January 6, 2026

Staying true to its “Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting” approach, the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) opens a new season focused on transmission, innovation, and collective commitment. In 2026, as part of its public service mission dedicated to enhancing the attractiveness of the Principality, the Club reaffirms its role as a vibrant hub for the port and an international platform, while simultaneously strengthening its environmental and social commitments. High-level sports, youth training, sustainable transition, and maritime heritage will structure a calendar designed as a space for exchange to build the yachting of tomorrow.

Revealing the talents of tomorrow and maintaining sporting excellence

The year will kick off from January 14 to 18 with the 15th Monaco Optimist Team Race, a benchmark for international team racing for under-14s. The winter program will continue with the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series (February 12-15 and March 5-8) before the 42nd Primo Cup – Trofeo UBS (March 5-8), an emblematic regatta in the Mediterranean monotype calendar, bringing together experienced amateurs and professional crews.

Structuring the dialogue within the yachting ecosystem

On February 5, the 18th Economic Symposium – La Belle Classe Superyachts will bring together, during an invitation-only dinner debate, owners and professionals on the topic: “Yachting 2035: the economic transformation of the sector in response to new environmental standards”.

In spring, the Club will organize the first “Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting Rendezvous” (March 21-24), in collaboration with the Explorers Club of New York. A delegation of about one hundred members from this prestigious club, founded in 1904, will visit the Principality for a series of meetings dedicated to ocean exploration and conservation. This sequence will be marked by the Environmental Symposium titled Day of Exploration (March 23), the 30th Captains’ Forum (March 24), and, as a highlight, the presentation of the 6th YCM Explorer Awards (March 24), which honor owners committed to responsible exploration.

On April 2, the 7th Superyacht Chef Competition will showcase onboard chefs, an excellence profession in yachting. The competition will be presided over by Philippe Etchebest, a two-Michelin-star chef and Meilleur Ouvrier de France.

Encouraging innovation and supporting new generations

The highlight of the year, the 13th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge (July 8-11) will reaffirm its role as an international laboratory for sustainable yachting. Students, engineers, and professionals will present and test, during nautical trials, solutions related to alternative energies, propulsion, autonomy, and safety. This dynamic will continue with the 6th edition of the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous (September 20-21, 2026), organized by M3 Monaco and dedicated to concrete solutions for more sustainable and innovative marinas and port infrastructures.

Enhancing maritime heritage and strengthening international prestige

2026 will also be marked by the historic participation of Tuiga (1909), the Club’s flagship, and Viola (1908) in the commemorations of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States (July 4), embodying the dialogue between maritime tradition, cultural diplomacy, and intergenerational transmission.

On the sporting front, the 21st Palermo–Montecarlo (August 18-23) will extend this spirit of adventure and performance, while also honoring commitments to inclusive sailing with the 4th Navicap Challenge – Trofeo Elena Sivoldaeva.

At Mapic Italy, the first Retail Tour will welcome emerging brands such as Miniso and Rains, along with Ale-Hop, Semir, Guess Jeans, Rag & Bone, Pop Mart, Tamaris, and DJ Lab, as well as prominent investors ready to bet on the Italian market, including Fidelidade, AXA IM, and Eurofund.

Milano, April 17, 2025 – The Italian retail real estate market is confirming a strong recovery, with a surge in investments attracting the attention of international operators and brands. In the first quarter of 2025, sector data shows an unprecedented acceleration, positioning Italy as one of the most dynamic markets in Europe.

“In the first quarter of the year, investment volumes in the real estate sector reached €2.7 billion, marking a 46% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The retail sector accounted for 21% of the total, with approximately €550 million invested, representing an 800% increase compared to the first quarter of the previous year, confirming strong interest from investors,” stated Niccolò Suardi, Co-Head EMEA Retail Practice Group & Head of High Street Retail Italy & EMEA Retail Core Team Member at Colliers.

These results are further confirmed by the performance of the high street segment, which stands out as one of the main drivers of the retail sector’s recovery, fueled by interest in the most iconic and high-performing locations in the country.

