For the past 18 years the megayacht industry has made the principality of Monaco the equivalent of Superyacht City in late September. That’s because of the annual Monaco Yacht Show, which starts this Wednesday–and which I fly out for tonight.
The entire industry makes a concerted effort to get to Monaco to meet with the serious buyers who the show regularly attracts. Eighty-two shipyards are among the 500 exhibitors in tents and along the docks of Port Hercule this year, according to the show organizers. There are even a baker’s dozen tender manufacturers, ranging from makers of RIBs to cool center consoles and even custom mahogany boats. They’re clustered together at one end of the show, essentially forming a show of their own. Of course, the biggest attraction is the display of megayachts, and this year more than 90 measuring up to 262 feet will be present, with 40 of them making their world premieres.
As you can imagine, I’ve got my work cut out on the docks. There are several yachts on my must-see list:
The biggest debut is Anastasia, from Oceanco. It’s astounding to realize this 246-footer is her owner’s first yacht. Sam Sorgiovanni, the designer behind the yacht’s styling and interior, told me recently that the owner and his family selected the profile from a book of concept drawings he’d done. He never expected his imagination would become reality. The features are equally astounding: A huge fish tank divides the main saloon from the dining room. Anastasia also carries two Vikal limo tenders, additionally custom-designed by Sorgiovanni.
Then there’s Alibella, from Benetti. With decorative elements representing both East and West (Occidental and Oriental) throughout her interior, this 164-footer has a serene, relaxed atmosphere. The owner’s suite, on the main deck, includes a separate study, though the study on the upper deck can be set aside as an extra lounge exclusively for the owner’s use.
On the “small” end of the superyacht scale is Darsea, from Moonen. The 97-footer features a sporty hardtop, a sunpad on the bow, and plentiful seating inside and out. I got a good look at her this summer, just prior to delivery. You can see the video I shot here.
Harle, from Feadship, is on my list because this 147-footer is the second launch in the F45 semicustom series. (The series is so-named because “45” represents 45 meters, or the equivalent of 147 feet. As for “F,” well, it reportedly represents something of a high level to the Dutch.) In an unusual move for a megayacht, all of her staterooms are located on the main deck. But that’s exactly why Feadship situated them there. The goal is to allow everyone to enjoy good views whether cruising or at anchor. On a side note, I hope to meet with her chef, as I hear she’s truly talented and would make for an interesting story.
Burger Boat Company is premiering Ingot, which at 153 feet is not just its largest but also its most technically advanced yacht to date. Burger’s in-house design team collaborated with Vripack Yachting on the naval architecture and interior design, which features Honduras mahogany.
I wrote about Red Dragon, a 170-footer built by Alloy Yachts, a few months ago, but this is my first chance to see her in person. She’s a flybridge sloop owned by a European couple who are passionate Asian art collectors and supporters, and they hired an interior-design team that had never collaborated on a megayacht before. I hope to learn more about what spurred their decision and what the designers and yard thought of the experience.
I’m also hoping to spend some time speaking with designer Andrew Winch, as he won the competition Edmiston cosponsored with Land Rover, to create the “ultimate Superyacht Range Rover.” (See the back story here.) Originally the announcement about the winner was supposed to come during the show, but Boat International magazine was given the scoop so that it could run an article in its current edition.
Busy week for sure. Check back starting on Wednesday for reports daily.
photo: Pierre Pettavino
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