120 superyachts, 43 world premieres: The Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) opens on Wednesday.
Every year, around 30,000 visitors from all corners of the globe descend upon the Monaco Yacht Show. Around 120 superyachts transform Port Hercule beneath the Prince’s Palace into the most prestigious floating exhibition on earth.
This year alone, 43 yachts are making their world debut, underlining the exceptional status of the event. Americans naturally like to describe Fort Lauderdale as the “Yachting Capital of the World”, but that title is largely based on the sheer number of boats on display. When it comes to prestige, exclusivity and the world’s most remarkable superyachts, Monaco stands in a league of its own. Once again, the show, taking place from 23 to 26 September, promises to be an event of superlatives.
Inside the exhibition tents surrounding the harbour, visitors will find virtually every product and service imaginable within the superyacht universe. From cutting-edge navigation systems and luxury interiors to bespoke concierge services and helicopter manufacturers, every aspect of the industry is represented. Yet the true stars remain the yachts themselves. On the opening day, only visitors carrying special VIP credentials are permitted onto the pontoons, ensuring a more relaxed atmosphere for private viewings, as the quays surrounding Port Hercule can become exceptionally crowded.
For anyone wanting to see the very pinnacle of today’s superyacht fleet, the following list should definitely be saved.
Leading the fleet is the 111-metre “Leviathan“, built by Oceanco, making her the largest yacht confirmed for this year’s exhibition. Close behind is the brand-new 102-metre “Nixie”, delivered by the German shipyard Lürssen and appearing publicly for one of the first times. Other impressive highlights include the 93-metre “Draak”, the elegant 88-metre “Angelique”, and the 80-metre “Pangea”, one of the latest launches from Amels.
Beyond these giants, visitors will discover an exceptional collection of world premieres and recent deliveries from many of the industry’s leading shipyards. New yachts from Feadship, Benetti, Sanlorenzo, CRN, Rossinavi, Baglietto, ISA Yachts, Heesen and several other prestigious builders will make their Monaco debut, showcasing the latest advances in design, naval architecture and onboard technology.
“What this fleet offers a client exists nowhere else in the world,” says Toby Moore, CEO of Informa Prestige, organiser of the Monaco Yacht Show.
“In just four days and within a single harbour, visitors can step aboard forty-three yachts delivered this year, meet the shipyards that built them and speak directly with the brokers responsible for charter, management and sales. At a time when securing a new construction slot at one of the world’s leading yards often means waiting until 2028 or even later, Monaco offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the newest yachts available today.”
MYS: Fleet reflects current market
This year’s fleet perfectly reflects the current state of the global superyacht market. While the total number of new construction projects has declined slightly over the past two years, yachts under construction continue to grow in both size and complexity. As a result, immediately available new yachts have become increasingly rare, making Monaco the most important marketplace for buyers looking to avoid lengthy waiting times.
The strongest representation can be found in the highly competitive 40 to 60-metre segment, where leading builders such as Benetti, Baglietto, Riva, Mangusta, Tankoa, Gulf Craft, Mengi Yay and Sirena will showcase their latest deliveries. Between 30 and 40 metres, renowned brands including Maiora, Moonen, Columbus Yachts and ISA Yachts present an equally impressive selection of new models.
Italian shipyards once again dominate the line-up, reflecting their position as the world’s leading superyacht builders. According to the latest Global Order Book, Italian manufacturers account for more than half of all superyachts currently on order or under construction worldwide.
Below 30 metres, the show remains equally dynamic, with a wealth of brand-new models from Princess Yachts, Wally, Arcadia, AVA Yachts and Arksen, while multihulls continue their rise in popularity through new launches from Sunreef, Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot.
The sailing fleet also remains an important part of the Monaco Yacht Show, led by the magnificent 62-metre “Simena”, alongside new yachts from Nautor Swan, Grand Soleil and Vitters.
Beyond the shipyards themselves, Monaco remains the world’s largest marketplace for brokerage and charter yachts. Nearly forty of the confirmed yachts are presented by leading brokerage houses rather than their builders, giving prospective owners immediate access to an outstanding selection of yachts available. ”Monaco“, concludes Peter Hürzeler, one oft he world’s most experienced yacht brokers, “is the perfect place for buyers if they like to get an overview for their planned budget. In just one day you get an idea what the market has to offer.“
More boat shows
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (28 October-1 November)
Recognised as the largest in-water boat show in the world, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) showcases an unrivalled selection of yachts, superyachts, sportfishing boats and marine equipment across multiple marinas and exhibition sites. Every autumn, thousands of visitors gather in Florida to explore hundreds of new models, meet leading manufacturers and experience the latest technology shaping the global boating industry. With its unique combination of luxury yachts, brokerage vessels and marine lifestyle brands, FLIBS remains the most important boat show in the Americas.
METSTRADE Amsterdam (17-19 November)
METSTRADE Amsterdam is the world’s leading trade exhibition for marine equipment, materials and technology. Bringing together more than 1,500 exhibitors and tens of thousands of industry professionals from over 130 countries, the annual event provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in yacht systems, electronics, propulsion, sustainability and marina infrastructure. Unlike consumer boat shows, METSTRADE is exclusively focused on business-to-business networking, making it the premier international platform for manufacturers, suppliers, designers, shipyards and marine professionals to showcase innovation and establish new partnerships.
By Marcus Krall
