South of France – let the Shows begin!
The first yacht shows of the European circuit begin with Cannes 12 to 17 September, followed by the king of all yacht shows, Monaco, which runs 27 to 30 September in the spectacular marina of Port Hercule.
This year’s Cannes Yachting Festival will feature 650 yachts, from electric tenders to superyachts of 73-metres, new and brokerage boats, lifestyle and luxury accessories, nav equipment and more, with more than 600 exhibitors on water and within the Palais exhibition centre.
“Cannes has become the best brokerage yacht show in Europe for yachts from 70 to 160 feet,” states Mitch Torrens, Director at Torrens Luxury Collection (TLC). “It also offers the largest selection of European brands both new and brokerage on display, and a vast array of watertoys and gadgets that make yachting so much fun.”
Torrens Luxury Collection has made its base in Monaco over the European summer, “the ideal location between the French Rivera and the Italian coastline,” explains Mitch.
“Being based in Monaco through summer gives our valued clients unprecedented VIP access to the best selection of brokerage and new build opportunities in Europe. We are thrilled to welcome clients to both shows and between shows to inspect the vessels that best suit their needs.”
In late September, the Monaco Yacht Show hosts the world’s largest display of superyachts, this year presenting 120 of the best superyachts and megayachts on the market. This year’s MYS will also celebrate the inaugural The Honours Awards, recognising the craftspeople, engineers, owners, crew, scientists, philanthropists and adventurers within the superyacht industry.
“The French Riviera and the Med are buzzing this time of year and the yacht shows extend the season well into October,” says Mitch.
“We encourage people who are interested in finding out about owning or chartering a superyacht to get in touch and make the trip to Europe where we can provide the pinnacle VIP experience.”
In between the two yacht shows, there is an exciting calendar of events to enjoy: from World Cup Rugby in Paris, Nice, Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille and many other cities, to outdoor music festivals, art exhibitions and attractions open year-round such as the wonderful Oceanographic Museum, the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo, and HSH the Prince of Monaco’s Car Collection, now located at Port Hercule.
From his 19 years of making the pilgrimage to the South of France, Mitch recommends flying into Nice, itself a fascinating city and home to galleries, artists’ enclaves, boutiques and restaurants, before taking a helicopter for the scenic trip to Cannes.
“After exploring the coastline to from Eze to St Tropez, Provence is just a short chopper ride, or drive for some of France’s most incredible wines,” Mitch continues. “Wine has been made here for 2,600 years. 88 percent of the region’s production is dedicated to Rosé and there is a world-famous research institute dedicated to this marvellous pink-hued wine.”
The enchanting medieval town of Èze rates a mention, clinging precariously to the clifftops 400-metres above the sea and just north of Nice. As well as incredible views along the coast stretching as far as the eye can see, Èze boasts intriguing boutiques, specialising in perfume, soap and artisan jewellery, bags and sandals.
Le Jardin Exotique d’ Èze is second only to Monaco’s (closed for restoration during 2023), and the panoramic views and myriad of succulent plants are well worth the 6 Euro entry fee.
Also on Mitch’s “to do” list of recommendations is afternoon tea or a stay in the newly refurbished Carlton Cannes, an enduring icon on the boulevard La Croisette, made famous by the stellar celebrities of stage and screen who have passed through its “Belle Epoque” doors for over 100 years.
The Carlton Beach Club, with views to the Esterel and Lérins Islands has been welcoming guests to this exclusive, sandy enclave since the 1930s.
Then there’s the L’ecrin Beach Club & Restaurant “which is the perfect spot for lunch if you’re a yacht owner,” according to Mitch.
“You can have lunch and look over the beach and your yacht at the same time. It’s one of the best sashimi experiences in Cannes.”
For unwinding and relaxing from the hectic social whirl, there’s nothing like the treatments at the Hotel Martinez Day Spa, L’Oasis, “the A-list celebrities fave spot during the Cannes Film Festival.”
One simple pleasure is a meander through Cannes Old Town, Le Suquet, whose winding streets recall the town’s history as a humble fishing village, with an 11th century monastery, and later, the influence of artists and creative types.
The contrast between the quaint heritage of the local marketplace, known as Marché Forville, the ancient Notre Dame de l’Esperance, hole-in-the-wall bistros, and gardens blooming with colour, and the glamour and pace of the Cannes waterfront is impressive to behold.
In Monaco, the options are just as varied.
For the best Italian food in the region, Mitch recommends Rampoldi Monte Carlo, which for 77 years has been dishing up the taste of the Mediterranean and is THE place for sealing the deal during the Monaco Yacht Show. Now, under the direction of the Michelin-star Chef Antonio Salvatore, Rampoldi is a treat for all the senses.
Watching the sun set over the Med is made all the more breathtaking at Nobu at the Fairmont, while the elegant and avant-garde Sass Café is the place to be and be seen, dancing the night away.
Overlooking the Casino, the Café de Paris Monte Carlo is an institution, the most excellent vantage point for people watching and spotting unique exotic cars.
“A special mention must go to La Réserve de la Mala at Cap d’Ail, a private beach club located just out of Monaco,” adds Mitch. “It’s a very special, relaxing destination, offering amazing food and service and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the Côte d’Azur. Arrive by tender directly on the beach and enjoy the tranquillity of this secluded little spot.”
When it comes to getting down to yachting business, Mitch occupies a privileged niche, and is able to connect clients with the leading European brands.
“Being one of the only yacht brokers to own a Mangusta, I have a special connection with the brand, its world-class pedigree and build quality,” he explains. “Their shallow draft makes them perfect for getting into remote places close to the beach, whether that’s St Tropez or the Whitsundays.
“The Rolls Royce Kamewa Jet Drive propulsion technology is years ahead of its competitors, and the ability to reach high speeds means owners can include multiple destinations in their itineraries. We know from speaking with our clients that the biggest luxury for them is time.”
For Torrens Luxury Collection clients, they are guaranteed access to a global network of associates and exclusive premium listings.
“We have access to many yachts that don’t reach the market, as well use of market intelligence and forecasting,” says Mitch. “We have decades’ long relationships with European and US brokers, sourcing options that are the best in class, including brands like Feadship, Benetti, Amels, Westport , Riva, Pershing, Princess, Sunseeker, Lazzara to name a few.
“Pantaenius Monaco offers out clients Mediterranean comprehensive insurance cover, and we can tailor the policy to suit whether you’re enjoying the boat privately or chartering to make an income.”
For tenders, Torrens Luxury Collection has ties with Mike Marine, the Williams Dealer for the South of France and Italy.
“Many of our clients are seeking the best tenders available for their family and friends to enjoy. We can source the perfect custom tender for the client’s needs and requirements.”
In addition, Torrens Luxury Collection has a network of Port Marina Managers who can arrange exclusive berth options in desirable locations such as Monaco, St Tropez, Antibes, Cannes, Portofino, Ibiza and Palma, among many others.
“That is the Torrens Luxury Collection difference,” states Mitch, “We have been operating in this region and in all forms of brokerage and charter for 30+ years. Our solid and reputable network extends worldwide. Clients have full access to this array and depth of services, supporting their purchase and realising their yachting dreams.”
Image Sources:
- MYS pics courtesy of Monaco Yacht Show.
- Cannes Yachting Festival pictures courtesy of Cannes Yachting Festival.
