2020‘s cancellation of Monaco Yacht Show (MYS), gave the organizers the motivation to reboot, »working in partnership with the industry«, to relaunch MYS 2021 – most likely to the lowest number of visitors in two decades – with a new formula. By Nick Jeffery
If it ain‘t broke, don‘t fix it« seemed to be the MYS line for the [ds_preview]past few years, even though gradual enhancements were introduced – not all to the liking of long-time exhibitors, a number of whom decided not to re-exhibit. MYS Managing Director, Gaëlle Tallarida, told HANSA: »This year’s Monaco Yacht Show has been long-awaited by the yachting industry and the superyacht customers who visit. In this current world situation, the participation of major players from across the industry is a positive sign of our long-standing relationship and their great support to deliver a brand-new format dedicated to superyacht end users. And of course, the show will be set in a safe environment.«
Gold, Silver and Bronze
Attendees will fall into one of three categories, depending on why they are visiting, over the four days from Wednesday 22 to Saturday 25 September. »Discover« badge is exclusively for »yacht clients«; »Advise« status is for »advisors and consultants« of these discoverers including brokers, designers and builders. »Trade visitors« are required to sport »Connect« badges.
It‘s a bit like Gold, Silver and Bronze. But the official statement states that the Dockside Area (where the superyachts and tenders are) on the Wednesday will only be open to »Discover« and »Advise« badges. The »Sapphire Experience« has also had a bit of a polish and VIP clients »will be plunged into the world of superyachting from the moment they arrive at the show«, whisked through one of two new VIP entrances, beside the Upper Deck Lounge exhibition space and the Yacht Club de Monaco.
»Monaco Yacht Summit« (12.30–6pm on Tuesday 21 September) precedes the show. This gives those potential superyacht buyers who are new to the market a chance to listen in to discussion panels and get a feel for the big figures – numbers from financial advisors as well as leading figures in the industry. »The event is exclusively reserved for yacht owners and charterers (who want to enhance their knowledge), prospective end-user clients and their representatives, and private wealth managers.«
A quick poll of a mix of industry figures late July indicates that there may be less than half the usual number of visitors. D-ID design studio, who are pushing yards to go outside the »tried and tested«, believe it will be »quality over quantity, in both exhibitors and visitors«. MYS did not give any predictions of its own at that time but pointed at a link on its site showing a healthy list of exhibitors committed (see sidebar).
Sailing yachts will be allocated a dedicated area, some exhibitors having previously complained that they felt a bit »looked down on« by the towering motor yachts. It‘s not gone as far as the Cannes Festival of Yachting which dedicates a whole port to sail, a shuttle ride from the main show, but it will please those true yachtsmen who don‘t feel comfortable amongst power boats. The new Cala del Forte marina a short 15-minute shuttle boat ride (aboard »Monaco One«) away, over the border in Ventimiglia (sporting a classic car showroom, run by Cedric Boutsen), might be the perfect setting for supersailers to have their own section one day.
HANSA put that thought to MYS and Tallarida responded: »Our objective for 2021 is to be able to organize the Monaco Yacht Show in Port Hercule (Monaco), taking into account the health, logistical and organizational constraints linked to the current international context. And this, with the utmost rigour. For this reason, we do not plan to extend the exhibition on Cala del Forte this year. We are working closely with SEPM (Société d‘Exploitation des Ports de Monaco – which now includes the port of Ventimiglia) for the organization of MYS and will continue, together, to be attentive to the evolution of the yachting event market in the coming years and to the development opportunities of Cala del Forte identified by SEPM«.
Charity events planned
Charity begins at home in Monaco: the commendable Only Watch auction preview of 55 watches (founded by original MYS boss Luc Pettavino, whose late son, Paul, designed some beautiful watches whilst living with Duschene Muscular Dystrophy) will prove a must-see at MYS for horological enthusiasts. Only Watch has raised over 70mill.€ to support research into a cure for the genetic disease that affects one in 3,000 male births. Geneva, 6 November 2011 is the diary date to save for this biennial charity auction.
The 5th Monte-Carlo Gala, for Planetary Health, on Thursday 23 September is the hot ticket during MYS. Presided on by Prince Albert II of Monaco and supporting both the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation as well as the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, international philanthropists from the world of Science, Arts, Cinema and Music are expected to participate.
As well as the events to be hosted in and around MYS – starting a good two weeks before the show with the World Superyacht Awards on 5 September at the Monte Carlo Sporting, immediately before the Cannes Yachting Festival with its Yachts Trophies Gala on 11 September, outside at the Carlton – there is likely to be a strong online following with virtual meetings, video interviews, live-streaming and instant global publication of press conference announcements. Informa Group confirms the way events are being driven and becoming hybrid, »real-life and virtual« simultaneously: »MYS will also offer digital solutions to foster interactions between visitors and exhibitors whilst at the Show – and throughout the year.« ?
Large yachts displayed at MYS
- »Kismet« – 95 m Lürssen
- »Viva« – 94 m Feadship
- »Tatiana« – 80 m Bilgin
- »Artefact« – 80 m Nobiskrug
- »Plvs Vltra« – 74 m Amels
- »Synthesis« – 74 m Damen
Exhibitors
Yacht builders
AB Yachts, Abeking & Rasmussen, Alia, Arcadia, Azimut, Baglietto, Baltic, Benetti, Bilgin, Columbus, Conrad Shipyard, CRN , Damen, Delta Marine, Extra Yachts, Feadship, Ferretti Group, Fincantieri, Gulf Craft, Heesen, Icon, ISA, JFA, Kusch Yachts, Latitude Yachts, Lloyd Werft, Lürssen, Maiora, Mangusta, Mondomarine, Nautor‘s Swan, Nobiskrug, Ocea Yachts, Oceanco, Rossinavi, Royal Hakvoort, Royal Huisman, Sanlorenzo, SES, Silver Yachts, Sunreef, Southern Wind, Tankoa, Turquoise, Vitters Shipyard, Wally, Westport.
Brokerage house
Burgess, Bluewater, C&N, Edmiston, Fraser, Imperial, Merle Wood, Moran Yacht & Ship, Peter Insull‘s, YCO, YPI.
