The Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) was born from the vision of a young Monegasque entrepreneur, Luc Pettavino, who managed to capture the attention of yacht builders right from the very first editions. I remember that 35 years ago, the entire show was concentrated along a small stretch of the Quai des États Unis. About twenty beautiful boats, a few flags fluttering in the wind, and the Pattaya serving as a lounge. Today, the MYS is organized by Informa Prestige (which has also acquired the Top Marques Monaco dream car show) and attracts a highly selective international audience interested in superyachts and gigayachts. For the 2026 edition, there are 118 boats on display in the water, including 45 world premieres—that is, newly delivered vessels—and 60 luxury tenders on display. There are 63 shipyards represented. The estimated total value of the vessels on display during the event is 4.5 billion euros. Their combined length exceeds 5 kilometers.
In the luxury yachting sector, the current focus is on making yacht operation more efficient and life on board simpler. From stabilization systems to tender solutions and custom interiors, the trend is toward components that simplify daily operations and enhance guests’ time on board. And the challenge remains the same: balancing performance and life on board within limited spaces.
In the MYS pavilions and along the docks, solutions are on display that promise lower fuel consumption, less rolling, more light, and greater convenience for crews and guests. On the one hand, there is pressure to improve hydrodynamic efficiency to reduce fuel consumption and extend cruising range—a task for engineers; on the other, the demand for more open spaces and large windows drives designers and architects to seek solutions. Because in the recreational boating industry, the relationship between interior and exterior remains a primary concern. Natural light reduces the need for artificial lighting, directly affecting the perception of space and thermal comfort. Interiors are designed to accommodate extended cruises: spacious social areas and private cabins designed for privacy and durability, without sacrificing access to the water or crew mobility.
A smoother ride is achieved through thinner blades and smarter control software. The blades are designed with rounded edges to reduce drag by up to 30% compared to traditional solutions. Plus, super-efficient stabilizers andthrusterswith five-bladed propellers that minimize thrust pulsations and noise. The practical result is greater comfort for guests on long voyages, more precise maneuvering in port, and reduced wear and tear on the systems.
As you browse the booths, you’ll find pilot chairs that aren’t just aesthetically striking—they also help improve the helmsman’s posture during long shifts. You’ll also discover fully customizable aft solutions: convertible hatches, opening bulkheads, and hydraulic systems for ladders and gangways. These solutions improve accessibility for guests with limited mobility and speed up boarding and disembarking from tenders.
At MYS, there are companies that offer yacht owners crew and supplier management services: packages ranging from yacht management to exclusive concierge services and technical representation of the owner at the shipyard. In practice, for a yacht owner, the difference isn’t just having a supplier—it’s having a single point of contact capable of coordinating shipyards, crews, and suppliers within an operational mosaic that demands tight deadlines and immediate responses.
Among the world premieres at MYS 2026 are two Italian vessels from the Genoa-based shipyard Tankoa Yachts: the 45-meter T450 M/Y Singolare and the 52-meter fully custom M7Y Spirit. A total of 43 new yachts delivered this year will be on display at MYS, ranging from the 24-meter Arcadia A80 built in Torre Annunziata to the 102-meter Nixie from the German shipyard Lurssen. From the 74-meter Silver Fox by Sanlorenzo to the 80-meter Pangea from the Dutch shipyard Damen Yachting. The lineup of new releases promises to be extraordinary for the 35th edition of MYS. However, a major uncertainty continues to weigh on the global economy: energy prices linked to ongoing conflicts. And the instability of the international situation is not helping the recreational boating market.
