The best yacht concepts showcased at the Monaco Yacht Show 2017

This year was a particularly busy one for new concepts announced at the Monaco Yacht Show. We round up the best of the best, starting with the 120 metre Project Nature.

Straight from the drawing boards of Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design, this ambitious concept is true to its name, with a climate-controlled superyacht garden on board. Meanwhile, those who prefer to observe the nature around them should head straight to the bow observatory, complete with telescopes for gazing out of the large floor-to-ceiling windows. The studio adds that this 4,950GT yacht would be built from a steel hull and aluminium superstructure to LY3 standards, giving accommodation for up to 18 guests and 50 crewmembers.

Dutch yard Amels used this year’s Monaco Yacht Show to showcase its new 111.7 metre concept Pollux. Developed in collaboration with British design studio H2 Yacht Design, this 4,750GT superyacht would be fully PYC compliant, allowing for 20 guests and 48 crewmembers.

Jonny Horsfield, director of H2 Yacht Design, said: “Our ambition was a design that drew on the Amels DNA and heritage, but didn’t simply reproduce existing details.”

Italian designer Roberto Curto has created one of the most talked about superyacht projects of the year in the form of 101 metre Mauna Kea. Named after a Hawaiian volcano, this design features two large superyacht staircases that cascade down from the upper deck.

Chinese yard Pride Mega Yachts used the Monaco Yacht Show 2017 to show off its new 94.7 metre in-house design Red Star, which boasts striking red topsides befitting of its name. Key features include a richly decorated main saloon with dark panelling, Chinese-style wooden sculptures and silk carpets.

The dining room can seat 18 guests around a large circular table, while the upper deck saloon is designated as a men's club, complete with cigar lounge, games table, bar area and home cinema. Accommodation is for up to 20 guests and 30 crewmembers, and the yard estimates a top speed of 16 knots and a globetrotting range of 7,000 nautical miles at 12 knots.

Classic Italian traditions and modern design sensibilities are combined in this new 90 metre concept from Fincantieri Yachts and British studio Claydon Reeves. The most striking aspect is the aft deck with its cantilevered seating area that surrounds the spa pool to create an amphitheatre effect. What's more, this area is ideal for hosting movie nights thanks to its adjacent outdoor cinema screen.

Studio co-founder James Claydon adds that the owner's deck has been carefully designed to allow discreet al fresco relaxation. "It is not overlooked by the bridge sight lines, providing privacy for its vast sofas, loungers and Jacuzzi,” he explains. Meanwhile, March & White has developed the interiors - its second yachting project after the recently delivered 123 metre Al Lusail.

Dutch yard Heesen Yachts has had the capacity to build a new flagship yacht for more than a year now and it used its Monaco Yacht Show press conference to showcase designer Clifford Denn's bold vision of the largest Heesen yacht to date. The 83 metre Project Maximus features a spectacular aft deck swimming pool, fed by a waterfall and accompanied by an adjacent fire pit. “It’s large boat thinking that puts the owner’s needs first,” Denn adds.

One of the more secretive announcements made at the Monaco Yacht Show was the news that Wally has teamed up with German yard Nobiskrug and British studio Winch Design for an 83 metre explorer yacht. The project is without a name at this stage and all details are officially being kept under wraps, but Boat International understands that the aft deck would feature a pair of fresh water swimming pools measuring two metres by 20 metres, giving plenty of room for owners who like to swim lengths.

Described as a “mega sloop”, MM78 is the new 78 metre sailing yacht concept from Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design, which was developed in response to a client request. MM78 balances sailing performance considerations with luxury features — a lifting keel and square-top mainsail promise a superb cruising experience, while the five-stateroom layout boasts full-height windows, a 7.5 metre swimming pool, and an owner’s apartment that spreads out across 150 square metres.

Italian yard Benetti Yachts turned to the world of civil architecture to inspire its new 77 metre concept Se77antasette. Designer Fernando Romero is best known for his work on the Soumaya Museum and Mexico City International Airport and his superyacht concept shows complete disregard for tradition, with the decks flowing into one-another and a 1.5 metre deep plunge pool on the foredeck.

Italian yard Baglietto teamed up with Mulder Design for its new 70 metre concept Sestante, which was introduced to the yachting world at Monaco 2017. Sharp and purposeful lines give this design a striking profile, while the flexible aft deck features freestanding furniture that can be arranged in a wide variety of configurations.

Michele Gavino, CEO of Baglietto, added: “We have put great efforts into research and project development over the last few years to define different platforms having a contemporary design and able to ensure maximum comfort and performance."