Review of the Monaco Yacht Show

The 19th annual Monaco Yacht Show was held September 23rd through the 26th. An estimated 30,000 people arrived over the three-day event, making it one of the busiest in recent memory in terms of foot traffic. However, this years show seemed to feature fewer businesses in attendance and fewer big yacht unveilings.

The lack of big-budget releases can be due to the economic downturn finally forcing even the rich and famous to tamp down their spending habits. It can also be to avoid negative publicity. Some publications love nothing more than to rail against the owners and companies of the newest and most lavish yachts, especially in times like these. It sells papers.

However, the event was far from a bust. An estimated 500 companies participated to showcase their latest offerings to the world of yachting. Not only do the companies have a welcoming and eager platform to unveil their latest builds, but it also gives them an opportunity to whet the appetites of potential buyers by divulging news and plans of future builds.

The Monaco Yacht Show has always stood atop the list of global luxury yacht shows, and this year wasn't an exception.

In the Superyacht category, featuring world-class luxury yachts of 25 meters to 90 meters, over 100 ships were on display for the fans to witness. There were also 40 brand new builds to behold in the harbor, making for some great eye candy.

Some of the highlights included the release of the new Icon 62. The Icon 62 instantly turned heads. This 62-meter custom Superyacht was originally pitched and sold at the 2006 Monaco Yacht Show. It arrived this year ready to go for the lucky buyer, and all in attendance were absolutely floored by its style and breathtakingly large size.

The new Chrisco by CNB was also launched. Although not as large as the Icon build, Chrisco still managed to leave onlookers in awe due to its construction. This 30-meter ship features a composition body of carbon balsa vinylester, making it super lightweight and incredibly strong. Whats most impressive about Chrisco, however, is that its a sailing ship not an engine-powered yacht.

During a show of this caliber, it doesnt take a Superyacht to draw massive attention. At the German Frers stand, guests could look at the incredibly lifelike plans of yachts and also witness what was for sale.

The show was everything a yacht lover would expect from Monaco. There were impressive builds, new designs, slues of tours on state-of-the-art ships, and plenty of other attractions. But perhaps the most appealing aspect to some is the perks of attending.

BMW provides courtesy cars for the guests, and the casino supermarket is in close vicinity. Monaco, located at the southernmost tip of France, just across from northeastern Italy, is also a beautiful location with plenty of history and countless sights to see.

2009s show was certainly a success; and even though fewer businesses were in attendance, the Monaco Yacht Show isn't losing any steam. 2010s show is expected to be even larger.

Visit the CasinoMan Blog for more articles and blogs about the lifestyle of the rich and opulant.

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Why Monaco Grand Prix Packages Are The Perfect Luxury Perk

Specialising in travel writing puts me ahead of the game when it comes to finding good deals and being offered promotional packages, called on as I often am to give my expert opinion on new travel products. I have been privileged enough to be wined, dined and entertained all over the world, attending top sporting events, bespoke retreats and a plethora of festivals. With the start of the F1 season on the horizon, I thought it was high time I shared my experiences of the high life associated with Monaco Grand Prix packages.

I have visited the sunny principality located on the Cote d'Azur on many occasions, and it's opulent atmosphere has allowed me to indulge in every luxury fantasy I've had whilst waiting to win the lottery. The feel of the infamous tax haven is laid back and luxurious, yet it has a unique sparkling of excitement wherever you go. It is an atmosphere that could be compared to the effervescent attributes of a glass of Dom Perignon chilled to perfection; on board a multi million pound super yacht - naturally. Yes, as the playground of the rich and famous, lapping up luxury is the only order of the day, and for most people, this opportunity only presents itself as part of a Grand Prix package in Monaco.

Sure, there is the Casino, for which Monaco is famous, there is also an amazing oceanarium and the exotic gardens atop a vast network of caves. The shops in Monaco also amaze many visitors. There is no BHS followed by a Waterstones and a WHSmiths - no, the shops in Monaco consist of Prada, Gucci and the like with the odd car showroom in between - all Ferrari, Porsche and Maserati of course! As if this experience wasn't grand enough, come Formula 1 time the glitterati levels rise exponentially. Celebrities, royals and the top of the rich list visit Monaco to soak up the high octane excitement with Monaco Grand Prix packages. Depending on the budget you have set aside for the experience it is possible to charter one of the most expensive yachts in the world, travel by Lear jet, opt for helicopter transfer, or to warm up for the big race, by hiring a supercar.

