With the atmosphere incomparable to any other sporting event, the Monaco Grand prix stands almost distinct from the sport it was born from. Returning to the principality for its 77th run, this year’s race takes place from May 23 to May 26, with royalty, celebrities and billionaires flooding renowned harbour front of Monaco.
With a race circuit passing directly in front of Port Hercules marina, the Monaco Grand Prix wouldn’t be complete without a selection of luxury yachts lined up opposite the track to soak up the high-octane racing action. Yacht Harbour takes a look at 7 superyachts worth attention during Monaco Grand Prix 2019.
#1. Andreas L
Length: 60 m
Builder: Benetti (2008)
Asking price: € 25,000,000
Built by Benetti in 2008, this superyacht features a beam of 10.4 metres and a draft of 3.2 metres, built to a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. With her gross tonnage of 971 tons, Andreas L offers accommodation to 14 guests within 7 cabins with interiors by Redman Whiteley Dixon and exteriors by Stefano Natucci.
Propelled by Caterpillar engines of 1600 hp, the yacht reaches a maximum speed at 18 knots and a cruises at 16 knots.
She is fitted with a plenty of prime viewing acreage on the sundeck and a swim-up bar in her hot tub.
#2. Illusion Plus
Length: 88.8 m
Builder: Pride Mega Yachts (2018)
Delivered last summer, the yacht attends the show for the first time. What is more, she remains the largest yacht to ever have been built in Asia.
British studio Rainsford Saunders Design was responsible for her sleek exterior lines, inspired by classic Rolls-Royce cars. Spread over six-decks, Illusion Plus offers two outdoor Jacuzzis, a touch-and-go helicopter landing pad and ample space for lounging, relaxing and partying. Illusion Plus can accommodate 12 guests over 8 en-suite cabins, with capacity for 25 crew.
Her plush interior was crafted by Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design and installed by Greenline Yacht Interiors of Dubai. The superyacht features an in-built cinema screen, four guest lounges, two interior dining areas, a spa area with a sauna, steam room and massage room, a large tender garage and a lower deck ocean lounge with a bar.
#3. Sarastar
Length: 60.2 m
Builder: Mondomarine (2017)
Asking price: € 50,000,000
The yacht with a beam of 10.75 metres and a draft of 2.9 metres was launched in 2016. One of her main characteristics is the completely closed forward area in which the garage has been located. The tenders are hidden under a flush bridge that can be used as helipad, sunbathing area for guests or dance floor. Another key feature is represented by the stairs that lead one from the sundeck directly to the side of the wheelhouse. Sarastar can sleep up to 12 guests in a master suite and 5 double staterooms.
For her interiors, Luca Dini worked worked with designers Silvia Margutti and Gabriele Tartaelli, who used rare natural materials (white onyx, semi-precious stones, crystals and exotic marbles).
Noticeably, Sarastar is coming to small screens this year, as she has one of the leading roles in mystery-comedy for Netflix called "Murder Mystery", alongside with Hollywood superstars - Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston and Luke Evans.
#4. Symphony
Length: 101 m
Builder: Feadship (2015)
Similar to Illusion Plus, Symphony is among the largest spectators this weekend. With her interior volume of 3,000 tons, she features a beam of 14.1 metres and a draft of 4.1 metres. She reaches her maximum speed at 22 knots along with cruising speed of 14 knots.
Symphony offers accommodation to up to 10 guests in 8 cabins with interiors by Zuretti and exteriors by Tim Heywood. She is fitted with an outdoor cinema on her bridge deck.
In 2016, the yacht won Displacement Motor Yacht 2,999 GT and Above at the World Superyacht Awards.
#5. Blush
Length: 47.25 m
Builder: Sunseeker (2014)
Charter: from € 200,000 p/w.
Blush was launched in 2014 as Sunseeker's flagship which it remains to this day. The vessel was originally owned by Eddie Jordan, the former owner of the Jordan Grand Prix Formula 1 team and current Top Gear co-presenter.
First in the Sunseeker 155 series, Blush was designed by the yard's in-house team. Built out of GRP, the yacht can accommodate 10 guests in 5 cabins and carries a crew of 10. Blush is the 9th Sunseeker yacht that Mr. Jordan has owned over the years.
Amongst the yacht's key features are an open sun deck, complete with a large Jacuzzi and sunbathing areas as well as a clever use of foldable balconies and glass that maximise entertaining space on-board.
