Words: Rory FH Smith
Despite motor shows continuing to die a slow death, all is going swimmingly when it comes to their uber-exclusive superyacht counterparts. With events taking place throughout the year, from the Mediterranean to Miami, the jewel in the crown of the yacht show calendar is, with little doubt, Monaco. For over three decades, this harbour nation has welcomed some of the greatest floating homes on the planet, and this year is no exception, with Port Hercule packed to the rafters with the latest offerings from the world’s best-known shipyards, designers and brokers.
Taking place between 27–30 September, the show will feature over 200 boats, as well as all the toys that’ll go with them, from submarines to supercars and waterslides. For a few fortunate individuals, it’s a chance to go shopping and sign on the line for the ultimate show of wealth. Yet, for the vast majority, it’s a sneak peek inside a super-exclusive world lived on the high seas.
Here’s our pick of the vessels to see this year…
Phoenix 2
Sailing in to fill the 95-metre space left after Kismet was sold just days ahead of the show is the equally impressive Phoenix 2, for sale with broker Cecil Wright for €124.95m (EU VAT paid).
Built in 2010, for the late Polish billionaire Jan Kulczyk, her exterior and interior are inspired by ‘Manhattan art deco opulence’, and she carries a beauty salon, cinema room and spa, alongside a hot-tub on the roof, a beach club and a gym. With plenty of room for 12 guests – and more than double that in crew – Phoenix 2 is one of the finest creations currently on the market.
Savannah
Few can rival Savannah’s sheer presence, and, this year, she’s up for sale for the first time, with broker Edmiston. Launched by Feadship’s De Vries shipyard in 2015, Savannah scooped three ShowBoats Design Awards, a World Superyacht Award in her category, and the coveted Motor Yacht of the Year award straight off the bat. Sporting an innovative hybrid propulsion system and some of the sleekest lines on water, it’s easy to see why.
Among her many novel features is the Nemo lounge – a Bond-villain-esque glazed hall that sits halfway below the waterline, enabling guests to sit back and sip a cocktail while admiring all that goes on under the waves. Aside from that, there’s the usual offering of a nine-metre swimming pool, a gym, a spa and hammam, as well as a golf driving range and basketball court, all beautifully – and tastefully – finished. Having undergone a major refit in 2020, which cost upwards of €9m, the yacht is now for sale for an undisclosed fee.
Carinthia VII
Built for Heidi Horten – the widow of German department store owner Helmut Horten – in 2002 by Lürssen, the 97m Carinthia VII is the longer and larger follow up to Carinthia VI, which was commissioned by Helmut, in 1971. With its deep-blue hull colour disguising the darkened windows on the main deck, Carinthia VII’s unconventional styling, penned by Tim Heywood, hides its size from a distance, giving the impression of a continuous hull.
As with Horten’s previous yacht, photographs have never been published of the inside, leaving us guessing as to her interior tastes. Fresh from a refit, she now has updated exterior decks, with a new lounge and living areas, as well as a 12m pool and a fitness room.
Want more nautical content? Read about Obsidian, Feadship’s first biofuel-powered superyacht…
Become a Gentleman’s Journal member. Find out more here.
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
