MONACO YACHT SHOW 2023 : AN INSIDERS GUIDE

By Rebecca Whitlocke

Since 1991, Monaco Yacht Show has been set in the iconic Port Hercules, organised under the High Patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco and continuing its reputation as the largest annual gathering of superyachts in the world.

From September 27th to 30th, the Principality of Monaco was the pinnacle for yachting excellence, attracting a wealthy global clientele of yacht owners, and executives from the superyacht and luxury markets over 4 days of innovation, conferences, design and technology.

Monaco Yacht Show 2023 in numbers

Monaco Yacht Show continues its focal point as a hub for international yachting events; last year, the show welcomed over 30,000 visitors.    This year, the MYS continues its three-year development programme “Seducation,” with 2023 marking the consolidation of the first cycle.

 

The “Seducation” programme is an initiative designed in collaboration with the industry and is based on four essential pillars: environmental innovation, design, understanding of yachting, and visitor experience.

Onsite, a total of 566 exhibitors represented shipyards, brokers, designers, media, naval architects, destination  providers, nautical manufacturers and marine suppliers.

Over 117 yachts were viewable at Port Hercules, of which around 45 were new builds for 2023. The show welcomed 58 yachts presented by shipyards (representing 49.60% of the fleet) and 59 yachts presented by brokers (constituting 50.4% of the fleet). This balance ensures a diverse presentation of new builds and charter yachts.

Tender, toys and nautical gadget manufacturers showcased their new products, latest innovations and recent projects – 61 luxury tenders were exhibited, 2 submarines, 30 cars and motorcycles, and 2 helicopters.

Superyachts & Concepts at Monaco Yacht Show 2023

There’s no shortage of international clientele demonstrating their plans to explore the oceans, either by buying or chartering superyachts. Many yachts and companies at MYS were promoting sustainability and greener alternatives; a topic that is pushed to the forefront with Gen Alpha and Gen Z, who are forecast to be the industry’s future clients and decision-makers. The spending of the two generations is set to grow three times faster than other generations until 2030, by when they will make up one third of the market (source: Bain and Company’s luxury goods market report).

Monaco Yacht Show has reimagined the show format over the past five years and places an emphasis on zones such as the Yacht Design & Innovation Hub, Sustainability Hub, Adventure Area and more.  The 2023 edition featured some of the most interesting new launches for the year, as well as many iconic superyachts from the global fleet such as Carinthia VII and Nero.

Heesen kicked off MYS proceedings with a Wednesday morning press and influencer breakfast at the Hôtel Hermitage, where they discussed the state of shipyard order books, and some of their launches, deliveries and yachts in build including 80-metre GENESIS and 49.9-metre steel superyacht Project Grace.

Benetti revealed the 85-metre superyacht concept Project Life, during the “Shaping the Future” press conference, celebrating their 150th anniversary. The superyacht’s exterior design will come to life courtesy of renowned designer Espen Øino while Francois Zuretti will oversee the interior design.  The vessel will be equipped with diesel electric-propulsion with fossil and non fossil fuel (HVO) technology and POD transmission; and integrated hybrid solar panels that collect solar and thermal energy which powers tenders, toys and a range of other appliances.

Dutch shipyard Feadship alongside Studio De Voogt, unveiled the concept for 83-metre Dunes. The vessel combines features and technology that reduce energy demand and environmental impact from extra-capacity next-generation storage batteries, to abolishing teak decks, a new type of fuel cell, and a propulsor.

Rossinavi shared more details about 66-metre Alchemy, a project by Vitruvius Yachts, a brand by Philippe Briand, and with Team for Design – Enrico Gobbi responsible for her interior design and outdoor styling. Featuring a steel hull and aluminium superstructure and a five stateroom configuration,  Alchemy’s onboard amenities include a Jacuzzi, numerous sunpads, a bar, and entertaining areas, as well as a barbecue positioned near one of the dining spaces.

M/Y Leona by Bilgin Yachts, the 80-metre superyacht featuring exterior design and naval architecture from Unique Yacht Design and interiors from H2 Yacht Design stood out with her red hull, main saloon with tiger onyx wall with built-in aquarium and Grecian-inspired beach club.

One of my highly-anticipated sessions I wanted to see was presented by Studio KMJ, Kurt Merki Jr. who graced the Yacht Design & Innovation Hub on the Friday afternoon to explain more about the superyacht concept, Symbiosis.  I loved the design ideas focused on spaces for relaxation and rejuvenation, bringing in greenery and nature to elevate the onboard experience.

Spanish yacht design studio Daroca Design has partnered with maritime flooring specialist Bolidt to develop Waves, a 93-metre superyacht concept announced during the week.  The introduction of Waves follows Daroca Design’s previous 83-metre concept, Mirage, which was unveiled earlier this year in collaboration with Lateral Naval Architects. One of the main design features is the use of Bolidt’s synthetic decking as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials.

Two catamarans by The Italian Sea Group stood out for their eye-catching design and spaces, Art Explorer and This Is It.  The 46.6-metre Perini Navi aluminium sailing catamaran Art Explorer will be used as a floating art gallery and was designed by architect Axel De Beaufort, who oversaw the exterior and interior design. The yacht’s flybridge will be used for virtual exhibitions, workshops and conferences, while the main saloon will house an art gallery, including an inaugural digital exhibit that was helmed by Nomi Daucé, curator of archaeology at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

The 43.5-metre futuristic-looking catamaran This Is It made her world premiere at the show.  Built under The Italian Sea Group’s Tecnomar brand, Lateral Naval Architects in the UK were brought in to enhance the structural engineering and naval architecture. Enveloped by more than 600 square metres of glass windows, the catamaran’s curved aluminium superstructure pushes the boundaries of design and materials. With onboard accommodation for 12 guests across 6 cabins, she will be available for charter in 2024.

