26th Captains’ Forum, man versus machine

On Thursday 29 September 2022, from 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., the 26th edition of the Captains’ Forum, reserved for superyacht skippers, will take place at the Yacht Club de Monaco. The event is being organized by the Captains’ Club, which brings together 150 professionals with a Master 500 GT licence.

Man vs Machine: Captains’ Forum themes

Focus of the Captain’s Forum 2022 is the relationship between man and machine, with an unusual point of view: in fact, it starts in space and arrives on the sea. The man-machine relationship is a timeless topic, a conflict that is always evolving but which on this occasion is revisited as an opportunity to build and develop the yacht of the future.

The theme of the 26th edition has been developed in collaboration with insurance advisor Jutheau Husson, Dutch super yacht builder Oceanco and Spanish boat refit specialist Gruppo MB92.

Opening the discussions is former NASA astronaut Scott E. Parazynski, a multi-decorated physicist who has made no secret of his career: as a doctor he has received many awards, as an astronaut he took part in five Space Shuttle missions and conducted seven space walks.

He is also a writer of best-sellers (The Sky Below) and a businessman: he founded Fluidity Technologies, a technology innovation company focused on redefining movement through three-dimensional space, for which he now serves as CEO. He is also often requested as a speaker at meetings dedicated to innovation, risk management, mentorship and leadership in extreme adversity. In 2009, he was the first astronaut to climb Everest, the world’s highest peak.

Space and sea in comparison

Scott E. Parazynski will give his view on the human aspect, drawing parallels between the professions of astronaut and captain, between shuttle and yacht, between space and sea: how do astronauts prepare, what level of commitment is required for their mission, how can superyacht professionals be supported to help them aim high and dream of an industry enormously improved by technology?

Discussing with the former astronaut at the 26th Captains’ Forum will be Captains Barry Sadler, instructor at La Belle Classe Academy, Craig Coker M/Y Skyfall (58m) and Luca Triggiani M/Y Roe (74m) who will give their views on training, ensuring an effective management and leadership method to improve the human approach to the industry in the future.

The machine, driver for the future

Man’s dependence on machines is increasingly evident, but their interaction is becoming easier and more intuitive. It is in this area that superyacht skippers are contributing to the design and construction of the yachts of the near future, because they are in the best position to understand and point out how technology can characterize super yachts, enhancing their appeal and image.

Leading the discussions on these topics will be Armelle Roudaut-Lafon, Director of Maritime Affairs of the Principality of Monaco; Snorre Halvorsen, Senior Executive Advisor of Norwegian Hull Club Risk, Norway; Matteo Morra, Area Sales Manager of Wärtsilä, Italy; and skippers Luca Mosca (M/Y Quantum Blue 104m) and Pierre Makdessi (M/Y Najiba 58m).

The programme of the 26th Captains’ Forum

PART 1 – THE HUMAN ELEMENT

9:30 am – 10:00 am With your Superyacht to the stars

How do astronauts do it?

An exclusive and inspiring talk by a world-renowned innovator, investor, astronaut and space walker.

Scott E. Parazynski, former NASA astronaut

10:00 am – 10:40 am Coaching the stars of the future

Leadership and Management: An Interactive Debate – How to create people with the “right skills” for the future?

Captain Barry Sadler, Maritime Training La Belle Classe Academy of the Monte Carlo Yachting Club

Captain Craig Coker, M/Y Skyfall (58m)

Captain Luca Triggiani, M/Y Roe (74m)

10:40 am – 11:00 am Coffee Break & Networking

PART 2 – THE MACHINE ELEMENT

11:00 am-12:00 pm How the experience of superyacht skippers can help build the stars of the future

An interactive debate: how technology can create superyachts that can bring brilliance to the marine industry?

Armelle Roudaut-Lafon, Director of Marine Affairs, Monaco

Snorre Halvorsen, Senior Executive Advisor Norwegian Hull Club Risk, Norway

Matteo Morra, Area Sales Manager, Wärtsilä, Italy

Captain Luca Mosca, M/Y Quantum Blue (104m)

Captain Pierre Makdessi, M/Y Najiba (58m)