It's that time of year again. The airport in Nice has a record number of private jets, every hotel bed on the eastern Côte d'Azur is booked and there is hardly a free anchorage between Cap d'Ail and Cap Martin.
free. It is the end of September and the Monaco Yacht Show is dominating events in the Principality.
For the 25th time, the industry will gather around Port Hercules, attracting owners and those who might want to become owners to the world's leading superyacht trade fair. This year, however, even experienced exhibitors and visitors will have to reorient themselves: The trade fair will have a different layout. The reason for this is construction work on Boulevard Albert 1er, where a multi-storey car park and a museum for Prince Rainier III's historic car collection are currently being built. The "Darse Nord", where many shipyards and interior designers have always exhibited, will therefore have to be moved to the Quai Antoine 1er in front of the former yacht club. Instead of one large tent, the show management will set up two tents there - one with 2425 and one with 400 square metres of floor space. A separate entrance to the trade fair is also planned here, as well as a pop-up bar where exhibitors can hold meetings away from their stands.
This area of the Monaco Yacht Show will be further enhanced by the opening of the cruise jetty for 100 metre-plus yachts. At the time of going to press, no exhibit of this size had been finalised, but there may be last-minute bookings ...
As the trade fair with its 500 exhibitors (85% permanent bookings!) now extends around the entire Port Hercules - from the new to the old location of the Yacht Club de Monaco - more shuttle boats for up to 50 passengers are to be used. Golf carts are also available on land, and a connection between T-Jetty and Quai Antoine 1er is being planned. Press spokesman Johan Pizzardini said: "With this setting, we will definitely have to organise the next two shows. We'll have to see what happens after that. In any case, the construction work will be stopped during the show to avoid noise pollution."
Visitors who pay 150 euros admission this year can once again look forward to a record number of exhibits. 121 yachts are expected to moor, with an average length of 47 metres. The BOOTE EXCLUSIV editorial team is asked time and again which yachts should definitely be visited. It is difficult to make recommendations, as tastes (and budgets) are very different.
The highlights of the show will certainly include "Ester III" from Lürssen, "Yalla" and "Atlante" from CRN, "Yersin" from Piriou and "Silver Fast" from Silver Yachts. The first large units from newcomers Sunrise and Tankoa are also definitely worth a visit. If you prefer something a little smaller, you should take a look at the SF40 from Mondo Marine, "Taransay" from Rossinavi or the first Explorer from Sanlorenzo.
Sailing yacht enthusiasts can take a look at "Doryan" from Baltic, "Lady G" from Southern Wind, "Atalante" from Claasen and "Solleone" from Nautor, four slips worth seeing that are exactly in the size range that German owners like to buy.
The tried-and-tested Upper Deck Lounge, furnished by Sabrina Monte-Carlo and Paola Lenti and catered by the Fairmont Hotel's private dining service, is also available for breaks.
