In a moment that blended tradition, innovation, and environmental vision, the Malizia Explorer — a state-of-the-art research sailboat — was officially christened at the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM). The vessel was blessed and named in a ceremony attended by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, with the honor of christening bestowed by legendary oceanographer Sylvia Earle.
Founded by Pierre Casiraghi, Vice-President of the Yacht Club de Monaco, and professional skipper Boris Herrmann, Team Malizia continues to advance its mission: “A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now”. The addition of Malizia Explorer marks a major milestone in that journey, as it becomes a vital floating platform for scientific discovery and ocean conservation.
A Symbolic Launch with Global Resonance
With a ceremonial blessing from Father Christian Venard and the traditional champagne bottle broken across the bow, Malizia Explorer was welcomed into the world by an audience of dignitaries, scientists, and young sailors. Alongside Prince Albert II, guests included UN Ocean Envoy Ambassador Peter Thomson, Bernard d’Alessandri (YCM Secretary General), and students from the Principality.
“This vessel is a superb logistics platform available to scientists,” said Pierre Casiraghi. “It fully embodies Team Malizia’s dual identity: competition and environmental responsibility.”
The vessel’s mission and Monaco’s commitment to the oceans were further underscored when Prince Albert II presented the Malizia Explorer with the 4-Star SEA Index® environmental certificate — a symbol of sustainable maritime innovation.
A Godmother with a Global Voice for the Ocean
At 89, Sylvia Earle — explorer, marine biologist, and icon of ocean advocacy — blessed the sailboat with powerful words:
“This sailboat symbolises new hope. It combines the ancient wisdom of sailing with the modern tools of science to explore and understand what we still don’t know. It may be our last chance to reverse the trajectory of decline and put our blue planet back on the path to regeneration.”
Her message was timely, as the christening took place just before World Oceans Day and ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, where Malizia Explorer will also participate.
Certified Sustainability: 4-Star SEA Index®
The vessel received 4-Star certification under the SEA Index®, a framework created by the Yacht Club de Monaco and developed with Lloyd’s Register, to assess the CO₂ footprint of yachts over 24 meters. It incorporates lifecycle emissions, fuel analysis, and is recognized across ports in the Mediterranean and the Seychelles.
This certification underscores the Explorer’s commitment to not only conducting science but doing so responsibly.
Purpose-Built for Exploration and Research
Built in Lorient and launched in April 2025, the 26-meter aluminium sailboat is designed to operate in polar and tropical zones. With capacity for four crew members and eight scientists, its mission is to reach remote regions and gather vital oceanographic data.
Onboard technologies include:
- An Ocean Pack system for real-time CO₂, salinity, and temperature monitoring
- A CTD rosette for deep-sea water sampling
- A suite of advanced instruments installed in collaboration with global research institutions
Key partners include Reederei F. Laeisz, AWI, GEOMAR, Hereon, OceanOPS, and the Swiss Polar Institute.
The Mission Ahead
Following its christening, Malizia Explorer will take part in the UNOC parade on June 8, followed by expeditions across the Mediterranean, including a whale research initiative. Future missions will take the vessel to the Antarctic and Arctic, continuing its ambitious five-year global campaign.
“Christening this boat in Monaco is more than symbolic,” said Boris Herrmann. “It unites sailors, scientists, and creatives with one goal: to give the ocean a voice. This vessel expands our impact, strengthens scientific collaboration, and delivers the critical data we need to understand — and protect — our oceans.”
With Malizia Explorer, Team Malizia isn’t just sailing; it’s steering the conversation — and the science — behind the future of our seas.
