Among the things for which the Principality of Monaco is widely renowned besides its casinos, Grand Prix and great hotels are included its ports, home to luxurious vessels that represent the object of exhibition at the Monaco Yacht Show. And since there are plenty of sailing fans out there, the article will turn its attention to Monaco boats and yachts.
Once upon a time, the small state of Monaco was mainly known as a gambling resort. However, Prince Rainier III changed that at his ascension to the Principality’s throne, expanding the country’s potential and turning it into a prosperous tax haven, commercial center, an environment propitious for real estate development and international touristic attraction.
One of the projects that served the purpose of helping both commerce and tourism was to build Hercule Harbor. Thus, the port enabled the state to accommodate the growing number of yachts that visited the Riviera and also to enhance the commercial trade (exports and imports). Located in the centre of the district of La Condamine, nearby the main shopping and leisure facilities, Hercule harbour was designed to comprise two quays in order to maximize the available space. It covers a total surface of 16 hectares, offering anchorage for up to 550 vessels including some of large tonnage. Ships of up to 135 meters in length can be berthed due to the depth of the water (7 meters along the quays and 9 meters along the pier in front of the swimming pool).
Any of the boat owners who anchor or berth in Hercule Port benefit from assistance and security ensured by the authorities of the harbor. Be it about reception, account, pilotage, moorings, or maintenance, the administrative authorities are there to assist any of the arriving vessels.
Every year, in September, Hercule harbour hosts the Monaco Yacht Show, an occasion when 100-odd of the swankiest and most modern yachts are put on display, some of them even being opened to the public. This popular event gathers top ship manufacturers, brokers and shipyards that present a collection of exceptional super and mega-yachts from 25 to over 90 m long. Moreover, the participants have the chance to discover products featuring the latest technologies and luxury services in yachting-related activities. Thus, the exhibition, which comprises both motor and sailing boats, does not only showcase fine examples of ships, but it also announces new trends that make some of them more environmentally sensitive and with a more reduced carbon emission.
The most illustrious manufacturers that partake in the Monaco Yacht Show are Lurssen, Feadship, Dubois, Alloy Yachts, Azimut, Benetti, Canados, Couach, Ferretti, Heesen, Holland Jachtbouw, ISA, Jongert, Oceanco, Perini Navi, Pershing, Riva, Rodriquez, Royal Denship, Sunreef, Sunseeker, Trinity and Wally.
However, the list of Monaco boats and yachts is much more comprehensive, including numerous other types of vessels. Below a list of such ships is offered:
- barge;
- boat;
- catamaran;
- centre board dinghy;
- clipper;
- cruising yacht;
- dinghy;
- ferry;
- fly-bridge yacht;
- liner;
- lugger;
- ketch;
- motorsailer;
- motor yacht;
- passengers barge;
- racing yachts;
- rib;
- sand yachts;
- sloop;
- speed boat;
- yawl.
Such a variety of ships and vessels proves Monaco’s propensity towards nautical activities, and the building of the second port in the district of Fontvieille comes to endorse and further support it.