Written by Neil Geddes in Events on the 6th October 2014

The principality of Monaco is a majestic place, of only three miles long, and one and a half wide. The world’s second smallest Country and yet it carries huge clout when it comes to luxury, and nothing more so than the world of Yachting. 

Every year The Monaco Yacht show takes place in glamorous style, attracting millionaires and importantly billionaires to showcase the latest and largest super-yachts and ‘mega’ yachts.

This year's was from 24th – 27th September and around 115 super-yachts were being displayed in Port Hercule with estimations of 33,000 people attending, all confirming that Monaco still hosts the biggest yacht show in the world.

MWS Neil was there to take in the sights on a luxury, rich lifestyle experience. With hundreds of exhibitors from brokers, shipyards, designers and architects, the show buzzed with excitement and anticipation to secure more orders onto the books. 

'These four days are always the busiest in the yachting sector calendar' 

My first organized viewing was with the Dutch master shipyard; Heesen Yachts and going onboard Elena and Monaco Wolf at 47m and 50m respectively. The level of quality, engineering and craftsmanship is excellent. 

Elena, having 5 cabins accommodating 10 guests, which includes a full master suite, walk in wardrobe and exquisite en-suite bathroom. A large sundeck, spa pool, teak dining area, and a bar make this a stunning yachting experience capable of reaching a top speed of 15 knots.

Moving onto the slightly larger Monaco Wolf, and you are met with striking architecture design, both externally and internally. This beauty has exterior styling by Omega architects, and a fantastic combination in the form of Francesco Pazskowski styled interior. 

Francesco has used circular shapes throughout the internals as the main focus, and has managed to maximize the whole width of the yacht to stunning effect. 6 cabins housing 12 guests in style, with a full beam master suite as well as a full beam VIP suite, finishing with two double and two twins. 

Entertaining the guests is well catered for with a fantastic sky lounge, and decking area enclosed with glass and doors, which open to provide an inside or out feel for dining. The fit and finish of the Dutch Heesen is present throughout, from the feel of the wooden vineers, decking and the solid clunk of doors closing. The yachts are built to last, and a specialty of Heesen is to cruise at speed, whilst maintaining absolute luxury and comfort. The Monaco show has got off to a fantastic start.

By day 3 the show is at full speed with further meetings and yacht viewings booked in. This time we were going to experience the Italian flare. First stop being that of shipyard CRN, part of the Ferretti group, who were showcasing the enormous and flamboyant 80m M/Y Chopi Chopi, the largest ever built by CRN! 

I couldn’t wait to get onboard and drink in the Italian charm and charisma of this magnificent vessel. You can feel the all-consuming Italian influence, as both the exterior and interior layout had Italian designers, namely Studio Zuccon, as well as the interior furnishings created by Laura Sessa. A stunning yacht built for a family life at sea, with balconies, open terraces, home cinemas and a beach club.

Beautiful pickled oak wood flows throughout the multiple decks, all connected via a glass lift. The owner specified an entire deck for his/her use between the upper and sundecks with luxurious furnishings and bathrooms. When anchored the fun doesn’t stop with exciting water toys housed in the garage. The lifestyle on this yacht would maintain constant smiles, and a great family feel. 

The Monaco Yacht show is vast with a buzzing atmosphere. I was treated to welcoming hospitality onboard the luxurious Benetti Illusion and later cocktails onboard another Benetti yacht with Champagne and delicious calved ham canapés. The yachts on display were fabulous, with leading fine shipyards such as Feadship and Lürssen showcasing floating palaces for the super rich to enjoy the lifestyles in the seas of the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Thank you Monaco, I’ll need to book up next year fast.

We visit the 2014 Monaco Yacht Show for a full experience review, featuring hospitality onboard with Benetti, Feadship, Heesen and Lurssen.