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.
Damen Yachting has successfully launched the third vessel in its acclaimed Yacht Support 53 series at its state-of-the-art facility in Antalya. This significant achievement marks a new chapter in the company’s history of delivering high-performance support yachts, combining Dutch engineering excellence with innovative design.The newly launched YS5303 is set for delivery in summer 2025 following its final build stage, outfitting, and sea trials. Joining the series are two previous successful models: Bad Сompany Support 175, designed for deep-sea fishing and scientific missions, and Five Oceans, built for exploration and conservation efforts.Pim Oostra, Project Manager for YS 5303, emphasized the milestone: “Today’s launch signifies the maturation of our Yacht Support design into a full-fledged series. We are excited to progress through the final build stages towards completion this summer.”The Yacht Support range represents the pinnacle of offshore support vessels, renowned for their reliability, sailing characteristics, and unparalleled functionality. With over 20 purpose-built support yachts delivered, Damen Yachting continues to set industry standards.Damen Yachting, a division within the Damen Shipyards Group, was created in 2019. The division combines the pedigree and heritage of Amels yachts with a growing portfolio of SeaXplorer yachts and Yacht Support vessels.Credits: Damen Yachting
March 11, 2025
Ocean Independence introduced the 41.8-meter Vikingfjord, the most environmentally sustainable explorer ship in the polar regions, available for charter. Formerly a Norwegian maritime vessel, VIKINGFJORD has been transformed into a luxurious exploration ship specifically designed for polar expeditions, minimizing its ecological footprint through features such as an ice-strengthened hull and a biodiesel-capable engine.The vessel accommodates up to 12 guests in seven cabins, including five doubles that can be converted to twins and two singles, all thoughtfully appointed with ensuite bathrooms and large windows to maximize natural light and create a spacious, inviting atmosphere. Designed with Scandinavian inspiration, the interiors reflect a sense of openness and tranquility, updated in 2023.A highlight of the Vikingfjord is its dedicated observation lounge, offering panoramic views of the polar landscape and serving as an educational hub for guests. Expert-led presentations provide insights into the unique wildlife and ecosystems of the region, enriching the overall experience. Post-exploration, guests can relax in the hot tub under the midnight sun, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Arctic.Vikingfjord allows guests to actively engage with the Arctic ecosystem, offering prime opportunities to observe wildlife such as whales, orcas, and polar bears. Equipped with two zodiacs, the ship enhances accessibility to remote areas, enabling thrilling explorations guided by experienced expedition leaders. Charter guests can also customize their itineraries according to their interests, discovering the untamed beauty of destinations like Svalbard and Greenland.With its sustainable design and commitment to preserving the pristine polar environment, Vikingfjord invites travelers to embrace a luxurious yet minimal-impact adventure in the Arctic.Credits: Ocean Independence
March 10, 2025
Turkish yard Alia Yachts has announced the sale of a custom-built 65-meter superyacht, currently under construction at its Antalya site. Provisionally designated as hull ALY651, the steel and aluminum project is destined to become the company's flagship upon delivery.The project marks a continuation of Alia Yachts' collaboration with Dutch studio Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, known for their work on the 45-meter San. For naval architecture, the project relies on Netherlands-based Diana Yacht Design, which promises to incorporate the capacities and amenities typical of an 80-meter yacht, including five cabins – featuring an owner's suite with a private lounge – and a hydraulic swimming pool that can be raised to create a large, open entertainment area on the main deck aft.Additional amenities include a hot tub on the sundeck and another, larger one on the foredeck reserved for the owner's exclusive use.Gökhan Çelik, President of Alia Yachts, expressed enthusiasm about the project, highlighting the shared passion for yachting and the expertise gained over decades. He expects the project to showcase the company's ability to integrate innovative design and modern technology with high-quality materials and finishing.Alia Yachts was founded in 2008 by Gokhan Çelik and Omer Koray. Located in the port of Antalya on the beautiful Turkish Riviera, Alia Yachts shipyard currently occupies approximately 8,000 m2, including three construction halls with their suites of specialist workshops and a dedicated interiors facility. With an additional 16,000 sq. m under development for 2019, Alia Yachts will rank among the top facilities in the region.Credits: Alia Yachts