“The high street segment accounted for 36% of total retail investments (including street retail), with a marked concentration in the most prestigious districts of Milan, where prime rents in the Quadrilatero area are approaching €27,000/sqm. The high street segment is experiencing a strong recovery, supported by vibrant demand in the mainstream market and the entry of numerous new operators. In addition to Via Montenapoleone, new top rents are also being recorded in other iconic streets of the Quadrilatero, such as Via Verri and Via Sant’Andrea. Alongside Milan and Rome, Florence is also establishing itself as a leading retail destination at the national level, thanks to a significant operation that has further strengthened its positioning. The out-of-town retail segment is also seeing renewed interest, representing 65% of total retail investments, particularly driven by a significant operation in the factory outlet segment,” concluded Niccolò Suardi from Colliers.

Bringing together industry operators will be MAPIC Italy – on May 14 and 15 at the Super Studio Maxi in Milan – the leading business platform dedicated to the key players in the commercial and retail real estate market. The event will see the participation of over 2,100 delegates, including more than 700 retailers, restaurant chains, and leisure operators, consolidating its role as a reference point for the sector in Italy.

This year, MAPIC Italy introduces the first Retail Tour, an exclusive initiative organized in collaboration with Colliers and Nhood. A selection of international brands will be guided to discover the most emblematic commercial destinations in Milan, creating opportunities for meetings and new synergies with the main players in the Italian real estate market.

Among the brands participating in the Retail Tour are international entities with strong growth potential in the Italian market. Miniso, Ale-Hop, Semir, Guess Jeans, Rag & Bone, Tamaris, DJ Lab, and Rains are just some of the brands expanding their presence in Italy, attracted by the growing market, and many others will join the international event.

Miniso, a Chinese lifestyle design brand founded in 2013, is known for its wide assortment of home goods, tech accessories, beauty products, and toys, all characterized by a pop style and affordable prices. The recent opening of its largest European flagship in Madrid, featuring the new experiential format “Miniso Land,” signals the brand’s intention to consolidate its presence in Europe by focusing on immersive experiences.
Ale-Hop, founded in Spain in 2001, is a chain specializing in gift items and home decor, offering a youthful, colorful, and ironic proposal. Present in Italy with five stores, Ale-Hop represents a successful case of soft and widespread expansion in our market.
Semir, an Asian giant in casual clothing for a youthful and family-oriented target, is actively seeking strategic locations in Europe to export its dynamic retail model, based on rapid collections and competitive prices.
Guess Jeans, an iconic American brand known for denim and youth fashion with an international flair, recently reopened a store in a strategic location like Roma Termini, thus revitalizing its physical network in our country.
Rag & Bone, a New York-based premium brand that blends British tailoring with streetwear sensibility, is currently expanding its retail presence in Europe, aiming to strengthen its identity in major high-end shopping hubs like Milan.
Tamaris, a well-known German footwear brand, is already present in Italy with several stores and is now looking to further expand its direct retail network.
DJ Lab, an innovative concept that combines DJ equipment sales and music production with experiential areas, represents a new generation of stores dedicated to urban culture.
Finally, Rains, a Danish brand known for its minimal aesthetic and contemporary waterproof garments, is already active in several European capitals and considers the Italian market among its next targets for mono-brand expansion.

In addition to retailers, prominent investors such as Fidelidade, AXA IM, and Eurofund will participate, reflecting the growing interest in the Italian retail market. The Retail Tour will culminate in the International Retailer Networking Event, on Wednesday, May 14 at 4:00 PM, designed to facilitate direct dialogue between brands and Italian real estate operators.

For more information, visit the website mapic-italy.it

Japan will be the guest of honor at the Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026, the international floating boat show, which will take place from Tuesday, September 22 to Sunday, September 27, 2026 at the Minimes harbor. This edition will be marked by elegance, innovation, and maritime culture.

An exceptional invitation to celebrate Japanese maritime culture

With an archipelago of over 6,800 islands washed by the Pacific, Japan has maintained an intimate and respectful relationship with the sea for centuries. A source of life, exchange, and inspiration, the sea has shaped its identity, craftsmanship, and technological know-how recognized worldwide.

