Monaco is the centre of the yachting world, where sandy beaches and clear water meet jutting rock cliffs. Each year Monaco is the home to an annual yacht show.



What is the Monaco Yacht Show?

Monaco's annual luxury yacht show is a four-day event that is celebrating its seventeenth year. It is held at Port Hercules, and has an average of 24,000 visitors each year. The Monaco Yacht Show attracts people from around the world, with over 80% of visitors coming from overseas and 38 nations having representation at the event.

Shipbuilders, boat designers, and equipment suppliers are available at the Quayside Exhibition in an air-conditioned tent. This year's event will be bigger than ever with an addition of four 2-story pavilions for added exhibitor space.

The Floating Exhibit is what draws people to the Monaco Yacht Show, however. Super yachts are lined up for display, creating a spectacular nighttime display when they are lighted. The largest and newest yachts draw the most attention. Each yacht is worth tens of millions of dollars and is 213 feet or more in length. They have four decks above water, plus a sleeping cabin below.

Social Aspect of the Monaco Yacht Show

The wealth and class doesn't stop at the yachts. The Monaco Yacht Show opens with a red carpet reception, and the social events continue on from there. From food and dining to drinks and nightlife, the event is full of opportunities to socialize with captains, crews, yacht owners, salespeople, and designers. Should there ever be a dull moment, you can wonder off to enjoy a breath-taking view or relax on the beach.

Getting to the Yacht Show

There are numerous ways to get to the Monaco Yacht Show, depending on your location and your budget.

* Train If you choose to travel by train, your destination will be the Monaco-Monte Carlo Railway Station.

* Car If you drive in to Monaco from Nice, you will take the A8 Motorway and go north at exit 54.

* Plane You can travel from virtually anywhere in the world by plane to Nice Cote d'Azur International Airport. A bus shuttle departs from the airport hourly and will take you to the yacht show.

* Helicopter If you choose to fly in by helicopter you can catch a ride at Heli Air, which is a 6-minute ride and leave Nice every 20 minutes.

There is no wrong way to get to the Monaco Yacht Show, but you will soon discover that the best way to travel is by yacht.

In an age when the private jet is becoming everyday and the limousine is a glorified taxi, it is only when you own a yacht that you are inarguably one of the super-rich said Simon Hills of The Times (June 30, 2007).

Certainly part of the fun is being able to outdo your neighbour and show off the longest yachts with the most amenities. If you are in the market for a super-yacht, there is no better place in the world to be than the Monaco Yacht Show.