The 2026 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge concluded where the XNRG 8.3-meter carbon-fiber RIB powered by the ExploMar WAVE 300 electric outboard system successfully defended its Open Sea Xperience 16-nautical-mile Endurance Championship while also securing second place in the Speed Record competition. The back-to-back victory further validates the performance, reliability, and engineering maturity of ExploMar’s high-performance electric propulsion technology under demanding offshore conditions.
At this year’s event, ExploMar showcased its complete electric outboard lineup, including the dual WAVE 300, WAVE 300, WAVE 150+, and WAVE 70+, covering multiple power classes, vessel sizes, and application scenarios. In collaboration with its official propeller partner SOLAS, ExploMar optimized each propulsion package through dedicated propeller matching and system calibration, ensuring maximum performance across every vessel platform. From high-speed racing to long-distance endurance, and from compact RIBs to weekend cruising boats, the complete propulsion portfolio delivered outstanding performance under real offshore conditions, highlighting ExploMar’s technological depth and system-level engineering expertise in high-performance electric propulsion.
In the endurance competition, the XNRG 8.3-meter carbon-fiber RIB powered by the ExploMar WAVE 300 crossed the finish line first in 35 minutes and 24 seconds, finishing nearly nine minutes ahead of the second-place Frauscher × Porsche entry to successfully defend its championship.
The most demanding aspect of the race was not speed itself, but the harsh offshore conditions. Competitors faced Force 4 winds (13.9–20.7 knots) and 1–2 meter waves, creating severe pitching and heaving motions, rapid propeller ventilation and re-immersion that caused dramatic load fluctuations, increased wave-making resistance, and strong headwinds. These conditions placed extreme demands on the propulsion system’s dynamic response, mechanical robustness, and thermal management capability.
Building upon data collected during last year’s championship, ExploMar engineers collaborated closely with Team XNRG to optimize the propulsion system specifically for Force 4 sea conditions. The torque control strategy was recalibrated to suppress torque oscillations during repeated propeller ventilation and re-entry, while predictive thermal management algorithms were further refined to maintain cooling performance under deteriorating heat dissipation conditions.
Propeller matching also played a critical role. Following extensive engineering simulations and multiple rounds of on-water testing, the team selected a SOLAS 15 × 21 right-hand three-blade propeller, offering excellent thrust recovery under ventilated wave conditions while maintaining sufficient thrust reserve and cruising speed in rough seas.
Throughout the official race, despite continuous Force 4 winds and 1–2 meter waves, the entire electric propulsion system operated flawlessly. The boat maintained an average speed of 27 knots over the full 16-nautical-mile, crossed the finish line with 40% battery capacity remaining, and recorded a maximum battery temperature below 45°C, demonstrating significant thermal management margin under sustained high-load operation.
More than simply another race victory, this successful title defense represents a comprehensive engineering validation under real offshore conditions. From the impact resistance of the high-voltage electric drivetrain and the dynamic response of the thermal management system to intelligent energy management under wave-induced resistance, every critical subsystem was proven through sustained high-load operation. The result demonstrates that ExploMar’s electric outboard system not only delivers exceptional racing performance but also achieves the engineering maturity required for demanding offshore applications through advanced propulsion integration, anti-surge control strategies, and highly reliable electric drive technology. It provides a proven technical benchmark for bringing electric propulsion from controlled racing environments into real-world marine operations.
Beyond the endurance championship, ExploMar’s complete product portfolio delivered impressive results in the Speed Record competition. The XNRG 8.3-meter carbon-fiber RIB powered by the WAVE 300 achieved an average speed of 45.33 knots, reaching a top speed of 48 knots. The 11-meter Python RIB equipped with twin WAVE 300 maintained 29.58 knots despite a fully loaded displacement of 5.5 tonnes. The 6.5-meter ZAR RIB powered by the WAVE 150+ achieved an average speed of 26.06 knots, while the 5-meter Gala RIB equipped with the WAVE 70+ reached 20 knots.
Together, these four propulsion platforms demonstrated exceptional power delivery, acceleration, and handling stability across multiple vessel sizes and power classes, further validating the maturity, scalability, and versatility of ExploMar’s electric propulsion system.
For ExploMar, two consecutive years of success at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge represent far more than championship titles. As one of the world’s leading showcases for next-generation marine propulsion technologies, the Open Sea Xperience class is not only a competitive arena for electric technologies, but also one of the industry’s most demanding real-world validation platforms for system reliability, operational stability, and overall engineering performance in offshore environments.
Defending the championship for a second consecutive year further confirms ExploMar’s leadership in high-performance electric propulsion while demonstrating that its products have reached the maturity and reliability required for global deployment. From recreational boating and commercial fleets to professional marine applications, ExploMar continues to deliver internationally validated electric propulsion solutions capable of performing reliably under real operating conditions.
“Winning this championship for the second consecutive year is both an honor and a responsibility for our entire team,” said Alex Dong, Founder and CEO of ExploMar. “Every victory is built upon countless engineering iterations, extensive sea trials, and the dedication of our partners. Looking ahead, ExploMar will continue pushing the boundaries of electric propulsion performance while accelerating innovation in intelligent vessel control through Smart Captain, integrated energy infrastructure with our 5S Energy Station, and a broader electric marine ecosystem to deliver higher-performance, more reliable, and smarter electrification solutions for waterways worldwide.”
During the event, ExploMar’s strategic partner, the internationally renowned propeller manufacturer SOLAS, also highly praised the joint optimization efforts achieved throughout the competition. Both companies reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening collaboration in propulsion system integration and performance optimization, combining advanced electric propulsion with optimized propeller technologies to unlock even greater efficiency and deliver more mature, high-performance solutions for the global electric boating industry.