Being the guest of honor at the Grand Pavois La Rochelle means offering the public a complete immersion in the Japanese maritime way of life: cultural animations, demonstrations, exhibitions, gastronomy, and meetings dedicated to Japanese skills, capable of uniting traditional craftsmanship and contemporary innovation.

An honor pavilion dedicated to the sea and modernity

The Japanese Pavilion will be a true cultural and economic village of 600 m², orchestrated by Yvonne Chu-Kit (YCK Culture & Events) in collaboration with Japanese and local partners.

The public will be able to discover:

• Stands of traditional craftsmanship.
• A gastronomic space with a restaurant and Japanese specialties.
• Cultural and artistic animations.
• A focus on maritime tourism and Japan’s coastal regions.

As Yvonne Chu-Kit emphasizes: “This will be a first for the Japanese archipelago, a great nation of boating, as it has never been featured among the guest of honors at the Grand Pavois La Rochelle. We will present a true Japanese village, a symbol of openness and shared maritime passion.”

Japan, a key player in global boating

Japan is recognized as one of the major players in international boating, at the crossroads of marine electronics, robotics, technological innovation, and sport fishing.

Its invitation reflects the Grand Pavois La Rochelle’s commitment to valuing the diversity of maritime cultures and creating bridges between East and West, between tradition and modernity.

A tribute to innovation and the spirit of the sea

For Alain Pochon, President of Grand Pavois Organisation: “It is a true honor and great joy to welcome Japan as the guest of honor for 2026. This country embodies both tradition and modernity, aesthetics and precision, as well as excellence in boating and maritime technology. Japan conveys a powerful image: that of a futuristic and spiritual country, where the sea remains an essential link between innovation and culture. It will surely be a highlight of the Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026.”

An event not to be missed

Through this exceptional presence, the Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026 will invite visitors to discover maritime Japan, between innovation, respect for nature, and a passion for navigation.

Save the date from September 22 to 27, 2026 to experience this moment of exchange, inspiration, and openness to the world.

Tourist ports from all over Italy have arrived in Genoa to participate in the grand finale ceremony of the IV edition of the Blue Marina Awards, which brought together hundreds of marina and institutional representatives. All available seats were sold out, with the room packed with hundreds of people despite the event being private, testifying to the interest and prestige that the Blue Marina Awards have gained in the national blue economy landscape.

After a year of stages throughout the Boot – dedicated to discussing, aggregating and raising awareness on issues related to innovation, sustainability, tourist hospitality, inclusivity and safety – the Blue Marina Awards celebrated Italian tourist ports and landings as a strategic resource of the Italian System.

From the first edition to today, about 250 Italian tourist ports have participated in the Blue Marina Awards, contributing to the creation of a national network of excellence in tourist portuality.

The day was moderated by Alessandro Mauro Rossi, director of Forbes and Nautica, in an event that saw the participation of a high-level institutional parterre.

The Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanchè, expressed her appreciation for the initiative and for the commitment of Italian tourist ports towards sustainability and excellence: “The Blue Marina Awards represent much more than a simple recognition: they are an accelerator of quality, sustainability and competitiveness for the entire system of tourist portuality celebrating those who contribute to increasing the value of the sea for our Nation. Tourist portuality is a strategic resource for Italy. It’s not just about mooring, but about hospitality, culture, soft mobility, sports, training and technology. It is the window on Italy. It is a platform that connects the coasts with the hinterland and distributes value on the territories. Congratulations to the Blue Marina Awards initiative for the constant commitment and compliments to its creator, Walter Vassallo, the real engine of the processes to raise the quality of the national tourist portuality offer.”

Speakers included: Massimiliano Nannini, Chief of Staff of the President of the Liguria Region; Alessio Piana, Delegate Counselor Blue Economy Liguria Region; Federico Bogliolo, Counselor Liguria Region and President Municipality Levante Genoa; Leonardo Manzari, WestMED National Hub for Italy; Antonio Ranieri, Admiral Inspector (CP), Maritime Director of Liguria; Luciano Serra, President ASSONAT-Confcommercio; Giancarlo Vinacci, Head Advisory Board ASSONAUTICA Italiana and President Investment Committee of the Blue Economy Debt Fund; Andrea Leonardi, Federal Counselor FIV; Luigi Bottos, Head ESG RINA.

