How to buy a superyacht in Monaco
Ellie Malouf, founder and chief executive of luxury Australian boat brokerage and charter fleet Ahoy Club, shares her guide to Europe’s premium superyacht festivals.
September is a big month for big boats in the south of France, with both the Cannes Yachting Festival and Monaco Yacht Show. What makes these European meets so special?
“Eighty per cent of the world’s boats are in Europe, so it’s no surprise that the yacht shows held here rank among the largest and most significant in the industry. There is great diversity in what is exhibited at the European shows, from new builds to used yachts, smaller sailing boats, tenders, water toys and everything in-between. Most are held in locations such as Cannes and Monaco at the end of summer, so they attract visitors and travellers from all over the world. It hardly feels like a day’s work when you spend the morning inspecting yachts followed by a late lunch at La Guérite, in Cannes, arguably one of the best beach clubs on the French Riviera.”
What is your favourite boat on the Med this year?
“Coral Ocean [owned and represented by Ahoy Club] is a 73-metre (238 feet) superyacht, built by Lürssen and designed by Australian-Englishman Jon Bannenberg, the godfather of modern yacht design. She was originally built in 1994, and is known as the yacht that changed superyacht design forever. She was loved by private hands for most of her life. She has recently undergone a €35 million rebuild and left no detail incomplete – think onboard Fliteboards, a HydraFacial machine and an ice bath – arguably making her one of the most opulent and iconic superyachts available for charter. She also won a Judges’ Special Award at the prestigious 2023 World Superyacht Awards.”
For potential boat owners and charterers, what are some of the key things to look out for at these shows?
“Firstly, explore the new-build selection to witness the latest and most innovative designs in the market. In the brokerage sections, pay close attention to the quality of the yachts, make price comparisons, consider the time they’ve been on the market, and look out for any price drops. Observing the general busyness of the show will provide valuable insights into the current state of the market and the level of interest among buyers, gauging how many offers are being made. Based on the bustling activity in the Mediterranean in these past three months, it’s likely to be busy. At Ahoy Club, we will be hosting daily drinks for owners aboard Coral Ocean at anchor.”
Who are the best yacht builders?
“My family own yachts across five different builders and all serve a different purpose. It really comes down to how the buyer wants to use and enjoy their yacht. For example, do they want something built for speed? Do they want a planning displacement hull? Will it be used privately or commercially? Then we can advise what is the best brand for them because each builder has their own niche.
“That said, here are two standouts: the brands under the Ferretti Group, such as Riva, CRN, Custom Line, and Wally truly exemplify innovation and design excellence. The Ferretti Group has consistently showcased a dedication to pushing the boundaries of yacht design by investing in cutting-edge technologies, advanced naval architecture, and engineering expertise. This commitment results in visually stunning yachts that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional and efficient.
“And then in the megayacht space, which is 70 metres and above, Lürssen stands out as a name synonymous with impeccable quality and meticulous attention to detail. It is renowned for utilising the finest materials, state-of-the-art technology, and skilled artisans. Their reputation for building some of the world’s largest and most luxurious yachts is well-deserved. Additionally, Lürssen’s engineering capabilities enable them to handle massive yacht projects, delivering numerous megayachts that consistently redefine the boundaries of design and engineering.”
What are your accommodation and entertainment tips during showtime?
“I normally stay in an apartment in Antibes through the summer months, but when in a hotel my favourites are the Martinez in Cannes, and the Hermitage and Hotel de Paris, both in Monaco.
“When it comes to entertaining, La Môme in Cannes, just off the Croisette, and Cipriani and Buddha Bar in Monte Carlo for a night out. When packing think about easy-to-remove shoes or slides as you cannot wear shoes on a boat.”
Ahoy Club recently celebrated its five-year anniversary. Can you list some highlights?
“It has been a whirlwind five years. In 2018 we founded our headquarters in Sydney, in 2019, we established an office in the beautiful south of France, in 2022 in Monaco, and earlier this year, we made a significant move into the US market. And most recently, merging with Ray White Marine, a renowned yacht brokerage and new-vessel distributor in Australia.”
Can you share some insights into the growth of the superyacht industry in Australia?
“Australia has a huge expansion plan, in particular in Queensland with money being driven into enhancing marinas and making space for bigger vessels. The upcoming Brisbane Olympics in 2032 is helping drive this expansion, with many owners considering bringing their yachts Down Under over the Australian summer and European winter. Some specific superyacht infrastructure expansions comprise several projects across different locations in Australia and include the Southport Yacht Club on the Gold Coast, where millions have been invested in its new 163-metre megayacht berth. Also on the Gold Coast, The Boat Works [boatyard and superyacht facility] has undertaken a significant multimillion-dollar expansion. Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard is also undergoing a significant expansion.
“Western Australia also houses two major superyacht manufacturers, namely Silveryachts and Echo Yachts. Both shipyards are internationally recognised as leaders in the superyacht manufacturing industry.”
Finally, what is it like to be a woman in your role in this industry?
“Traditionally, yachting has very much been a man’s world, spread across captains, crew and brokers. Ahoy Club is now a team made up of 80 per cent young women. We did this because I knew the industry was lacking in regard to gender equality, and as a young ambitious female myself, I knew it was something I could change and lead in. For sure this challenged both mine and my team’s confidence.
It felt overwhelming at times trying to prove your worth, often being the youngest in the room for a negotiation, and the only female; it challenges you mentally. But what once felt intimidating is now a factor that sets us apart.”
This story appears in the September issue of Wish magazine.
