A UK firm has cleaned up at the Monaco Yacht Show, where themes of sustainability were again prevalent, writes Arun Kakar
London-based Winch Design and sustainable issues were the talk of the 29th annual Monaco Yacht Show, which had its most opulent year yet, with $4.25 billion-worth of floating luxury on display.
More than 120 superyachts and a reported 30,000 visitors were present on the Riviera, where the average asking price for a vessel stood at $41.5 million.
As with last year, issues of sustainability and environmental accountability were high on the agenda.
Prince Albert’s third Monte Carlo Gala drew A-list stars Robert Redford and Nicole Kidman in the name of raising cash to combat climate change.
‘This is the time for collective responsibility, a shared commitment, a joint undertaking. This is time for generosity,’ the prince declared at a ceremony that included such auction items as a custom Aston Martin Rapide prototype and a private musical evening with Andrea Bocelli.
The show also saw the unveiling of Aqua, a concept of the world’s first hydrogen-powered superyacht. Designed by Dutch firm Sinot, the 111m model would run solely on liquid hydrogen and fuel cell technology.
The sustainable theme was also prominent with Tankoa’s Bintador, which features a hybrid engine, and Sanlorenzo’s 64-metre Antila, which won the MYS/RINA award for the most eco-friendly yacht.
At the annual awards, Winch Design took home three awards from a possible four in an unprecedented dominant display. Its designs for Abeking & Rasmussen’s 80m Excellence won for finest new superyacht as well as for best exterior.
Judges praised its ‘striking bow’ and ‘visionary disrupting layout’. The vessel features a swimming pool and platform, Jacuzzi, sprawling beach club and limousine tenders. Winch also won for its interior designs on Lürssen’s 111m Tis – the largest vessel on display at this year’s festivities.
Taking inspiration from the Palace of Versailles, was among the most extravagant superyachts at the show, with two helicopter pads, a 12m swimming pool and one of the most elaborate staircases you’re likely to come across at sea.
‘It is testament to the skill, versatility and dedication of our design teams that Excellence and Tis, two yachts with entirely different spirits and inspiration, have captured the attention of the yachting world and taken home the awards that they deserve,’ Winch’s director of yachts and aviation Jim Dixon tells Spear’s of the haul.
Best in show
This was a show with no shortage of admirable vessels. Here are four of them:
The 106 metre Amadea showcased its sophisticated and complex design features, themed on outdoor living. The yacht boasts a ten-metre infinity pool, extensive sunbath area and intimate relaxation areas in a distinctive ‘clamshell’ design.
Lürssen’s 90 metre Phoenix II, which was refitted this year, is one of the most luxurious yachts on the seas, with designs courtesy of Winch. It has more than 100 metres of stainless steel handrails, uniquely fitted to suit its design.
The 85-metre BOLD, from Australian builder Silveryachts, was one of the most technologically impressive yachts on display. The explorer, which debuted with a 21-day maiden voyage, has a notably naval look and has special hydrodynamics developed for high speed long range cruising.
Dragon, the new flagship from Colombus yachts, was built in just 27 months. Arising from the advanced engineering of Hydro Tec, it combines contemporary flourishes with timeless elegance. The 80-metre vessel is classically all-white and can accommodate up to 14 people with 21 crew members.
Images: © Monaco Yacht Show © MC Clic © Tomvano
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