By Sylvie Peron
Excitement was in the air as the yachting community, international media and luxury consumers congregated in the Principality for the 2021 Monaco Yacht Show. All were happy to be attending in person after well over a year hiatus due to the pandemic. If this year’s event seemed a little quieter, it nonetheless attracted a hundred superyachts, with no less than 37 making their debut. Set in the iconic Port Hercules, this premier, world-class event represents the pinnacle of luxury. Since 1991 the show has enjoyed the recognition and support of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, who was seen visiting the booths and talking at length with exhibitors as He toured the Parvis Piscine, on Friday morning.
“The industry is moving quickly and the uptick is enormous”, was the message at Heesen’s early morning press conference on day 1. “The energy is back and this is not only a post-pandemic euphoria. The financial impact is fast evaporating and liquidity is available”. High quality yards are fully backed up for the next upcoming years, and major builders like Heesen are on course to beat 2019 sales after just three quarters.
Admittedly, some 70% of business comes through brokers, and all report soaring demand for new and pre-owned yachts.
Live presentations from yacht designers such as Winch Design or Espen Oino were well attended over the four days of MYS, in the brand-new Yacht Design & Innovation Hub exhibition dedicated to the design of new projects and innovative solutions in superyachting.
Sustainability is the word on everybody’s lips.
Representing the business aviation industry, Dassault Aviation exhibited in two well-located spots. Textron Aviation, Dornier Seawings, Lufthansa Technik and Air Independence were also exhibiting. Boeing Business Jets and Jet Aviation co-sponsored a cocktail event hosted by Boutsen Design, in the new Cala del Forte Marina, in nearby Ventimiglia, Italy.
On the top floor of the Yacht Club de Monaco, Airbus Corporate Jets launched the ACJ TwoTwenty special cabin edition, teaming up with French graffiti artist Cyril Kongo.
The aim is to offer “never done before novel ambiance” with Kongo’s hand painted artwork in the main lounge, branded textures and fabrics to create the owner’s own private gallery. Cabin interiors specialist Comlux will take delivery of the first one in early 2022, with entry into service scheduled for early 2023. “We need to be innovative and think about the customers of tomorrow,” said ACJ President Benoît Defforge.
