Growing up in the 1980’s as a rabid-teen-age-green-wearing Boston Celtics fan, I really loathed when Magic Johnson would smile, look into the camera and say, ”It’s SHOWTIME!” in interviews during the NBA Finals against my beloved Celtics.

But even back then, I had to admit he was right. In fact, I knew something special was going to happen every time the pre-game announcers hyped up the Lakers special brand of “Showtime” during those epic battles. The anticipation was glorious!

 

 

And now that I’ve seen the preliminary list of some of the yachts that will be headlining the 2023 Monaco Yacht Show next week, I’m feeling a similar type of anticipation for the “Superyacht Showtime” that attracts many of the world’s largest superyachts and many of the world’s most wealthy people to the Monaco Yacht Show every year that.

In fact, I have a feeling that year’s Monaco Yacht Show is going to be epic, so here’s an insiders preview of some of the largest yachts that will be there. Because it’s almost…“Showtime!”

 

Carinthia VII

 

For me, the queen of the show might just be 318-foot-long Carnithia VII that was designed by Tim Heywood and built by Lürssen in 2002. I say this because Carinthia VII has been widely regarded as one of the world’s first true megayachts.

This year, Fraser and Lürssen are keen to show off the results of her extensive refit. The work includes redesigned exterior decks with new lounge and living areas and a new, 39-foot-long pool and fitness room.

“I am very proud that after building Carinthia VII, we have now been able to participate in her new lease on life with an extensive refit,” says Lürssen Managing Partner Peter Lürssen. “She remains a very particular vessel and is a testament to the solidity of our German engineering and manufacture.”

And in other related news, the charter managers at Fraser are happy to report Carinthia VII is also newly available for charter for the first time in her 21-year history.

 

 

“When speaking with clients after their charters, it is fascinating to listen to which aspects of their experience resonate with them. For most it is the crew, the food, the toys and the locations that always ate highly,” says Mark Duncan, Fraser Director of Business Development & Marketing.

 

 

“For some though, it is very much about the yacht itself – the layouts, design, space, features and ambiance. We suspect Carinthia VII is going to be as much a part of those after-charter dinner conversations as the unforgettable moments we know she is going to help create for those who decide to book something exceptional.”

 

Phoenix 2

 

When it comes to memorable superyachts, Phoenix 2 will always stand out simply because she’s nearly 300 feet long. And I know I’m not the only one who thinks her distinctive interior and exterior that exudes art deco opulence is the absolute definition of superyacht luxury.

Designed by Winch Design and built by Lürssen in 2010, she’s also known for voluminous interior and exterior spaces across several decks for relaxing or entertaining.

Meanwhile, with accommodations that include: a beauty salon, movie theatre, spa, elevator, beach club and gym, she has everything you’d expect a superyacht of this caliber to have. Phoenix 2 is currently being listed for sale with Cecil Wright and Burgess. And oh yes, she can be yours for a just north of $130 million.

Savannah

 

With her distinctive bow, clean lines, and elegant profile, I’ve always admired the looks of the 274-foot-long Savannah. But since she was also built by Feadship with a pioneering electro-mechanical propulsion platform that was created to reduce fuel consumption by 30 percent, in 2015! I’ve always been impressed with how she was designed to be “sustainable” way before “sustainability” became such as sought after trait. In fact, she’s credited with being the first hybrid superyacht.

And of course, Savannah also features four massive decks where guests can relax in well-designed spaces that move from the inside out. While the interior, designed by CG Design is elegantly modern that showcase video walls, a significant art collection and massive windows that offer breathtaking views.

 

Leona

 

With its distinctive red and white exterior design, Leona, the 263-foot-long Bilgin Yacht that was built in Turkey and features naval architecture and exterior design by Antalya, Turkey-based Unique Yacht Design and H2 Yacht Design for the interior living areas.

“Leona is different in many ways to her sistership Tatiana,” says Jonny Horsfield of H2 Yacht Design. “Although the general layout is essentially identical and the yachts offer accommodation for up to 10 guests, Leona has more emphasis on space with cabin numbers being reduced in order to provide larger accommodation. On the main deck, Tatiana’s four guest cabin-layout has been replaced with two generous VIP cabins with his and her dressing rooms and bathrooms, while on the lower deck there are two cabins instead of three and this layout creates space for additional storage, a larger area for a movie theater, a gym and a sauna.”

 

The owner’s deck sees the biggest change with the superstructure extending aft providing a palatial owner’s suite. Not to mention that a private lounge area is on the forward deck with an access to the owner’s exterior pool. Emrecan Özgün, the founder of Unique Yacht Design, finds this part of the yacht especially sexy and sleek and he describes it as following: “In terms of exterior lines I really love the front deck because it reminds of a real bullet when seen from above.”

 

Kenshō

 

The 246-foot-long, award-winning Kenshō was built by Admiral Yachts of the Italian Sea Group to maximize life on the water. And it does that using asymmetry, integrated outside living areas and spaces in unexpected places.

Kenshō’s interior spaces, connected by a central elevator and feature staircase are designed to feel even more spacious with lofty ceiling heights, large windows, and exceptionally wide walkways which connect the different living areas.

 

 

The swim deck features a glass-fronted, sea-level swimming pool, and plenty of space to dive into the water from the swim platform, or simply sprawl out on one of the sofas. The sun deck, crowned by a unique skylight on the top and offering a glass-fronted Jacuzzi and island bar, has forward and aft zones that are connected by one of the yacht’s characteristic wide walkways.

And the living room takes its inspiration from a ship’s wheelhouse with floor to ceiling glass offering spectacular panoramas forward.

Stay tuned for more from Monaco.