Claire Griffiths is Dockwalk’s contributing editor in the Mediterranean. She fled to the sunny south of France from Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. Claire has a background in journalism for national and regional UK press and a career in political and corporate PR prior to that. Claire’s hobbies include eating, sleeping and dancing at inopportune times. She tries to avoid sheer drops and Olympic bobsled runs. Email Claire at claire@dockwalk.com
Sustainability was a watchword at the Monaco Yacht Show this year. And everyone was singing from the same hymn sheet. The message cascaded downwards from HSH Prince Albert II and echoed in the conference halls at the Yacht Club de Monaco for the Smart & Sustainable Marina Awards and was evident on the ground at the new Sustainable Hub exhibition area where 13 exhibitors did their best to have their hollering heard over the show hubbub. This year, a new Adventure Area highlighted all things fun and adventurous from tenders to water toys.
Veteran yacht captains and crew took long looks at the “new generations” and the “Save our Seas” messaging in the Sustainable Hub. It appears the message has sunk in and the owners are taking new fuel ideas on board — hydrogen and fuel cells instead of diesel fumes.
MYS created its own watchword — “Seducation,” which is a three-year campaign of education and seduction designed to “attract a new generation of yacht owners.” But with more than 100 superyachts at the show, including a quay dedicated exclusively to sail, there was certainly nothing lacking this year.
With most yacht galleys on show — and so closed for the duration — crew queued at the doors of the Captains & Crew Lounge for breakfast and lunch, getting some time off the vessel and giving their chefs a break. Up the stairs from the restaurant, crew could sit, enjoy snacks, or play some games with friends such as foosball, snooker, and pinball. They also had the chance to take advantage of hairdresser Eric Stipa’s talents or relax during a 30-minute massage provided by Daniele de Winter.
Chef demonstrations organized at the Lounge by provisioners Maison del Gusto also went down very well. From tastings and master classes, the events brought in some crewmembers from beyond the galley to learn and discover new flavors. M/Y Chopi Chopi Head Chef Manoel Crisanto shared his techniques and recipes on how to preserve and dry-age fish, and Michelin-starred Chef Antonio Mellino demonstrated his signature dish, Pennino alla Nerano, that finished off the event with a plate to try for attendees. As the show days came to a close, the Lounge terrace was the place to be to wind down and enjoy a drink with friends.
On Friday evening, September 30, the Association of Women in Yachting with She of the Sea hosted the Shore Future Forum at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). A dozen panelists — former crew who have transitioned ashore and representatives of companies employing former crew — shared their journeys and advice for female crew looking to, or who have recently, come ashore. Following the discussion, attendees and speakers networked on the IHO roof terrace overlooking the show with charcuterie, drinks, and a DJ.
Merci, Monaco!