Monaco Grand Prix packages have been created to offer those who have everything the thrill of a lifetime. As well as being waited on by the best hosts along the south coast of France, guests have the opportunity to meet the drivers in a special tour, party with them afterwards at a VIP event, stay in some of the most sought after berths aboard a luxury yacht and let's not forget - experience firsthand one of the most prestigious events in the sporting calendar. The very strange thing about Monaco Grand Prix packages is that you don't necessarily have to be a fan of the sport to enjoy them. Armed with ear defenders (because believe me - you need them) it is possible to soak up the sun on a hospitality balcony or the deck of a super yacht and get in on the F1 action when it suits you. It is a surreal experience for someone who is neither rich nor famous, but I can assure you - worth every penny.

Gino Hitshopi is an experinced travel writer, specialising in attending prestigious events overseas and writing luxury holiday reviews. For more information about how you can experince the thrills of Monaco Grand Prix packages visit: http://www.paragonhospitality.co.uk/monaco-grand-prix.html

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Impress Your Mates With Monaco Grand Prix Hospitality

As an accidental globetrotter I have found myself in some weird, wonderful and far-flung places. From the jungles of Borneo - after a friend of mine decided to not go through with her wedding, and subsequently there was room for me on her 'honeymoon'; that was one was definitely far-flung - to a week long Buddhist retreat in a sodden Devonshire field; that was a weird one. One of the most wonderful however was a taste of the high life in Monte Carlo, thanks to a generous friend with a spare Grand Prix hospitality ticket.

I have holidayed in the South of France many times, but my first time in Monaco was simply stunning. It may be a small principality minding its own business along the Cote d'Azur but it has an atmosphere that is larger than life; tranquil yet full of vibrancy, simply being there makes you feel like you are one of the privileged few. When you have a chance to sample the Monaco Grand Prix hospitality that feeling becomes pure bliss. This is what dreams are made of. My friend and I had the privilege of staying in a private Monaco apartment that seemed to tower above the streets because of the steep terrain. We had a view of some of the circuit, but our hospitality package had us booked on a super yacht, where we were in for a sumptuous Grand Prix treat.

To say that the accommodation on multi million pound luxury yachts is opulent is an understatement indeed, and when you are being waited on by the best hospitality staff in Europe, you can be sure that it is a pretty perfect experience altogether. Dom Perignon, fine foods and fabulous weather combined to make us almost dizzy with a taste of how the other half live. Although this was a rather extravagant opportunity for a humble travel writer, I discovered that the opportunity to have a slice of the Monaco Grand Prix hospitality pie is not as far out of reach as it first appears.

Sure, if you want to arrive by Lear jet with helicopter transfers, party in the Amber Lounge and spend a whole week in one the most prestigious berths in the port during the Grand Prix week, it is going to cost a small fortune; this is the playground of the rich and famous after all. But if you hop on an easy Jet flight, grab a regular hire car (not a super car as per some of the hospitality packages include) and lounge around on a luxury yacht only during the race, I can assure you, you'd be saving a lot of money.

At the end of the day, simply visiting Monaco is amazing (I have since been back on non-race weekends), visiting during an F1 event is another world, and having the opportunity to mix with the world's elite for whom Monaco Grand Prix hospitality is a mere weekend away (a bit like regular Joes booking a holiday cottage one bank holiday), then the experience is inter-stellar. Take my word for it, make doing something like this one of those things to do before you hit some aging milestone that has a big fat nought on the end; it really is a wonderful thing to do.

Gino Hitshopi is a seasoned travel writer specialising in reviewing luxury breaks and prestigious sporting events overseas. For more information about Monaco Grand Prix hospitality please visit: http://www.paragonhospitality.co.uk/monaco-grand-prix.html

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