March 10, 2025
Saxdor Yachts is gearing up for a prominent showing at the Palm Beach International Boat Show 2025, unveiling the U.S. debut of its Saxdor 340 GTWA. Following its successful introduction at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024, where it garnered considerable praise, the 340 GTWA is poised to make a splash in the U.S. market, showcasing its innovative design and all-weather versatility.Partnering with MarineMax as its exclusive dealer in the region, Saxdor is intensifying its reach in the United States, backed by a growing dealer network and enhanced after-sales support. The brand has registered double-digit growth in the U.S., particularly thriving in coastal areas, and is now expanding into central regions, targeting large lakes as new markets for its innovative products. The Saxdor 320 and 400 remain popular among American boaters, and the company is eager to introduce the 340 GTWA to broaden its offerings. Erna Rusi, CEO of Saxdor Yachts, emphasized the significance of launching the 340 GTWA in the U.S., stating that it adds to the brand’s fleet of eight models, providing greater choices for American boaters. Keith Miller, VP of North American Sales, noted that the 340 GTWA’s spacious layout, adaptability to varied weather conditions, and premium features make it an ideal fit for boaters in locations such as Florida, the Great Lakes, and the Pacific coast.Already receiving acclaim in Europe, the 340 GTWA has won several awards, including the Design Innovation Award 2024 and the Motorboat of the Show title at Helsinki Vene 25 Båt. It has also been nominated for the European Powerboat of the Year 2025, cementing its standing as a top contender in its category. With serial production underway, the 340 GTWA promises to raise the bar for performance, functionality, and style in the U.S. boating market. Looking ahead, Saxdor remains committed to fleet expansion and innovation, with the upcoming Saxdor 460 set to debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025. Simultaneously, the company is bolstering its production facilities in Finland and Poland to meet rising global demand while upholding high manufacturing standards.Since its inception in 2019, Saxdor Yachts has experienced exponential growth, producing over 1000 boats and capturing the industry’s attention with their innovative approach. Now, with the introduction of the Saxdor 400 GTO, Saxdor Yachts aims to make waves in the 40-45 ft sport boat market, leveling up from the game-changing entry-level 200 and mid-range 320 models.Credits: Saxdor Yachts
March 10, 2025
Damen Yachting has successfully relaunched the refurbished superyacht Albatross, formerly a 72.2-meter Delta Marine vessel, following a comprehensive 26-month refit and transformation. The relaunch took place in Vlissingen, marking the culmination of an extensive express refit executed by Damen Yachting, renowned for its expertise in both refits and new builds.Albatross underwent a remarkable transformation, with significant alterations to its exterior and interior. The project extended the yacht’s original length by seven meters, reconfiguring fundamental structural components. Notable additions include a Beach Club with a wellness center, a large exterior pool, and a Winter Garden, alongside expanded exterior seating areas. Despite the complexity of these modifications, the refit maintained essential characteristics of the original vessel while addressing the owners' specific desires.Michel Coens, Head of Refit & Services at Damen Yachting, praised the collaborative effort behind the project, noting the intricate engineering adjustments needed to ensure the yacht’s stability and performance. Challenges such as lifting exhaust systems and redesigning various systems were overcome through the collective expertise of Damen Yachting’s engineering and design teams.Captain Nathan Milicich highlighted the owners’ enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the seamless integration of tradition and innovation throughout the refit process. The relaunch signals the yacht’s readiness for future adventures, fulfilling the owners’ aspirations for a vessel that meets the highest standards of safety, beauty, and functionality.Albatross now measures 79.2 meters, with a gross tonnage of 2149 GT, and is designed to accommodate 12 guests, accompanied by 2 staff and 18 crew members, including the captain. The interior and exterior design work was executed by Harrison Eidsgaard, contributing to the yacht’s renewed elegance and functionality. Naval architecture was overseen by Damen Yachting, ensuring the integrity of the refit.This milestone illustrates Damen Yachting’s ability to breathe new life into existing vessels, combining technical mastery with creative vision to exceed owners’ expectations.Credits: Damen Yachting
March 7, 2025