Preparations are well underway for the eight Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, which is due to take place from July 6 – 10.

Organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco in partnership with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and International Powerboating Federation, the four day event will include sea trials, meetings, an exhibitor’s village and a full day conference of talks.

The conference, which will take place on July 8, will be themed around sustainable initiatives and alternative solutions in the yachting industry. Experts will shine a light on different innovations in yachting, from new energy sources to alternative propulsion packages.

The challenges at sea meanwhile will take place over three days and see a total of 32 teams compete. They will have to put their boats through their paces in challenges including sea trials, speed records, endurance laps and a 16 nautical mile race.

The exhibitor’s village, which will be open to the public, will see exhibitors and start-ups reveal their own solutions, including the autonomous solar catamaran built by Swiss Sustainable Yachts AG and Neocean’s foiling, electric and automatic boat named Overboat.