This article was featured on washingtonpost.com in September 2023 and was written by William Booth.

MONTE CARLO — Welcome aboard at the Monaco Yacht Show, where the world’s superyachts are bought and sold. Warning: If you find the excesses of the 0.01 percent triggering, avert your eyes.

The scene here is like a parking lot crammed with water toys that cost a cool collective $4.3 billion.

The technical term for the size of these pleasure craft is “enormous.” The top class — the megayachts — are now 100 meters in length — that’s 328 feet, more than a football field from goal line to goal line. There are dozens of these boats on order.

There’s also talk of gigayachts to come. Asked what a giga might be, a top broker joked: “That would be a repurposed aircraft carrier.”

Have one helipad? Sad. Why not have two?

Jet Skis? The new must-have toy is a submersible.

There are onboard elevators, naturally, to get between the four, five and six decks. Surfaces are clad in lost forests of teak and mahogany with gleaming stainless steel accents. The deckhands are constantly polishing, rubbing, squeegeeing.

You might think superyacht sales would be super down, what with global inflation, a real estate bust in China, threats of recession, trench warfare in Europe and — dare we say it here? — a planetary climate crisis. Surprise. You would be wrong.

Russian oligarchs have traditionally been big buyers of showy yachts, accounting for an estimated 10 percent of sales. Sanctions and the U.S. Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture have taken a bite. A lot of the Russian boats — including the $700 million megayacht Scheherazade, allegedly owned by Vladimir Putin himself — have been seized.

But the world is bigger than Russia — and there are more billionaires than ever.

“The sanctions didn’t affect the industry as much as you might think,” said Bob Denison, a top American broker with new offices in Monaco. He said the orders for “new builds” in European shipyards that were canceled because the buyers were placed on sanction lists were quickly snapped up by others who weren’t.

The problem with the superyacht market today?

“There’s not enough superyachts,” said Jeremy Roche, one of Denison’s directors.

It costs 600 euros ($635) for a day pass to the Monaco Yacht Show. Many well-heeled lookie-loos have come this week to stroll along the blue-carpeted docks and bump into a champagne tent.

And by well-heeled, we mean it. You must take off your shoes to board boats at the show — even if you are the prince of Monaco. So high-end footwear is strewn in front of the gangways, the ubiquitous Gucci loafers jumbled together with sneakers from Dior and Balenciaga that will set you back about $1,000 per pair.

The number of real buyers — the whales — is harder to calculate. A sales rep estimated there might be one buyer for every 100 staff — that’s exhibitors, brokers, deckhands, hostesses, marketers, cleaners, security.

We got an invitation from a friendly publicist to take a tour of Phoenix 2, built by Lürssen shipyard in northern Germany. She’s 90 meters, or 295 feet, with room for 14 guests in seven cabins, attended by a crew of 28 — and on sale for $132 million.

The boat was designed for the “richest man in Poland,” the late Jan Kulczyk, who wanted the interior to resemble an art deco Manhattan penthouse. There’s an Empire State Building vibe, with a lot of black and white — plus a bourbon bar, lap pool, steam sauna, screening room, gym, wine cave, Steinway piano and duplex owners’ cabin.

Henry Smith, a partner at Cecil Wright brokerage, was showing the boat and happy to discuss the evolving market for superyachts — generally, boats more than 24 meters.

Three decades ago, a 40-meter yacht would have been gigantic, he said. Today, those are considered midsize. Of the roughly 1,200 superyachts on order in boatyards, about two dozen are more than 100 meters.

“Boats just get bigger and bigger, with prices going up and up,” he said. “The future looks bright.”

The pace of sales is down a bit from the records of the pandemic years, when the ultrarich sought out superyachts as safe havens. But Smith said this year is still good.

He and his brokerage recently oversaw the sale of superyacht Kismet, originally built for Pakistani American billionaire Shahid Khan, owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The boat was on the market for just three months and sold for 149 million euros ($157 million).

The buyers keep coming, but they are changing, the brokers say.

Traditionally, they have been multimillionaires — 99 percent male — who sell their businesses in their mid-60s and want some high-end downtime with family and friends. The trend now is younger, with younger families, who struck it rich, or as Smith called it, experienced “a big liquidity event.”

