Monaco Yacht Show 2025
Photographing a large yacht is as much an art as fashion photography. The legendary editor-in-chief of American Vogue, Diana Vreeland, once advised photographers: "Show the clothes." Creative freedom and the artist's ego should never overshadow the magazine's main purpose — to showcase the product. A yacht photographer must capture images that reveal the vision of the designers and shipyard while presenting the yacht as a dream worth making a reality.
There are stars behind the lens that are well-known to shipyards and yachting magazines alike. You may have seen their work on our pages. One of the top talents is French photographer Guillaume Plisson. His exhibition, "A Tribute to Yachting," will take place during the Monaco Yacht Show, with large-scale photos adorning Port Hercule. We highly recommend taking the time to appreciate his work before heading off to admire the latest superyachts in person.
This season boasts an array of exceptional premieres. It’s worth noting that many of the larger yachts from the Cannes Yachting Festival will make their way to Monaco, so for a complete picture, be sure to check out our Cannes review as well.
Breakthrough (118.8 m)
The largest yacht in Monaco this September, Breakthrough surpasses its nearest competitors by almost 40 meters and impresses with a host of innovations. Measuring 118.8 meters in length and 19 meters in width, it features the highest number of folding balconies and hull openings in Feadship's history. For the first time, hydrogen fuel cells have been used in the power system of a private vessel. While several similar projects are under construction at shipyards worldwide, as always, it’s significant who touches the water first.
The yacht is equipped with a cryogenic fuel tank capable of holding 92 cubic meters (approximately 4 tons) of hydrogen, 16 compact fuel cells connected to a DC electric grid, and exhaust systems for water vapor. Due to these additions, the original 115-meter design had to be extended by almost 4 meters. While hydrogen alone isn’t sufficient for long voyages, it is used during stationary periods and in protected areas. At anchor, the yacht can sustain a full week of silent operation with all life-support, air conditioning, and lighting systems running. For most of the journey, ABB azipods are powered by MTU generators using second-generation biofuel.
The megayacht also incorporates other eco-friendly technologies. For instance, one of the most advanced heat recovery systems to date heats the jacuzzi, steam room, pool on the aft deck, towel racks, guest bathroom floors, and even the air throughout the yacht. According to media reports, the owner of this groundbreaking yacht is Microsoft founder Bill Gates.
Valor (80 m)
Alongside Breakthrough, this Feadship yacht is one of the show’s most technologically advanced vessels. The diesel-electric system of this explorer giant operates on batteries and is powered by solar panels. Feadship engineers claim this is one of the most "green" and energy-efficient solutions to date, with enough charge for two days of zero-emission cruising. Valor successfully completed sea trials using biofuel made from hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), which reportedly reduces CO2 emissions by 90%.
This six-deck yacht, built with a steel hull, features a reinforced ice belt 2 meters wide, meeting Bureau Veritas Young Ice 2 class standards. This allows the owner to fulfill their dream of traversing the Northwest Passage. Additionally, heat exchangers have been installed to maximize energy efficiency, enabling Valor to handle harsh Arctic conditions.
Al Reem (80 m)
The third hull of Turkish shipyard Bilgin's 263 model is 20% more spacious than its predecessors, Tatiana and Leona. Hull contours have been refined, deck layouts adjusted, ventilation systems upgraded, and generators replaced with more powerful units. The wheelhouse was moved to the upper deck to improve visibility for the captain. Additionally, a pool was installed on the top deck.
The interiors are lavishly finished with noble woods, including dark Macassar, beautifully textured eucalyptus, and various types of marble. Al Reem can reach a top speed of 19 knots, consuming 280 liters of fuel per hour at a cruising speed of 12 knots.
Simena (61.61 m)
This ketch is the third-largest sailing yacht ever built in Turkey. With a steel hull and composite superstructure, it was designed by Turkish firm Taka Yacht Design, responsible for both the exterior and architecture. The interior, styled in classic maritime fashion, was developed by the UK-based studio Design Unlimited.
Built by Ares Yachts, Simena is equipped with two masts measuring 59.5 m and 48.7 m. In addition to its sails, it features a hybrid propulsion system, enabling silent cruising at 6 knots on electric power and a maximum speed of 14.5 knots using its diesel engines.
Katana (61.4 m)
The fourth in Perini Navi's series of 60-meter ketches, created in collaboration with naval architect Ron Holland. With a displacement of approximately 570 tons, the aluminum hull and superstructure live up to the yacht's name. Its sleek, sharp lines resemble the blade of a samurai sword. Carbon fiber masts, booms, and rigging ensure maximum lightness and strength. One of the yacht’s key innovations is a redesigned sail plan that improves handling and optimizes sailing performance. Additionally, a next-generation dynamic positioning system allows the yacht to maintain position and heading without using an anchor, making navigation safer and more comfortable.
The owner is Oracle founder Larry Ellison. Reports suggest the ketch was commissioned in 2017. The name and design reflect the software mogul’s well-known affinity for samurai aesthetics. Ellison’s Oracle teams have twice won the America’s Cup, and he previously captained the 56-meter Perini Navi Zenji.
