Last year, the big debut of the MCY 76, with a layout especially developed to woo the American market, was delayed; the boat was stuck on a transport ship awaiting custom clearance with several other new boats. Undeterred, Monte Carlo Yachts still held the launch event it had planned. Good cheer and champagne flowed in spite of the delay, and finally a stylish MCY 76 took its slip along Collins Avenue. Among the changes to the original layout was the positioning of a contemporary galley on the main deck (a layout seen on the MCY 65) where it conveniently serves both inside and outside dining (another layout with a galley down—first shown in Europe—remains an option). A banquette with a foldable table was also located near the salon’s doors. Built on a well-engineered track system that allows it to slide forward, the banquette reveals the stairs that lead to more galley space and the crew quarters. It’s an effective if complex solution, which required smart design and engineering.

This year, the builder, represented in the United States by the energetic team at Denison Yachts—which includes broker Justin Onofrietti (Denison’s Monte Carlo Yachts specialist)—is expected to make a big splash. The company plans to present the MCY 76 (currently the largest), a new MCY 70 (winner of an AIM Marine Group award in Fort Lauderdale) and the MCY 65; all are expected at the Yacht & Brokerage Show.

Monte Carlo Yachts has an impressive story to tell. The company was born as the yachting industry entered some of its most difficult years—the MCY 76, the company’s first model, was introduced in September 2010 in Cannes. A miserable market outlook did not seem to slow the company down, and the company’s debut yacht was like a breath of fresh air. Monte Carlo Yachts, which is associated with big names in the yachting industry—megayacht designers Nuvolari-Lenard and parent company Beneteau among others—has established itself as a serious contender. Under the guidance of CEO Carla Demaria, the company has flourished, developing new models at an impressive clip. Their size and layouts set them apart but in the end, they have more in common than they differ. Built in composite (resin, Kevlar and carbon), using the now-proven resin-infusion technique at the company’s purpose-built plant in Northern Italy (in 2011 the company also purchased an adjacent site from Seaway Technologies), they are sturdy and light, handling waves with aplomb. The forward-thinking yet classic styling, emphasized by catchy custom paints, is also very consistent. There is a high flared bow, curved buttresses, a large swim platform, a big salon located on the bow, a Portuguese bridge, a characteristic foursome of portholes bringing light to the lower-deck master cabin and a carbon hardtop with built-in sunroof (although it is optional, everyone seems to go for it). All models have a maximum speed in the low 30s and the 76 and 70 are available with either conventional V drives and diesel engines or pod drives, offering joystick operation. The 65 is available with twin MAN engines and V drives and can be fitted with an optional joystick to ease maneuvers in conjunction with the thrusters.

The interior of all three models share the kind of elegance and finish found in megayachts, courtesy of its Venetian design team. Attractive details in and out include impeccably finished veneer, leather handles with perfect stitching, designer fabrics, showers with beautiful mosaics and stylish showerheads. Outside details include small cylinders containing LED lights rising out of the beautiful teak deck, the stylish carbon top and the large flybridge deck. Despite their luxurious nature, these yachts are priced competitively and, combined with an effective marketing strategy, have found a receptive audience of boaters looking for something new, yet proven. Currently in the works is an 86-foot yacht.

For more information visit montecarloyachts.it or denisonyachtsales.com

To return to the main article, click here.