May is an exceptional month in the Mediterranean. Coastal resorts emerge from winter hibernation while rainclouds nurture early summer’s darling buds. A plethora of events clamor for attention, but none capture the grandeur and thrill quite like the Monaco Grand Prix. In this chapter of NAVIS’ journey around the globe with Lürssen, we marry this iconic race with the splendor of the 115-meter megayacht Lady Jorgia (ex-Ahpo), for an experience that is truly like no other.
First launched in 2021, the majestic yacht marries German engineering with elegant Italian style. Beyond her technical prowess, this floating sanctuary is a testament to modern luxury.
And, like F1 racing itself, embraces purpose-driven passion. Both the exterior and interior styling was penned by the acclaimed firm Nuvolari-Lenard, reflecting the owner’s love of nature, from birds and plant life to ocean waves. Yet during the Grand Prix, it is the glamour and excitement of Monaco that comes alive on board
As Saturday morning dawns clear and temperate, Lady Jorgia’s foredeck buzzes with anticipation. Converted into a party space, guests gather around video screens, tuning in to see if Max Verstappen, the 25-year-old wunderkind, can claim the qualifying round. Below, two custom 12-meter IC Yacht guest tenders are tucked away, ready to whisk them to shore should they wish to explore Monaco in depth.
As well, a bevy of the latest water toys are found in a forward garage, as if begging the question, why leave this blissful haven at all? All you seek is here. The transom area is wisely – and entirely – dedicated to an exceptional beach club and spa that reaffirms the wisdom of staying put aboard Lady Jorgia.
With Verstappen securing pole position, the onboard chef prepares a celebratory meal served on the immense custom-crafted glass table emblazoned with tranquil waterlilies in the dining area. The graceful theme is repeated above in the lighting fixture as well as on the room’s glass entry doors. Guests toast the young racer’s success while relishing gourmet cuisine, with vibrant Monaco serving as a stimulating backdrop. Post-lunch, guests retire to their individual cabins to freshen up, each expansive suite an oasis of blissful Zen. Two staterooms stand out, besides the bi-level owner’s suite with its own private gym that clearly shames anything seen in a luxury resort. These are the twin family staterooms, also located on the owner’s deck. Both feature their own private terraces and opulent en suites featuring burnished copper bathtubs. Overall, Lady Jorgia accommodates maximum of 16 guests across 8 serene cabins, in addition to a crew of 36 below.
As the sun dips, the spa beside the beach club beckons. Designed with a drop-down terrace, back-lit bar and mosaic-tiled plunge pool, the space offers a welcome respite from the day’s excitement. Guests indulge in a range of rejuvenating treatments, from massages to hammam experiences. Others might opt for a dip; the upper deck aft features an 8m/26ft pool with Jacuzzi and adjacent sunbed to soak in the tranquility before Sunday’s race.
On race day, the atmosphere is electric. Lady Jorgia’s decks are awash with the colors of the Grand Prix, and the distinctive roar of F1 engines reverberates through her hull. From her privileged position in Port Hercule’s Zone 1, which provides an extraordinary vantage point for the race, she offers unrivaled views of the Piscine, Tabac, and even Rascasse turns of the circuit. The race’s adrenaline-fueled drama is almost tangible, yet aboard Lady Jorgia, guests can immerse themselves in the action without forgoing any comfort.
In the back-lit gar, some guests study video screens, catching every overtaking move, every twitch of a tire. Others prefer to watch from the expansive decks, the roar of the engines mixing with the lapping waves, the vibrantly colored cars a blur against Monaco’s buzzing cityscape.
Sunday’s looming rainclouds add an extra layer of excitement, making each driver’s move a gamble. The upper deck hosts an aft winter garden which can be opened or enclosed as desired, creating a functional, light-filled space in any and all weather conditions. Max Verstappen navigates the challenging 3.34 km circuit with the finesse that has catapulted him to F1 fame. As he crosses the finish line first, each deck, each yacht, each grandstand and terrace erupt in celebration.
The night is a flurry of celebration, with Lady Jorgia’s mood lighting setting the stage. A DJ spins an epic mix, the rhythms pulsating through the yacht as guests raise a toast to Verstappen. Fireworks illuminate the sky overhead, their shimmering reflections dancing across the polished teak decks and the surrounding Mediterranean waters. This is not merely a Grand Prix viewing party; aboard this vessel, it is the gold standard, a transcendent event that seamlessly blends the thrills of F1 racing with the unparalleled luxury of a Lürssen megayacht. A moment in time not many can capture, although indeed someone did during the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix: her proud new owner, the one responsible for the fitting re-name, Lady Jorgia.
The Monaco Grand Prix aboard a superyacht marries sporting excitement with consummate luxury in complete privacy. It’s the ultimate way to witness one of the world’s most iconic races, a testament to the extraordinary experiences that await with Lürssen.
Photos: Guillaume Plisson, Bernard Beaussier, Grégorie le Bacon, Hino Itaru | Words: Janine Devine