He said, “I took on a chap who made several billion very quickly,” who wasn’t sure exactly what he wanted, except that he really wanted … something big.

At the boat show, we learned that sometimes it’s impossible to accommodate everything you need on your superyacht.

Tenders — used to ferry owners and guests from ship to shore — have a low profile and can be stored aboard in what the yachting community calls “the garage.” Robert Oakley of Falcon Tenders will sell you Miss Wonderly for $2.19 million. It’s powered by a hybrid diesel-electric engine, which gives you one hour on electric in port. “Think limousine,” he said.

But where do you put the sub?

Ian Sheard, the engineering director of Seamagine, maker of private submarines, explained it to us.

“You got the big white boat, the superyacht, right?” Sheard said. “Then you need the toy hauler.”

Say again?

“The ‘shadow ship’ that follows the superyacht that has all the stuff you can’t fit on the superyacht.”

His submarines cost $4 million to $7 million and can carry two to seven passengers, with over 12,000 drama-free dives so far.

On our tours of superyachts, the guides often spoke of the boats’ “understated glamour.” But the glamour seemed bluntly stated, which was kind of the point?

Some interiors had a look and feel of a neutral-color Four Seasons. Others brought to mind a Vegas suite for a high-roller.

Aboard the $110 million Kensho, the publicist said that the owner (Udo Müller, chief executive of Ströer Media), wanted “a villa at sea.”

She described it as “more Zen, more calm.”

The kind of calm that three onboard bars might provide.

An older, smaller superyacht can be had for as little as $10 million — the price of an upscale home in Los Angeles or London. But if you are not ready to buy, many of the boats are used by their owners for only a few weeks in the high season and are otherwise available for charter.

To rent the Phoenix 2 costs a base price of $1.22 million per week. That doesn’t include fuel, food, drink, taxes, mooring and dock fees or tips — so call it $1.6 million. We had to ask a couple of times about the bill and were told to keep adding zeros.

It’s the fuel that gets you. A 50-meter yacht making a fast run between Monaco and St. Tropez might burn through $35,000 of diesel.

And even if you don’t go anywhere, a mooring ball or a slip at a primo port can cost thousands of dollars a night.

There was some talk at the Monaco Yacht Show about sustainability — about new green fuels, more gentle anchoring — but it was a sideshow.

Smith, the super broker, put it this way. “Green yachting is mostly a fallacy,” he said, adding, “no illusion, these things pollute.” Though you can mitigate the damage a bit.

He suggested anyone chartering a superyacht for a week “go out and plant a lot of trees.”

The client commented: “We are very excited to launch this Long Island 87 project. We found this yacht to be the perfect balance between performance under sail and functional living spaces. The Long Island 87 is the optimal proven blue water sailing catamaran available in the market today and well suited for our specific mission, to circumnavigate the globe with our family of four in unparalleled comfort, safety and luxury.”

JFA Yachts was established in March 1993 in Concarneau, Brittany, a region of France with a strong maritime history. The company’s ethos centers around collaborative yacht building, involving the client in the process rather than just building for them.

JFA Yachts distinguishes itself as a Boutique Shipyard, emphasizing expertise, craftsmanship, and a familial work environment. To date, the shipyard has completed nearly 30 new builds and 40 refit projects. Their portfolio includes both sailing and motor yachts, monohulls and multihulls, constructed from materials like aluminium and composite.

Regarding the new construction, the company added: “Based on the Long Island 85’ which already successfully sailed intensively, this new catamaran will be fitted with a modern superstructure and a larger flybridge.”

The new build is scheduled for a Summer 2025 delivery to its US owner.

A yacht charter offers an unforgettable vacation, be it a romantic getaway, family holiday, or gathering of friends. The first step to booking a luxury yacht charter is to contact a charter specialist who can help you find the best option depending on your intended destination and number of guests. A specialist can then help you hammer out the details, like mapping out an itinerary, making special requests, or planning theme nights.

Explore LEVERAGE, a 125-foot Palmer Johnson tri-deck superyacht that can accommodate ten guests in five luxury staterooms. She is available for charter in the Bahamas. Check out the top five features of this impressive charter yacht, as shared by her Captain, Wes Trowell.

