#humansofyachting – Gaëlle Tallarida

“I’ve been in the yachting industry for 20 years now. As a Monaco native I obviously knew all about the yacht show – but it was quite a small event back when I started. The average size of the yachts was about 35 metres and when we had something larger it was seen as really exceptional. Now, the average size of yachts exhibited here is 49 metres and that is a pretty accurate mirror of the industry itself.

The tastes of owners have evolved alongside the show – yacht designs these days are totally different – and the average age of owners is also younger. The people I used to be in contact with were at least 50 or 60 years old; now it’s not unusual for owners to be in their 40s.

When it comes to destinations, people are really pushing the boundaries – owners want to visit places that others can’t reach. That’s why we see more and more explorer yachts at the show.  Of course, the traditional places like the Med and the Caribbean have a lot to offer – and I still love to go to Corsica every year – but if you want to experience something really out of the ordinary then the likes of Greenland and Antarctica hold enormous appeal.

The industry has also become far more concerned with the environment over the years – after all, the ocean is our playground. The yacht show is becoming a good place for companies to highlight their new projects in this area. We all know we have a long way to go, but more and more innovations and technology have arrived over the years which will change things for the better.

I think you either love or hate Monaco. There seems to be no middle ground. I fall into the first category. For me, it is safe, comfortable and you can get around really easily. During the show is a good time to visit Monaco for the first time, as everyone is there ready and waiting to welcome visitors. There are so many nice places that fly under the radar, even for those of us that grew up here. The Jardins St-Martin next to the Oceanographic Museum, for example, are just magical – I remember once seeing lots of dolphins in the water from there.

At the show, we offer a package called the Sapphire Experience tailored to people who don’t know much about the industry. ­We arrange everything for them, taking them on the yachts they are interested in and sorting out all the logistical aspects of their stay, from VIP events to hotels and restaurants. If you arrive at the yacht show and you don’t already know what you want to see, it can be difficult to navigate.

Every year, the most memorable moment for me comes on the final day when all 120 yachts are blowing their horns. I always regroup with my team on the Quai des Etats Uni – and usually we cry a lot! It’s just so impressive to be in the middle of it all.

Yacht ownership for me is about liberty and security. You can go anywhere you want with your family and friends and you can choose the route you take. You can’t get that from a hotel.”