World Yachting Summit 2025 sails into Monaco
Dubai to host 2026 edition
The World Yachting Summit 2025 (WYS) in Monaco is set to be a landmark event for the global yachting industry. It will bring together leaders from across the sector, including international organisations, regulatory bodies, tourism authorities, and government representatives.
The summit, which will take place from April 15 to 17, 2025, is designed to foster meaningful dialogue. It aims to address the industry’s challenges, promote sustainable growth, and explore innovative solutions that will shape the future of yachting.
The first-of-its-kind event draws inspiration from prestigious global gatherings like COP and Davos, offering constructive debate and collaboration among professionals from all corners of the yachting world.
Attendees can engage with key figures from shipyards, dealerships, brokerage houses, naval architecture, and yachting destination developers. These discussions are poised to address critical issues facing the industry, while exploring new avenues for expansion and sustainable innovation.
2 thematic tracks
The programme for the 2025 summit is structured around two thematic tracks. The first track focuses on Business and Tourism Development, designed to help industry leaders maximise territorial resources and foster entrepreneurial strategies that promote sustainable growth. This session will explore how the yachting sector can capitalise on its assets to better align with global demand for eco-friendly solutions, while maintaining business growth and profitability.
The second track focuses on the roadmap to Net Zero, examining the yachting industry’s transformation and its response to growing criticism over its environmental impact. With increasing concerns among the public and younger generations regarding the alignment of the yachting sector with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, this track will address how the industry can innovate to meet the expected sustainability standards.
Some of the industry’s most influential figures will be among the distinguished speakers at the World Yachting Summit 2025. Francis Lapp, Founder and CEO of Sunreef Yachts, will participate in multiple panels, including “The Rise of the Catamaran in Experiential Yachting” and “What Could Be a Clean and Alternative Future.” Lapp’s contributions will provide critical insights into the future of yacht design, particularly in terms of sustainability.
Arjen van Elk from Feadship will discuss how shipyards are evolving their economic models and business strategies, while Nicola Pomi, Vice President of Marine Sales for Volvo Penta, will address the challenges of technological innovation and digitalisation in the context of new environmental regulations.
Tobias Kohl from Rolls-Royce Solutions will also focus on sustainable propulsion and future fuel technologies. At the same time, renowned yacht designer Dan Lenard will explore client expectations and the evolution of yacht design, with sustainability at the forefront.
Other key speakers include Espen Øino, the esteemed yacht designer and founder of Espen Øino International, who will speak on the themes of “A Clean Future” and “The End of Globalization,” and Nicolas Boulet, CEO of WISAMO Michelin, who will address decarbonisation in yachting with his innovative automated inflatable sail technology. Tomasz Lipski, President of the International Sailing Schools Association, will discuss the role of sailing culture in promoting environmental awareness and marine conservation.
Keynotes too
The summit will also feature a series of keynotes and presentations from prominent figures such as Olivier Wenden, Vice President and CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, who will champion the Foundation’s commitment to harmonising yachting with environmental preservation.
The event will open with a keynote address by Altrata-Wealth-X on “The Future of Wealth,” offering a valuable perspective on the cross-industry opportunities for growth within the yachting sector.
In addition to thought-provoking discussions, the summit will provide attendees with extensive networking opportunities, including a dedicated showroom and an Innov’ Lounge to welcome start-ups looking to connect with yachting industry stakeholders. This approach supports the sector’s ongoing demand for innovation in environmental consideration, energy efficiency, and waste management.
The World Yachting Summit 2025 will also look towards the future with an eye on international expansion.
Plans for 2026 include hosting the summit in Dubai, enriching the event with new perspectives and opportunities in emerging markets. The ongoing commitment to internationalisation will enable the summit to gather diverse voices from different regions, offering attendees a broader understanding of global trends and challenges within the industry.
As the event concludes, a detailed report will be produced, summarising the key discussions and providing a clear view of the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of yachting.
The World Yachting Summit’s motto, “Charting the Course for New Horizons,” encapsulates the event’s spirit. It aims to transition from dialogue to tangible action to secure a sustainable future for the yachting industry.
Image: The World Yachting Summit is scheduled to sail into Dubai for the second edition. Credit: WYS