1. Huge Sun Deck

First and foremost, Captain Wes highlighted LEVERAGE’s impressive sun deck. Boasting plenty of space, there are plenty of couch beds that can be shaded or not shaded. “People who want the sun can have it, and for people that don’t…we have the sunscreen,” he said. There is a Jacuzzi with a wrap-around bar, but it also has a lip where you can sit and have cocktails. “We have the NFL Ticket, which is huge,” he beamed.

2. Unmatched Location

Guests aboard LEVERAGE are lucky in that her captain is a seasoned vet in one of the top charter destinations in the world. “In the past five years, I’ve probably done about 120 charters in the Bahamas; it’s like my backyard,” boasted Captain Wes. “I like to take guests to the Exumas. They are one of the top spots, period, for charters to go to–tons of reefs, beach days, the pigs and iguanas, sharks, snorkeling, bonfires, fishing, water sports. When someone goes to the Exumas they get the entire nature experience.”

3. Impressive Upgrades

Captain Wes was excited to share the numerous upgrades that LEVERAGE has just recently received. In regards to water activities, she now features two brand new Seabobs, two new jet skis, and a brand new jet ski swimming dock that has a drop-down stairwell connected to it. There are also two tenders–a 20’ single-engine inflatable for remote areas and beach days and a 30’ twin-engine regulator. “There are no expenses spared on tenders and toys,” Captain Wes shared, “and we will add more per request, within reason.”

On the interior, LEVERAGE has new carpet throughout, all new soft goods, new bedding, table decorations, and so much more. “The woodwork inside is absolutely stunning,” he shared. With all-new navigation equipment and brand-new underwater lights, Captain Wes was even excited about the fact that the name board and underwater lights could be any color to suit the clients’ preferences.

4. Smart Layout

Even before all her upgrades, one of the most impressive features of LEVERAGE is easily her huge interior volume. “For a 125′, she’s probably one of the largest in this size,” Captain Wes highlights, “she feels more like a 140′; the layout is the number one reason for this.” Set up in a way that allows for a lot more space than expected, the yacht still feels “very homey”, he assured. Dining options also abound, with a large ten-top for indoor dining as well as ten-person seating outside.

5. Remarkable Crew

When it came to discussing his crew, Captain Wes was all accolades. “Our chef is Greek, so he makes all kinds of amazing foods–from Italian to Mediterranean to Greek. You name it he can produce it. My mate has tons of experience, from similar size vessels all the way up to very large vessels. The whole crew is very outgoing and caters to the guest experience. When we are chartering, we try to cater in every way possible to generate the five-star experience.”

LEVERAGE is a solid yacht with a very successful charter following, Captain Wes promised, having done many charters formerly known as MILK & HONEY. The yacht has chartered in New England, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean, he shared, with “many repeat charters because we provide such a great service.”

Interested in booking LEVERAGE for your next luxury getaway in the Bahamas? Contact a Denison charter broker for more information.

Speak With a Charter Specialist:

The 1st Annual Sausalito Boat Show is scheduled from October 13th to 15th, 2023, from 10am to 5pm at the Clipper Yacht Harbor and will be open to the public from 10am-5pm. This inaugural event is a celebration of maritime excellence and local culture, offering a diverse range of activities for all ages. From luxury brand yachts and sailboats to powerboats and trailerable boats, the show presents a comprehensive display of modern maritime craftsmanship.

The event extends beyond boats, featuring local food vendors offering seafood specialties and classic Californian cuisine, accompanied by live music performances that reflect the vibrant community. More than a boat show, this event encapsulates the essence of Sausalito’s culinary and musical heritage. Set against the picturesque Clipper Yacht Harbor backdrop, the show invites attendees to rediscover the beauty of the coastal town, merging tradition and contemporary flair. Mark your calendars for October 13-15, 2023, and join us at Clipper Yacht Harbor for an extraordinary experience celebrating the sea, local culture, and community.

Denison yacht brokers are attending the show and look forward to meeting you there.

