The Mediterranean summer yachting season came to a spectacular close in the final days of September, with a fleet of the world’s most luxurious motor yachts and sailing yachts for sale and charter converging in Monaco’s Port Hercules for the Monaco Yacht Show 2017. From VIP yacht viewings to glittering cocktail parties at the Yacht Club, the Monaco Yacht Show 2017 did not fail to live up to its reputation for exclusivity, glamour, and above all, a stunning display of yachts. Many aspects of the event’s 27th edition were even better than ever, with the new Superyacht Lifestyle exhibition area showcasing the latest supercar models on the Car Deck, a sensational Tenders & Toys zone, the luxurious Starboard Lounge, and the Holland Pavilion.
Superyachts on Show
There were 125 superyachts on display at this year’s show, amassing a combined total worth of over 3 billion dollars. As always, the new launches were the event’s big news: 40 yachts made their global debuts. Moreover, many new-build projects were announced by some of the world’s premium shipyards. New watertoys also made a big splash; news emerged of a new submarine collaboration between Triton Submarines and Aston Martin.
Big Performers at the Monaco Yacht Show 2017
As the world’s leading luxury yachting brokerage, Fraser had an impressive fleet on display, with 7 yachts exhibited in the show and 10 at anchor, including M/Y LEGEND, M/Y ANASTASIA, M/Y ICON, and M/Y OKTO.
Celebrating the company’s 70th year in operation, Fraser elected to do things a bit differently to mark the occasion, foregoing the expected anniversary party and instead of announcing a number of charitable new partnerships – each of which stands to benefit the company and the future of yachting, as well as the wellbeing of the environment. The partnerships were announced at a press breakfast on-board M/Y SCOUT and Fraser also took the opportunity to report its performance thus far in 2017.
Fraser Shares Market Intelligence at the Monaco Yacht Show 2017
The CEO of Fraser, Raphael Sauleau, announced a strong year so far, with an industry-leading sales performance. Fraser has already sold 32 yachts in 2017, and has enjoyed a strong summer charter season. Mr. Sauleau also shared market intelligence about the year so far across the industry, with the welcome news that 2017 is outpacing 2016 for yacht sales, albeit with a slightly lower average price of the transaction.
Caribbean Season Projections
One important topic of conversation was the upcoming Caribbean season in the wake of the recent hurricanes. Mr. Sauleau shared some cautiously optimistic news that no Caribbean yacht charters have been canceled and that major yachting destinations are planning to open in time for the winter season.
The War on Plastic
Fraser has made the news this year due to its partnership with the Plastic Oceans Foundation. The brokerage has lent its name to the cause and has encouraged its large global fleet of yachts to minimise plastic usage. Part of this initiative includes the promotion of the Can O’ Water product. The idea is to replace plastic water bottles on yachts with stylish and resealable aluminum cans. These environmental initiatives took the limelight at the brokerage’s press breakfast on 27th September 2017.
The Porsche Partnership
Also discussed at the press breakfast was the leading brokerage’s strategic partnership with Porsche. A fleet of hybrid Porsche Panameras was on hand to ferry VIP clients of Fraser around the show. Fraser and Porsche launched the ‘Ultimate Service’ earlier in 2017, through which Fraser yachting clients can rent new racing Porsches to be delivered to their yacht, and can elect to take part in incredible driving experiences, such as a track day at Le Mans. The Ultimate Service will be available in Miami this winter season.
Looking Forward to FLIBS
The Monaco Yacht Show may be over for another year, but the superyacht industry now turns its attention to the next major event on the yachting calendar: the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. FLIBS is the largest in-water yacht show on earth and stretches across 7 locations. In 2017, it will run between the 1st and 5th of November.