The owner's cabin, located forward on the main deck, has its own private balcony, a rare feature on yachts of this size. A beach club and swimming platform are further located aft of the yacht.
From a technical standpoint, Blush is powered by twin MTU engines of 2,950hp each giving the yacht a maximum speed of 20 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots.
Length: 62.5m
Builder: Codecasa (2003)
Asking price: $24,950,000
One of the largest yachts ever built by Italian shipyard, Codecasa, Apogee was delivered in 2003. She was refitted in 2009 and 2013. The motor yacht can accommodate 12 guests in 6 cabins with interior design by Della Role Design and exteriors by Codecasa in-house team.
Speed wise, Apogee features a maximum speed of 14.5 knots, powered by twin Caterpillar engines of 2,260 HP each.
#7. D’Natalin IV
Length: 49.9 m
Builder: Christensen (2014)
D'Natalin was built in 2014 with a beam of 9 metres and a draft of 2.4 metres, GRP hull and GRP superstructure. With her interior volume of 499 tons, the yacht can accommodate 12 guests across 6 cabins with interiors by VARO and exteriors by Christensen.
She boasts a maximum speed of 17 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots.
Spanish marina operator Ocibar has entered its first international venture by acquiring a 25% stake in Marina d'Arechi, a major Italian marina located in Salerno. The facility, developed and operated by the Gallozzi Group, offers 950 berths for vessels from 10 to 100 meters, along with winter storage and maintenance services.Antonio Zaforteza, CEO of Ocibar, stated: “Marina d’Arechi is one of the great examples of success in marina development in the Mediterranean and still has significant growth potential. Our alliance will further enhance this marina and integrate it into a unique value proposition for its customers and those of the various Ocibar marinas.”Ocibar, which manages marinas in Tarragona, Mallorca, Ibiza, and Valencia, sees the investment as part of its Mediterranean expansion strategy. The Gallozzi Group, active in shipping and port operations since 1952, welcomed the partnership.Agostino Gallozzi, CEO of the Gallozzi Group and Marina d’Arechi, said: “We had contemplated expanding the shareholder base of Marina d’Arechi and are very happy to have Ocibar joining us with a 25 per cent participation, based on shared values and principles of business ethics. Our partnership will propel Marina d’Arechi into a new phase of development.”Planned upgrades include berth expansion, infrastructure improvements, and the construction of a hotel to support Salerno's tourism initiatives.Credits: Marina d'Arechi
April 18, 2025
GB Marine Group, the parent company of Grand Banks and Palm Beach Motor Yachts, has named Lynn Fischer as its new Global Chief Marketing Officer. The appointment follows recent expansions, including a 114,000-square-foot factory upgrade, and aligns with the company’s focus on brand growth and owner services.Fischer, previously Chief Marketing Officer at private aviation firm Vista, brings experience in luxury and premium brand strategy. In her new role, she will oversee marketing, brand development, and customer engagement for GB Marine Group’s yacht brands.Lynn Fischer“GB Marine Group is not only a heritage builder – celebrating nearly 70 years of Grand Banks Yachts and 30 years of Palm Beach Motor Yachts – it's a company at the forefront of next-generation yachting,” said Fischer. “From its ocean racing-inspired manufacturing approach that redefines performance and fuel efficiency, to its use of advanced technology and materials, GB Marine Group is pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the water.”CEO Mark Richards stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Lynn to the GB Marine Group. Her deep expertise in building aspirational brands and delivering personalized client experiences will be instrumental as we bring even more exciting new products to market, expand our global footprint, and evolve our factory-direct strategy.”Fischer’s responsibilities will include brand strategy, digital marketing, global campaigns, and enhancing owner experience programs. The move comes as the company prepares new product launches and expands its factory-direct sales model."GB Marine Group owns and operates three premium yacht brands: Grand Banks, Palm Beach Motor Yachts, and Eastbay YachtsCredits: GB Marine Group
April 18, 2025