FEATURED BOATS ON DISPLAY

41′ Beneteau 2024 | ST41 Sedan

A generous passagemaker, the Swift Trawler 41 successfully renews the spirit and style of the trawler range. Comfortable, practical, and boasting ample living space, this new innovative 40-powerboat is available in both Fly and Sedan versions with an on-board capacity of up to 7 passengers.

This is the first Swift Trawler 41 Sedan scheduled to arrive in the San Francisco Bay Area this summer. It has a 3 cabin, 2 Head layout featuring the lighter Alpi Oak interior. Full of factory options including a Pearl Grey Hull, Grey leather salon upholstery, A/C and generator as well as Bow and Stern Thrusters.

The galley has been wisely placed aft of the wheelhouse, connecting seamlessly with the cockpit and the swim platform. With the large sliding glass door open and the bar plancha in place, she offers a magnificent well ventilated flush interior and exterior space for entertaining. And to significantly increase the cockpit, the bench seat is sliding.

The driver’s seat easily rotates, providing seating for up to 8 people in the lounge space. The clever layout of the convertible saloon includes a curtain that runs around the double berth, offering privacy for this comfortable sleeping space. At the bow, the wide sunbath is versatile to offer a bench seat with liftable backrest, in front of the sea.

41′ Beneteau 2023 | GT41

The Beneteau GT41 is a sleek and stylish boat, designed with a sporty profile sure to turns heads in any harbor. Designed for both speed and comfort she features a full hardtop that provides protection from the elements making it a great option for families on San Francisco Bay.

The interior of the GT41 is spacious and luxurious, with room for six overnight guests. The air-conditioned two-cabin layout consists of high-end finishes and modern amenities, including a large head & full galley belowdecks. Optional dinette table converts into a sleeping berth for two. Her newly designed teak cockpit with new grill station invites more seating & sun bathing at the stern. 

A powerfully sporty boat capable of 40mph, the GT41 is equipped with twin Volvo 380 hp diesels. Whether this is your first boat or fourth the joystick control system makes maneuvering a breeze giving anyone at the helm supreme confidence. 

35′ Beneteau 2024 | ST35

Well established as the gold standard in a couples long distance cruiser, the Swift Trawler 35 has strong harmonious lines making you feel reassuringly safe and comfortable. Built on a semi-planning hull developed through the expertise of BENETEAU Power, the Swift Trawler 35 has a Cummins 425 hp engine, and together they procure pleasure underway and offer easy maneuvering. Protected by a Bimini, the Swift Trawler 35’s flybridge has a comfortable living space with a sea view.

Intended for long cruises, the Swift Trawler 35 offers a spacious interior with ingenious contemporary fittings. The entirely glazed wheelhouse affords a 360° view and creates a pleasant atmosphere. You enter the owner cabin with en-suite shower room and a second cabin with bunk berths, by a gullwing door. There is plenty of space for guests on the Swift Trawler 35. Fitted with a twin sink that converts to a worktop and an extra forward-facing seat, the U-shaped galley offers a versatile living space on board. The sofa-bed in the salon converts to a comfortable double berth.

34′ Chris-Craft 2021 | BIG SEA BOY II

Prepare to turn heads & break hearts with this fully-loaded Corsair 34 boasting hand-laid teak decks & custom factory paint. Powered by a pair of professionally maintained 430hp Mercury inboards under warranty until 2024. These monsters are accented by throaty selectable exhaust for the true gear head in all of us. No matter who is at the helm, the captain is given complete control with her Axius Joystick perfect for stress-free docking.

Her hull sides are metallic Charcoal gray paint with gray topsides to match. Just another of her long list of options. Her beauty on the outside is equally matched below-decks. Heat & Air conditioning fills the Walnut interior cabin complete with electric head, queen v-berth, flatscreen TV, dining table, fridge & cooktop. 

A great opportunity to grab a piece of history and get your hands on one of the sexiest boats ever produced by the famed builder. And that’s saying something. Chris-Craft has ended production of the Corsair 34 and this may be one of the cleanest examples remaining. Boat is protected by her mooring cover and kept on a lift full-time. Her engines (< 50hrs) & SeaCore drives are routinely flushed with fresh water.

