Sea and rich people: where else to find a better combination than in Monaco! A true Monaco yacht parade can be admired throughout the year at Port Hercules, in addition to the annual local sailing events. From imposing and large to elegant and small jewel yachts. Whether you’re a boating enthusiast or just a bit interested in the subject (as I was before I saw this impressive display), you’ll find something here for you.
There is a moderate and exclusivist rich group that has something to navigate, mainly because they can afford it! You and I know that we would like to have even a small and “unpretentious” sailboat, right? And having dreamed at least once of relaxing on the deck of a luxury yacht in Monaco. But hey, who needs a yacht in such a busy world? Do we get up in the morning with nothing better to do than dress all in white (maybe some blue too), grab our latte (maybe a croissant too if we’re not on a diet) and go to the dock ordering the employees to rub up better on that side? Certainly not! If you say yes, that’s another story!
What better place (and object) for a competition: who has the biggest, most expensive model, desires arise, disputes begin… Shirley Bassey reportedly complained about the large size of “Le Grand Bleu” belonging to the Russian billionaire Abramovich. The yacht apparently ruined the view of the harbor from her apartment on the hill. Well, what else would you like the rich to do?…
Besides the occasional cruise and constant care, some wealthy people find a practical use for their yachts: some rent them out, others live on them. Owning a yacht can be extremely helpful if you are a tax exile, especially UK citizens who live in Monaco but work in the UK. Renting is very profitable, especially during the holiday season or when there are big events in Monaco: prices range from €25,000 per week to €365,000 per week, depending on size and facilities.
Some of the most famous yachts in the world rest in the waters of the bay. Some of them are so big that they have helicopters on their top decks. Among the 100 largest yachts in the world are:
* Octopus: owned by Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft;
* Tatoosh – also owned by Paul Allen;
* Atlantis II: owned by the Niarchos family, descendants of Onassis’ rival Stavros;
* Le Grand Bleu – owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich;
* Delphine – owned by American car magnate Horace Dodge;
* Montkaj: owned by Prince Mohammed bin Fahd, son of King Fahd of Saudi Arabia.
Following his policy of capitalizing on all (albeit scarce) natural resources, the Principality quickly realized the potential of Hercules Bay and began a sailing tradition. There is a Yacht Club founded in 1953 by Prince Rainier and was supported all the time by him and his son Albert, who is also its President. The Yacht Club de Monaco gained international fame by attracting the biggest names in the yachting world to come and do battle in Monegasque waters.
Naturally, there are also prestigious yachting events of international interest, excellent opportunities for yacht owners from all over the world to show off.
* Primo Cup – Credit Suisse Trophy
* Interbank Challenge
* Monaco Classic Week
* Sea Party
* Corporate Regattas
* Monaco Yacht Show
The events are organized with the support of HSH Prince Albert I and HSH Prince Rainier III. All of these events have exhibition and competition parts, except Monaco Yacht Show, which is the largest yacht show on the water in Europe, with no competition exhibition.
So, rich or not rich, you can at least catch a great show for free if you happen to be in Monaco at the right time. Welcome aboard!