The 2016 Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) had as many as 125 superyachts collectively worth a staggering $3.4 billion on show, demonstrating its status as the premier event for the yachting elite and everything else related to the world of luxury.

Held from September 28 to October 1 in Port Hercules, the MYS attracted close to 600 exhibitors. Though not many new orders were revealed, the show did see a host of new launches from builders across the world, with 40 new models making their world debuts.

Now in its 26th edition, this year’s show drew 580 exhibitors, displaying everything from superyachts and submersibles to luxury armoured cars, VIP jet interiors and helicopters and even DJs for hire.

The event also featured the third edition of the MYS Superyacht Awards, in which three stunning superyachts were feted.

The 46-m Genesi, the first ever yacht to be built by Italian shipyard Wider, received the MYS Rina Award as the most eco-friendly superyacht whose construction complies with a series of specifications as defined by the Italian classification company. 

The brand new 70-m Sybaris sailing yacht, built by the Italian shipyard Perini Navi this year, won the 2016 MYS Best Interior Design Award. The yacht drew praise for the design and bespoke work in her interiors done by the yacht designers Peter Hawrylewicz and Ken Lieber.

Galactica Super Nova, a 70-m superyacht, built by Heesen and delivered in July this year, won the 2016 MYS Exterior Design Award and was also declared as the 2016 show’s finest new superyacht (see page 92). Both awards honoured the work by the Dutch shipyard on the aesthetics of her exterior and interior design, her quality of comfort and performance.

Also, a new exhibition space dedicated solely to luxury vehicles was launched called the Car Deck with car brands such as Lamborghini, Rolls Royce, Tesla and Centigon in attendance.


NEW CONCEPTS

Dutch builder Oceanco stole the spotlight with four stunning concepts for superyachts that break new ground in design (see page 86). Spectacular models were put on display for visitors to admire, including the recently unveiled Moonstone; theYasmin designed by Espen Oeino and the Oceanco-designed E-Motion, both 90 m; as well as the 91.5-m Spirit designed by Winch Design.

British designer Bannenberg & Rowell revealed a concept for a 90-m superyacht with a distinctly feminine form. The concept, aptly called Muse, was unveiled by German yacht builder Nobiskrug. Bannenberg & Rowell’s collaboration with Nobiskrug aims to create a yacht with distinctly feminine lines, which nevertheless builds on concepts the studio has developed over the last eight years.

Also, a concept for the world’s biggest trimaran superyacht was revealed by Australian firms Sorgiovanni Design, Echo Yachts and One2three. The 120-m trimaran concept delivers striking and progressive contemporary styling, a unique palatial interior layout and other features that capitalise on the inherent space and performance advantages of the three-hull form.

Meanwhile, Aston Martin’s new powerboat made its world debut at the show, marking the luxury British brand’s entry into the nautical world. The 37-ft AM37 day-cruiser is offered in two versions with the AM37S expected to reach speeds of 50 knots.  


FLYING HIGH

Away from the nautical world but linked through the world of luxury, Lufthansa Technik showed off a Mercedes-styled VIP jet designed in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Style.  First unveiled at Ebace last year, the German completions specialist says that it is ready to take orders for this exclusive jet, of which just a few will be built (see page 44).

Bell Helicopter too was at the event, showing a new luxury interior for its Bell 525 Relentless, which includes a special panel with limousine-style private window for a quieter ride, a sophisticated entertainment and communication system, large seats and a spacious lavatory. The VIP interior is being offered in collaboration with Mecaer Aviation Group (MAG).

As many as 34,500 visitors are estimated to have come to the show.