I love everything about the summer in my little seaside corner of the northern hemisphere. The long days. The heat. Powering over the horizon on my beloved center console powerboat and not wearing a shirt for long periods of time! I even love the sweating.
The only thing I don’t love about summer is…September. Summer’s bitter end. I loathe watching the days get shorter. The nights get colder. And worst of all, I hate putting my beloved center console away for the season.
But, the truth is, it’s not that bad because I’m able to ease into the dark days of winter by way of the South of France’s most important boat shows. First stop was the Cannes Yachting Festival that signals the beginning of the end of the Mediterranean yachting season. And now, I’m all tanned, rested, and ready to climb aboard some of the world’s newest, largest, and most anticipated superyachts at the Monaco Yacht Show next week. As anyone who may have read one of my previous Monaco Yacht Show previews knows, the Monaco Yacht Show is actually one of my favorite events of the year in spite of the fact that it signals the end of my favorite season.
And you may also know, my goal with these stories is to simply share the love (and insider access) I have for these amazing craft that combine steel, aluminum, wood, and other raw materials with technology, craftmanship, artistry, attitude and a whole lot of money to result in yachts that can stir the soul, spark the imagination, and quite frankly, can be hard to wrap your mind around. But that’s a big part of the fun. So just sit back, Imagine you are on the aft deck of a 300-foot long superyacht in the South of France. And enjoy this sneak preview of some of the newest and largest superyachts that will be visiting at the Monaco Yacht Show that begins next week.
MAR
I was just about to publish this story when I found out that MAR, (a 351-foot-long Benetti launched in 2020 reportedly listed by both Edmiston and Behnmar) was going to be a last-minute addition to the Monaco Yacht Show fleet. Now, last minute additions (and subtractions), especially with really large yachts like MAR are pretty common at this stage before the show.
But, if I have my facts correct, she will be the longest superyacht at the show by a lot. And since she has a volume of 3,900 GT, and is one three largest yachts Benetti has built, I’m hoping I’ll be able to see just how big she is, especially the massive 8-foot-9-inches tall celings she’s reported to have, for myself next week. Stay tuned.
Valor
The 260-foot-long Valor was built by Feadship and features styling that was requested by a repeat American owner. As a result, this new yacht features a battleship’s distinctive dreadnaught bow, a modern guided missile frigate’s silhouette, and military-style numbers and color scheme along with the requisite amount of luxury you’d expect.
Such a bold exterior look is the result of designer Chris Bottoms at Studio De Voogt listening to the owner’s ideas. “The owner requested something that ‘would be recognizable from outer space’ as a unique design and eschewed the both the wedding cake and common curvaceous designs found on so many yachts,” Bottoms said.
Meanwhile, the Bannenberg & Rowell Design interior is elegant featuring highest quality wood, metal, glass and stonework.
Luna
Luna is recognizable wherever she goes. Built by Oceanco, with exterior design by Luiz de Basto Design and interiors by Nuvolari & Lenard/Valentina Zannier Interiors, the 295-foot-long LUNA can accommodate up to 12 guests in complete privacy. Stand-out features include a massive owner’s deck, with a private salon and jacuzzi, a wellness area, and a large beach club.
Meanwhile, Luna’s contemporary exterior and massive amounts of glass set her apart. In fact, the upper decks are enclosed by almost 4,300 square feet of reflective glass.
Nero
After spending some time aboard last year, I can honestly say from first hand experience that the 295-foot-long Nero defines old world elegance and luxury. And this may sound weird when describing a superyacht that’s just about as long as a professional football field, but, the interior was “bigger than I thought it would be.” So, up to 12 guests will not only feel like Hollywood royalty when they are aboard. They will also be pampered in a variety of opulent living areas including movie theater, gym. They can also enjoy a master suite on the main deck, a VIP cabin, two double cabins, and two twin cabins. Exhibited by Edmiston.
Here Comes The Sun
Completed in 2021 and reimagined by the original naval architects Azure Yacht Design, the Damen Yachting team successfully streamlined Tim Heywood’s original exterior design while the spirit and style of Winch Design’s custom interior and choice of materials was preserved throughout.
Offering elegant and functional guest and crew facilities across six decks, Here Comes The Sun is offered by both Burgess and Y.Co and can accommodate up to 20 guests in 10 staterooms including a six-room private owners’ apartment on the dedicated owners’ deck. The apartment with port and starboard balconies includes a forward-facing master stateroom, “His” private bathroom and study, and “Her” private salon, dressing and bathroom.
Guest accommodations include two VIP suites on the bridge deck with walk-around beds facing outwards onto 20-foot-long private balconies. Four of the seven additional guest staterooms on the main deck can be connected, forming two suites, each with a bedroom, sitting room and two bathrooms.
Energy
ENERGY is a full custom superyacht built by Amels, in collaboration with Espen Øino, François Zuretti, and the yacht’s highly experienced owner. Delivered in 2022, this 255-foot-long yacht features a steel hull and aluminum superstructure and is offered by Fraser and Burgess.
Espen Øino’s exterior features expansive outdoor areas, including a top deck with a versatile helipad that doubles as a deck lounge and an entertainment space, with a statement bar and panoramic views. Aft, guests can enjoy a jacuzzi and sun pads, while walkaround side decks feature private balconies. ENERGY’s large aft pool is another standout feature, boasting exceptional views and a huge poolside relaxation space with sun loungers.
Zuretti Design have created a refined atmosphere throughout. The upper deck is a space fully dedicated to the owner, featuring deck terraces forward and aft, a spacious salon, private entrance and lobby, bathroom and dressing room. The owners suite also has its own private foredeck with a jacuzzi, lounge, and marble firepit.
Boardwalk
Boardwalk stands out for several reasons. First off she’s owned by the American businessman, bestselling author, and TV personality Tilman Fertitta and has been put up for sale for the first time since he took delivery back in 2021. Secondly, she’s a 252-foot-long Feadship that features De Voogt exterior design, Amy Halffman interiors and of course, the expert Dutch craftsmanship Feadship is known for.
Notable amenities include a beach club which opens on three sides, a fully-equipped gym and spa, a large sun deck pool with a hot tub, an observation deck, and a certified helipad. Privately used since its 2021 launch and maintained to an impeccable standard, Boardwalk is ready for immediate use.
AMALYA
Admiral-The Italian Sea Group developed the 255-foot-long AMALYA in collaboration with Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, so the exterior boasts a sleek profile with a refined two-tone metallic hull in shimmering shades of white and blue. Meanwhile the interiors feature a serene color palette, premium materials, and panoramic windows that invite natural light and breathtaking views. Highlights include a chandelier in the main dining room, a large swimming pool, a private spa, a gym, and a touch and go helipad.
The yacht also has a diesel-electric propulsion system with five variable-speed generators and two rotating pods, enabling quiet, low-emission cruising and excellent maneuverability. A lithium battery system allows for silent, zero-emission operation for several hours, while peak shaving technology enhances energy efficiency and comfort.