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the Monaco Yacht Show 2025

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Published 26 September 2025

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Expedition and innovation at Monaco Yacht Show 2025

Pelorus co-founders Jimmy Carroll and Geordie Mackay-Lewis, along with Director of Pelorus Yachting, Gayle Patterson, and our dedicated brokerage teams, and I spent four full days at the Monaco Yacht Show, immersed in everything the world’s premier superyacht event had to offer. We navigated everything from the latest launches and cutting-edge explorer vessels to innovative tenders, gaining first-hand insight into the growing emphasis on sustainability and the environmental innovations now shaping the future of yachting.

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The sun shone on Port Hercule as the Monaco Yacht Show 2025 opened, setting the stage for an event that felt more than ever like a snapshot of where our industry is heading. The atmosphere perfectly captured the essence of the yachting lifestyle and glamour, while also showcasing groundbreaking design and a clear shift towards purpose-driven exploration. As BOAT International highlighted, this year’s edition reflected a decisive change in tone: from explorer yachts designed for Northwest Passage routes to interiors that blurred the line between art and engineering, the emphasis was firmly on innovation with intent.

Among the highlights for me were expedition-ready launches, dramatic wellness spaces, and the 89-metre HERE COMES THE SUN, relaunched after a six-metre extension and major rebuild. Sustainability ran through it all, with shipyards showcasing pioneering solutions that align with Pelorus’ own vision of responsible exploration and the wider shift championed by the Water Revolution Foundation.

Pelorus Perspectives

“We’re seeing yachts evolve to host more than just guests, from scientists to wellness teams, enabling deeper, more meaningful expeditions for our clients.”

Charlie Comport

"Every conversation we had revolved around experience, not just ownership."

Gayle Patterson

"I was impressed by the yachts with vast wellness spaces and beach clubs that felt like true extensions of the sea, redefining onboard living."

Cordelia Cooper

"By getting onboard we can truly understand the depth of a yacht's capabilities.”

Geordie Mackay-Lewis

“We’re hearing more yachts preparing for high-latitude routes like the Northwest Passage, with upgraded ice class and endurance features to match.”

Alexandra Groom

"It’s exciting to see sustainability move from concept to construction, it’s now embedded in every serious new build."

Jimmy Carroll

"The Monaco Yacht Show also highlights something important, which is that a superyacht doesn't have to be a traditional explorer yacht to be able to explore. Many of the boats and captains we spoke to were planning on venturing further afield than they ever have before, and with the right guidance and preparation it is actually possible for any superyacht to go almost anywhere. We were able to offer our expedition services to a number of interested yachts, more than last year, and that is a trend we are very excited about!"

Alexandra Groom, Charter Broker

How yacht design is evolving for adventure and exploration

KING BENJI (47M) stood out to me with a dedicated dive room, while other vessels showcased direct water access from the lazarette, features that signal a growing industry focus on adventure-led design, a direction we’re seeing reflected more and more in the projects we work with. This evolution was underscored by expansive wellness spaces and next-generation beach clubs that, in my view, are redefining onboard living

Several announcements at this year’s show reinforced this momentum. Oceanco revealed its largest build to date, a 130-metre flagship project, while Xplorer Yachts and Norse Shipyard announced Project MG, the world’s first wind-assisted hybrid expedition yacht. These projects, alongside Sinot’s 141-metre Aura concept, highlight a design direction that prioritizes exploration a deeper commitment to environmental responsibility, a shift that aligns strongly with Pelorus’ approach to purposeful travel and yachting experiences

“Seeing vessels like Oceanco’s 130-metre flagship project and Sinot’s 141-metre AURA alongside pioneering builds such as Project MG, the world’s first wind-assisted hybrid expedition yacht, really underlined how exploration and environmental responsibility are now driving design at every level. These are yachts built to go further and do more, not just to look impressive, but to enable meaningful journeys with a lighter footprint.”

Gayle Patterson, Director of Pelorus Yachting

For us at Pelorus, these developments, from the rise of explorer yachts and hybrid propulsion systems to the growing emphasis on sustainability, wellness, and intelligent design, are far more than just aesthetic trends. They represent a fundamental shift in how yachts are being conceived and commissioned: as platforms for adventure, discovery, and impact, not merely symbols of luxury. As we explored the show, the long-range capabilities of VIVA (94m), the bold expedition potential of PLANET NINE (73m), and the intelligent, future-focused design of ARTEFACT (80m) and CLOUD 9 (88m) all stood out to us. Together, they reinforced what we heard in conversation after conversation, that clients are increasingly looking for yachts that serve as true launchpads for exploration, research, and regeneration.

Icons of the Past, Platforms of the Future

What I found most inspiring was the range of possibilities on display. Heritage vessels like MARALA (59m), complete with original Titanic-era portholes and a distinctive copper hot tub, offered a glimpse into the past, while performance-focused yachts like RAJA 2 (55m) demonstrated the capabilities of the present.

Our role at Pelorus is to bring these vessels to life, whether through bespoke expeditions, curated charters, or transformative experiences that push beyond the traditional boundaries of yachting.

