World’s most luxurious super-vessels flock to ultra-rich Monaco Yacht Show as port fit to burst with ‘big boy’ ships
THE world’s most luxurious superyachts are swarming the Mediterranean coast ahead of Monaco’s legendary Yacht Show.
An array of flashy floating palaces have descended on the country’s shores as the ultra-rich prepare to show off their enviable vessels.
Dubbed the most glamorous event in the yachting calendar, the Monaco Yacht Show draws in visitors from around the world.
The event, which kicked off on Wednesday, is brimming with prospective buyers, designers, and yacht enthusiasts who enjoy a showboating display.
Monaco’s port is already fit to burst after the arrival of a range of stunning vessels kitted out with state-of-the-art amenities.
Superyacht consultant Marcela Royer told CNN: “Right now, the bay is full, full, full of yachts on anchor, and they’re over 50 meters.
“So this is where the big boys are berthed right now.”
According to Royer, all the big players of the industry wouldn’t dare miss the event.
“If you’re not there, then you don’t exist,” she said.
Among the sprawling vessels casting a large shadow on the dock is the Italian Sea Group’s 43-metre power catamaran, “This Is It”.
Built by Tecnomar at Italy’s Perini Navi shipyard, it boasts more than 600 square metres of glass windows and a huge skylight.
“Self-made” Cypriot Tasos Papanastasiou is the proud owner of the extraordinary modern yacht which can accommodate up to 12 guests.
It has an on-board spa, playroom, floor-to-ceiling doors, a glitzy interior and intends to replicate a seaside villa,
“This Is It” has some fierce competitors to contend with in Monaco – including the Baglietto T52, which is also making its Yacht Show debut.
The sleek and sexy 52-metre superyacht is the first model with hybrid propulsion from the Italian shipyard’s line of T52’s.
With five guest cabins, six bathrooms and space for nine crew members, this sustainable approach to yachting is sure to prove a hit.
Features include an open beach club that sprawls across two floors as well as a stunning swimming pool with a changeable depth.
Another brand new 350-ft superyacht is expected to turn up to the show that has a pool which runs over two decks.
The newcomer, “Waves”, towers high above the sea, has a helicopter pad and five floors of pure luxury.
The show will run until September 30 and expects to draw in 30,000 visitors to the tiny country.
This year’s show has focused on sustainability as a new major theme throughout.
Johan Pizzardini, head of communications and media for the Monaco Yacht Show, explained that the focus is really shifting towards to sustainable design.
“I would say, a decade ago, when we talked about researching for sustainable solutions, we weren’t that sure,” he admitted.
“Now solutions are more viable and tangible. And the mindset has changed.”