For the last 28 years the Principality of Monaco has hosted the world’s most impressive international superyacht meeting in its emblematic Port Hercules.
In September the Monaco Yacht Show will again welcome superyacht owners, future purchasers and charter clients who will be able to indulge themselves in the 120 superyachts on display.
Among the 2018 collection of luxury yachts, 40 are brand-new designs that will be unveiled by leading shipyards to showcase their work, as is the case every year. While the final decision to exhibit a yacht always remains with the owners, their agents and representatives work closely with the organizers of the show to allow it to offer the finest showcase of superyachts available. “The Monaco Yacht Show has a worldwide reputation for the exceptional quality of the collection of superyachts on display each year that average close to 50m overall. About sixty of the yachts exhibited are less than two years old,” explains Gaëlle Tallarida, General Manager of the Show, before stressing that “We work in coordination with participating yacht brokers and shipyards in the interest, first and foremost, of the individual visitor, whether owner or future owner and to help new clients discover the world of luxury offered only by the superyacht industry. The MYS has a duty to offer these visitors the best possible experience, with the supreme quality of the yachts on display as one of the leading criteria.”
A tailor-made program of visits to specific yachts is available for private superyacht clients invited by MYS exhibitors and organizers. The Sapphire Experience offers exclusive services enabling new guests to make the most of the show as they take their first steps in the confidential world of luxury yachting. In particular, the program includes participation in the 3rd edition of the Monaco Yacht Summit and an invitation to the Opening Ceremony of the 28th Monaco Yacht Show.
OPTIMIZED SIGHTING OF EXHIBITION AREAS
The MYS exhibition will extend once again over almost the whole of Port Hercules and will also benefit from the restructuring by the Principality of Monaco of the Quai des États-Unis, giving priority to the presence of naval architects, shipyards and brokers on the quays right next to their yachts on display in the water. Visitors will also find a new line of superyachts at right-angles to the Quai des États-Unis, replacing the former floating pontoon connected to the Central T.
The reorganization of the display in the water is backed up by a new themed orientation of the various exhibition zones, as ever with the aim of making the experience of future yacht buyers even more enjoyable.
Future owners accompanied by their captains or representatives are more and more closely involved in the building of their yachts and they can visit the exhibition tents to look for the latest in hi-tech equipment (Darse Sud) or the objects and furnishings presented by prestige luxury goods firms and craftsmen (Parvis Piscine). The Quai Jarlan will host part of the display of luxury tenders. Since the Tenders & Toys zone launched in 2017 it has been devoted to yacht tenders and nautical leisure accessories and will this year occupy more space on the Quai Antoine Ier. The Car Deck, an exhibition of prestige vehicles and the Starboard, a Lounge and exhibition area housing the Art Pavilion, a brand-new space in the Show devoted to art, complete the theme of the superyacht lifestyle on Quai Antoine Ier.
The purchase or construction of a yacht displayed at the MYS will benefit the whole production chain and the specialized crafts involved. The 590 exhibitors present in Monaco cover the whole range of specialties required to build a yacht from A to Z.
VISITING MADE EASIER
Calculating the fastest route and the most efficient means of transport to get you to an exhibitor’s booth or a yacht, the official MYS app will be your best pocket guide during your visit. It will display a plan of the show, showing in particular the new floating pontoons that allow you to cross the whole of the port on foot, from the Quai des États-Unis (Designers’ Gallery) to the Quai Antoine Ier.
Launch shuttles will continue to serve most quays while electric carts will take you from the Quai Antoine Ier to the exhibition tent on the Quai Albert Ier. The entrance to the Quai Antoine Ier will be more central. All participants will again be able to use the Monaco town buses free of charge during the four days of the show and courtesy cars will be available for VIP clients.
THE SAPPHIRE EXPERIENCE: OFFICIAL VIP VISITS TO THE MONACO YACHT SHOW
The “Sapphire Experience” (and its premium version “Infinite”) are designed for visitors to the Monaco Yacht Show who are interested in a first charter experience or the purchase of a superyacht. This VIP pack comprises a program of tailor-made activities including entry to the Monaco Yacht Summit, an invitation to the MYS Gala evening, a tour of the bay of Monaco on board the MYS VIP boat, a courtesy car service, lunch in the Upper Deck Lounge or a personal concierge service to organize private visits to superyachts on display in the show, in direct coordination with the MYS yacht brokers and shipyards.
The Sapphire Experience and the Sapphire Experience Infinite are the official VIP visit programs of the Monaco Yacht Show. Offers available in limited numbers subject to special conditions of purchase.
THE ART PAVILION: A NEW EXHIBITION AT THE MONACO YACHT SHOW
In September visitors to the show will discover a brand-new space dedicated to art in the MYS. Adjacent to the Starboard exhibition lounge and the Car Deck on the Quai Antoine Ier, the Art Pavilion will present a collection of works of art and sculptures. Collectors and art fans can meet ten gallery owners and their artists who will be there to present their works.