Berthed on Quai Rainier 1er, was the award-winning iridescent blue 74.85-metre Kenshõ, built by Amiral – The Italian Sea Group. Exterior design is by Azure Yacht Design and archineers.berlin, with the interior designed by Jouin Manku with Trappmann Consulting, featuring oriental influences and organic shapes.

It wasn’t just new vessels getting the spotlight:  Launched in 2002, Lürssen-built Carinthia VII kept journalists eagerly awaiting a tour after an extensive refit included a redesign of her exterior decks, with new lounges and living areas installed.  56-metre M/Y Galaxy launched in 2005, also made an appearance – she undertook a refit at Monaco Marine last year with Njord by Bergman Design House.

Parvis Piscine & Upper Deck Lounge

The Parvis Piscine and Upper Deck Lounge seemed larger and more diverse this year – benefiting as always from large foot traffic and ultimately being the ideal position for luxury brands to showcase their products.

Premium brands who epitomise excellence showcased the best in yacht furniture, interior design, lifestyle and destinations.  Exhibitors included Sabrina Monte-Carlo, Preciosa, Ateliers Pinton, Dubai Tourism, Experience Abu Dhabi, Sindalah, Eugenio Campo and Foglizzo Leather.

Sustainability Discussions

The Monaco Yacht Show aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 60% by 2025 compared to 2022. It aligns with the Principality of Monaco’s low-carbon trajectory, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.  In summer 2023, the show unveiled their Carbon Neutrality Transition Plan which aligns nicely with the activity at the Sustainability Hub.

The Designers’ Protocol was unveiled during a panel discussion to present the industry with a standardised document aiming to provide yacht designers and clients with guiding sustainability principles. The collaborative initiative is led by the Water Revolution Foundation’s Robert van Tol and legacy designers like Dickie Bannenberg and Espen Øino.

In the Darse Sud exhibition tent,  the Sustainability Hub highlighted the collaborative efforts between the industry and yacht owners to promote eco-conscious practices and explore actionable alternatives.   Supported by sponsor Siemens Energy, and Water Revolution Foundation, which is responsible for ensuring that eligible exhibitors offer genuine and viable sustainable solutions, exhibitors included Sialia Yachts showcasing their carbon and aluminium electric yachts powered by AMPROS propulsion, ETYC and eco-luxury carpets from Dutch company, Carpetworks.

Conference and roundtable discussions honed in on topical themes in the industry, from innovative concepts to new technology.   Highlights included the opening conference with speakers including Gaëlle Tallarida (Monaco Yacht Show), Derek Munro (Divergent Yachting), Robert van Tol (Water Revolution Foundation), and Massimo Perotti (Sanlorenzo), who offered perspectives that are shaping the industry’s future.  During the week, we also heard from Luigi Sinapi and Sam Harper from the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) who presented the Crowdsourced Bathymetry initiative, highlighting how the superyacht community can help gather valuable ocean data to achieve the goals of #seabed2030 and #GEBCO.

Adventure Area

As well as MYS showcasing the latest motor and sailing yachts, visitors could discover the latest tenders, superyacht toys, and luxury automotives exhibited in the Adventure Area zone.  The Adventure Area was the place to see 30 cars and motorcycles as well as two helicopters.  Companies included Top Classics, Aerofoils, Scotland Nautique, Zefhir and BRABUS with the world premiere of their 1300 R Masterpiece Edition motorcycle.

Sub-Events

The Superyacht Life Foundation and the Monaco Yacht Show hosted the inaugural The Honours Awards where they awarded Bowsprit trophies to three recipients, who picked up their accolade from a gigantic list of over 360 nominees.  The three winners were YachtAid Global director Zoran Selakovic, superyacht owner and ocean conservationist Wendy Schmidt, and Jenny Matthews, a first officer and cofounder of She of the Sea and Legasea.

IGY Marinas hosted a themed 007 party at Yacht Club de Monaco on the first evening,  Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority’s turned up the heat at their annual rum party, while NZ Marine and NZ Trade and Enterprise spearheaded a networking event on Thursday 28th September. Damen Yachting’s annual Women in Yachting event ignited industry connections, as did the Association of Women in Yachting’s ‘Women in Sustainability & Technology in Yachting’ networking evening hosted at Yachting Pages’ venue which kept conversation flowing.   Lürssen’s invitation-only party was a themed evening for industry professionals, owners, shipyards and media to mingle and hit the dance floor.

Captain Kelly Gordon presented two seminars focused on mental health in yachting; the first seminar ‘Yachtie Minds Matter’ partnered with Emma Ross from Seas The Mind at the Oceanographic Museum, and on Saturday in partnership with Dockwalk she headed a session at the MYS Captains & Crew Lounge.  With her straight-talking approach Kelly is a great role model for the industry, and an advocate for open discussion and finding solutions for bullying onboard, gender discrimination and other issues within the yachting sector.

During the week, the MYS Captains & Crew Lounge featured tasting sessions and masterclasses organised by Maison del Gusto. Highlights included Nitrogen Cooking with superyacht chef Micail Swindells, Mastering the Art of Aged Fish with two Michelin star esteemed Japanese Chef Koji Kimura and cheese and caviar tastings.

As the horns sounded at Port Hercules signalling the close of the 32nd edition of the Monaco Yacht Show, it further cemented the importance of nurturing a global strategy to attract and retain UHNWI clients.

Photo credits:  Monaco Yacht Show / Antibes Yachting / Rossinavi: MY Alchemy / This Is It rendering / Heesen