Luxury Yachts and Sustainable Innovations at the Monaco Yacht Show 2023

Monaco, any day of the year, is simply exquisite. During the annual yacht show, however, Monaco takes exquisite by the hand and shows her what this luxurious lifestyle is really all about. For five busy days, NAVIS met and mingled with the industry’s best, learning with great interest where the newest technologies and designs are headed, how the most advanced yachting systems are making sustainability a priority, and which luxury automobile badges are creating cool collaborations with counterparts on the water.

The result of connections to the industry and friends made along the way, NAVIS earned the privilege of touring many of the most commanding yachts collected in Port Hercule for the event. We are pleased to share with our readers the information, insights, and discoveries from our days spent immersed in the world of luxury yachts at the Monaco Yacht Show.

Third Monaco Smart and Sustainable Marina Rendezvous

In addition to its role as a showcase for the most celebrated yachts, the show is also a serious business event. Intense meeting schedules complete the calendar days, dawn to dusk, for most in the business, with a little fun mixed in as attendees converge in the many elaborate properties and meeting rooms, often facilitated by The Yacht Club de Monaco.

Ahead of the show, the Monaco Capital of Advanced Yachting collective and the Yacht Club de Monaco hosted two days of thinktank events. The gatherings were focused on connecting marinas, architects, innovators, officials, policy-makers, and private investors with the express purpose of guiding the industry toward a more sustainable ecosystem.

Attendees included HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, H. E. Prince Saud Bin Turki Al Saud, H. E. Ana Elena Pinto Lozano, Rear Admiral Reda Ahmen Ismail, Heidy Mahmoud Serry, Elisabeth Anna Rebecca Chouraki, and Christopher Madrolle, along with the top officers and directors of the industry. This year’s presentations embraced transitions moving toward ecotourism in tandem with durable economic growth, paired with the importance of designing marinas to be parts of cities where they are located, rather than outsiders. Our sincere thanks go out to the Yacht Club de Monaco for their invaluable assistance.

September 26th

The Italian Sea Group

While the official first day of the show was the 27th, NAVIS attended the Italian Sea Group press conference as the yachting group pointed to their extraordinary asymmetric design of M/Y This Is It and S/Y Sea Explorer from the balcony of the Yacht Club entrance. TISG previewed six new innovative yachts at the show, including the Perini Navi Art Explorer, the world’s longest 47-meter sailing catamaran, and Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63’s two projects. They also provided an important assessment of their industry view, highlighting significant successes. Decked out in Armani Casa, TISG lounge proved an elegant, private spot to conduct business.

Four Seasons Yachts

The Four Seasons Yachts event at Hotel Hermitage presented progress on yacht construction at the Fincantieri shipyard. Expecting to launch in two years, setting sail in 2025, the yacht’s 95 residential style suites are lavish.

Private terraces measure 9.3 square meters in the deluxe suites and nearly 457 square meters in the four-level Funnel Suite, complete with wading pool and private spa. A second yacht is under construction contract at the Fincantieri yard, due for delivery in 2026.

The Four Seasons Yachts can be expected to raise the bar on the level of luxury, service, design, and discretion exhibited by their collection of luxury hotels worldwide. Destinations for the 2025/26 inaugural season include 33 countries and 137 unique destinations, from Caribbean holidays and Mediterranean voyages to the French and Italian Rivieras, Adriatic Sea, and Greek Isles.

NAVIS Dinner at Le Grill at Hôtel de Paris - The future of yachting.

In the evening, NAVIS invited a select group of guests to Le Grill at Hôtel de Paris for a discussion on the future of yachting. On this perfect evening, key members of the yachting community put their heads together to explore ways to reduce the impact of yachting on the environment.

Attendees enjoyed extraordinary selections from Le Grill, such as sautéed wild mushrooms with pollen-comté cheese and small spelt, and Pigeon breast with figs, completing the menu with the traditional Hôtel de Paris soufflé, all expertly paired with wines curated from the famous Hôtel de Paris cellar.

September 27

Heesen Yachts

The first official day of the show began with the Heesen press conference at the Hôtel Hermitage, enjoying a festive and friendly atmosphere among tables full of beautiful purple tulips and special cards in the press packets, offering digital information and a plantable card containing flower seeds.

