A century-old sailing yacht has left Monaco on an ambitious three-year voyage combining science, education and environmental advocacy across the Mediterranean.
The classic yacht WIKI officially departed the Principality this week to begin the “Wiki’s Centennial Expedition”, a long-distance initiative led by filmmaker and Yacht Club de Monaco member Tom Woods.
The expedition aims to travel more than 40,000 kilometres around the Mediterranean basin, stopping in coastal communities to document environmental challenges, support educational outreach and connect scientists, local organisations and younger generations through hands-on projects.
Far more than a symbolic sailing journey, the programme has been designed as a travelling platform for research, awareness campaigns and cultural exchange. On board are sailors, filmmakers, researchers and young journalists tasked with gathering stories and scientific observations from across the region.
Among the major themes set to shape the expedition are marine biodiversity protection, invasive species management, plastic pollution and the preservation of fragile ecosystems. Particular attention will also be given to endangered marine wildlife, including cetaceans in the Mediterranean.
Organisers say one of the project’s defining goals is to strengthen links between local communities and environmental initiatives already operating around the sea. At each stop, the crew plans to meet institutions, associations and residents working on conservation or cultural heritage projects, with the intention of highlighting local solutions to shared environmental problems.
Education is also central to the expedition. Tens of thousands of students are expected to participate through workshops, onboard activities and outreach programmes developed along the route. The initiative aims to encourage younger generations to engage directly with environmental stewardship through practical experiences rather than traditional classroom learning alone.
The project is supported by several partner organisations operating under the “Help Save The Med” initiative, including Blue Alliance Monaco and Green Armada, alongside logistical, scientific and heritage-focused groups contributing expertise throughout the voyage.
The Yacht Club de Monaco, serving as launch partner, has backed the expedition as part of wider efforts to promote sustainability and environmental engagement within the maritime world.
After an initial stop in Nice, WIKI is expected to continue towards Port-Cros before heading onward to Corsica and Italy — the opening stages of a journey that organisers hope will evolve into a long-term collaborative network across the Mediterranean.
