A More Focused Market
The 35th Monaco Yacht Show brought the global superyacht industry together in Port Hercule from 23 to 26 September, welcoming 30,678 visitors and 560 exhibitors over four days.
There were 118 superyachts on display with an estimated combined value of €4.5 billion. Fifty of the yachts on display had been delivered in 2026, with an average length of 47.5m and the largest measuring 111m. A further 72 tenders were presented within the show’s expanded Adventure Area.
While the scale and calibre of the fleet remained unmistakably Monaco, the atmosphere felt noticeably different this year.
“Monaco had a slightly different feel to previous years, which was echoed across the waterfront,” shares Cam Bray, Founder of The Superyacht People. “The atmosphere felt more measured, with a particularly strong focus on business and meaningful conversations.”
Against a backdrop of rapid developments in artificial intelligence, continued uncertainty in the Middle East and the acquisition of several major brokerage houses by private equity firms, the value of meeting in person appeared more important than ever.
“People were happy to sit down face-to-face, reaffirm personal relationships and have meaningful conversations,” Cam added.
The yachts themselves were more impressive than ever, with shipyards showcasing their latest advances in design, onboard technology and sustainability. The growing presence of destinations was equally noticeable. With tourism boards and regional representatives promoting new and established cruising grounds to the international charter market.
The outlook for charter also offered reasons for confidence. While 2026 was characterised by a high volume of last-minute Mediterranean bookings, early demand for the coming season is already painting a different picture.
“We are already seeing strong advance charter bookings for 2027,” shared Cam. “It is great to see that confidence returning to the market.”
Halle Scott, Global Charter Specialist was on the ground at both MYS and the CROYA Charter Show and saw equally promising trends for the charter industry: “The biggest shift I’m seeing is how early clients are planning. After a summer of last minute Med bookings in 2026, people are already looking to secure their summer 2027 charters.
“As for the yachts themselves – wellness is now part of the brief rather than a bonus. Gyms, massage therapists on board, and saunas or hammams come up in almost every conversation,” Halle adds. “Croatia continues to stand out, with a strong option of yachts with longstanding crews, and Greece remains very popular, helped by its diverse islands and lower charter VAT.”
The Monaco Yacht Show once again demonstrated its importance not simply as a showcase for the world’s most remarkable yachts, but as a place where relationships are strengthened, new opportunities emerge and the market becomes clearer.
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Emma Salvesen 