Arguably the main event in the superyacht sector, the Monaco Yacht Show is set to start in less than 24 hours. Data compiled from Yacht Harbour's Timeline database shows over €4,5 billion worth of yachts will be in Monaco during these 4 days.
Out of these €4,5 billion, half won't actually be in Port Hercules during the yacht show but will anchor in front of the Principality, stretching as far as the eye can see in the bay. The advantages of having a yacht at anchor include avoiding to pay the exhibitor's fee to the show but also could offer a better vantage point for prospective buyers.
Indeed, over 60% of the yachts at anchor are currently on the market, accumulating over €1 billion in asking prices. If lined up from bow to aft, the lineup of yachts at anchor would stretch for nearly 3,5km, encompassing the entire Principality of Monaco.
Yachts at anchor include the 78m Lurssen, TV currently on the market for €92 million, the 82m O'mega accommodating up to 30 guests at a time and 75m Anastasia, on the market for €75 million.
The remaining half will be in Port Hercules during the show with the 110m Jubilee, largest yacht ever built in the Netherlands, leading the MYS fleet in size, followed by the 92m Aquarius and 85m Areti, all delivered less than a year ago.
The Monaco Yacht Show therefore sees double the superyacht activity registered during the Monaco Grand Prix when over €2 billion worth of yachts came for the event.
Initially founded by Maurice Cohen, who sold the right to the show in 1994 to IIR who actively expanded the event from a small gathering to one of the leading events in the sector. In 2003, IIR was acquired by Informa, who became the owner of the show. Informa (market cap £5,5 billion) since consolidated their position in the yachting space by acquiring 5 major US yacht shows for $133 million earlier this year.