trying out different propulsion systems and innovations. It’s a great way to test them,” notes Paris Baloumis, Marketing Director of the Oceanco Group. “We helped students [Montreal Polytechnic and Swiss Solar Team] to integrate fuel cells into their boats. We shared our experience and contacts, suppliers and partners,” explains a former contestant, Thomas Grosjean who, thanks to the Job Forum, found a position with the Hélion Group as fuel cell engineer in charge of maritime and waterway development.
Whole yachting sector mobilised
During a conference entitled Sustainability Transition: Challenges, Engagement, Adoption panellists analysed the impact of using new solutions and energies on the whole ecosystem from R&D to design, development and building of boats be they offshore race yachts, motorboats, pleasure craft or superyachts. All the speakers stressed the importance of letting the new generation express themselves. “It’s young students with their passion, energy and concern for the environment who will accelerate the pace of change,” says Luca Santella, Head of Product Strategy at Bluegame of the Sanlorenzo group. By investing in the design of chase boats for the America’s Cup, the Italian shipyard confirms its desire to contribute to the development of sustainable yachting.
To see a replay of this Conference: https://webtv.monacocapitalyachting.com/energy-boat-challenge/conference/
To see a report on the Conference: https://energyboatchallenge.com/en/top-level-meetings/
4th Hydrogen Round Table balanced between challenges and feasibility
Organised by YCM in partnership with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Energy Transition Mission, discussions took place against a backdrop of regulations and advances in technologies that require time to reach market maturity. An overview of the challenges but also short and long-term solutions envisaged to ensure hydrogen is one of the energy strategies for the future.
To see a replay of the 4th Hydrogen Round Table: https://webtv.monacocapitalyachting.com/energy-boat-challenge/conference/
Involving all nautical ecosystems
Finally, the presence of Malizia-Seaexplorer, the latest addition to Team Malizia, founded by YCM Vice-President Pierre Casiraghi, left its mark on this 10th edition. Skippered by Boris Herrmann, the IMOCA called into the Principality after clinching 3rd place in the crewed, round the world in stages, The Ocean Race.
It is through this event, the next edition 1-6 July 2024, that YCM effectively demonstrates that it is a major player in the environmental transition, positioning the Principality as a spearhead of responsible yachting. The next innovation meeting is the 3rd Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous (24-25 September 2023). But before that, the public and all those who love the boats of yesteryear can journey back in time during the 16th Monaco Classic Week-La Belle Classe (13-16 September) to watch the most prestigious classic sailing yachts, period motor-yachts and vintage motorboats in action.