Heesen CEO Arthur Brouwer covered a world of wealth reports, noting that global economic activity appeared resilient, particularly in the services sector. He highlighted a UBS report expecting an increase in UHNW individuals to 372,000 by 2027. Of additional importance, Brouwer touched on the year’s launches, counting 78 as of the show date, expecting that 2023 might be the first year to exceed 100 launches, according to the Superyacht Builders Association report.

Heesen also showed details of their 49.9-meter eco-concept yacht, Project Grace, and their recent deliveries of the 80-meter Project Cosmos, now named Genesis, and the 55-meter Project Gemini, now named Reliance.

With 15 yachts under construction and deliveries that extend through 2027, Heesen’s future looks positive, particularly so when considering their investments in environment as evidenced by their BlueNautech program, their investment in a 50-acre woodland, and a 1.2 million Euro solar panel investment covering Heesen’s rooftops.

Ferretti Group

The second event of the day found NAVIS celebrating with Ferretti Group at a press event marking 60 years of successful operations at their CRN shipyard. Reporting revenues of 589.8 million Euros for the first half of 2023, the Italian and International investors have shown support for Ferretti Group innovations in sustainable technology enabling the installation of fuel cells onboard CRN superyachts, earning Sustainable Powered Yacht certification.

Ferretti’s Stefano de Vivo and CEO Alberto Galassi shared the introductions of yachts, displaying their full range of brands. Highlighting the Riva Bellissima 130, the Custom Line Navetta 42, the Custom Line 140, the Pershing 140, the Pershing GTX 116, The Wally Power 58, and the Wally Why 200, the men were high energy and full of enthusiasm for this exciting clutch of yachts.

Galassi expressed a desire for limited Riva production, particularly for the new masterpiece Riva 54, hoping to close the series before the first one even launches for a June 2025 delivery. If our visits to the Riva Bellissima, the Pershing GTX, and the Wally Why are any indication, Ferretti stands to gain even greater acclaim for their form, function, and appeal.

Royal Huisman

Royal Huisman emphasized their commitment to sustainability as a longstanding builder of sailing vessels since its founding in 1884. Pointing to the delivery of the 47-meter Reichel/Pugh performance cruiser Nilaya, the group noted that 11 percent of its weight was sliced from the build due to its new Featherlight approach, without sacrificing stiffness or quality.

Royal Huisman also announced progress on the world’s largest New World Sloop, designed by Mani Frers with interiors by Wetzels Brown. Additionally, they are moving to the next phase of construction on the 65-meter ketch Aquarius II and edging toward launch with the world’s largest true sportfishing yacht.

Ares Yachts

Ares Yachts invited NAVIS to their event announcing a new superyacht member of their family of brands, joining established naval, utility, and support vessel builds. As Türkiye’s fastest growing company and its largest exporter of military and commercial vessels, Ares presented to a selected group at the Hotel Metropole announcing progress on the 61.61-meter ketch Simena with Taka Yacht Design and Design Unlimited, and the 54-meter fast displacement explorer yacht Project Atlas, engaging Milan’s Hot Lab for design.

JCraft

On a beautiful day, just before sunset, NAVIS boarded a classic wooden J Craft Torpedo for a quick tour of the port. Magnificent views on board this gorgeous boat enabled NAVIS to catch a breath between a long day and the busy evening ahead. We’ve been on many boats, but trust us to say that this is the perfect way to get an on-water view of Monaco. Sheer perfection!

What truly sets the J Craft Torpedo apart is its cutting-edge design and technology, enabling individuals to confidently navigate the open sea without the need for a crew. The Torpedo features a joystick-enabled, rudderless Volvo Penta IPS pod system, ensuring effortless control and unparalleled maneuverability right at your fingertips. Whether you’re enjoying the stunning views of Monaco’s port or embarking on an adventure far from the coast, the J Craft Torpedo offers a truly exceptional on-water experience.

NAVIS Owners Dinner at Pavyllon Monte-Carlo

The evening was a resounding success, with NAVIS directors welcoming carefully chosen guests to the enchanting Pavyllon Monte-Carlo Restaurant at Hôtel Hermitage. This exclusive gathering was not just about fine dining; it was an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about how yacht owners can drive positive change throughout the industry. Under the culinary artistry of three-star Michelin chef Yannick Alléno, the night unfolded with a spectacular feast featuring exquisite dishes such as oysters with grilled chive oil, new potatoes with lovage mayonnaise, cold seaweed broth, cucumber, steamed cheese soufflé with smoked eel sauce, and veal sweetbread in wine and morels. The culinary journey reached its pinnacle with a light vanilla and caviar meringue dessert. The evening proved to be a perfect blend of productivity and delight, as our guests were actively involved in the mission to propel the yachting industry towards a more sustainable and responsible future.

