For four days, the Principality of Monaco was the center of attention for the yachting industry in a glamorous atmosphere.
The Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) returned with renewed energy in its 2021 edition, after last year’s cancellation due to the pandemic. The Port d'Hercule was the stage where 37 boats were exhib-ited for the first time.
The MYS was top-rated by exhibitors and visitors alike, pushing aside the dark clouds forecast during the summer, resulting in a successful exhibition.
Originally, 300 stands and a maximum of 90 yachts were predicted. In the end, expectations were exceeded, rising to 440 stands and 101 vessels, half of which sailed from shipyards between 2020 and 2021, including 37 debuts and 14 superyachts over 229 ft in length. The estimated value of the models presented exceeded 3.6 billion euros.
The list of yachts on display was headed by Viva by builder Feadship, which at 308 ft was the largest vessel of the event, in addition to Cloud 9 by Sanlorenzo, Synthesis by Amels, Club M by Baglietto, K2 by Columbus, Resilience by ISA Yachts, Project 13800 by Lürssen, Serenity by Majesty, Oceano 50 by Mangusta Yachts, and Artefact by Nobiskrug.
For the first time, a sailing yacht area was included with 13 yachts on display, an appropriate number, considering that 15% of the world’s fleet currently falls into this category. The space was aimed at new clients, with the purpose of revealing to them the benefits of a more sporty and environmentally friendly navigation, while still enjoying the same level of comfort, technology, and facilities of motor yachts.
Port Hercule was the main venue for the Monaco Yacht Show.
Clear purchase intentions
As for the number of visitors, the limitations of travel to the principality and sanitary regulations caused a reduction in attendance at the Monaco docks considered by the organizers, who, in turn, limited the number of invitations. One of the purposes of reducing the number of people was to focus on the specific profile requested by the exhibitors, facilitating commercial negotiations between the two.
The innovation of the Monaco Yacht Show, with clearer thematic areas, had its advantages, enhancing the guests’ experience. On the first day, accessible by invitation only, more than 300 yacht owners, prospective yacht buyers and charterers were welcomed, all eager to listen and learn about the yachting companies’ proposals.
Attendees viewed a wide variety of vessels and interacted with the brands’ designers, brokers, and builders, who reported full agendas, with potential customers aboard the vessels and firm purchase intent.
In another area, on Quai Antoine Ier, representatives of yacht owners, industry spokespersons and visitors expressed their questions to manufacturers of nautical equipment and luxury brands, who advised them on how to take the right decision.
The Principality of Monaco welcomed the most important yacht manufacturers.
For the first time, 37 new yachts were presented.
Improvements for 2022
Against a bright outlook, the organizers, led by Gaëlle Tallarida, general manager of MYS, have an optimistic view regarding the reunion of the yachting industry representatives with the public, as well as the thriving state of the market, with growth in yacht sales over the past 18 months.
“Customers have turned to boating to escape the context of the pandemic, coupled with the frustration of feeling restricted freedom,” said Tallarida. “This edition of MYS has been beneficial for everyone involved in the yachting industry. We strongly intend to do better in 2022.”
For what was on display at MYS this year, Theo Hooning, secretary general of the Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss), acknowledged that the shift in focus puts MYS in a prominent and high-profile place among the shipping industry, “by showcasing products created by manufacturers, which promote the superyacht lifestyle.”
Hooning said that “by focusing firmly on the customers and not on the commercial activities within the expo, the result was a more relaxed atmosphere, with no overcrowding on the docks; the guests’ experience was more focused on the yachting experience.”
Outdoor furniture trends were exhibited.
The latest interior design was showcased.
Valuable information
The fifth edition of the Monaco Yacht Summit, held one day before the opening of MYS, confirmed to be a valuable tool; on this occasion it welcomed 60 owners, charterers, and prospective buyers (or their representatives) in confidential meetings with speakers, designers, brokers, and builders, gathering essential information to safely embark on their yacht renovation, charter, or acquisition projects.
The Yacht Design & Innovation Hub proved to be another highlight of the Monaco Yacht Show. Here, attendees gained insight into the process of building a custom vessel and a look into the future of superyacht design through lectures by Espen Øino, Luiz De Basto Designs, Sam Sorgiovanni, Sinot Yacht Architecture and Design, and Winch Design.
This interactive experience allowed participants to showcase their work, giving guests the opportunity to interact with the experts who will design their future boat.
The MYS showed that the approach taken by the organizers is going from strength to strength, and everything is ready for the next edition to be held from September 28th to October 1st, 2022.
The latest technological advances were shown.
Tenders had their space at the Monaco Yacht Show.
Text: Ricardo Villanueva ± Photo: Elite Traveler, Lürssen Yachts, Baglietto The One, DB9 Palmer Johnson