Jan. 23, 26

Our flagship Day of Exploration has returned, with a welcome weekend around the Cote d’Azur, and the Yacht Club de Monaco’s historic Explorer Awards, recognizing seafaring excellence – March 21-24.

This is an exclusive opportunity for members of The Explorers Club and their guests. With two ticket types, to customize your trip:

  • Club Tickets include access for Sunday and Monday — plus invitation to YcM’s round tables during the daytime Tuesday.
  • VIP Tickets include access to all events, Saturday to Tuesday — including field trips and the YcM black tie gala.

Both ticket types convey Club Members full access to the Yacht Club de Monaco facilities from Saturday to Tuesday.

Information on our hotel block to follow next week.

Don’t miss your chance to join the world’s greatest explorers, aboard the world’s greatest ships, at the home of ocean conservation and diplomacy.

VIP Visit – Musée Océanographique de Monaco | 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Unique Access for an Explorers Club tour of the iconic Musée Océanographique de Monaco.

Founded by Explorers Club Member Albert I, Prince of Monaco, immerse yourself in the interactive storytelling at the world’s preeminent oceanographic museum.

EC50 2026 Arzucan “Zuzu” Askin Diving with Deep Sea Camera System, courtesy of Ricky Mohamed

Explorers Club Welcome Brunch |  11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Our hosts from the Yacht Club de Monaco will first welcome us to Brunch. Meet your fellow explorers, and take-in the views along the water. For the intrepid, sign-up for the regatta later in the day.

Future of Ocean Finance Workshop | 12:30 – 2:00 pm

Curated in partnership with our World Oceans Week, the future of ocean finance blue economy workshop will bring together the top minds in ocean conservation, engineering, and business.

Featuring emergent conversations on sustainable tech in conservation and blended finance. With breakout sessions and tailored networking to follow.

Immersive Experience  | 2:00 – 4:00 pm

Immersive VR cabin + headsets, allowing guests to virtually “dive” to 4,000 m, raising awareness of the invisible deep-sea world.

Captain’s Regatta | 2:00 – 4:00 pm

Crews will race the Monaco Harbor in teams of five, racing J70’s. The winning team will be awarded on the docks in front of the assembled guests after the race. Sailors of all aptitude welcome, but you will get wet, and you will be on the water competing against your peers!

Visit the Explorer Docks | 4:00 pm

Yacht Club General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri and Explorers Club President Richard Wiese will open the Explorer Docks at the Yacht Club de Monaco, featuring some of the world’s top expedition vessels.

Welcome Party Aboard Expedition Yacht | 6:00 pm

A welcome party like only the Yacht Club de Monaco knows how. Aboard an exploration yacht, docked right in front of the the Club.

Barreleye Fish, Monterey Bay. 742 meters (2,434 feet) courtesy of MBARI

Main Program

A Day of Exploration | 9:00am – 4:00pm

With storytelling icons like the Cousteaus & Victor Vescovo, speakers from top organizations like the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, fresh faces from our newly inducted class of EC50, and tales from top flag expeditions.

All four sessions last 60-90 mins, with three elements to each session, making a total of 12 experiences across our singular Day of Exploration, all day Monday March 23.

The Deep Pledge | 4:30 pm

A symbolic, solemn pledge between seafaring actors – shipyards, yacht owners, marinas, ocean researchers, and top academic institutions sign a groundbreaking charter for deep-sea protection.

Waterfront Celebration | 7:00 pm

Networking like only explorers know how, by gathering round to dream our next great adventure.

Guests can take another look at the coolest ships on the high seas, sip drinks dockside with their new friends, and try unique tastes of the Mediterranean.

With more surprises coming soon!

Bertrand Piccard enjoying himself at our inaugural Day of Exploration alongside President Richard Wiese, HSH Prince Albert II, and YcM Managing Director Bernard d’Alessandri

YcM Captain’s Forum & SEA Index round tables | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

All ticketed Explorers Club Members are welcome to attend the Yacht Club de Monaco’s Captain’s Forum, exploring issues at the forefront for those at the helm of some of the world’s most capable ships.

VIP Coral Field Trip | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Center Scientifique de Monaco welcomes select guests to chart a new future for corals, right along the coast of the Principality.

YcM Explorer Awards | 6:00 – 9:00 pm

Recognizing excellence in seafaring design, the Yacht Club de Monaco stands at the forefront of yachting innovation. This black-tie gala is open to VIP ticket buyers.

The “La Belle Classe” Explorer Awards have been bestowed since 2018 on yacht owners for their commitment to ocean exploration and environmental responsibility.

Hero photo by Karim Iliya / Kogia