Ready for the show
A photoshoot of a large yacht is as much an art as fashion photography. The legendary editor-in-chief of American Vogue, Diana Vreeland, once instructed photographers: "Show the clothes." Creative freedom and the artist's ego should not overshadow the magazine's primary function — showcasing the product. A yacht photographer must capture images that reveal the designer's and shipyard's vision, and, of course, present the yacht as a dream one would want to make a reality.
There are stars of the lens known to all shipyards and yachting magazines. You may have seen their work on our pages. One of the top masters is French photographer Guillaume Plisson. His exhibition "Tribute to Yachting" will take place during the Monaco Yacht Show. Large-scale photos will adorn Port Hercule. We highly recommend paying attention to them before heading out to admire another superyacht in person.
Especially since this season boasts many remarkable premieres. Note that a significant portion of large yachts from the Cannes Yachting Festival will smoothly transition to Monaco, so for a complete picture, check out its review as well.
Breakthrough (118.8 m)
The largest yacht in Monaco this September, Breakthrough surpasses its closest competitors by nearly 40 meters and impresses with numerous innovations. It measures 118.8 meters in length and 19 meters in width. It has the highest number of folding balconies and hull openings in Feadship's history. For the first time in private yacht propulsion, hydrogen fuel cells have been used. Several similar projects are currently under construction at shipyards worldwide, but, as always, what matters is who touches the water first.
It is equipped with a cryogenic fuel tank holding 92 cubic meters (about 4 tons) of hydrogen, 16 compact fuel cells connected to a DC power grid, and exhausts for water vapor. Due to all this, the original 115-meter project had to be extended by nearly 4 meters. For long voyages, hydrogen alone is insufficient, so it is used during stops and visits to protected areas. At anchor, it can provide a week of silence with fully operational life support, air conditioning, and lighting systems. During most journeys, ABB azipods will receive energy from MTU generators burning second-generation biofuel.
The megayacht also features other environmentally friendly technologies. For example, one of the most advanced heat recovery systems today heats the jacuzzi, steam bath, aft deck pool, towel racks, floors in guest bathrooms, and air throughout the yacht. According to media reports, its owner is Microsoft founder Bill Gates.
Valor (80 m)
Alongside Breakthrough, this Feadship yacht is one of the most interesting at the show in terms of technological equipment. The diesel-electric propulsion system of this explorer giant operates on batteries and is powered by solar panels. Feadship engineers claim it is one of the most "green" and energy-efficient solutions today, with enough charge for two days of zero-carbon cruising. Valor successfully passed sea trials using biofuel derived from hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), which reportedly reduces CO2 emissions by 90%.
The six-deck yacht with a steel hull features a reinforced ice belt 2 meters wide, ensuring compliance with the Bureau Veritas Young Ice 2 ice class — all to allow the owner to fulfill their dream of navigating the Northwest Passage. In addition to the ice belt, the vessel is equipped with heat exchangers for more efficient energy use, helping Valor cope with harsh Arctic conditions.
Al Reem (80 m)
The third hull of Bilgin's 263 model is 20% more spacious and capacious than its predecessors Tatiana and Leona. The hull contours have been improved, deck layouts modified, ventilation systems updated, and generators replaced with more powerful ones. The wheelhouse was moved to the upper deck to enhance visibility for the captain. Additionally, a pool was installed on the upper deck.
The interiors are lavishly finished with noble woods: dark macassar, eucalyptus with beautiful textures, and various types of marble. Al Reem can reach a maximum speed of 19 knots, with a fuel consumption of 280 liters/hour at a cruising speed of 12 knots.
Simena (61.61 m)
This ketch became the third-largest sailing vessel ever built in Turkey. The steel-hulled and composite-superstructured yacht was designed by Turkish design bureau Taka Yacht Design, responsible for both the exterior and architecture. The interior, styled in classic maritime aesthetics, was developed by the UK-based Design Unlimited studio.
Built by Ares Yachts, it will be rigged with two masts measuring 59.5 meters and 48.7 meters high, and, in addition to sail propulsion, it will feature a hybrid system enabling silent 6-knot cruising on electric power and a maximum speed of 14.5 knots using diesel.
Katana (61.4 m)
The fourth in the series of 60-meter ketches by Perini Navi. Created in collaboration with naval architect Ron Holland, this yacht, with a displacement of about 570 tons, features an aluminum hull and superstructure, fully living up to its name. Its shapes are sharp and noble, like the blade of a long samurai sword — the katana. The mast, booms, and rigging are made of carbon fiber, ensuring maximum lightness and strength. One of the yacht's main innovations is redesigned sail rigging, enhancing ease of handling and optimizing sailing performance. Additionally, thanks to next-generation dynamic positioning systems, the yacht can maintain its position and direction without using an anchor, making sailing safer and more comfortable.
The owner is Oracle founder Larry Ellison. It is said the ketch was ordered in 2017. Its name and design already hint at the software magnate, known for his love of samurai aesthetics. Oracle teams have twice won the America's Cup, and Ellison himself piloted the Perini Navi Zenji ketch, measuring 56 meters.
