Swiss Solar Boat crowned overall winner at Monaco Energy Boat Challenge
Swiss team Swiss Solar Boat claimed overall victory at the 2026 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, as the event showcased the latest innovations driving the future of sustainable maritime technology.
The 13th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge has come to a close after four days of racing, sea trials and innovation, with Switzerland's Swiss Solar Boat team claiming the overall title.
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Organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco, the event brought together 54 teams from 21 countries, with more than 600 students, researchers and industry professionals showcasing the latest developments in sustainable maritime technology.
Representing the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Swiss Solar Boat dominated throughout the competition, consistently finishing on the podium in both the sporting events and the E-Championship.
The team also won the Design Prize and the Eco-Design Prize, helping secure the overall championship.
The Championship Race was decided by just 30 centimetres, while the Frauscher x Porsche 790 Spectre set a new speed record with an average of 51.05 knots.
One of the major innovations on display was the debut of e-methanol as a fuel source.
The University of Twente's SURGE Methanol Foiling Team demonstrated a system that converts e-methanol into hydrogen to power a fuel cell, offering a promising low-carbon solution with greater energy density than gaseous hydrogen.
Alongside the racing, the event also hosted conferences exploring the future of sustainable yachting.
Experts discussed advances in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, alternative fuels and energy efficiency, agreeing that the industry's transition will rely on a combination of technologies rather than a single solution.
The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge also continued to strengthen links between education and industry.
Around 300 interviews took place during the event's Job Forum, connecting students with companies for internships, recruitment opportunities and future collaborations.
During the Challenge, NatPower Marine and Aqua superPower also announced a new partnership to accelerate the rollout of electric charging infrastructure in ports and marinas worldwide.
Looking ahead, organisers revealed that the competition will expand internationally in 2027 with the launch of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge World Series.
The new qualifying circuit will begin on Italy's Lake Como before heading to Australia and other regions, allowing more teams to compete while maintaining the high standards of the Monaco final.