Explorer Yacht Summit Report

Monaco may not be the first destination you think of to bring together the adventurous owners, leading yacht builders, and expedition companies that are responsible for the steady growth of the explorer yacht market. 

But after attending Boat International’s Explorer Yacht Summit, held in association with Damen Yachting at the Monaco Yacht Club last week, I can attest that it was the perfect place to learn about all that’s new and hot in the explorer yacht sector.

I can honestly say this, thanks to a well-planned speaker list that included a keynote from Victor Vescovo—who has dived deeper than any other human being and visited the deepest points of the earth’s five oceans aboard his purpose-built DSSV Pressure Drop sub.

Stephen Edwards, captain of the 60-meter-long Perini Navi Seahawk, spoke about how his yacht owners have been combining adventure, philanthropy, and assisting scientists to study important environmental problems–it was as inspiring as it was educational.

Other insightful panels included: discussions of what clients are looking for in an adventure charter, how yacht design has evolved to accommodate explorer yachts, and what equipment, features, and capabilities all expedition-ready shadow boats need.

But, since I’m one of the lucky ones who was able to visit Svalbard in the High Arctic aboard Nansen Polar Expeditions M/V Villa last August, I was especially excited to learn from Captain Gareth Nicholls of M/V Pioneer, Captain Winston Joyce-Clarke of M/V Seawolf, and Angela Pennefather, Expedition Coordinator (Melanesian Specialist) from EYOS about their experience and insight on three destinations—Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and Svalbard—which are best to explore onboard a well-equipped explorer yacht.

And bumping into Martin Enckell (above)—one of the coolest and the most experienced polar guides on the planet, who was our guide on Villa in Svalbard—was fun, too! But I must say, it was a bit weird to see him in a suit…and dress shoes! I’m much more used to seeing him in boots and well-worn expedition gear while driving a zodiac at the base of a glacier.

So be sure to stay tuned, as I’ll be posting my story from that trip soon…