From September 23 to 26, Monaco will once again become the center of the yachting world as Port Hercule welcomes companies from across the industry.
Around 120 superyachts will be on display, some more than 100 meters long, with the event’s success putting increasing pressure on Port Hercule’s limited space.
At the helm this year is Toby Moore, CEO of Informa Prestige, whose portfolio includes the Monaco Yacht Show, Top Marques, Art Monte-Carlo, and Boat International.
With 20 years of experience in journalism and publishing, Moore has succeeded Gaëlle Tallarida as head of the show.
You are taking over an already successful brand. Is your vision one of continuity, or do you want to take it in new directions?
Since 1991, the Monaco Yacht Show has established itself as a global benchmark for the superyacht industry. Our goal is to remain a leading decision-making hub and an essential facilitator for the entire sector. Rather than rewriting its history, we want to strengthen its foundations before developing new strategic directions that place the show at the heart of a broader, more interconnected luxury ecosystem. The first trend is the growing convergence of luxury sectors, including yachting, automotive, and art. Affluent clients no longer compartmentalize their passions. They see them as different expressions of the same lifestyle. The second is the launch in March 2027 of Future of Refit, the world’s first B2B event dedicated to yacht refit and maintenance, a market worth between $3 billion and $5 billion a year. Finally, we are expanding Blue Wake, the Monaco Yacht Show’s program highlighting environmental solutions, to promote higher environmental standards throughout the yacht life cycle, from shipbuilding to brokerage and fleet management.
Setting up the Monaco Yacht Show causes significant disruption in the city every year. What are you doing to limit the impact?
Transforming Port Hercule into a 16,000-square-meter temporary village in just 25 days, on such a constrained site, is an enormous logistical and human challenge. To minimize the impact on daily life, we work closely with the State, the police, the National Council, and the SEPM to coordinate road access and schedule deliveries during off-peak hours. We also optimize traffic flows and access to the port. The setup is phased by logistical zone so that traffic and commercial activity in the city center can continue for as long as possible.
Which yachts stand out this year?
So far, 120 superyachts have been registered, including 45 world premieres. Among them are yachts over 100 meters long, including Oceanco’s Leviathan, at 111 meters, and Lürssen’s Nixie, at 102 meters. Both feature diesel-electric hybrid propulsion. It’s striking to see this environmental shift reaching vessels of this size. We also have 72 tenders, the largest fleet ever assembled at the show. The area devoted to outdoor adventure and water sports continues to expand as well.
What are the main changes visitors will notice?
The Designer Gallery has been completely redesigned to encourage greater interaction with naval architects. Visitors will be able to explore future interior design concepts virtually and in high definition. We are also launching the Boat Lounge, a space dedicated to discussion and exchange, with podcast recordings and sessions designed to demystify yacht ownership and the buying process. The VIP Prestige program has also been expanded, giving serious buyers exclusive access, a bespoke concierge service, and a dedicated VIP lounge.
Superyachts were once seen primarily as symbols of status and ostentation. Are owners using them differently today?
We are seeing a major sociological shift away from ostentation. The goal is no longer simply “to be seen,” but “to go somewhere.” There is much more emphasis on purpose and experience. Buyers are looking for a private sanctuary, but also a highly connected family space where they can work remotely while spending time with loved ones. Overly elaborate interiors are giving way to more minimalist designs, softer architectural lines, and natural, authentic materials such as fine walnut, raw leather, and natural stone. There is also growing interest in expedition yachts and more compact exploration vessels under 50 meters, capable of reaching remote and unspoiled destinations such as the Arctic or Pacific atolls. Well-being and longevity are also increasingly central to yacht design, with spas, lighting adapted to circadian rhythms, meditation spaces, and biohacking equipment becoming more common.
Yachting buyers are getting younger. How is that changing the sales process?
The average age has fallen from around 60 to 50, with a growing number of buyers in their thirties and forties coming from tech, digital, and finance. That has completely changed the commercial relationship. Data now matters more than marketing language. Buyers want concrete, verified information on fuel consumption, carbon footprints, and detailed operating costs. Even before contacting a broker, they often consult a much broader circle of advisers. As a result, the comparison process is more thorough, and negotiations are more demanding.
What other trends are you seeing across the industry?
Sustainability is one of the biggest. Hybrid and diesel-electric propulsion are becoming increasingly common on new builds, alongside the integration of solar panels. We are also seeing growth in exploration yachts, as I mentioned, as well as luxury multihulls. The market remains resilient, and yachts currently on order are getting larger, with an average length of 40.8 meters. The brokerage market also remains extremely active, with transactions exceeding €4 billion in the first half of the year.
Yachting involves huge transactions, complex legal structures, and numerous intermediaries. The AMSF classifies the sector as high-risk for money laundering. How does the Monaco Yacht Show protect itself?
Our role is not to intervene directly in private transactions, but to provide a highly rigorous, transparent, and secure framework for the show. We require exhibitors to comply with all applicable international regulations. Each exhibitor must verify their own status, that of their beneficial owners, and the ownership of the assets they present at the show, ensuring that no individual or legal entity is subject to sanctions in the United States, Europe, or the United Kingdom. We also carry out our own checks and reserve the right to refuse or exclude an exhibitor where a compliance risk has been identified.
What role is artificial intelligence beginning to play in yachting?
AI is playing an increasingly important role, but its main purpose is to become an invisible part of the infrastructure. It can reduce engineering and design lead times by as much as 70%. By continuously analyzing data from generators and engines, it also enables predictive maintenance, reducing the risk of breakdowns at sea and helping optimize operating costs. On board, AI can manage energy use, lighting, and air conditioning seamlessly and without human intervention. But while it can simplify complex or time-consuming tasks, it is not intended to replace craftsmanship, a designer’s touch, trust in a business relationship, or the emotion of being on board.