Extra Yachts’ Solar-Powered Martita Named a Finalist for 2026 Monaco Explorer Award
In the world of luxury yachting, a new wave of innovation is cresting—one that prioritizes sustainability and environmental stewardship alongside exploration. Leading this charge is Extra Yachts’ 22-meter Martita, a vessel that has just been named a finalist for the prestigious 2026 YCM Explorer Awards. Organized by the esteemed Yacht Club de Monaco, these awards celebrate yachts that embody a spirit of adventure while actively protecting the marine environments they traverse.
A New Standard in Sustainable Yachting with a Solar powered yacht
The Martita stands out in a competitive field for its forward-thinking design, particularly its integration of solar power. This modern production yacht is equipped with an impressive array of solar panels capable of generating up to 4kW of clean, renewable onboard power. This capability significantly reduces the yacht’s reliance on traditional generators, minimizing its carbon footprint and allowing for quieter, more harmonious cruising.
While the YCM Explorer Awards typically focus on vessels over 25 meters that use benchmarking tools like the SEA Index® to measure their environmental impact, Martita‘s inclusion highlights a growing recognition for innovative solutions in smaller, yet equally capable, yachts. Its nomination underscores the industry’s shift towards accessible and practical green technologies.
A Field of Distinguished Explorers, Including a Solar powered yacht
The competition for the 2026 awards is fierce, with Martita sharing the finalist stage with other remarkable vessels. Each nominee brings a unique approach to exploration and sustainability:
- Our Way: A formidable 37-meter ice-class expedition yacht built by Tenix Defence. With an incredible range of 4,800 nautical miles, it is designed for true remote cruising in the planet’s most challenging waters.
- Continents: This 26-meter sailing yacht from MH Corbin represents the spirit of owner-led, compact exploration, proving that grand adventures don’t always require the largest of vessels.
A Legacy of Innovation and Purpose with a Solar powered yacht
The YCM Explorer Awards have a history of recognizing groundbreaking yachts that set new industry standards. Looking at past winners provides a clear picture of the values the awards champion. The 2025 winner, the 80-meter Valor, was celebrated for its advanced hybrid propulsion and use of biofuels. Similarly, the 25-meter Cachalote earned the 2024 award for its exceptional four-star SEA Index® rating, a testament to its energy efficiency.
The awards also feature a special “Coup de Cœur” category to honor vessels with a particularly inspiring mission. A recent recipient was Plastic Odyssey, recognized in 2023 for its global efforts to combat plastic pollution. This legacy of honoring both technological advancement and purpose-driven exploration is what makes a nomination for Martita so significant.
As the industry looks toward a more sustainable future, yachts like the solar-powered Martita are not just vessels; they are statements. They prove that luxury, exploration, and environmental responsibility can—and must—sail together. Its nomination as a finalist for the 2026 YCM Explorer Award is a well-deserved acknowledgment of Extra Yachts’ commitment to pioneering the future of conscientious yachting.
