MONACO — The Principality of Monaco once again reaffirmed its status as a global hub for international motor sport and innovation as it hosted the annual UIM (Union Internationale Motonautique) Awards Ceremony on March 7. The prestigious event gathered athletes, federations, and industry leaders to celebrate the champions of the international powerboating season while highlighting new technological and environmental milestones shaping the future of the sport.

Held in the presence of more than 200 guests, the ceremony welcomed professional pilots, race officials, event promoters, and representatives from the entrepreneurial and maritime sectors. Awards were presented across several disciplines governed by the UIM, including offshore racing, circuit competitions, aquabike championships, the electric E1 racing series, and developments in recreational nautical navigation.

Among the evening’s most notable recognitions was a groundbreaking achievement combining athletic performance with environmental innovation. Massimiliano Mordenti, representing the Fédération Monégasque Motonautique, received international recognition for establishing the first officially recognized long-distance jet-ski world record powered entirely by sustainable bioethanol fuel.

The award was presented by UIM President Raffaele Chiulli, highlighting the significance of the initiative not only within the world of competitive powerboating but also within the broader conversation around sustainability in motorized sports.

A Historic 160-Kilometre Open-Sea Record

The record-setting journey took place on 15 September 2025, when Mordenti embarked on a demanding 160-kilometre round-trip route across the Mediterranean Sea. Departing from the Yacht Club de Monaco, the pilot navigated across open waters toward Gallinara Island in Liguria, Italy, before returning to Monaco.

Despite challenging sea conditions, Mordenti completed the crossing in 3 hours, 23 minutes, and 29 seconds, establishing the first officially homologated long-distance record in the jet-ski category recognized by the UIM.

While the athletic performance itself was remarkable, the record drew particular attention because the entire journey was completed using 100% ecological bioethanol fuel, demonstrating that high-performance marine sports can coexist with environmentally responsible innovation.

Sustainability at the Core of the Project

The sustainable dimension of the record became a central theme during the ceremony. The use of bioethanol allowed the jet-ski to operate with a significantly reduced environmental impact compared to traditional fossil fuels.

According to the UIM, the project represents an important example of how technology, innovation, and environmental responsibility can align within the framework of competitive sports.

To further ensure environmental protection during the attempt, a specialized open-sea refueling system was developed specifically for the mission. Designed by engineer Andrea Pezzini of Floating Life, the system allowed safe refueling during the journey without the risk of fuel dispersion into the marine ecosystem.

The technical solution was developed to support the use of bioethanol while maintaining strict compliance with UIM safety standards and regulatory guidelines.

The Vision of Offroad Club Monaco

The initiative was conceived and organized by Offroad Club Monaco, an organization founded in the Principality with the goal of promoting exploration, technological innovation, and environmental responsibility within motorsport and adventure sports.

Massimiliano Mordenti serves as CEO and co-founder of Offroad Club Monaco, alongside Erminia Fezia Mordenti, the organization’s Chief Operating Officer. Both were present during the ceremony celebrating the international recognition of the achievement.

The project was realized with the active collaboration of the Fédération Monégasque Motonautique, as well as institutional support from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the patronage of the Embassy of Italy in Monaco, represented by Ambassador Manuela Ruosi.

Support from Monaco’s Nautical Community

The Yacht Club de Monaco played a key role in the success of the project by hosting both the departure and the arrival of the historic journey. The club provided essential logistical and technical support throughout the preparation and execution of the record attempt.

Special recognition was extended to Bernard d’Alessandri, Secretary General and Managing Director of the Yacht Club de Monaco, as well as Olivier Campana, Deputy Managing Director, for their support during the mission.

The project also involved a dedicated team of professionals, including mechanics, safety personnel, medical staff, lifeguards, and timekeepers, ensuring that the record attempt complied with international sporting and safety standards.

Technical and commercial partners supporting the initiative included Floating Life, BPM Exclusive, represented by General Manager Guido Giovanelli, and lifestyle brand Sundek, which provided equipment for the pilot and the support team.

Monaco as a Hub for Innovation and Maritime Culture

Beyond the sporting achievement, the recognition presented during the UIM ceremony highlights Monaco’s growing role as a platform for innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration within maritime sports and technology.

Offroad Club Monaco has also announced a major upcoming academic initiative: an international scientific and cultural workshop titled “Historical Heritage, Cultural Traditions and Environmental Legacy of the Mediterranean.”

Scheduled for 11 March 2026 at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, the event will gather researchers and professors from nine European and international universities to explore the historical, cultural, environmental, and technological heritage of the Mediterranean region.

Organized under the patronage of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Embassy of Italy in Monaco, and in partnership with the Mairie de Monaco, the workshop aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue linking the past of the Principality with the emerging challenges of sustainable development and technological progress.

Through initiatives like the sustainable jet-ski world record and upcoming academic collaborations, Monaco continues to position itself at the intersection of sport, environmental innovation, and international cooperation.