Toby Moore: The Monaco Yacht Show charts the new course of the superyacht industry

The profile of yacht owners is changing, the way yachts are conceived is evolving, and so too is the role of the world’s leading international events dedicated to high-end yachting. This is the picture outlined by Toby Moore, CEO of Informa Prestige and head of the Monaco Yacht Show, who considers the Principality’s event a privileged vantage point from which to understand the direction in which the entire industry is heading.

PressMare - Over the past thirty-five years, the Monaco Yacht Show has closely witnessed the evolution of the industry. What has been the most significant change?

Toby Moore - The most significant change is primarily linked to the evolution of the industry itself, which has become a global ecosystem involving shipyards, designers, brokers, financial advisers, family offices and a new generation of international entrepreneurs.

The increase in yacht size is certainly relevant, but only to a limited extent. Today, a 50-metre yacht represents the average size of the vessels exhibited in Port Hercule, whereas in the 1990s it would have been considered exceptional. What truly matters is technological progress, the growing complexity of yacht design and engineering, and the high degree of customisation demanded by owners.

PM - Has the way people experience their yachts also changed?

TM - Absolutely. The superyacht has become a means of making the most of one’s time. Privacy, wellbeing, flexibility, the ability to work remotely and overall quality of life have become key elements in the development of new projects.

The experience gained during the pandemic accelerated this transformation, encouraging many owners to view their yacht as a place capable of combining private life, family life and professional activity.

This evolution is directly reflected in the demands placed on shipyards and designers, who are now expected to create increasingly integrated platforms, technologically advanced yet virtually invisible in everyday use.

PM - The profile of yacht owners has also changed significantly. Who are today’s new buyers?

TM - The average age of new yacht owners has gradually fallen from around sixty to just over forty. They mainly come from the technology sector, digital finance, real estate and international entrepreneurship, bringing with them a highly analytical approach to investment.

They arrive at the Monaco Yacht Show with very clear ideas, a thorough understanding of the market, a careful assessment of technical aspects and an expectation of extremely high levels of customisation in order to create a truly unique project.

It is therefore no surprise that the explorer segment has become one of the most dynamic sectors of the market. The new generation of owners is showing increasing interest in long-range cruising and remote destinations, from the Arctic to Patagonia and the South Pacific, favouring experiences that are difficult to replicate over the traditional cruising grounds of the Mediterranean.

PM - In this context, how is the role of the Monaco Yacht Show evolving?

TM - Today, the show is increasingly positioning itself as an international platform where relationships are built and strategies are developed for projects that will take shape in the years ahead.

With more than 560 exhibitors and a return rate close to 90%, the show continues to be one of the world’s leading meeting points for the yachting and superyacht industry.

To meet the expectations of increasingly knowledgeable visitors, the Monaco Yacht Show has expanded its offering through technical conferences, round-table discussions, professional networking events and a VIP programme designed for

PM - Sustainability has become a central issue in the yachting industry as well. What is your approach?

TM: Through Blue Wake, we wanted to highlight only environmental solutions supported by verifiable data. I believe sustainability must be approached pragmatically, by assessing the yacht’s entire life cycle rather than focusing on individual technologies alone. That is why Blue Wake brings together shipyards, yacht management companies, brokerage boutiques and the entire supply chain, recognising the crucial role that operational management plays in reducing environmental impact.

PM - Does Monaco continue to be the international benchmark for the industry?

TM - Yes, because the Principality brings together the entire global yachting supply chain within just a few square kilometres. Here it is possible to meet shipyards, designers, consultants, brokers and all the industry’s key players in the same place at the same time. That is a unique competitive advantage.

PM - Looking ahead over the next ten years, how do you see the industry evolving?

TM - I see an industry increasingly focused on the experience itself, capable of offering privacy, freedom and quality time. The Monaco Yacht Show will continue to evolve in the same direction, becoming an even more selective, specialised event, closely connected to the world of experiential luxury. Because, ultimately, the true luxury of the future will be making the best possible use of one’s time.

Rebecca Gabbi

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