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I've finally found it: my favourite place! After visiting numerous yachts, an infinite number of decks, bridges, salons and suites, I am certain that this niche is it: the cosiest lounge in today's yachting world. It is so cosy, peaceful and homely here that I almost dozed off during the two-hour test drive off Cannes - content and deeply relaxed. This is what the perfect yachting moment looks like: legs up, the afternoon sun tickling my nose and a clear view of the horizon ...

Next to me, shipyard captain Romeo Nunzio takes care of the navigation at the contemporary helm station, the command transmitter in one hand and the elegant white leather-covered steering wheel in the other. Two decks below, the two 1640-kilowatt MTU sixteen-cylinder engines hum along at 2000 revolutions per minute. The electronic log shows 18.5 knots on the Böning displays - a value that doesn't really fit in with the comfortable feeling of space. "For me, that's the perfect cruising speed," says Captain Nunzio, smiling with satisfaction. I can only nod in agreement as I switch on my sound level meter. It reads just 55 decibels - a sensationally low value!

This lounge corner installed on the starboard side of the bridge has truly earned its place in my yachting heart. I envy the captain for being allowed to stay and explore the other decks of the latest Monte Carlo Yachts innovation, the MCY 96, a 29.26 metre long semi-glider that is already the seventh model from the shipyard, which is part of the Beneteau Group. Since the shipyard was founded in 2010, the team led by shipyard manager Carla Demaria has presented a new model every year. The portfolio now includes yachts with lengths ranging from 19.82 metres (MCY 65) to 32.26 metres (MCY 105). "The new MCY 96 fills the gap between the 26.30 metre MCY 86 and our flagship MCY 105 perfectly," explains Carla Demaria. "We had numerous customers who wanted an intermediate size." The sales figures prove her right: three units of the MCY 96, which costs around nine million euros, have already been sold before its market launch and are destined for Europe, Asia and the USA.

As expected, there were no changes to the design team. Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard drew the sporty lines and the interior of the 98-tonne vehicle. "We offer owners a wide range of options when it comes to the interior layout and material composition," says Marketing Manager Federico Peruccio. Six ready-made layouts and a variety of other options make the decision-making process a challenge. "Owners can choose between decor collections from Hermès, Armani Casa or Robelli - all included in the standard package." Other options such as the two hydraulically folding balconies in the saloon, gyro stabilisers from Seakeeper, a metallic paint finish or Jacuzzis cost extra.

Construction number one, in which we glide across the Golfe de la Napoule, has been fully equipped with a four-cabin layout that is absolutely suitable for the masses, much to the delight of the shipyard. "This means that there are four guest suites on the lower deck: two spacious VIPs directly in front of the engine room plus two double cabins. The crew area with galley, comfortable mess and three cabins for up to five people is located in the bow," says Federico Peruccio, describing the layout of the lower deck. The noise levels down here are also well below average. "This is due to the way we build our yachts," explains Carla Demaria. All MCY formats are produced in the modern shipyards in Monfalcone as a GRP sandwich using an infusion process with vinyl ester resin. The yacht builders produce the interior outside the hull on a rigid aluminium frame, which is inserted into the hull as a complete unit. The interior module sits firmly in the hull on rubber mounts without having any contact with the outer skin. "This means that no vibrations from the engine compartment or shocks from larger waves are transmitted," says the shipyard manager. "This type of construction also shortens our production time enormously - we only need four and a half months for an MCY 96."

The shipyard and designers proved their quality in the design and layout of the main deck - rarely has there been a 30-metre format that allows you to breathe so freely. The ceiling height: unusually generous. Window fronts: huge. Choice of materials: mainly Hermès - elegant, dignified, modern and warm. From the large aft cockpit, there are no steps leading directly into the saloon, where an L-shaped sofa area on the starboard side invites you to relax. Hidden in the sideboard opposite is a flat-screen TV that can be extended electrically at the touch of a button. Towards the bow is a dining table for eight guests, while to starboard a corridor leads to the master suite, the MCY 96's centrepiece. Here, too, the available space and brightness are impressive. A three-metre-long skylight and large side windows flood the room with natural light. Portholes integrated into the windows can be opened to allow natural sea breeze ventilation. The shipyard integrated glass into the bulwark at the level of the master suite for the first time, so that the owner can enjoy a dream view even when lying in bed.

In addition to a sofa on the port side and the obligatory dressing table opposite, the master suite ends towards the bow with a walk-in wardrobe and a bathroom fitted with Carrara marble. "Our aim was to create an owner's suite of unrivalled size for this size of yacht without reducing the size of the bow lounge area, which is typical of the MCY fleet, too much," says Federico Peruccio, explaining the room concept. The former is only slightly more compact than on the previous models and, with its large sunbed, fold-out dining table and comfortable seating area, offers the perfect retreat for an undisturbed open-air dinner during the Roman Catholic marina stops that are common in Mediterranean regions.

Steps lead from the bridge and the aft cockpit to a flybridge with XXL dimensions. This can of course be completely customised to the owner's needs. Jacuzzis, sun loungers, toy storage space - the possibilities are endless. In addition to the open-air helm station and an additional bridge cockpit to starboard, the owner of the first MCY 96 chose a furniture ensemble consisting of permanently installed sofas, a large dining table and a galley/bar combination. A carbon bimini with soft top, which opens electrically at the touch of a button, provides shade. There's no question that you can live up here. However, the Fly - as sunny as it may be - doesn't come close to my new favourite spot on the bridge.

Text: Martin Hager