MONACO ENERGY BOAT CHALLENGE · WORLD SERIES

darwin

THE ASIAN-PACIFIC ROUTE TO MONACO

September 2027
Date (indicative)
Darwin · Australia
Host city
Darwin Harbour
Host venue
In October 2027, Darwin will host the Asia-Pacific Qualifier of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge World Series. Student-led university teams will compete in the Energy Class, racing zero-emission boats on identical catamaran hulls for the chance to qualify for the Monaco World Final. This international event brings together engineering, clean propulsion, innovation and competitive racing on Darwin Harbour, one of the Asia-Pacific’s great tropical waterfronts.
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The event

DARWIN: THE ASIA-PACIFIC'S PROVING GROUND FOR INNOVATION ON WATER

The Asia-Pacific’s next generation, racing the future of clean mobility.
The Asia-Pacific Qualifier is the region’s gateway to the Monaco World Final. In Darwin, university teams design, build and race their own zero-emission boats — same hulls, same conditions, one goal: a place in Monaco. Engineering tested in the open, where the best idea earns its result on the water. This isn’t only about speed. It’s about efficiency, reliability and the drive to turn bold technology into real solutions for the sea. Built by the next generation. Powered by innovation. Driven by sustainability.

Innovation

Ideas, proven on the water. Clean propulsion, electric, solar, hydrogen and smart energy — tested in real racing, not on paper.

International

Same hulls. Equal odds. Teams from across the Asia-Pacific and beyond, one rulebook — where the best engineering wins, not the biggest budget.

Collaboration

Bigger than the race. Students, universities and industry build a network that lasts long after the finish line.

Yachting industry

Tomorrow's fleet starts here. A direct line from student innovation to the yachts and shipyards of the future.

The boat

The Energy Class catamaran

In the Energy Class, every team starts with the same foundation: a standardized catamaran hull provided by the Yacht Club de Monaco. From there, each team must design and build its own cockpit, propulsion system and energy strategy. The objective is clear: create the most efficient and reliable zero-emission boat possible. Teams can explore electric propulsion, solar energy, hydrogen and other clean technologies while respecting strict technical and safety rules.

The experience

An experience on water & on shore

The Asia-Pacific Qualifier is more than a race. It’s a public event — watch the boats fly, meet the teams, walk the paddocks and get close to the technology shaping the future of clean boating. From the start line to the dock, from technical talks to live demos, Darwin becomes a meeting point for sport, innovation, education and industry.
On water

Races

Endurance, manoeuvrability and speed: the Energy Class racing live on Darwin Harbour.

Dockside

Paddocks

Walk the team paddock and see the boats, engineers and technology up close.

On shore

Conference

Open conferences on clean propulsion, financing and the future of maritime mobility.

On shore

Tech Talks

Student engineers and industry experts share the tech behind the prototypes.

The competitors

Calling student engineers across Europe

The Asia-Pacific Qualifier is designed for student-led university teams ready to push the limits of sustainable marine engineering. Each team brings together talented students in naval architecture, mechanical engineering, electrical systems, energy management, design and project coordination. Their mission is to transform ideas into operational boats, test their technologies on the water and compete for a place at the Monaco World Final.
Applications will open soon for universities and student teams wishing to take part in the May 2027 European Qualifier.
since 2018

From Darwin to the Monaco World Final

The Asia-Pacific Qualifier is designed for student-led university teams ready to push the limits of sustainable marine engineering. Each team brings together talented students in naval architecture, mechanical engineering, electrical systems, energy management, design and project coordination. Their mission is to transform ideas into operational boats, test their technologies on the water and compete for a place at the Monaco World Final. The best-performing teams will have the opportunity to continue their journey towards Monaco and present their work on an international stage.
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News

Latest news

Follow the latest updates from the Asia-Pacific Qualifier, including team announcements, programme details, partner news, race information and media highlights.