26′ Chris-Craft 2020 | CALYPSO 26

Just in time for summer this beautiful red, white & blue Calypso 26 is kept out of the water and includes a custom tandem axel trailer. Low hours on her single 350hp Yamaha 5.7L V8 under extended warranty until Oct. 2026.

The family will enjoy her expansive seating area and convenience of the on-board private toilet. Whether picnic’ing, fishing or skiing you’re sure to turn heads on any waterfront. Nearly fully loaded with services up to date be sure to add this one to your short list. Custom tandem axle trailer included for easy delivery.

25′ Boston Whaler 2013 | RUM HAM

Luxury yacht owners will take pleasure in the 250 Outrage‘s superior tender qualities: ample power, unsinkability and sleek design. Unlike an inflatable dinghy or a RIB, the 250 Outrage is a tender that serves as a powerful boat in its own right. For the serious angler who won’t compromise on comfort, the 250 Outrage is the way to go.

Built in 2003 and refitted in 2022/23, TRUE XII is powered by twin MTU/Detroit Diesel engines and can reach speeds up to 31 knots. It’s equipped with new GARMIN navigation systems. The yacht has a cockpit designed for fishing, featuring a custom fighting chair, and can accommodate up to eight guests in four staterooms, each with its own private head and shower.

The recent refit updated both the interior and exterior. Interior upgrades include new lighting, TVs, galley appliances, seating, and bedding. Exterior work comprised a full paint job and new cushions. Electronic updates feature new Garmin units, radar, radios, and other communication and navigation equipment. Additional maintenance included engine and generator oil changes, fire system servicing, and the installation of new bilge pumps.

TRUE XII is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and was asking $1,242,000 at the time of the sale.

Who says you need a ticket to schedule a showing? While you’re in the area, explore these available brokerage yachts and boats conveniently located near the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

Schedule a Showing

Over 30+ Yachts On Display At FLIBS

Held at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, FLIBS showcases more world and U.S. debuts than any other boat show in the country. The five-day event showcases over 1,500 yachts and boats across seven locations. Last year’s show contributed an incredible $1.79 billion to Florida’s economy.

Welcome to the showcase of Denison Yachting at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) held at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center. Nestled in the “Yachting Capital of the World,” FLIBS is a premier event displaying over 1,500 yachts and boats, with more world and U.S. debuts than any other U.S. boat show. Across its seven prime locations during the five-day affair, marine enthusiasts and professionals converge from all corners of the globe. Beyond our impressive lineup, attendees can dive into seminars, live entertainment, gourmet delights, and VIP experiences. Notably, last year’s FLIBS contributed a staggering $1.79 billion to Florida’s economy, marking its paramount importance both locally and statewide.

Explore Denison Yachting’s curated selection of luxury and innovation at our display; secure your private appointments in advance. Denison yacht brokers are attending the show and look forward to meeting you there.

Fort Lauderdale Boat Show Schedule

Featured FLIBS Event

Don’t miss out on a special evening at the Denison Yachting booth during the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. Set your reminders for Saturday, October 28th, as we kick off an exclusive after-hours event at 6pm, designed just for our valued Denison clients. Enjoy the inviting atmosphere with live music and curated cocktails.

The occasion is even more noteworthy as we celebrate the launch of the latest issue of FRANK Magazine. It’s the perfect setting to connect with fellow yachting enthusiasts and to meet the people behind FRANK Magazine. We’re excited to share this moment with you and hope to see you there.

Guide: What Not to Do at a Boat Show

Prepare for this year’s Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. Check out our total guide to boat show etiquette.

Pro Tip: Make sure you wear comfortable, easy-to-remove shoes!

Read Our Guide

Looking for More?

Explore yachts on display and available for showings near the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show.

Pro Tip: Schedule your appointment in advance!

View Yachts Nearby

For more information on the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, contact us or visit the official website here.

Originally a scientific research vessel, IMMORTALIS underwent an extensive refit to become a specialized expedition vessel. She combines modern contemporary style with glimpses into her former life. The relaxed yet functional environment is available for guests to enjoy, relax, and explore in a tailor-made fashion.

IMMORTALIS is located in Freemantle, Australia and was asking $3,950,000 at the time of the sale.