Yacht shows for beginners

Monaco Yacht Show 2018. Photo: MC-Clic

Yacht shows for beginners

Monaco Yacht Show 2018. Photo: MC-Clic

Kinship

Yacht shows for beginners

Those wanting an insight into the world of superyachts can learn a lot by swinging by one of the industry’s many boat shows – and the Monaco Yacht Show is one of the biggest.

By Dominique Afacan | 5 August 2019

The superyacht world can feel like a mystery, unless you are already a part of it. Yes, anyone can admire a superyacht as it glides across the horizon or sits pretty in a marina, but stepping on board and understanding the way it all works is another story. Enter the yacht show. Packed with boats and populated by industry experts, these events, which happen throughout the year across the globe, are the ideal start for anyone thinking of entering the market.

The Monaco Yacht Show, which takes place every September, is arguably one of the best places to start. “The Monaco show is considered the most prestigious yacht show in the world with a fine selection of new builds from shipyards and an array of superyachts from the top end of the market on display,” says Julia Simpson, from brokerage firm Thompson Westwood White Yachts. “It is not the largest in terms of yachts in the port but when you look at the armada also at anchor there can be up to 200 yachts to view, which gives newcomers plenty of choice.”

Yacht shows for beginners

Monaco Yacht Show 2018. Photo: Superyachts.com

Yacht shows for beginners

Monaco Yacht Show 2018. Photo: Superyachts.com

Organisers of the show have even developed a special programme, the Sapphire Experience, so that newcomers can get some support on the ground. “When you’re new to the industry, you may be bewildered about where to start, who to talk to or which yacht may best suit to your desires,” explains Johan Pizzardini, communications manager at Monaco Yacht Show. “The Sapphire Experience programme enables us to accompany visitors and enhance their first experience; we create a bespoke visit with a top-notch programme of activities and services.”

Visitors who enrol in the Sapphire Experience will benefit from an invitation to the Monaco Yacht Summit, which takes place the day before the show. There, they can meet up with yachting experts and industry professionals and learn more about the world of yachting before the crowds arrive. In addition, they will also be invited to enjoy private visits on board a selection of superyachts, notoriously difficult to arrange without already having contacts in the industry. While anyone can admire a yacht from the outside, nothing comes close to throwing off your shoes and jumping on board.

Yacht shows for beginners

Monaco Yacht Show 2018. Photo: Imag[IN]

Yacht shows for beginners

Monaco Yacht Show 2018. Photo: Imag[IN]

There’s also no better place to put all that yachting jargon ­–­ which can be overwhelming to newcomers – into practice. To get a sense of what life is like on board, it really helps to be there. Take Madsummer, a 95m yacht from German shipyard Lürssen, which was launched earlier this year and will be exhibiting at the show. The yacht’s profile is magnificent – and visible to all, but only once on board can a visitor stroll over the helipad, dip a toe into the 12m swimming pool or pad around one of the yacht’s ten spacious suites.

And there are plenty more where that came from. “Today the show attracts over 125 superyachts, of which around 42 are new launches making their worldwide debut,” says Pizzardini. “This is a far cry from the very first edition back in 1991 when there were just 32 yachts moored in Port Hercules, averaging 31 metres in length. The prospective customer has access to an extraordinary concentration of what is on offer.”

Yacht shows for beginners

Monaco Yacht Show 2018. Photo: MC-Clic

Yacht shows for beginners

Monaco Yacht Show 2018. Photo: MC-Clic

Simpson agrees that this is a show rich with choice. “In essence, a first time buyer can begin the process of learning what they love and loathe, find out what will work for their yachting needs and enjoy spending time on and around yachts and discovering their options.”

Sapphire Experience members can also take a look at all exhibiting yachts from the water on a VIP shuttle boat, which dots across Port Hercules throughout the show. Pizzardini recommends that first-timers seek out three types of yacht to look around if they are new to the industry. “I think it’s a good idea to try to get on board a modern-style motoryacht, a sailing yacht and an explorer yacht,” he says. “And another key experience is speaking to a yacht designer; they are incredibly passionate about their creations and are really well-placed to talk to newcomers.”

Yacht shows for beginners

Monaco Yacht Show 2018. Photo: Imag[IN]

Yacht shows for beginners

Monaco Yacht Show 2018. Photo: Imag[IN]

After sunset, the socialising begins, offering yet more opportunities to meet experts and insiders and learn about the industry, albeit with a champagne in hand. “With over 100 cocktail receptions, dinners or press presentations over four days, the Monaco Yacht Show is a first-class show which brings the yachting community together every year,” says Pizzardini. Is it time you joined in?

Sign up for updates




    Do you work in the superyacht industry? YesNo
    I would like to receive updates from Superyacht Life