O’Madeleine (60 m)
A superyacht by Greek company Golden Yachts, created for charter. The main deck houses the owner's suite with a spacious walk-in closet and a marble-finished bathroom. The lower deck features four guest cabins, while the upper deck includes a VIP cabin. Shared spaces include a sundeck with loungers, a bar, a relaxation area, and a pool, a main salon with a dining area, and a beach club with a hammam, spa, bar, and lounge area.
A standout feature of the interior is the leather-clad ceilings, accented with lighting to highlight the texture. Light oak was chosen as the primary material for the finish, with vibrant accents, especially in the cabins. Designer Alessandro Massari incorporated stingray leather, straw weaving in wall panels, handmade carpets, and carved marble.
Solemates (55 m)
Built on the successful Heesen 55m Steel platform with the fast-displacement hull form (FDHF) by Van Oossanen and exterior design by Omega Architects, this yacht belongs to the semi-custom category but feels entirely bespoke inside.
The interior was created by Silvia Margutti of Luca Dini Design and Architecture and the experienced Heesen team. From the rich color palette to details like the main staircase with acrylic panels inlaid with gold flakes and crystals, and the enlarged jacuzzi area on the sundeck — every detail has been thoughtfully designed to provide the owner with a delightful experience.
The new Heesen yacht, with its impressive volume of 760 gross tons and efficient steel hull, is designed for comfortable and extended cruises. Its delivery was preceded by successful sea trials in the North Sea.
Raja2 (55.3 m)
An aluminum yacht with a distinctive feature: a wide helipad at the bow, finished in teak. Incidentally, if you add a DJ console here, it makes an excellent dance floor! The aft section of the yacht offers plenty of space for outdoor relaxation and a spacious beach club. The upper deck includes lounging areas, a sunbathing spot, and a jacuzzi. The owner's suite is located on the main deck and includes a bedroom, living room, and bathroom, as well as a private balcony. The lower deck accommodates five guest cabins. The yacht's interior, designed by the shipyard's designers, combines modern trends with classic elements.
Rose (55 m)
The first hull of the Tankoa T55 Sportiva model features an underwater lounge. The 55-meter yacht Rose, born from the collaboration of Luca Dini and Piero Lissoni, offers its guests something special — the Nemo lounge, a salon partially located below the waterline, providing 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 transom into the epicenter of relaxation. Here, a spacious beach area with a pool unfolds, and behind glass doors lies a wellness oasis.
The first hull offers four cabins on the lower deck, although the project also includes layouts with five guest cabins. The owner's suite, located on the main deck, is a true haven with its own terrace and an open-air jacuzzi. The T55 Sportiva boasts a hybrid propulsion system, allowing a maximum speed of 16.5 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots. At 12 knots, the yacht can cover 3,800 nautical miles without refueling.
Camila (49.95 m)
Bilgin will showcase the second hull of its 163 model, which proved itself well last year when Eternal Spark was presented in Monaco.
Camila features six double cabins, comfortably accommodating 12 passengers. The owner's suite on the main deck includes a bedroom, luxurious bathroom, and private office. Spacious open decks offer numerous relaxation opportunities: a capacious beach club with a refreshing ice fountain and bar, a 21-meter sundeck, and an aft terrace on the wheelhouse deck. In public areas, especially the main salon, attention is drawn to the high ceilings and panoramic windows.
Designers have actively used wood, glass, exclusive fabrics, and chrome metal. The finishes are dominated by natural materials and smooth lines, while dark mirrors and metallic mesh create the illusion of an infinite wall to visually expand the space.
Ocean Angel (44 m)
Ocean King is exploring the segment of explorer yachts over 40 meters in length. Since the beginning of the year, two hulls of the new DOGE 400 series have been delivered. Named Ocean Angel, it will proudly represent its family and the shipyard's potential at the Monaco Yacht Show this September.
The vessel's exterior was designed by Design aLOT, located at Lake Iseo, while the interior was handled by BurdissoCapponi Yachts & Design studio from Ravenna. The yacht accommodates ten passengers and a crew of seven. Its commercial-grade steel hull features an aluminum superstructure, with a beach club at the stern equipped with a sauna and hammam, as well as a hidden telescopic crane for launching a 6.25-meter tender.
The maximum speed is 15 knots, cruising speed is 13 knots, with a range of 4,000 nautical miles — sufficient for transatlantic voyages. All technical spaces are optimized to ensure reliability during long passages far from port infrastructure.
Pleiades (33.5 m)
Another yacht at the boat show showcasing Luca Dini's multifaceted talent as a designer. Pleiades stands out with its classic lines and timeless elegance. The hull, developed by Names Studio Francesco Rogantina in collaboration with Codecasa engineers, guarantees excellent performance.
The layout includes an elegant salon and veranda on the main deck, another salon on the bridge deck, the owner's suite, four guest cabins, two crew cabins with twin beds, and a captain's cabin. According to the shipyard, this configuration ensures "balance between shared and private spaces," while the superyacht itself represents "the perfect blend of Italian maritime tradition and advanced technological innovation."
Powered by two MAN V12 diesel engines with 1,550 hp, the vessel can reach a maximum speed of 19 knots and has a range of over 1,200 nautical miles at a speed of 12 knots.