Art Pavilion - Quai Antoine Ier
Free access for all MYS participants on presentation of a valid badge.
MONACO YACHT SUMMIT: SEPTEMBER 25TH, 2018
The 3rd edition of the Monaco Yacht Summit will take place on September 25th, 2018, during the day at the Méridien Beach Plaza Hotel.
The event will be attended by a delegation of pre-qualified participants interested in embarking on a yachting experience.
In a format combining mini-lectures and private discussions, a panel of acknowledged experts in the yachting industry will examine the practical questions future yacht charterers or buyers should ask during negotiations.
Organized by the Monaco Yacht Show on the eve of the show itself, the Monaco Yacht Summit is now part of the calendar of confidential yachting events that are appreciated by extremely wealthy clients or their representatives.
Heesen Yachts has delivered the 50-meter hybrid superyacht Orion (YN 20750), marking the Dutch shipyard's third delivery this year. The aluminum-hulled vessel completed successful sea trials in the North Sea before handover to its owner.Orion features Heesen's Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) with hybrid propulsion, achieving silent electric cruising at 10 knots. The propulsion system combines two MTU 12V 2000 M61 (IMO III) engines with electric motors, reducing fuel consumption to 45 liters per hour in hybrid mode. The yacht offers a transatlantic range of 3,750 nautical miles at 12 knots (98 liters/hour) and reaches a top speed of 16.3 knots.Ruud vand der Stroom, Heesen CCO"The delivery of Orion is a moment of great pride for everyone at Heesen," said Ruud van der Stroom. "This yacht perfectly encapsulates our DNA: precise Dutch engineering, innovative hybrid technology, and the ability to deliver a high-quality product through dedicated collaboration."Designed by Omega Architects' Frank Laupman, Orion features a vertical bow and extensive glazing. The 499 GT interior by Cristiano Gatto incorporates 37 material varieties including Italian marble and woven leather. Accommodation includes six staterooms for twelve guests, with a main-deck owner's suite and full-beam VIP.Peter van der Zanden, General Manager Design & Development, Engineering and HeesenPeter van der Zanden, Heesen's Head of Engineering, noted: "Our expertise in lightweight aluminum construction, combined with the efficiency of the Fast Displacement Hull Form and hybrid system make ORION exceptional. This synergy reduces environmental impact while enhancing owner experience."Broker Anton Foord of Ocean Intelligence commented: "Orion offers an exceptional experience defined by performance, elegance, and technical innovation." The yacht will be available for Mediterranean charter this summer.Orion represents Heesen's continued focus on sustainable yachting solutions, following previous hybrid deliveries in its 50-meter series. The shipyard currently has five yachts under construction at its Oss facility, with scheduled deliveries through 2026.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Heesen Yachts
June 6, 2025
The judging process for the 2025 Honours awards has concluded in Amsterdam, with three recipients selected from 238 nominations. The winners will be announced at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) opening ceremony on October 28.Organized by The Superyacht Life Foundation in partnership with Pier 66 and FLIBS, the Honours recognize individuals making significant contributions to sustainability, innovation, and social impact within the superyacht industry. An 18-candidate shortlist was evaluated by a panel including Feadship's Farouk Nefzi, designer Espen Øino, Superyacht Times founder Merijn de Waard, and Royal Huisman's Jeroen Sirag.This year's judging panel included external perspectives from Ink Creative MD Jonny Clark and Untold Stories founder Nicola Chilton, who noted the breadth of industry initiatives beyond typical yachting activities."At its core, Superyacht Life is about celebrating the human stories that define our industry," said Dilan Sarac, Executive Director of The Superyacht Life Foundation. "Our 2025 Honourees embody the very best of what this industry can represent."The selection criteria focused on professional achievements, community engagement, philanthropy, and leadership. The three honourees were chosen unanimously following deliberations at Amsterdam's Royale Industrieele Groote Club.The October ceremony will mark the fourth edition of the awards, which aim to highlight positive contributions extending beyond traditional yachting circles. Previous honourees have been recognized for environmental initiatives, workforce development programs, and technological innovations benefiting broader maritime sectors.Credits: The Superyacht Life Foundation
June 6, 2025
Wally has officially presented its latest high-performance racing yacht, the wallyrocket71, during the 2025 Loro Piana Giraglia regatta. The 21.6-meter maxi yacht was developed through collaboration between Wally's technical team, designer Botin Partners, and owner Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, with construction completed by King Marine shipyard.The wallyrocket71 represents Wally's continued commitment to competitive sailing innovation, featuring advanced design elements including twin rudders, a high-performance bulb keel, and a sophisticated 2.7-ton water ballast system capable of transferring sides in approximately six seconds. With a displacement of 12 tons, the yacht is approximately three tons lighter than comparable Maxi 72 class vessels while maintaining similar sail area and power.Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group, commented: "First and foremost, I want to express my thanks to the owner, Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, whose trust in this ambitious vision from day one made it all possible. With the wallyrocket71, Wally sets sail into an exciting new chapter in competitive yacht racing, launching a vessel designed to be one of the fastest in its class."Initial sea trials conducted in Valencia demonstrated the yacht's performance capabilities, achieving upwind speeds of 10.5-11 knots and matching wind speed downwind. Adolfo Carrau of Botin Partners explained the design approach: "We started from a blank sheet of paper, asking how we could beat the most competitive Maxi 72s on corrected time. When they were designed, it was to a box rule, so many parameters were already set. Now, as everyone is optimizing their boats under IRC rules, there is a lot more freedom."The racing crew, including tactician Vasco Vascotto and strategist Guillermo Parada, reported positive initial impressions of the yacht's handling and performance. Vascotto noted: "After only a few days on the water, I'm really impressed by both the construction quality and performance." Parada added: "The boat's performance is in line with our expectations: it is a complex and high-performing vessel that requires careful handling but is very exciting."The wallyrocket71 will compete in major Mediterranean events including the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo and Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, following its debut at the Loro Piana Giraglia.Wally's racing fleet continues to demonstrate strong performance in the 2025 season, with 15 yachts scheduled to compete across various events. Notable recent results include victories by Wally Cento V at the RORC Nelson's Cup in Antigua and dominant performances by Tilakkhana II at Palmavela. The wallyrocket51, Wally's smaller performance model, has also shown competitive results at the Central and Southern Tyrrhenian ORC National Championship.The remainder of the 2025 racing calendar includes prestigious events such as the Admiral's Cup in Cowes, the Rolex Fastnet Race, and the season-ending Rolex Middle Sea Race in Malta. Wally's growing fleet of performance yachts, ranging from the wallyrocket series to the larger Cento models, continues to establish the brand's position in competitive sailing circles.The wallyrocket71 project represents approximately 18 months of development from initial concept to launch, with the design team focused on creating a versatile yacht capable of strong performance across various wind conditions and course configurations. The yacht's construction at King Marine incorporated advanced composite materials and weight-saving techniques to achieve its target displacement.With the introduction of the wallyrocket71 and continued success of its racing fleet, Wally maintains its commitment to developing high-performance sailing yachts that combine cutting-edge technology with competitive results across international regatta circuits.Credits: Wally
June 6, 2025
Eastwind Yachts has been appointed as the central sales agent for the 114.2-meter expedition yacht Luna, currently available for €270 million. Built by Lloyd Werft in 2010 and refitted in 2015/16, the vessel is undergoing additional refit work before delivery to a new owner.The Newcruise-designed exterior and Donald Starkey interior accommodate 18 guests in 9 suites with a crew of 51. Luna's steel hull and aluminum superstructure provide a 9,500-nautical-mile range at 16.8 knots cruising speed, with a top speed of 22 knots. The diesel-electric propulsion system and ice-class hull enable global exploration in various conditions.Key features include twin helipads, a swimming pool, beach club, full spa with steam room and sauna, cinema, and two tender garages adjacent to a gym. The yacht's stabilization system ensures comfort at sea."Luna represents the pinnacle of expedition yachting with proven global capability," said an Eastwind Yachts representative. The vessel is currently the world's second-largest expedition yacht.Interested parties can contact Eastwind Yachts for viewings and additional specifications.Credits: Eastwind Yachts; Yacht Harbour archive
June 5, 2025
Viken Group, a global marine design firm specializing in cruise ships and superyachts, has appointed Anna Silvesjö as Chief Executive Officer. Silvesjö previously served as Partner and Group Chief Financial Officer of the company, which owns design studios TDoS (Tillberg Design of Sweden), Hot Lab, and Thalia Marine.Silvesjö outlined her strategic priorities for the group: "Viken Group will continue to expand into new market segments while deepening partnerships with clients through our on-brand design philosophy. Our design solutions align with each client's brand identity, culture, and target audience." She emphasized design excellence, commercial performance, and talent retention as key focus areas.Anna SilvesjöA central initiative under Silvesjö's leadership will be the development of Navigator, the group's integrated service platform for maritime projects. "Rooted in decades of experience across cruise ships, expedition yachts, and private yachts, Navigator simplifies the complexity of shipbuilding while ensuring rigorous cost control throughout development and construction," said Fredrik Johansson, Viken Group Co-Founder.The leadership transition occurs as the marine design industry continues to evolve, with Silvesjö representing one of few female executives in the sector. Her appointment reflects the group's emphasis on financial and operational management combined with design expertise.Viken Group's three subsidiaries maintain distinct specializations: TDoS in cruise ship design, Hot Lab in superyacht concepts, and Thalia Marine in naval architecture and engineering. The group currently operates across multiple international markets, serving both new construction and refit projects.No additional executive changes were announced alongside Silvesjö's promotion. The transition takes immediate effect, with Silvesjö assuming full operational responsibility for the group's global activities.Credits: Viken Group
June 5, 2025