Industry leaders to convene at World Yachting Summit 2025

With the first edition set to take place in Monaco in under three weeks’ time — from 15 to 17 April 2025 — the inaugural World Yachting Summit will bring together industry leaders, regulatory bodies, government representatives and tourism authorities.

World Yachting Summit is the result of two partnership agreements signed with M3, a Monaco-based marina consulting services company, and Omniyat, a Dubai-based luxury real estate developer. Organisers say the event will focus on discussions around business and tourism development, sustainability and regulatory challenges in the yachting sector.

The summit will also be structured around two thematic tracks. The first will examine business and tourism development, addressing strategies for market growth and the use of territorial resources. The second will focus on the industry’s transition towards net zero, considering evolving public and regulatory expectations and alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

A broad range of professionals from across the industry will participate, including representatives from shipyards, brokerage firms, regulatory bodies and financial institutions. Confirmed speakers include:

• Francis Lapp, founder and CEO of Sunreef Yachts, speaking on the rise of catamarans in experiential yachting and alternative energy solutions.
• Arjen van Elk, marketing & resale at Feadship, discussing shipyard perspectives on economic models and business strategies.
• Nicola Pomi, vice president of marine sales for yachting and superyachting at Volvo Penta, addressing technological innovation and new environmental regulations.
• Tobias Kohl, director of application engineering marine & offshore at Rolls-Royce Solutions GmbH, covering sustainable propulsion and alternative fuels.
• Dan Lenard, yacht designer at Nuvolari Lenard, exploring shifting client expectations and sustainability in yacht design.
• Espen Øino, founder of Espen Øino International, speaking on sustainability and globalisation trends in yachting.
• Nicolas Boulet, CEO of WISAMO Michelin, presenting innovations in wind propulsion technology.
• Tomasz Lipski, president of the International Sailing Schools Association (ISSA), discussing the role of sailing in promoting marine conservation.
• Jean-François Guitard, director of general aviation & business development at Sky Valet, providing insights into the evolution of the business aviation market.
• Thierry Voisin, CEO of ECPY – European Committee for Professionals in Yachting, addressing industry image and development strategies.
• Patrick Coote, vice president of brand marketing at MarineMax Superyacht Division, discussing business development strategies and future opportunities.
• Ra’anan Ben-Zur, CEO of Habacoa Marina, examining business and infrastructure development in the North American yachting market.
• Adam Peet, general manager yacht club, sports & entertainment at Red Sea Global, presenting Saudi Arabia’s strategies to develop the Red Sea as a yachting destination.
• Engel-Jan de Boer, global yacht segment director at Lloyd’s Register EMEA, focusing on safety at sea and human-technical integration challenges.

The summit will open with a keynote on “The Future of Wealth” by Altrata-Wealth-X, providing a cross-industry perspective on market opportunities. Olivier Wenden, vice president and CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, will deliver a keynote on environmental preservation and sustainability in yachting.

Discussions will extend beyond yachting to explore innovation in private aviation, luxury hospitality and wealth management, examining shared challenges such as regulatory compliance and evolving client expectations.

The event will also include a showroom for networking and the Innov’ Lounge, where startups can connect with industry stakeholders. A report will be published following the event, outlining key discussions and industry insights.

Future editions of the World Yachting Summit are planned, with Dubai currently set to host the 2026 event.