September 28

Lürssen / Fraser Yachts

Bright and early, Lürssen shared a presentation with Fraser Yachts onboard the 97.2-meter M/Y Carinthia VII, a 2002 build fresh from an extensive Lürssen Hamburg refit prior to entering the luxury charter market. A new 12-meter pool, fitness room, redesigned exterior decks, and new living areas mark some of the changes guests will enjoy.

Peter Lürssen commented, “I am very proud that, after building Carinthia VII, we have now been able to participate in her new lease on life with an extensive refit.” Standing tall at 97-metres, Carinthia VII was the largest yacht present at the yacht show.

In the past year, Lürssen’s facilities have been a hub of activity, accommodating over a dozen yachts ranging between 70 and well over 100 meters for modifications and maintenance works. While Lürssen’s core business focuses on the construction of new yachts, 2023 has seen an impressive roster of deliveries. The yard has already marked the delivery of three yachts this year, amassing a total length of 374 metres.

The year began with the delivery of the yacht OPERA, a grand 146-metre vessel. Following OPERA was the 90-metre yacht NORN. Built for an owning couple, this yacht was a successor to their 70-metre Lürssen, which had been their seafaring companion for over two decades. Prioritizing impeccable design, engineering, and seagoing comfort, they collaborated with Espen Oeino for NORN’s striking exterior design and Dölker + Voges for an interior that resonates with the external aesthetics.

Capping off the list of deliveries was project Luminance, a majestic 137-metre private yacht.

Camper & Nicholsons

Camper & Nicholsons’ press breakfast on board Feadship’s Sea Huntress announced new hires Callum Peden as group marketing director and Julie Bichon to oversee charter operations. Managing directors Julien Solari, CCO for Asia, and Giovanni Alessi of Middle East operations joined Christos Chatzigakoumis from Athens Riviera to underscore the global growth and strength of C & N. On a tour of Benetti Lioness V, C & N helped us to see why this high volume, six cabin, exquisitely appointed, long range yacht will enjoy a busy charter schedule.

Tankoa Yachts

The 50-meter Grey was among the standout debut yachts in the show, exhibiting Tankoa’s fine Italian craftsmanship across three decks, delivering stylish Frank Paszkowski design, a foredeck swimming pool lounge, and outstanding outdoor cinema. The press conference held in the Fairmont Hotel introduced the design for the first T560 model Apache, with forward, upper-deck owners suite and four main deck guest cabins, plus wellness area and expanded crew spaces.

The World Residences at Sea

Meeting with The World Residences at Sea, we dined lavishly in a private area of La Môme while reviewing cruise itineraries. With just 165 residences, The World immerses its owners in adventures to 20 different countries, with much attention currently on Antarctica.

IYC

During a press lunch hosted by IYC at Le Nautic, the company’s strong position in a pragmatic market was reaffirmed, with impressive sales of 29 yachts in 2022 and the expansion of its charter fleet to encompass 147 vessels. With 20 new yachts making their debut this year, IYC is poised to transport its clients to enchanting destinations, including Greece, Türkiye, and the central Mediterranean. In a significant leap towards modernization, IYC’s new Dubai office is now ready to handle bookings, and the introduction of a fully online prebooking system marks a milestone in their digital evolution.

But the excitement doesn’t end there. IYC is proud to unveil a new and exciting partnership with the sustainable luxury resort operator, Soneva. This collaboration promises to provide clients with enriching escapes and rare experiences in some of the world’s most breathtaking locations.

Across Soneva’s prestigious properties in the Maldives and Thailand, the definition of ‘luxury’ goes beyond mere material wealth, emphasizing the importance of time, space, and privacy as essential elements for disconnecting from the everyday hustle and bustle. Guests can immerse themselves in once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including encounters with Michelin-starred chefs, sports legends, and wellness therapists, all while actively participating in conservation efforts, such as coral restoration and the monitoring of critically endangered turtles. For families, there’s a daily program of engaging activities available at The Den children’s zones.

Both IYC and Soneva share a commitment to environmental responsibility. IYC is actively taking steps to increase sustainability in its company operations, promote best practices across the yachts in its fleet, and raise awareness throughout its network. This partnership serves as a shining example of how sustainability and indulgence can seamlessly coexist, offering clients a unique opportunity to enjoy luxury while contributing to the preservation of our planet’s natural beauty.