O’Madeleine (60 m)
This superyacht by Greek company Golden Yachts is designed for charter. The main deck houses the owner’s suite, complete with a spacious dressing room and a marble-finished bathroom. The lower deck features four guest cabins, while the upper deck includes a VIP suite. Shared spaces include a sundeck with sun loungers, a bar, a lounge area, and a pool, as well as a main salon with a dining area and a beach club with a hammam, spa, bar, and relaxation zone.
The interior is distinguished by leather-upholstered ceilings with lighting that highlights the texture. Light oak was chosen as the primary material for the decor, complemented by vibrant accents, particularly in the cabins. Designer Alessandro Massari incorporated stingray leather, straw weaving in wall panels, handcrafted rugs, and carved marble.
Solemates (55 m)
Built on Heesen's successful 55m Steel platform with a fast displacement hull form (FDHF) by Van Oossanen and exterior design by Omega Architects, Solemates falls into the semi-custom category but feels entirely bespoke inside.
The interior was crafted by Silvia Margutti of Luca Dini Design and Architecture alongside Heesen’s experienced team. From the rich color palette to details like the main staircase with acrylic panels inlaid with gold leaf and crystals, and the enlarged jacuzzi on the sundeck, every aspect is meticulously designed to delight the owner.
This new Heesen yacht, boasting an impressive volume of 760 gross tons and an efficient steel hull, is designed for comfortable, long-range cruising. It successfully underwent sea trials in the North Sea before delivery.
Raja2 (55.3 m)
This aluminum yacht stands out with its distinctive feature: a wide helipad at the bow, finished in teak. Add a DJ booth, and it could double as a dance floor! The aft section offers ample outdoor relaxation space and a spacious beach club. The upper deck includes lounge areas, a sunbathing spot, and a jacuzzi. The owner’s suite, located on the main deck, features a bedroom, living room, bathroom, and a private balcony. The lower deck accommodates five additional guest cabins. The yacht’s interior, designed by the shipyard’s team, combines modern trends with classic elements.
Rose (55 m)
The first hull of the Tankoa T55 Sportiva model includes an underwater lounge. The 55-meter yacht Rose, created by Luca Dini and Piero Lissoni, offers something special for its guests — the Nemo Lounge, a salon partially located below the waterline, providing breathtaking views of the underwater world through its windows. The T55’s steel hull and aluminum superstructure conceal up to 500 gross tons of luxury. Designers have transformed the beach club at the stern into the centerpiece of relaxation, featuring a spacious beach area with a pool and a wellness oasis hidden behind glass doors.
The first hull includes four guest cabins on the lower deck, though the design allows for a layout with five guest cabins. The owner's suite, located on the main deck, is a true retreat with its own private terrace and an open-air jacuzzi. The T55 Sportiva boasts a hybrid propulsion system, enabling a top speed of 16.5 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots. At 12 knots, the yacht can travel 3,800 nautical miles without refueling.
Camila (49.95 m)
Bilgin is presenting the second hull of its 163 model, which received high praise last year when Eternal Spark debuted in Monaco.
Camila features six double cabins, accommodating up to 12 guests in comfort. The owner's suite on the main deck includes a bedroom, luxurious bathroom, and private office. The yacht’s spacious open decks offer numerous relaxation options, including a generous beach club with a refreshing ice fountain and bar, a 21-meter sundeck, and an aft terrace on the wheelhouse deck. In the public areas, particularly the main salon, the high ceilings and panoramic windows are especially striking.
Designers have incorporated wood, glass, exclusive fabrics, and chrome accents. The decor emphasizes natural materials and flowing lines, with dark mirrors and metallic mesh used to create an illusion of infinite space.
Ocean Angel (44 m)
Ocean King is entering the segment of explorer yachts over 40 meters. Two hulls of the new DOGE 400 series have already been delivered this year. Named Ocean Angel, this yacht will proudly represent its family and the shipyard's potential at the Monaco Yacht Show this September.
The exterior was designed by Design aLOT, based on Lake Iseo, while the interior was crafted by BurdissoCapponi Yachts & Design from Ravenna. The yacht accommodates ten passengers and a crew of seven. Its commercial-grade steel hull is paired with an aluminum superstructure, and the stern features a beach club with a sauna and hammam, as well as a hidden telescopic crane for launching a 6.25-meter tender.
The yacht has a top speed of 15 knots and a cruising speed of 13 knots, with a range of 4,000 nautical miles — enough for transatlantic voyages. All technical spaces are optimized to ensure reliability during extended journeys far from port infrastructure.
Pleiades (33.5 m)
Another yacht at the show that highlights the versatility of designer Luca Dini. Pleiades stands out for its classic lines and timeless elegance. The hull was developed by Names Studio's Francesco Rogantin in collaboration with Codecasa engineers, ensuring excellent seakeeping capabilities.
The layout includes an elegant salon and veranda on the main deck, another salon on the bridge deck, an owner’s suite, four guest cabins, two twin crew cabins, and a captain’s cabin. According to the shipyard, this configuration provides "a balance between shared and private spaces," and the superyacht represents "the perfect blend of Italian maritime tradition and cutting-edge technological innovation."
Powered by two MAN V12 diesel engines with 1,550 hp each, the yacht can reach a top speed of 19 knots and has a range of over 1,200 nautical miles at 12 knots.