The pairing of AFTER YOU and her support vessel EMOTIONAL further illustrates this evolution. Together, they enable extended, self-sufficient travel to remote and untouched destinations, with space for helicopters, specialist teams, and additional guests, ideal for scientific research, wellness programs, or deeply personalized voyages.

"AFTER YOU and her support vessel EMOTIONAL highlight the growing trend for expedition-ready yachts that are increasingly self-sufficient, enabling extended travel to remote and untouched destinations. Together they provide a comprehensive toy inventory and, when chartered in tandem, can each accommodate a helicopter, significantly expanding access and exploration opportunities. The additional guest cabins aboard the support yacht also reflect the rising demand for space to host not only extra guests but also specialist staff such as scientists, nannies, or nutritionists, ensuring a tailored and enriching experience for Pelorus guests."

Charlie Comport, Charter Broker

BREAKTHROUGH (118M): A Turning Point for Green Superyachting

The yacht that impressed me most this year was BREAKTHROUGH, a 118.8-metre Feadship project that represents a true watershed moment for superyachting. Born from a simple client brief

“How much green technology can you include?”

the result is a revolutionary zero-diesel propulsion system capable of powering amenities, hotel loads, and even short-range cruising entirely on green hydrogen.

One of the greatest engineering challenges was developing a safe way to store compressed liquid hydrogen at -253°C below deck, something that’s never been achieved on a vessel of this scale before and represents a significant leap forward for the sector. The result is a commercially viable superyacht that points clearly towards a future beyond fossil fuels and demonstrates what’s now technically possible.

Delivered in 2025 and styled by RWD, BREAKTHROUGH accommodates 12 guests across 15 cabins and is now available for charter, giving clients the rare opportunity to experience next-generation innovation first-hand.

“BREAKTHROUGH (119M) is more than just a new launch, it’s a watershed moment for the entire charter market. To see a yacht of this scale not only experiment with but successfully integrate green hydrogen technology is extraordinary. It shows where we’re heading: towards vessels that are not just luxurious and far-reaching, but genuinely sustainable. Clients are increasingly asking how their time at sea can contribute to a cleaner future, and BREAKTHROUGH proves that with the right ambition, the industry can deliver.”

Jimmy Carroll, Pelorus Co-Founder

Sustainability front and centre in superyacht innovation

What stood out most wasn’t just the scale of the yachts, but the intent behind them. The launch of the Blue Wake program placed sustainability firmly at the heart of the show, spotlighting 59 pioneers in eco-responsible innovation. From hydrogen propulsion systems to recyclable aluminum builds, and with Sanlorenzo and SilverYachts among the award winners, the message was clear: the industry is designing with the future firmly in mind.

Beyond the explorers, yachts such as Feadship’s DAYBREAK (52m) and the striking LIFESAGA (65m) reflected the breadth of innovation on display. DAYBREAK’s refit showed how heritage vessels can be reimagined for today’s charter market with lower emissions, while LIFESAGA demonstrated performance and style at the cutting edge of modern design. Both highlighted the evolution of onboard living, with expansive beach clubs offering seamless access to the sea and a social focal point for life at anchor.

“Seeing yachts like DAYBREAK refitted for lower emissions shows that even heritage vessels can evolve responsibly. It demonstrates how the industry is beginning to view sustainability as an ongoing commitment rather than a one-off design feature. Whether through upgrades, refits, or smarter use of technology, there’s huge potential to reduce environmental impact without sacrificing performance, character, or guest experience.”

Geordie Mackay-Lewis, Co-Founder & CEO

The resurgence of sailing yachts this year spoke volumes about the industry’s growing commitment to sustainability. One that particularly struck me was SEVEN (60M), not only for her sleek lines and performance but also for the way her design blends comfort with a lighter environmental footprint. At Pelorus, sustainability is always key, as a certified B Corp we are committed to reducing our impact wherever possible, which can be challenging in this industry. That’s why we continue to champion responsible exploration and support meaningful initiatives through the Pelorus Foundation.

The Monaco Yacht Show 2025 Redefines the Future of Superyachting

One pairing that truly encapsulated the spirit of this year’s show for me was AFTER YOU and her support vessel EMOTIONAL. Together, they redefine what a yacht can be, not simply a platform for leisure, but a launchpad for meaningful exploration. With the capability to support helicopters, host specialist teams, and accommodate additional guests, they enable extended, self-sufficient voyages into some of the most remote and untouched parts of the planet. That spirit of generosity and intention is even reflected in the name: the owner is said to have chosen “After You” because, when asked what to call her, he would always reply, “After you" It’s a small detail, but one that speaks volumes about the thoughtful, personal stories behind these extraordinary vessels, and a reminder that the future of yachting isn’t just about where you can go, but how you experience it along the way.

At Pelorus, sustainability is always key. As a certified B Corp, we are committed to reducing our impact wherever possible, a challenge in this industry, but one we’re determined to lead on. That’s why we continue to champion responsible exploration and support meaningful initiatives through the Pelorus Foundation.

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