5 'Can't Miss' Yachts at the 2018 Monaco Yacht Show
Don’t let their “small” sizes fool you—these five mega yachts are worth seeing at this year's show.
Every September, yacht buyers from around the globe make the population of Monaco balloon. It’s due to the Monaco Yacht Show, one of the most important annual events on the yachting calendar. Long renowned as a superyacht show, it sees some of the largest new launches on display year after year. A lot of media attention therefore goes toward the super-size craft. But, we’d be remiss if we didn’t pay attention to the so-called smaller yachts making their debuts. Some are entirely custom built, while others represent hull number one in a new series.
In alphabetical order, here are five megayachts in Monaco that are all 130 feet or smaller. You’ll also learn why you should consider booking a visit aboard if you’re attending the show.
Azimut Grande 25 Metri
Azimut Grande 25 Metri
At 85’6”, the Azimut Grande 25 Metri is certainly on the small end of the superyacht scale. However, she presents a pretty big, bold idea. Rather than feature a typical saloon and dining area directly inside the main deck, the Azimut Grande 25 Metri has one large lounge. It’s because most owners and guests prefer eating outside. If buyers do want to dine indoors, a table complementing a saloon settee can raise to accommodate eight. In addition, designer Achille Salvagni chose primarily lacquered surfaces to create a more casual ambiance. The colors, though, may surprise, ranging from purple to cream.
CBI Navi's Stella di Mare
CBI Navi’s Stella di Mare
The largest of the yachts on this list, at 130 feet, Stella di Mare is a fully custom project. The owners are experienced global cruisers who wanted a bigger explorer yacht for the three generations of their family to travel together. (Their previous yacht was a 96-footer.) They plan to put the yacht’s 6,900-nautical-mile range to frequent use in both tropical and cool climates. They also have special amenities aboard for different family members. For instance, the seven-year-old grandson has a playroom. The 75-year-old grandfather, meanwhile, has storage for 800 bottles of wine.
CCN's Freedom
CCN’s Freedom
Roberto Cavalli, the famous fashion designer, has long enjoyed the yachting lifestyle. He’s the happy new owner of Freedom, a nearly 89-footer custom built by CCN in his native Italy. He wanted a super-sleek, super-open, and super-fast yacht. Design Studio Spadolini helped fulfill the first two requests. Not only is Freedom sporty in styling, but also has an entirely open aft deck. As for Cavalli’s third request, Freedom should see 40 knots at wide-open throttle thanks to a triple-diesel and waterjet propulsion system. Also noteworthy, Cavalli devotes much of the main deck to his master suite.
Moonen Shipyards' Brigadoon
Moonen Shipyards’ Brigadoon
Brigadoon is part of the Moonen Caribbean series introduced several years ago, bearing naval architecture by Diana Yacht Design and styling by Rene van der Velden. The series targeted yacht buyers who enjoy warm-weather cruising, additionally proving they can visit shallow waters with a steel-hulled yacht. The 119-foot Brigadoon has a draft of seven feet. Among the features further for enjoying warm climates: sliding ports in the bridge deck’s lounge. The owners planned to spend two months onboard this summer, so they should be taking advantage of this.
Riva 110 Dolcevita
Riva 110 Dolcevita
From the smallest Riva to this one, its largest flying-bridge model, style is the watchword. So, too, is luxury living. Riva likens the 110 Dolcevita to a loft on the water. Floor-to-ceiling windows tie into that idea, providing nearly all-around views on the main deck, for instance. Of particular note, the glass to each side of the saloon is a single large pane. Outside, you get 366 square feet from bow to stern to relax and entertain. In addition, underscoring the idea of carefree living (the model is called “Dolcevita,” after all), the tender garage doubles as a beach club.
