David Seal at Monaco's Smart Yacht Rendezvous with HSH Prince Albert II

The first annual Monaco Smart Yacht Rendezvous, this year held across two days of March 23-24, brought together key players across the yachting industry to drive sustainable change. The forum played host to people who have the power to disrupt the industry as a whole; in attendance were renowned yacht designers Espen Øino, Dan Lenard, and Massimo Perotti, CEO of Sanlorenzo Yachts as well as His Serene Highness, Prince Albert II of Monaco.

This year’s event was particularly notable as David Seal, N&J’s Head of Video Production and a leading figure in the industry, attended the event as Master of Ceremonies, where he was invited to present at the Explorer Yacht Awards alongside the Prince.

“It was such an honor to present awards side-by-side with HSH Prince Albert II,” says David. “This is the only event of its kind in the world and the only time you’ll get all those people together in the same room.”

According to one of the event’s supporters, José Marco Casellini, CEO of Monaco Marina Management, the presence of so many major players reflects the collective desire to respond to climate issues, encouraging responsible and innovative solutions.

“It was really inspirational,” recalls David, “to see so many yacht designers, naval architects, builders and businesses large and small all unite to find ways to make the industry more sustainable as a whole.”

One such example he recalls is a discussion centered around the alternative fuel, hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).

“As a renewable source, it sounds like a promising one,” he says. “Most engine manufacturers have said that their engines are compatible with it, and it can reduce emissions significantly. Feadship has committed to using it for their next sea trial, which is a significant step in the right direction.”

As the industry comes together to work toward a more eco-friendly future, you, too, as a yacht owner or charter guest can join the green movement. Learn more about eco-friendly chartering or yacht purchase today.