With just a few days to go until its debut, the first global summit of the yachting industry is set to launch in Monaco, a city synonymous with luxury and recognized as the „Capital of Advanced Yachting.” From April 15 to 17, 2025, the World Yachting Summit will offer a unique insight into the industry’s innovations, trends, and challenges. Here’s what to expect from its first edition.
Inspired by renowned global gatherings such as COP and Davos, the World Yachting Summit brings together leaders from the yachting industry, international organizations, regulatory bodies, and tourism authorities, alongside government representatives, waterfront developers, and industry innovators. The event is designed to foster active dialogue, promote constructive debate, and encourage concrete actions for the future of yachting.
Through two thematic “tracks” addressing the industry’s key challenges and developed with the insight of a panel of experts, participants will be able to select the sessions that best match their interests and needs. Here are the main topics:
- The first track focuses on Business and Tourism Development, aiming to enhance entrepreneurial strategies and maximize territorial resources to foster sustainable and innovative growth.
- The second track delves into the practical roadmap to Net Zero and the industry’s transformation, addressing growing criticism from the public and younger generations regarding its perceived lack of alignment with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
View the 2025 event program here: worldyachtingsummit.com/program/
The prestigious range of professionals taking part in the WYS accounts for a large spectrum of sectors involved in the yachting industry. Amongst the panelist, there will be distinguished representatives from dealerships and brokerage houses, shipyards, famed naval architects, leader engine manufacturers, yachting destination developers from the American and the Middle-East markets; all joining regulators, Classification Societies, Flags, and legal & financial advisors for what is bound to be a worthy introspection. Among the speakers, we highlight:
- Francis Lapp, Founder and CEO of Sunreef Yachts, will participate in various panels, including “The Rise of the Catamaran in Experiential Yachting” and “What Could Be a Clean and Alternative Future.”
- Arjen van Elk, Marketing & Resale of Feadship will explain a shipyards’s views on the evolution of economic models, business strategies and market perspectives
- Nicola Pomi, Vice President of Marine Sales for Yachting and Superyachting at Volvo Penta, will speak on the challenges of technological innovation and digitalization, analyzing new environmental regulations.
- Tobias Kohl, Director of Application Engineering Marine & Offshore at Rolls-Royce Solutions GmbH, will address sustainable propulsion and the fuels of the future.
- Dan Lenard, yacht designer at Nuvolari Lenard, will discuss evolving client expectations and the future of yacht design, with a focus on sustainability.
- Espen Øino, renowned yacht designer and founder of Espen Øino International, will speak on „A Clean Future” and „The End of Globalization”.
- Nicolas Boulet, CEO of WISAMO Michelin, an expert in wind propulsion for yachting, will discuss decarbonizing navigation. He leads the team developing an innovative automated inflatable sail.
- Tomasz Lipski, President of the International Sailing Schools Association (ISSA), will highlight the role of sailing culture in engaging more people with the sea, promoting both a sporting passion and greater awareness of sustainability and marine conservation.
- Jean-François Guitard, Director of General Aviation & Business Development at Sky Valet, will provide insights into the global evolution of the business aviation market.
- Matty Zadnikar, Founder & CEO of SeaNet, will share insights on the evolution of economic models and the relationships between brokers, shipyards, and clients.
- Avv. Stefano Comisi, expert in taxation, regulation, compliance, and insurance, will discuss the yachting sector in the context of the Union Customs Code.
- Alessandro Tricoli, Partner and Head of the International Transaction Group at Fichte & Co, will cover ship financing, sales and purchase agreements, construction and conversion contracts, joint ventures, equity financing, and investments.
- Thierry Voisin, CEO of ECPY – European Committee for Professionals in Yachting will tackle issues relating to the image of yachting and the roadmaps to further development.
- Michael St. Pierre, Sales Broker at Princess Yachts, will provide insights into the evolution of the dealership model and its connection with shipyards and brokers.
- David Seal, broker and founder of the Yachts for Sale YouTube channel, will delve into yacht and destination marketing, while providing insights into the evolution of chartering and ownership patterns.
- Patrick Coote, VP of Brand Marketing, MarineMax Superyacht Division, will bring perspectives on the evolution of business development strategies adapting to changing worlds and where future opportunities may lie.
- Ra’anan Ben-Zur, CEO and Developper of Habacoa Marina, will provide insights into yachting business and infrastructure developments on the North American market.
- Adam Peet, General Manager Yacht Club, Sports & Entertainment of Red Sea Global – Red Sea Global, will discuss the Saudi strategies to make the Red Sea emerge as an upcoming yachting destination.
- Sameh Muhtadi, CEO of RAK Properties will share his views on the holistic approach of the UAE to nurture yachting tourism development.
- Engel-Jan de Boer, Global Yacht Segment Director, Lloyd’s Register EMEA, who will tackle the ever-important subject of safety at sea and onboard and the rising challenges of human / technical integration in that perspective.
- … And other big names in the industry.
The event will open with a keynote on „The Future of Wealth” by Altrata-Wealth-X, providing a crucial cross-industry perspective to better understand opportunities for growth and development. The second day will be distinguished by the formal opening of the plenary session by Olivier Wenden, Vice President and CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. On this occasion, he will deliver a keynote address on the imperative, championed by the Foundation, of harmonizing yachting with environmental preservation.
Beyond yachting-specific topics, the summit will offer insights into innovations and future trends in related industries such as private aviation, luxury hospitality, and wealth management. While these markets have their differences, they share key aspects, including client expectations, business evolution, tourism opportunities, technological innovations, and regulatory challenges. This makes the discussions highly relevant to the entire industry.
The event will also feature a Showroom to expand networking opportunities, as well as the Innov’ Lounge, a dedicated space to welcome start-ups interested in connecting with yachting industry stakeholders. The need for innovation in the yachting industry is driven by the demand for environmental consideration, enhanced efficiency in energy, waste, and water consumption.
The summit’s claim, „Charting the course for new horizons,” emphasizes the intention to move from words to action. At the end of the event, a detailed report will compile the main topics discussed, providing a clear view of the challenges and opportunities for the future of the sector.
The World Yachting Summit also demonstrates a strong commitment to expansion and internationalization, with plans to involve new geographical regions in future editions, starting with Dubai in 2026. This openness will not only enrich the event with a diversity of cultures and perspectives but will also provide unique opportunities for attendees to network with industry leaders and explore emerging markets.
