The Wake of Monaco: Where Heritage, Sport and Vision Converge. An Intellectual and Cultural Gathering at the Heart of Monaco

On March 11, 2026, within the iconic setting of the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, the Offroad Club Monaco revealed a new dimension of its vision with the launch of its first international scientific and cultural workshop. More than 150 distinguished guests — from leading academics and institutional figures to internationally renowned athletes and entrepreneurs — gathered for a day that went far beyond the traditional conference format. Here, dialogue became experience, and knowledge transformed into a shared vision of the future and the core values of Offroad Club Monaco.

Held under the patronage of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation,  the patronage of the Embassy of Italy in Monaco and the partnership of the Municipality of Monaco,  the event reaffirmed the Principality’s unique position — not only as a symbol of prestige, but as a true crossroads of ideas, innovation and cultural exchange.

Massimiliano Mordenti: A Vision Beyond Sport

At the heart of this initiative stands Massimiliano Mordenti, CEO and Cofounder of the Offroad Club Monaco with his wife Erminia Fezia Mordenti Cofounder and Projcet Manager— A visionary whose ambition to connect and share the social, cultural, and ethical values of Monaco goes far beyond the boundaries of sport: “This was a deeply emotional moment for me, seeing the first academic and scientific workshop of the O.C.M. Permanent Academic and Scientific Committee come to life so successfully. An outstanding panel of professors, from nine different universities, institutional representatives, entrepreneurs and internationally renowned athletes, from all around Eurooe and Monaco, came together to share not only their professional experiences, but also the deeper value of sporting and social activities, which represent an important cultural and human heritage.

Massimiliano Mordenti, CEO and Cofounder of the Offroad Club Monaco

I hope this moment of exchange will leave a tangible mark reflecting the authentic values of the Principality of Monaco: its heritage, its social, cultural and sporting commitment, as well as its dedication to environmental sustainability. Through this workshop, the Offroad Club Monaco aims to share these values with the world and with future generations.

It was also a great pleasure to share the stage with personalities with whom I share a commitment to cultural, social and sporting initiatives that go beyond the purely professional dimension. A commitment inspired by a vision of the ‘sustainable human being’: a person who cultivates physical, cultural, mental and social well-being, and who through their activities encourages encounters between different cultures while respecting the environment that surrounds them.

This approach contributes not only to the protection of nature, but also to the construction of a harmonious coexistence between peoples, guided by the values of peace. Whether on land or at sea, these experiences promote both the physical and mental well-being of individuals and the protection of the ecosystems in which they take place.”

A Constellation of Voices: From Institutions to Champions

What truly defined The Wake of Monaco was the richness and diversity of its voices.

Key institutional figures, including Georges Marsan, Mayor of Monaco, Thomas Brezzo, President of the National Council of Monaco, and Romain Ciarlet , Vice-President and CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation , offered insights into heritage, sustainability and identity, reinforcing Monaco’s role as a bridge between tradition and forward-thinking perspectives. Alongside them, an exceptional lineup of international athletes brought a more human, experiential dimension to the discussions. From endurance driver Francesco Castellacci official Vista AF Corse driver in the FIA World Endurance Championship and ambassador of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation to Maxime Nocher , CEO of Team Monaco, twelve-time kitefoil world champion and E1 Series champion, each shared a vision of sport rooted in discipline, responsibility and transmission. Entrepreneurs also contributed to the dialogue, including Guido Giovannelli General Manager of BPM Exclusive and Matteo Mescolini, CEO of EFG Bank Monaco whose reflections on time, value and the meaning of human connection echoed throughout the day, adding depth to the conversations.

The Wake of Monaco: A Philosophy in Motion

More than a name, The Wake of Monaco is a manifesto. It reflects the idea of forging new paths — intellectual, cultural and physical — all beginning in Monaco, extending outward, and ultimately returning to their origin. A continuous movement shaped by encounters, shared values and a profound respect for the environment. Inspired by the pioneering spirit of Prince Albert I, this philosophy places Monaco at the intersection of exploration, science, culture and environmental commitment.

The Offroad Club Monaco embraces the famous words of Jacques Cousteau: “People protect what they love, and they love what they understand,” to express its commitment to raising awareness about the protection of the seas, the importance of heritage, the unifying spirit of sustainable outdoor sports, and the cultural, social and sporting value of the Principality of Monaco. In the same spirit, through the workshop “The Wake of Monaco,” OCM seeks to highlight the importance of heritage, sustainable outdoor sport, the essential role of preparation before action, and the interaction between cultures — encouraging people to understand these values so that they may appreciate and protect them, while fostering peace.

As Erminia Fezia Mordenti – Co-founder, Offroad Club Monaco & Project Manager , explained:

“The Wake of Monaco is not merely a scientific workshop; it is, above all, an expression of vision. It reflects the philosophy of a wake that begins in Monaco and grows beyond its own boundaries through encounters between peoples, united by shared values and respect for the environment. Inspired by the pioneers of history and their legacy, this journey always returns to Monaco, which for the Offroad Club Monaco represents a home — a place that carries and promotes these values of peace.

Through this workshop, O.C.M. aims to encourage the scientific exploration of themes that are particularly close to our hearts. Our ambition is to trace a path that begins with the history and identity of the Mediterranean and leads toward today’s challenges, including sport, sustainable technology and the broader human dimension.

For the Offroad Club Monaco, Monaco represents both a home and a starting point. It is here that we envision new cultural connections, renewed environmental, social and economic responsibilities, and an international community united by the desire to push beyond its limits while respecting natural balances and common sense.”

“The Offroad Club Monaco was created to chart new paths — not only in sport, but also in reflection and collective responsibility. The wake we aim to leave through The Wake of Monaco represents a concrete commitment to building a new alliance between culture, sporting performance and environmental protection. »

Where Science Meets Lifestyle

What sets this initiative apart is its ability to seamlessly merge intellectual depth with a refined lifestyle dimension. From discussions on Mediterranean heritage and biodiversity to reflections on sustainable innovation and sport outdoor, the workshop created a space where disciplines intersect naturally and meaningfully. This “off-road” approach — transversal, fluid and deeply human — embodies a new way of thinking, where boundaries dissolve and connections emerge. It is precisely this balance between science, culture and experience that defines the singular positioning of the Offroad Club Monaco — at once intellectual, experiential and aspirational.

A New Chapter for Monaco’s Cultural Influence

With this inaugural workshop, the Offroad Club Monaco sets the tone for what is poised to become a major recurring event on the international stage. Looking ahead, future editions will further explore the concept of the “Sustainable Human Being”, reinforcing the club’s ambition to shape conversations at the crossroads of sport, environment and society. In a world moving ever faster, The Wake of Monaco offers something increasingly rare: a moment to pause, to reflect, and to reconnect — not only with nature, but with meaning itself.