Riding the Wave: The biggest moments from the Monaco Yacht Show

Every year in late September, the already extravagant principality of Monaco reaches fever pitch as its eponymous yacht show arrives in full force. Every year it’s a floating playground for those fortunate enough to be looking to charter, buy or commission their next mega yacht, and this year’s show saw no fewer than 120 superyachts gather in the tranquil turquoise waters of Port Hercule – reportedly worth a combined €4.6bn.

Packed into the historic harbour like an expensive game of Tetris, it’s almost possible to cover the whole show by stepping from one boat to the next — provided you’re in possession of an invitation on board, of course.

On the jetties that lead up to them, dozens of pairs of Loro Piana Summer Walk loafers lie tossed aside, as their owners scope out their next craft, shoulder-to-shoulder with hungry brokers looking to cash in on commissions. It’s a trade show quite unlike any other.

This year’s sustainability-themed event focused on everything from hydrogen fuel cell-powered megayachts to the debut of the 122m Kismet and the launch of Heesen‘s stunning new project, Monte-Carlo.

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Heesen made headlines at the Monaco Yacht Show with the news that it was working on a new 62m Monte Carlo yacht project. One of the shipyard’s most ambitious projects to date, the yacht’s design is the work of British studio Harrison Fidsgaard, who worked to make the yacht a comfortable floating home, given the owners will be looking to spend increased periods of time on board.

With four decks, the yacht will be one of the largest by volume ever built by the yard. “It is unusual for us to build a four-decker, but we have had a few requests for such a boat from former clients, so it made sense to create one,” says Heesen CEO Niels Vaessen. “We are addressing a key market that is looking to maximise space and experience on board to share with family and friends.”

Alongside Heesen, Riva also revealed it had sold the 70m hybrid superyacht it was working on, which will become the builder’s record breaking flagship once it’s completed in 2028.“The sophisticated and extremely selective owner had a very clear idea: to build a timeless boat with classic lines and a green spirit for cruising in a style that fully respects the sea,” explain design firm Officina Taliana CEO Sergio Beretta and chief designer Mauro Micheli.

Kismet was undoubtedly the headline act for this year’s show; with the 122m Lürssen-built mega yacht holding court in Port Hercule. Commissioned and owned by Shahid Khan, the billionaire owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team and Fulham FC, Kismet features three pools, two cinemas, an underwater viewing lounge and enough room for 20 guests and 40 crew. Offered for charter by Cecil Wright, Kismet weighs in at a cool £2.5m a week.

For something a little more manageable, Italian shipyard Benetti presented not one but three models in Monaco. The builder presented two custom him yachts Kasner 7, which made its global debut, and Calex, alongside Asani from the B.Now 50m family.SUSTAINABILITY ON THE SEAS

Sustainability seems a little far-fetched when it comes to personal ocean transportation that rivals the size of some buildings, but continued efforts are being made in the yacht world to cut carbon emissions and create more efficient craft.

Despite remaining in the shipyard in Holland, the hydrogen-powered Project 812 by Feadship was the talk of the town. Much of the discussion stemmed from the brand’s unorthodox powerplant and complete lack of plastic on board — but also from reports that suggested it was commissioned by Bill Gates. Either way, the mystery behind Project 812 deepened when the unfinished yacht was listed for sale with British yacht broker Edmiston for a reported £579m.

Aside from hydrogen power, increasing numbers of new yachts on show sported hybrid systems, with Sanlorenzo‘s first fuel-cell-powered 50Steel model, Almax making its debut in Monaco. Capable of converting biomethanol (green methanol) into electricity, the yacht can generate enough power to run the boat at anchor, all night without generators.

For all the alternatively powered yachts on show, nothing gets more sustainable than harnessing the power of mother nature on the high seas. Championing this was the 33.42m wallywind110 sailing yacht called Galma, which made its international debut at the Monaco Yacht Show. With a stunning shape and extensive use of natural, light woods, the wallywind110 stood out from the crowd in Port Hercule.

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Monaco has long been the show where yacht builders come to reveal their future plans and visions and true to form, Feadship, Dixon Yacht Design and SaturaStudio all revealed concepts at the show.

First up was Feadship, with new renderings and details of the new 75m electric fuel cell yacht concept C, which marks the brand’s 75th Diamond Anniversary. With a name inspired by the chemical symbol for carbon — the core element in diamonds — the exterior is also inspired by the shape and patterns that form when light hits the rare gem.

For Dixon Yacht Design and Lateral Naval Architects, in partnership with Southern Spars, the team pulled the covers off an innovative new 60m sailing yacht concept called Project Maverick. Equipped with two sail-like 93sqm DynaRigs, the concept also features a 200-square-meter array, to harness solar power, while the yacht can also regenerate kinetic energy while sailing.

Over at the Italian design studio, SaturaStudio the team revealed Nami, an 82m superyacht concept with sleek, tendon-like exterior lines inspired by the water that blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor space.YACHTS FOR SALE

Stealing a slice of Kismet’s thunder with a last-minute appearance in Monaco was the 123m Golden Odyssey, which was reportedly built for Saudi Prince Khaled bin Sultan al Saud in 2015. Just ahead of its arrival, the yacht was listed for sale with Burgess and Edmiston.

Built of steel and aluminium, Odyssey’s vast interior was designed by the late Alberto Pinto. With room for up to 30 guests across 15 cabins, Golden Odyssey’s crew and staff number 70. On board, the centerpiece is the private owner’s deck, which includes two master suites, a spa, a wellness area with a steam room, a Hammam treatment room and a private terrace with a jacuzzi. Reportedly sold in October 2022 at just under €125,000,000m, the superyacht then underwent a refit in 2023.

For those looking for something slightly more inconspicuous, Heesen-built Ela is for sale with Edmiston and Ocean Independence for just over £32.4m. Built of aluminium in the Netherlands by Heesen and delivered in 2021, its striking exterior design was the work of Omega Architects while the fast displacement hull was designed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects.Inside, the light and airy interior was put together by the Cristiano Gatto Design Team, who made best use of the exceptional amount of structural glass. With room for up to 14 guests in six spacious cabins, there’s also a pop-up cinema screen at the bow, a jacuzzi and a full-service bar on the sundeck.

If buying a boat is a step too far, then Heesen’s similarly sized 55m Moskito is available for charter for £270,000 per week. Delivered in 2021 with an exceptionally tasteful and voluminous interior designed by Bannenberg & Rowell studio, Moskito features extensive use of glass, a lower deck relaxation area with a sauna and steam room, and a beach club — ensuring it has all that’s needed for cruising the big blue sea in comfort.

For longer voyages, the fast displacement hull improves fuel efficiency, giving Moskito a range of 4,500 nautical miles. With Moskito’s sister ship Agnetha set to be delivered in early 2025, Heesen’s range of 55m steel ships continues to prove popular for those living life at sea.

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