Monaco Yacht Show begins with ‘largest ever’ yacht on display

Monaco Yacht Show from above

The 33rd edition of the Monaco Yacht Show kicks off today. The four-day superyacht extravaganza, set to run from 25-28 September 2024, will feature around 120 superyachts and over 50 luxury tenders from prominent builders and brokers, with an average yacht length of 50 metres.

Since its inception in 1991, the Monaco Yacht Show has become a key event in the annual yachting industry calendar. Held every September, it features Europe’s largest in-water display of superyachts at Port Hercule.

More than 27,000 visitors are expected to descend on the quays to explore the latest nautical technologies and services from over 500 exhibitors.

Organiser Informa has revealed a significant lineup of superyachts from leading shipyards for this year’s show. The largest yacht on display — announced just a day before the show began — will be the 123.2m Golden Odyssey, commissioned by Prince Khalid of Saudi Arabia and built by German yacht builder Lürssen. The yacht, which was penned by Martin Francis, with interiors by Alberto Pinto, features a private owner’s deck with two master suites, plus a spa and wellness area. Golden Odyssey is now the largest yacht to have ever attended the Monaco Yacht Show.

Golden Odyssey superyacht
The 123.2m Golden Odyssey. Image courtesy of DrDuu/Wikicommons.

The second largest yacht this year is Kismet, a 122-metre behemoth also built by Lürssen and presented by broker Cecil Wright & Partners. Kismet left the yard in May 2024, and can accommodate up to 12 guests in eight cabins. Its amenities include a spa with Balinese-inspired elements.

The 111.9m Freire-built Renaissance — the largest private yacht built in Spain — is only the second superyacht built by the yard, which specialises in commercial projects. The yacht has one deck devoted to the owner and includes a gym with equipment that would “amaze an elite athlete” according to Burgess.

Other highlights for yacht spotters at the show include the 90-metre Dar, built by Oceanco. The “shark-inspired yacht” features specially designed glazing that covers 73 per cent of the superstructure to boost privacy for guests.

Rounding out the top five largest yachts on display is Bold, built by Australia’s Silver Yachts in 2019, which underwent a renovation earlier this year. The 85.3-metre all-aluminium explorer has a striking military-inspired exterior by Espen Øino and offers a top speed of 23 knots and a nearly 5,000 nautical-mile range.

Other projects on show include the first renders of Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding’s new 9.8-metre limousine tender, designed exclusively for an international client. Optima Yachts will also showcase its e10 prototype. The British electric boatbuilder says the e10 features an efficient, low-resistance hull design that supports all-day cruising under battery power. It offers a range of 150 nautical miles and combines luxury and design with a focus on sustainability.

Sanlorenzo and its brand Bluegame are presenting two models this week in Monaco. Sanlorenzo’s 50Steel, the world’s first superyacht with a Green Methanol Reformer Fuel Cell system, aims for zero-emission power for onboard hotel systems without storing hydrogen. Designed by Zuccon International Project with interiors by Piero Lissoni, the 50Steel spans five decks, offering expansive guest accommodation and innovative design, including two pools and varying ceiling heights.

Bluegame’s BGM75, which recently won Robb Report’s Best of the Best 2024 award for innovation, marks the brand’s move into the multihull market. Despite its narrower beam, the BGM75 offers generous living spaces, including a full-beam main suite, a large beach club, and a flybridge with 360-degree views. Sanlorenzo says both yachts highlight its commitment to style and sustainability.

In recent years, the Monaco Yacht Show show has broadened its focus to include a wider range of ultra-luxury markets, showcasing innovations in yachting technology as well as luxury automotive, helicopter, and private jet manufacturers. Despite this expansion, superyachts remain the central focus.

An increasing number of brands and exhibitors at the show are putting focus on environmental technology and efforts to improve sustainability in the industry.

The 2024 Monaco Yacht Show will once again feature the Sustainability Hub, held in partnership with Water Revolution Foundation, an exhibition space dedicated to eco-innovations. This year, the hub will showcase a variety of technologies designed to transform yachting practices and encourage a more environmentally conscious approach within the industry.

This trend of increased environmental accountability is also reflected in the return of the Yacht Design & Innovation Hub, first launched in 2021. Sixteen designers, including Argo Navis, Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design, Cor D. Rover Design, Espen Oeino International, and Philippe Briand, will showcase yacht projects centred on sustainability.

Design and Innovation Hub Monaco Yacht Show

The hub will spotlight the latest advancements in yacht construction, with a focus on engineering, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable practices. Other participants include De Basto Design, Frers Design, Hoek Design, Hydro Tec, Lateral Naval Architects, Mulder Design, Studio Merki Jr, Studio Pastrovich, Van Oossanen Naval Architects, Victory Design, and Werner Yacht Design.

Van Berge Henegouwen (VBH) will offer a 3D immersive experience, providing insights into superyacht design innovations through interactive high-definition displays. Meanwhile, a series of roundtable discussions will address the industry’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

Ahead of the show, several events took place, including the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous from September 22 to 23, and Marine Money’s Monaco Superyacht Finance Forum, held yesterday.

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