Malizia Explorer, the new scientific research sailboat, christened at the Yacht Club de Monaco

Malizia Explorer, the new scientific research sailboat, christened at the Yacht Club de Monaco

Malizia Explorer: A New Scientific Vessel Dedicated to Ocean Research

A traditional champagne bottle christening, officiated by Father Christian Venard, marked the symbolic arrival of the new scientific vessel, Malizia Explorer, to Team Malizia. Based in Monaco, this addition reinforces the team’s commitment to its mission, “A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now,” already actively pursued with the IMOCA Malizia – Seaexplorer. Pierre Casiraghi stated, “This vessel is a true logistical platform made available to scientists. This initiative is fully in line with the spirit of Team Malizia, founded on two essential pillars: competition and environmental preservation.”

The sailing vessel, supported by the Prince Albert II Foundation, also received the 4-star environmental certification from the SEA Index® of the Y.C.M., presented by the Sovereign himself.

A Symbolic Christening by a Legend of Marine Exploration

Alongside H.S.H. Prince Albert II, Pierre Casiraghi, and Boris Herrmann, nearly 80 guests attended, including Ambassador Peter Thomson, Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for the Ocean, Bernard d’Alessandri, Secretary General of the Y.C.M., students from the Principality, and young sailors from the Club. This christening embodies a strong symbolic gesture, reflecting the historical link between the Principality, science, education, and ocean preservation.

“The poles are areas of extreme sensitivity and fragility. To fully understand them, we need more advanced science, but also more research. This is the whole point of the Malizia Explorer. This sailboat will make it possible to reach isolated polar regions and conduct essential studies there,” commented the Sovereign.

Just days before World Ocean Day and ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, this launch places this research vessel within a meaningful global agenda. Oceanographer and explorer Sylvia Earle becomes its godmother. At 89, the American author and lecturer is a global reference, one of the most emblematic leaders in ocean protection. “This sailboat symbolizes new hope. It combines traditional navigation with modern science tools to explore and understand what we still don’t know. This may be our last and best chance to reverse the trajectory of decline and put our blue planet back on the path to regeneration,” commented Sylvia Earle.

Environmental Certification Supporting the Mission

On this occasion, Malizia Explorer received 4-star certification from the SEA Index®, an international benchmark for assessing CO? emissions from yachts over 24 meters, thanks to its scientific and impartial approach. Launched in 2020 by the Y.C.M. and developed with Lloyd’s Register, the SEA Index® is based on a rigorous, transparent, and independent assessment. The tool has since been enhanced, notably with the Lifecycle Emissions Calculator, a method for analyzing CO? emissions based on fuel choice, designed with RINA. By obtaining this certification, Malizia Explorer joins a fleet of over 80 units already certified by the SEA Index®. Around twenty ports in the Mediterranean – as well as in the Seychelles – have already integrated this index into their management.

Serving Ocean Protection

Launched in April 2025 in Lorient, Malizia Explorer is a 26-meter aluminum sailboat designed to navigate both polar and tropical regions. It can accommodate four crew members and up to eight scientists. On board, an Ocean Pack for continuous collection of CO?, temperature, and salinity, a CTD rosette (Conductivity Temperature Depth) for deep sampling, as well as a set of instruments currently being installed. The goal is to provide data to the international scientific community in areas that are still poorly covered. It will sail across the globe for the next five years, in partnership with Reederei F. Laeisz, AWI, GEOMAR, Hereon, OceanOPS, and the Swiss Polar Institute.

“The christening of this boat in Monaco marks an important step in uniting sailors, scientists, and creatives to give a voice to the ocean. Our mission has always been to raise awareness of the climate emergency and ocean preservation. This research vessel represents a natural evolution of our commitment: it allows us to extend our impact, explore new regions, collaborate closely with the scientific community, and convey our message about ocean health to the widest possible audience. At the same time, it offers us the opportunity to collect valuable data to better understand the challenges they face,” commented Boris.

A Committed Scientific Mission

After its christening, the Malizia Explorer will participate in the parade of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) on June 8, as well as the conference itself. The upcoming program promises to be busy, with expeditions planned in the Mediterranean – including a research project on whales – before heading to Antarctica, then the Arctic.

At the crossroads of offshore racing, research, and education, Team Malizia is equipped with a unique tool. With Malizia Explorer, it is not just about sailing, but about showing what science reveals, what the ocean endures, and what humans can accomplish.



Enjoyed this post by Thibault Helle? Subscribe for more insights and updates straight from the source.

Similar Posts