The best yacht concepts showcased at the Monaco Yacht Show 2017

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.

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."

AES Yacht will make a big splash in 2018 with its debut yacht, the 68 metre Days, and it has already set its sights even higher with preliminary drawings for a 75 metre yacht unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show 2017. Interior volume has been a key priority for design studio Hot Lab, who promise that the Ice 75 will set new records for its class.

The evolution of Moonen Yachts continues with the eagerly anticipated Navarino concept. This new 47 metre monocoque design is highly customisable and stays below the all-important 500GT mark. Managing director Emile Bilterijst explains that the underlying idea was to challenge the assumption that explorer yachts have to exhibit a masculine aesthetic. "We have moved away from the stereotypical image of explorer-type yachts as ‘toys for the boys’," he said. "There is no golden rule which says world traveller superyachts need to have a masculine design.”

Following on from the launch of its 46 metre superyacht support vessel Charley earlier this year, Australian yard Echo Yachts used the Monaco Yacht Show 2017 to showcase its new 50 metre concept. Called Project Echo, this 50 metre support vessel was developed in collaboration with design studio Bannenberg & Rowell and naval architects Incat Crowther. A custom-designed launch and recovery system allows Project Echo to carry a Triton submersible, while the spacious aft deck is ideal for landing a helicopter.

Dickie Bannenberg adds: “Echo Yachts are able to offer many technical and yacht finish options to suit any need and it has been a pleasure working with them.”

Claydon Reeves made waves earlier this year when it revealed its latest collaboration with Rolls-Royce and the concept was given its Monaco debut in the form of a new video (above).

The 19.8 metre Aeroboat S6 is the ultimate day cruiser with a highly flexible Aerostairs boarding platform, which can rise up to provide seamless pontoon access or lower into the water — a graceful way to start your morning swim.