The 22nd Monaco Yacht Show

I attended the 22nd Monaco Yacht Show Sept.19-22, witnessed huge crowd visiting hundreds of mega yachts for sale or for charter, and got a strong sense of assurance that we are recovered from world financial crisis!

Monaco again hosted this magnificent world class annual yacht show for the yacht owners and their representatives, savvy brokers, top yacht designers, finest ship-builders, yacht financiers, and their highest net worth clients together over the four days of intensive meetings and touring the most spectacular superyachts on display at Port Hercules.

Buyers visited some of the most exclusive yachts ever showcased by top brokers Fraser Yachts, Edminston, Burgess, Camper- Nicholsons and Ocean Independence, just to name a few. Some of the most outstanding superyachts on display included the new 74-meter Nobiskrug built Mogambo, which is the first sailing yacht ever developed to comply with RINA Green Star class; Rupert Murdoch’s 67.2 meter ketch Vertigo built by Alloy Yachts and designed by Philippe Briand and Christian Liagre complete with a special garage in the transom for an 8m limousine in the teak fore-deck; Jim Clark’s 90-meter Athena built by Royal Huisman, which is the largest sailing yacht in the world; and the newest, fanciest 67.15 meter “Shadow boat” Garcon (appropriately named with French word for waiter) that carries all your sea going toys, helicopter, massage therapist, bodyguards, DJ and a shuttle 6.2 rescue tender.

Buying a superyacht is one of the ultimate luxury lifestyle items, even though it doesn’t make any financial sense. But it gives you pride of ownership and a sense of satisfaction. I did some “shopping” at the show and below is my list of “best buys” in a variety of sizes and price ranges:

Satori, built in 2011 by Heesen, the 50-meter Satori can go maximum of 25 knots by V16 MTU diesel engines and providing an economic cruising speed of 14 knots giving a range of 3200 Nautical miles. With sleek exterior design and elegant contemporary interior with the rare used bleached hardwood floors, Satori offers abundance of spaces for up to 12 guests. A large round dining table plus numerous other spaces for relaxing and entertaining, with well appointed master cabin and guests cabins, Satori, for sale at $40 million won my vote as the best yacht deal at the show.

Athena, the 90 meter 3-masted schooner built in 2004 by Dutch yacht builder Royal Huisman for Netscape founder Jim Clark. The largest sailing yacht in the world, Athena is sleek, elegant and yet powerful and spacious like a motor yacht. With every superyacht amenities you could think of, Athena’s 2 lifts to the top of mast is uniquely rare to find in other yachts. I rode it to the top of mast 58 meters above water just when the Monaco Yacht Show officially ended at 6pm Saturday when all yachts in the harbor sounded their horns. The sights and sound were amazing. For sale at $95 million, it is not the best deal, but if you are looking to buy the world’s largest sailing yacht, this is the one for you!

Were Dreams. Built by Amels, Holland and interior designed by Laura Sessa Romboli. I was very impressed with the richness of the honey colored maple wood interior and the restrained use of marble/stone in bathrooms, the classy, warm and relaxing style. Although built in 2008, the condition is perfectly spotless. At 29.95 million Euros asking price, the 52.3 meter Were Dreams is an amazing deal.

Smeralda is the brand new 77 meters eco superyacht designed by Espen Oino and built by Hanseatic Marine, part of the Silver Group of companies, debuted at Monaco Yacht Show. Sleek and stunning, this new generation eco superyacht combines fuel efficiency with speed and style. Conceived for long range cruising, Smeralda delivers top speeds of over 27 knots. Unique features include a glass-fronted 8 person Jacuzzi, a sumptuously spacious saloon and beach club with spa/sauna/gym and a helicopter pad. Presented by Burgess Yachts, Smeralda is for sale at 66 million Euros.

Galaxy, This versatile 56-meter Benetti yacht built in 2005, offers an unique split-level owner’s suite with beautiful woodwork, an expansive sundeck complete with gym and luxurious accommodation for up to 14 guests. Key features of Galaxy include Quantum Zero speed stabilisers, lift serving all guest decks, fully equipped gym, touch and go heli capability and an over-sized Jacuzzi spa/tub on deck. It was repainted and minor refitted in 2012. Offered for sale for the first time at 28 million Euros. At half million per meter, this is a very good buy.

The after show parties are interesting and fun. I have been in the usual Boat International’s party at the Hermitage and the parties at Monaco Yacht Club a few times before, this year I opted for the different parties—the Rolls Royce white party and the Riva party on dock-side with Vhernier jewelry show. My dinners at Buddha Bar, the new Monte Carlo Cipriani, the chic Avenue 31 and Horizon, the top floor terrace restaurant at Fairmont were all outstanding. And the weather is a perfect Fall sunny 24-27C degrees with clear blue sea/sky. A magnificent four days in Monaco!

Photos by Elaine Foo and Olivia Hsu Decker