“No winner or loser: it’s a sea party, because the sea unites and the Blue Marina Awards were born to do good for our country” – declared Walter Vassallo, founder and coordinator of the Blue Marina Awards. “This edition confirms that Italian tourist portuality is alive, growing and capable of innovating. The energy and participation we have seen today tell us that the future of the blue economy has already begun, and the ports will be its protagonists. The Blue Marina Awards contribute to the construction of a competitive, sustainable, innovative and inclusive tourist portuality.”

Luciano Serra, President ASSONAT-Confcommercio, Institutional Partner of the Blue Marina Awards: “The Blue Marina Awards represent a fundamental initiative to enhance our structures dedicated to pleasure boating along the Italian coasts. These structures play a primary role in the blue economy, promoting boating and nautical tourism through the knowledge of territorial uniqueness. The awards given today testify to the continuous commitment and attention that landings and tourist ports pay to the four thematic categories under evaluation: sustainability, safety, innovation and tourist hospitality. This award underlines their dedication to the safeguarding of the marine environment and to the creation of excellent tourist experiences, making them increasingly attractive for national and international boating.”

Federico Bogliolo, Counselor Liguria Region intervened “the Blue Marina Awards are the perfect synthesis of the union of all the values and principles that the blue economy embodies. The Marina award day – the result of Dr. Vassallo’s forward-looking vision – is the best example of how territorial realities that work on the sea are not in contrast but share ideas, proposals and values. Liguria has a turnover of 1.9 euros for every euro spent in the field of sea economy. As a Region we will work on the blue economy and on days like this that are the lifeblood of a sector in great development”.

The tourist ports and landings divided by category that have obtained the Blue Marina Awards 2025 recognition of which RINA is the third party verifier

TOURIST PORTS with BOATING VOCATION
Over 500 boat places
Capo d’Orlando Marina
Consorzio Porto di Alghero
Porto di Andora
Porto Turistico di Cetraro
Porto Turistico di Jesolo SRL
Porto Turistico Marina di Pescara
Porto di Santa Teresa Gallura
Shipyard & Marina Sant’Andrea

Between 200 and 500 boat places
Bisceglie Approdi SPA – Marina Resort
Marina di Puntaldìa SRL
Porto Barricata
Porto Turistico Marina Uno
Porto Turistico Marina Sveva
Porto Turistico di Marina di Camerota

TOURIST PORTS with SUPERYACHT VOCATION
Over 500 boat places
Marina di Porto Cervo
Porto di Tropea

Between 200 and 500 boat places
Base Nautica Flavio Gioia
Marina Genova

TOURIST LANDINGS with BOATING VOCATION
Up to 200 boat places
Approdo Turistico Cala Cravieu
Centro Nautico Baia Levante
Marina Carmelo
Marina di Sant’Elmo SRL
Marina Cala dei Sardi
Porto di Sperlonga
Yachting Santa Margherita – Procida

Special awards

In addition to the recognition brands, some special awards were given for a total value of tens of thousands of euros.

Special sustainability award offered by Repower consisting of a charging wallbox went to Marina di Pescara

Special safety award offered by NeMea Sistemi consisting of a latest generation interactive Geoportal, with a commercial value of € 5,000 and went to Marina di Andora

Special innovation award offered by Blue Gold consisting of an innovative device for real-time water consumption measurement and went to Marina Cala dei Sardi

Special tourist hospitality award offered by MySea worth 2000 euros in promotional campaigns on the booking portal and went to Marina di Camerota

Special inclusivity award offered by AIDARA worth 2,500 euros in consultancy for water efficiency and went to Marina di Cetraro

Special AI award offered by Innovation Group worth 5,000 euros in activities dedicated to artificial intelligence and went to Marina Uno

The Marine Impact Lab has announced another incredible panel in the day’s lineup, focused on sustainable solutions for events and organizations. Bringing together authoritative voices from the maritime and events sectors worldwide, the panel aims to address one of the industry’s most pressing questions: how can we build resilient and future-ready organizations in an increasingly complex and threatened environment?

