Running from Wednesday 26 to Saturday 29 September 2018, the unique Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) is almost too good for its own good, writes Nick Jeffery
The 28th Edition of MYS is a different kettle of fish to the first event, which consisted largely of brokerage[ds_preview] boats and a few flappy white tents along the quay.
MYS is »the one«, as Dickie Bannenberg confirms: »The yachting and design calendar continues to grow with limited bandwidth for the designer who is meant to be at his drawing board to fit it all in. In that respect MYS continues to be one (if not the only) fixed point that you would skip at your peril. It’s an opportunity for design immersion – in reality – that you can’t get from even the highest production values in print or online.«
MYS is kept on its toes with new events vying to take over globally but nobody can really match the unique setting of Port Hercules complemented by the Michelin-starred restaurants and five-star hotels of Monaco. The »Save the Oceans« Monte Carlo Gala charity event, with top celebrities (Leo di Caprio last year), makes for a special night out too, even for those not purchasing a superyacht. With the Prince Albert II Foundation connected and oceans being saved it all comes together with a unique feel-good factor.
MYS’ Sapphire Experience ensures newbies get hand-holding treatment including a tour – but MYS is keen to emphasise that »we are not competing with brokers!« Tuesday 25 September’s MYS Yacht Summit sees 60 of the »right people« having 30-minute face-to-face meetings with key industry players.
Exhibitors remain steady at 580 but many pulled out after MYS started pushing long-time supporters off their regular quayside spots (Glancy Fawcett, luxury interior outfitters, decided to cease after two decades but will be entertaining their VIP clientele in the Yacht Club de Monaco and elsewhere). MYS’ idea is to try and make zones (interiors, equipment, designers etc) clearer for visitors and have mainly brokers, builders and designers opposite the boats – although there are still some 25–30 non-brokers exhibiting dockside. A new Art Pavilion will appeal to art lovers while the Car Deck is ever expanding and some 45 tenders and toys are spread about. The floating pontoon layout has been redesigned to give better access across the whole show, reducing bottlenecks.
It is stated that 50% of the fleet of 120 boats is less than two years old and there will be 40 world premieres, including Pendennis Shipyard’s stunning 128-foot »Vijonara«, designed by Hoek Design and build-managed by MCM Newport. Both Pendennis and MCM celebrate their 30th anniversaries at MYS. Largest new build is Oceanco’s 90-metre »DAR«.
Entry price is going up quite significantly to 280€ (300€ on the door) – to keep it exclusive. Average boat size is 49m, according to MYS Chief Executive Officer Gaëlle Tallarida. New launches to be displayed are best viewed online as the list is constantly updated: monacoyachtshow.com
Nick Jeffery
