The best yacht concepts showcased at the Monaco Yacht Show 2017

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.

Italian yard Tankoa Yachts teamed up with Exclusiva Design for a new 72 metre concept called Progetto Bolide. Fabio Mazzeo, director of design at Exclusiva, said: “Tankoa is not looking to produce huge numbers, but to concentrate instead on superior quality, the direct consequence of the passion that permeates the entire company. Therefore Tankoa was seen and is seen as the perfect partner for our Projetto Bolide."

Superstructure glass is the key feature, with 260 square metres of glazing giving spectacular views out to sea. Meanwhile, the aft deck swimming pool can be drained and the floor raised to create a highly flexible entertaining space. Power would come from a pair of 2,682hp Caterpillar 3512B engines for a top speed of 18 knots and a 6,000 nautical mile range at 12.5 knots.

Sculptural exteriors help to create a muscular, contemporary appearance of the new 66 metre concept Avanti, which was created by Winch Design for Heesen Yachts. The raised pilothouse ensures a sporty low profile, while the stepped aft deck encourages interaction with the sea via a broad staircase. Other key features include a five-metre infinity pool, foredeck tender garage, and the option for a fully-fledged superyacht spa on the lower deck, complete with gym, hammam and sauna.

Following the recent sales of a SeaXplorer 65 and a SeaXplorer 75, Damen has gone smaller with its latest proposal for the range, which is called the SeaXplorer 55. Despite its shorter LOA of 55.7 metres, the new design is just as capable as its bigger sisters, with an aft-deck superyacht helipad, suitable for an Airbus EC-135, and a clever tender storage system that allows an 11.28 metre XO 360 expedition boat to be carried.

Mark Vermeulen, product director at Damen, added: “The SeaXplorer 55 is a luxury yacht with real go-anywhere, do-anything expedition pedigree. It has the seakeeping performance and Ice Class capability, but we also offer lots of options for our clients — from full fairing and custom interiors to tailor-made configurations for their expedition equipment.”

An unashamedly rugged explorer yacht, Maverick 55 is the first design born of a new partnership between Italian yard Rossinavi and Gian Paolo Nari. The 1,050GT volume is notably high for a 55.2 metre yacht, with the swimming pool and tender storage brought indoors, allowing for comfortable relaxation even in polar climates. Nari adds that the Maverick 55 has been designed for spending months on end at sea.

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.”

Glider Yachts' first SS18 certainly turned heads at this year's Monaco show, with its wave-piercing design and striking blue exterior. The British yard now plans to go bigger with a 24 metre version called the SL24. This limousine tender is offered with either private-jet inspired interiors or a more traditional layout, which can seat up to 12 passengers. A 2,000hp engine set-up promises scorching speeds of up to 56 knots, while the SLX24 piles on even more power — 4,200hp in total for a top speed of 76 knots.

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.