A New York Boat Show ticket at the Javits Center costs $20. It is always a wonderful show. However, if your taste goes to the larger luxury yachts, you might want to take a quick flight to Port Hercule, Monaco, for the Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) in September. A one-day pass for the Monaco Yacht Show cost $690 this year. A two-day pass will cost $1,307.79, and a three-day pass will cost $2,079. It sounds like a lot of money for most of us, but it is a no-brainer for the folks who attend the show and are considering buying a super yacht that may cost millions.
The show is not just an opportunity to go aboard a yacht worth millions of dollars. There is a separate area where you can view yacht tenders. This section is called Quai Albert ler. In it, showgoers will also find nautical gadgets, water toys, and accessories. In the section called Jetee Lucciana, auxiliary vessels, and more marine toys are showcased. The Darse Sud section is where the showgoer will find the Luxury Pavilion and the Car Deck, which features luxury cars and high-end services. The Parvis Piscine section is a kind of tent city where showgoers can talk with exhibitors about their latest innovations associated with super yachts.
Last September, the show featured over 120 superyachts and nearly 40 new launches. There were also about 60 luxury tenders and all sorts of boats, including high-speed chase boats, yacht furniture, and people who would decorate a superyacht, repair it, charter, or build you a new one.
On display at the show was the world’s largest true sportfish yacht. Builder Royal Huisman’s 170-foot yacht Special One has six decks and can reach speeds of 30 knots. The power plants can run on vegetable oil. “We applied our most radical naval architecture ever on this hull, resulting in dramatically lower resistance and, consequently, reduced fuel consumption,” said Bart Bouwhuis, Vripack’s co-creative director. “However, we were also very aware that no matter what, the twin V20 MAN 4500kW drive train – which propels this yacht to over 32 knots – and her twin Zenoro 180 kW generators will always burn a substantial amount of fuel. We knew of this “new fuel” and started our research.”
The yacht Atlantica featured at the show is 84 feet, 11 inches feet long, and can reach speeds of 52 knots. Baia Yachts, Italy, built her at their Viareggio shipyard. Her twin screws are backed by a total of 5,276hp from twin Yanmar diesel engines.
The yacht Adventure is an offering from the legendary Dutch shipyard Feadship. Adventure is 172 feet 10 inches long and can accommodate up to 12 guests in 6 cabins. Like many of the yachts at the show, the Adventure is available for charter. The charter website describes it this way, “From bow to stern, Adventure is brimming with a fantastic array of social and dining areas, both inside and out, making her the ideal yacht for relaxing and entertaining while on charter. She is equipped with a beach club and gym.” The beach club allows guests to relax near the water. The gym is equipped with state-of-the-art exercise equipment and a jacuzzi. According to the charter company, “Adventure is built with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure. Powered by twin Caterpillar engines, she comfortably cruises at 12 knots and reaches a maximum speed of 15 knots with a range of up to 6,334 nautical miles from her 86,800-liter fuel tanks at cruising speed. An advanced stabilization system on board reduces the side-to-side roll of the yacht and promises guests exceptional comfort levels at anchor or when underway.”
In the area of sailing yachts for sale and charter, there are yachts like the Norfolk Star. Built in 1996 (refitted 2020) by Perini Navi, Italy, she is 121.4 feet long and can accommodate six guests in three cabins. The charter website advises “All the guest spaces are line-free, making her entirely family friendly and safe for your young pirates. Her main cockpit, accessed from both side decks, is split into two areas: one with comfortable seating around a circular coffee table, and the other serves as a comfortable dining area. For sun worshippers, there is a large raised sunpad area on the aft deck behind the shaded cockpit, or you could sunbathe up forward, sailor-style, in a hammock or on sun loungers. The cherry wood paneled pilothouse, with its lounge, desk, and wraparound views, is separated from the cockpit by doors on the port and starboard side, giving guests privacy while underway or at anchor. From the pilothouse steps lead down aft to the guest cabins and forward into the main lounge with its cozy lounge to port, extendable walnut table to starboard, another dining option, and large portholes. She welcomes six to seven guests in three cabins. The master cabin is full beam and has a walk-in wardrobe, a separate study area and a bathroom with marble-topped bath. She also has two twin cabins with generous suites, one with an additional pullman child’s berth, making her perfectly suited for families.”
It is interesting to know that a show like the Monaco Yacht Show is held yearly and attracts millionaires worldwide. They come for the yachts, the accessories, the tenders, the launches, the toys, and, of course, to mingle with the builders, designers, maintenance people, charter agents, and any event that is associated with super yachts.
Reporter Jody Paisey, in her article The Ultimate Guide to the Monaco Yacht Show, (https://www.yachting-pages.com/), describes the experience this way, “The Monaco Yacht Show is more than just an event; it’s an experience that encapsulates the essence of luxury yachting. Set against the backdrop of Monaco’s glamorous and festive atmosphere, the show offers a rare glimpse into the world of superyachts, cutting-edge technology, and exquisite craftsmanship. Whether you’re a yacht owner, an industry professional, or simply an admirer of maritime elegance, the Monaco Yacht Show is an event not to be missed. Attending the Monaco Yacht Show is a dream for anyone involved in or passionate about yachting. With careful planning and an open mind, you’ll be able to immerse yourself fully in this extraordinary event, forging connections and gaining insights that could shape your future in the world of yachting. From the stunning superyachts to the networking opportunities, the Monaco Yacht Show offers something for everyone in the yachting community. Make sure your part of this unparalleled celebration of maritime luxury.”
Knowing there are enough wealthy folks to support the Monaco Yacht Show is reassuring. I can’t think of a better way for them to enjoy the wealth they have worked hard to earn. Think of all the jobs the rich and famous have created for thousands of folks just by their choosing to enjoy a super yacht. As for what it costs to own or charter a super yacht, it is a suitable time to remember the boorish quote by millionaire J.P. Morgan, “If you have to ask how much, you can’t afford it.” I will wager that it is more fun to be the captain or a crew member of a super yacht who runs the boat full time than to be the owner who is not much more than a VIP passenger when he or she has time away from working to make the money to afford the yacht.