Baltic Yachts

Sailing yacht fans found a powerful, fast, long-distance passage maker in the Baltic 142 Canova, featuring a 400 kW electric propulsion system, unique accommodation design, and the athwartship sliding foil Dynamic Stability System.

Benetti

The Benetti faithful convened at Hôtel Hermitage for a magical presentation engaging multiple projects and collaborations, like the Veranda Deck premiering on the 45-meter Motopanfilo in the works with RWD on exteriors and Lazzarini Pickering on interiors. New collaborations with Espen Øino, and the 85-meter Project Life, also made for exciting news.

September 29

FEADSHIP Yachts

Feadship’s annual breakfast addressed global wealth status while presenting excellent graphics illustrating comparative Feadship performance over the past decade, along with a detailed luxury sector analysis. Introducing the 83-meter concept design Dune, Feadship challenged itself to exceed its own boundaries, applying knowledge and engineering to create the future superyachts. A collection of energy reduction, efficiency improvement, and emissions elimination strategies integrate in Dune to slash environmental impacts up to 95 percent of potential operational negative factors. This news gave some real evidence that Feadship is truly working toward Net-Zero.

U-Boat Worx

Running underwater is a thrilling adventure. So it is with U-Boat Worx on their new high performance SuperSub. Built for speed, the SuperSub carries two passengers plus a pilot to 300 meters at 10 kph, performing exhilarating 30 degree climbs and dives for a great view below the waterline. Also in development, the five cabin Nautilus hybrid electric submarine with mezzanine observation lounge and 10 circular viewports offers accommodation for 10 guests and 7 crew.

Palumbo Yachts

Palumbo Yachts took NAVIS on board the 65.5-meter ISA yacht Resiliance to show us the high quality of the build as well as the beauty in details like a deck-spanning, blown glass stairwell chandelier. We also toured the stylish 45-meter Ultraviolet II with remarkable outdoor spaces and sweeping contemporary lines.

Golden Yachts

On board the 77.7-meter Golden Yachts O’Rea, features like the transverse aft main deck pool and over 250 unique finishes with luxurious materials and precious stones. The Beach House below features a health bar, hammam, sauna, and massage room, plus large semicircular sofa for an impressive look.

Closing out the day with a beautiful night at COYA Restaurant, nestled up next to the Monte Carlo Bay Resort, we enjoyed a fun, upbeat evening with a fantastic kitchen, live DJ, and Kristal caviar as a part of dishes from burrata and Yellowtail to sea bass and grilled rock lobster.

September 30

Bilgin Yachts

Our day began with an exciting visit to Bilgin Yachts, where we embarked on a tour of the remarkable explorer yacht, M/Y Kacif. Stepping aboard this luxurious vessel, we were immediately struck by its fantastic layout and breathtaking interior design. The attention to detail and the seamless fusion of style and functionality left us in awe.

This unique combination perfectly encapsulates the essence of yachting, where the boundaries between work and leisure fade away. The owner’s engagement in pisciculture, coupled with the use of the yacht for his various business operations, exemplifies the versatility and practicality of this stunning vessel.

To conclude our captivating day of yacht tours, we had the privilege of stepping aboard M/Y Leona, Bilgin’s latest release. This magnificent vessel is nothing short of a masterpiece, showcasing the pinnacle of craftsmanship and quality in Turkish yacht construction. M/Y Leona has truly elevated the standards of excellence in the industry, setting a new benchmark for luxury and innovation.

For those eager to explore every facet of this extraordinary vessel, I’m delighted to share that a comprehensive review of M/Y Leona can be found within the same edition of NAVIS Magazine. Dive into the pages ahead to discover the full story behind this remarkable creation and all that it has to offer to discerning yacht enthusiasts.

NAVIS Annual Dinner

To give the show a proper closing note, the NAVIS Annual Dinner invited guests to enjoy the fare of Alain Ducasse at L’Hôtel de Paris. A unique menu prepared by chef Emmanuel Pilon treated friends to an authentic, creative Mediterranean culinary experience embracing dishes from lightly smoked blue lobster, lamb with cuttlefish and Swiss chard, or farm veal in a cocotte with capers, cherry and anchovy, to rum baba with vanilla and half-whipped Chantilly, or apple souffle with walnut shortbread and hop ice cream. It found our guests and us ending the show almost wishing we could spend another week in this yachting paradise.