This newly confirmed session will feature:

Alexandra Rickham (World Sailing) – defining global policies and sustainability standards in international sport
Meg Reilly (St. Maarten Heineken Regatta) – generating impact and legacy in developing island states
Kim Schotborgh (RAI / Greentech Expo) – pioneering large-scale sustainability through major exhibitions and multiple stakeholders
Teresa Romairone (Foundation Zero) – promoting technology and data-based solutions for renewable energy efficiency

Designed as an open and honest conversation among peers, this panel will delve into real-world challenges and proven strategies. Examining best practices and future solutions, the panel will cover operational change and stakeholder engagement up to the adoption of scalable technologies and the alignment of global policies. Participants will gain insight into how leading organizations have moved from ambition to execution and how collaboration and open-source solutions across the industry can accelerate progress.

A comprehensive program for a resilient industry

This session is the pivot for an entire day of panels, workshops, and discussions focused on building resilient companies and industry. Not just through theory, but through shared knowledge and practical tools that companies can implement immediately. The Marine Impact Lab is where the maritime sector works together to solve problems, explore practical solutions, and be inspired by forward-thinking colleagues.

The Sustainable Organizations and Events panel is part of the broader Lab program that explores sustainability along the entire value chain.

Other scheduled sessions include:

Panel “Innovations in Product and Design” Showcasing cutting-edge materials such as bio-composites and circular carbon fiber, this session highlights revolutionary solutions that are already reshaping the design, production, and performance of marine products. With the participation of BAR Technologies, NL Comp, Kairos, and Holy Technologies, all leaders in eco-friendly boat building solutions.

Fireside Chat: “Financing the Future” In a closing session, Rupert Robinson, an independent financial strategist, will explain the rise of “micro-carbon financing” and insetting strategies, offering a visionary look at how companies can integrate sustainability directly into financial models and revenue streams.

Two Tracks of Targeted Deep Dive

By the end of the day, participants will feel inspired by their peers and rooted in practical solutions to integrate sustainability into operations, products, partnerships, and investment strategies.

The Marine Impact Lab runs for the entire day, from 9:00 to 18:00, and includes breakfast, lunch, and a networking happy hour to fuel conversation and collaboration.

Two targeted tracks allow participants to delve into their area of interest:

Product Track: Life cycle assessment, material innovation, design circularity
Organizational Track: Sustainability strategies, policy integration, operational change

At the beginning and end of the day, both tracks come together, linking insights between the product and organizational side of the industry to build a shared understanding of impact along the entire value chain.

A Collaborative Lab for Action

The Marine Impact Lab is a collaborative workshop, the first of its kind, designed to unite the maritime industry around resilient and future-oriented solutions. It’s not just a talk shop conference, but a working lab where companies, event organizers, designers, policymakers, startups, and sustainability leaders meet to learn from each other, build strategies, and accelerate action.

In a rapidly evolving regulatory, environmental, and market landscape, the Marine Impact Lab provides the space for the industry to face challenges and define its own future with open-source tools and collective innovation at the center.

The Lab is co-organized by the team behind two leading tools for accessible sustainability solutions: MarineShift360, the first life cycle assessment tool specific to the maritime sector, and The Toolbox, a global open-source platform for free sustainability models and implementation resources in any sector.

Event supporters include 11th Hour Racing, Metstrade, St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, NL Comp, World Sailing, and ICOMIA.

“There is much value to be gained from cross-sector collaboration and industry alignment. The value of partnerships in the sector goes far beyond sponsorship; it is now driving shared revolutionary strategies among our top leaders and innovators. By working together, everyone wins,” said Alexandra Rickham, Sustainability Director of World Sailing.

“The availability of open-source solutions in our sector is one of the biggest untapped resources. Through the Toolbox, MarineShift360, and the solutions offered by our speakers, the maritime industry not only has proof of concept but now also a shared roadmap to get there. The Lab enables companies to transform sustainability concepts into real solutions for the industry as a whole.” – Damian Foxall, Director of Foxall Munro, owners of The Toolbox.