Itama has introduced the Itama 54, a new 16.44-meter open cruiser designed to enhance onboard comfort and living space while retaining the brand’s signature style. The model, presented at boot Düsseldorf, marks Itama’s return to the 50 to 59-foot segment.Developed by the Ferretti Group Product Strategy Committee and the Group’s Engineering Department, with exterior and interior design by Tommaso De Luca, the Itama 54 features a streamlined aesthetic with functional innovations. The exterior includes a forward sun pad integrated into the deck and a redesigned transom that provides 1,800 liters of storage for water toys. Access to the bow has been relocated to the starboard side for improved convenience.The deck layout prioritizes comfort, with a large aft sun pad and a dual-cockpit design. The main cockpit includes a convertible dining area, while a second cockpit behind the windscreen offers a sheltered relaxation space. Both are served by a portside bar unit. The helm station features an ergonomic seat and a floating dashboard.Below deck, the Itama 54 accommodates two cabins, two bathrooms, a galley, and a dinette. The master cabin includes a central bed with storage, while the guest cabin offers a choice between a queen-size bed or bunk beds. Interior materials include wood, leather, and fabric, emphasizing simplicity and functionality. Side glazing runs the length of the hull, contributing to a modern silhouette.The yacht is powered by twin MAN i6-730 engines (730 HP) as standard, delivering a top speed of 33 knots and a cruising speed of 28 knots. An optional upgrade to MAN i6-850 engines (850 HP) increases performance to 37 knots top speed and 33 knots cruising speed (preliminary data).The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
April 18, 2025
Camper & Nicholsons announces the establishment of its fourteenth office in Viareggio, Italy. This strategic move underscores the company's ongoing dedication to maintaining leadership in yacht construction and design.Located within one of Europe's premier yacht-building hubs, the new facility will focus on new-build sales, refitting services, and comprehensive project management. It symbolizes Camper & Nicholsons' evolving approach to yacht design, aiming to set new benchmarks for creative innovation and superior craftsmanship.According to Paolo Casani, CEO of Camper & Nicholsons, “The rising demand for new builds and project management necessitated establishing a specialized presence to enhance client service delivery. The Viareggio office provides an advanced structure guiding owners throughout all stages of yacht creation, from concept to completion.”Led by Daniela Duck, Managing Director of Camper & Nicholsons Italy, the office aims to cater to the expanding market for customized yacht solutions. Beyond conventional sales and project oversight, the Viareggio branch envisions becoming an inspirational space where clients engage directly in the design process, shaping their visions collaboratively with experts.Additionally, Camper & Nicholsons is pioneering novel digital tools to streamline and elevate the design phase further. This innovative initiative reinforces the company's reputation for pushing boundaries in yacht engineering and aesthetics.With its latest venture, Camper & Nicholsons seeks to usher in a transformative period for yacht development, blending tradition with modern technology. The firm welcomes stakeholders and enthusiasts alike to join in creating the next wave of exceptional vessels.Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
April 17, 2025
U-Boat Worx's submarines aboard Viking and Seabourn expedition vessels are transforming marine exploration, enabling unprecedented discoveries and advancements in oceanography. Powered by state-of-the-art technology, these submersibles facilitate detailed observations and data collection in previously unreachable marine habitats.Recent highlights include the rare documentation of the giant phantom jellyfish (Stygiomedusa gigantea) in Antarctica, marking the first publication of such findings by a cruise line. Other achievements encompass exploratory dives in the Great Lakes, leading to extensive surveys of historic shipwrecks. Most notably, Seabourn Pursuit located the long-lost Titania, a German supply vessel, which had remained undiscovered for over a century.Equipped with sophisticated instruments capable of diving to 300-meter depths, these submarines enable researchers to assess marine biodiversity, evaluate climate change effects, and monitor delicate ecosystems. Their presence aboard Viking and Seabourn ships underscores the synergy between luxury travel and scientific progress, setting a precedent for environmentally conscious exploration.Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, emphasized, "Every voyage provides opportunities for scientific discovery… Our expedition vessels and scientists have already contributed to research that might not have been possible otherwise." Similarly, Robin West, VP and GM of Expeditions at Seabourn, highlighted the company's dedication to pioneering exploration: "These experiences are a testament to the spirit of expedition... taking guests to places where no other human has ever ventured."By integrating luxury with scientific rigor, Viking and Seabourn exemplify how maritime exploration can yield valuable insights, enhancing global awareness of marine ecosystems and advancing efforts toward sustainable conservation.Founded in 2005, U-Boat Worx leads the global market in designing and manufacturing submersibles for private, research, and cruise industries. With over 60 operational units worldwide, the company prioritizes safety, performance, and comfort, continuously innovating underwater exploration technologies.Credits: U-Boat Worx
April 17, 2025