The most anticipated parts of the Monaco Yacht Show, according to the Digital team

When it comes to the Monaco Yacht Show, the headlines are often reserved for the biggest, newest and most expensive yachts on display – and rightly so. But ask anyone who goes year after year and they’ll tell you the real magic happens elsewhere too: in conversations with designers unveiling their latest creations, in the chance encounters that spark new business, and yes, at the legendary parties. From yacht-spotting on the quays to catching the inside scoop on brokerage trends, BOAT International's Digital Editorial team share the moments they’re most looking forward to at this year’s show. Put names to faces below...

Hearing from the new leaders of industry

"I’ve been amazed at the number of new ownership and leadership announcements this past year. Oceanco, Heesen, Nobiskrug, Feadship and Sunseeker are only some of the industry’s major players to have undergone a recent structural change, and in each case, a new visionary promises to usher in a fresh set of strategic objectives. The Monaco Yacht Show offers the first opportunity to hear from many of these figures directly, and is often the only occasion during the year where we receive an official performance update to gauge how the market is performing relative to previous years. I’m also interested to do a bit of people watching at the show this year, but only to see how the consumer demographic is shifting – especially as more and more wealth continues to accumulate among the younger generations. Don't forget to subscribe for our free daily BOATPro news by completing the sign-up box below." 

– Gabrielle Lazaridis, Business Editor

Scouting candidates for the Artistry and Craft Awards

"This will be my first Monaco Yacht Show – and I’ll be splitting my time between stepping on board headline yachts and recording for our BOAT Briefing podcast. But what I’m most eager to explore are the interiors. After a year spent inside shipyards and design studios, it will be exciting to see those conversations brought to life and unpack the latest design trends – from sculptural staircases to hand-worked marquetry and bespoke furniture. These details often go unnoticed, yet they’re what transform a yacht into a work of art, and the very reason BOAT's Artistry and Craft Awards were created. On my hit list is the 79.5-metre Feadship superyacht Valor, whose interiors British studio Bannenberg & Rowell teased on Instagram as “the best [they] have ever made.” With craftsmanship like that on display, I have a feeling my Sunday Editor’s Choice newsletter is going to be a very tough edit…”

– Holly Margerrison, Online Editor

Being the first to report new projects, launches and debuts 

"This year's press schedule is absolutely packed – and I'll be contributing to-the-minute updates of the show's news on BOAT's live blog. There have been whispers about an 80-metre-plus Turquoise project, which I'm very excited to see unveiled, as well as something special from British studio H2 Yacht Design. The debuts are also a key draw for me. Of course, I want to see the flagship attendee, Breakthrough, up close. But I'm also curious about a 24.1-metre model from heritage Italian brand Picchiotti. Created by Luca Dini, the neo-classic yacht has been coined a "rebirth" for Picchiotti, as one of Italy's oldest established shipyards. At the moment, all we have are renderings – so the anticipation is building!"

– Dea Jusufi, News Editor

Witnessing a history-maker

"There are always one or two buzzy yachts at the Monaco Yacht Show that make your heart leap, but the one I am most excited to see this year is Breakthrough. Currently listed for sale, Feadship’s once-secretive 118.8-metre Project 821 has been grabbing all the headlines – not least because she is currently the largest superyacht ever built in Holland, eclipsing 118-metre Launchpad by a whopping 1767GT volume, but she is also rewriting the rulebook when it comes to green propulsion. Very few yachts can claim to be emissions-free, but thanks to her pioneering fuel cell system that runs on compressed liquid hydrogen, Breakthrough can cruise between harbours or anchorages and supply the yacht’s hotel load and amenities – impressive for a yacht that size. No matter what comes next in yachting’s green evolution, Breakthrough arrives at a defining moment." 

- Lucy Dunn, Content Director

Testing the pulse of the brokerage market

"The Monaco Yacht Show is always a good indicator for the brokerage market, and this year’s line-up of yachts for sale is no exception. I’m excited to see how the big ticket listings perform, including Amels’ Energy (asking €199,000,000 with Burgess and Fraser) and Lürssen’s Gigia (asking €169,000,000 with Burgess), as well as those headline-grabbing superyachts that have been more quietly on the market until now. Historically, the show has been a catalyst for serious offers and closing deals, and with recent reported growth in yacht sales year-on-year, it could be an interesting year for the market in Port Hercule."

– Emily Dawkins, Content Editor

Sparking conversation across socials

"The Monaco Yacht Show isn’t just about what’s on the docks – it’s about how those moments are shared with the world. From debuts and design reveals to yachts for sale or charter, the story now extends far beyond the show itself. This season, BOAT is refreshing our social coverage, capturing everything from the largest superyachts to the smallest design details, and sharing the atmosphere onboard the most talked-about vessels. Follow along on our LinkedIn and Instagram for updates and see which launches steal the spotlight. And don't forget to join our WhatsApp channel for live news bulletins as they happen – click here to download!"

– Naomi Wilson, Head of Social Media

Meeting old (and new) contacts

"The Monaco Yacht Show is as much about the people as it is the yachts. It brings the whole industry together, and having the right place to sit down for a chat can make all the difference. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of great hangouts in and around the show. Members of the Yacht Club de Monaco can take advantage of its perks as a quieter, more exclusive place to meet. On the western side of the marina, you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants for a bite to eat, with La Rascasse a favourite among show-goers. The Upper Deck Lounge, located in the Parvis Piscine tent on Quai Albert Ier, serves as the show’s official hospitality lounge and is ideal for a calm sit-down meeting away from the bustle. A little further afield, Café de Paris is always buzzing with yacht folk between meetings, while the Fairmont Monte Carlo bar remains a classic rendezvous point."

– Hannah Rankine, Commercial Content Editor