who owns the streets of monaco yacht

A Closer Look at the $400 Million Superyacht Streets of Monaco

The country of Monaco has long been an isle of luxury and extreme pleasure. It’s a premier destination for vacationers who prefer to take their holidays in grand style, and for the very rich and famous with a penchant for gambling, entertainment, and a hearty nightlife. A fair share of the jet-setting crowd enjoy spending at least a portion of their holidays on the streets of Monaco and one billionaire was so inspired that he ordered the commission of a superyacht to capture the opulence and extravagance of the locale in a recreation that is named for the country in the famed $400 million Streets of Monaco. To fully appreciate the splendor of this floating paradise, we take a closer look at this artistic and expensive rendition.

History of the superyacht Streets of Monaco

In 2015, the Streets of Monaco superyacht was just a concept. When news of its commission was revealed they were assumed to be rumors of wishful thinking, much like a fantasy that seemed unlikely to ever be realized. For a couple of years, there was the talk of a bold concept that would create a replica of many of the most famous landmarks found in the country of Monaco, captured on a large floating vessel, intended for the enjoyment of billionaires fond of locales such as the Hotel de Paris, La Rascasse, the Monte Carlo Casino, Cafe de Paris, Loews Hotel, and others. It was further rumored that the superyacht would cost an astronomical $1.1 billion to construct, but this, was an unsubstantiated rumor because when the ship was finally completed, much to the surprise of yachting enthusiasts who saw it as a pipe dream, the actual cost would be closer to $400 million.

Who’s commissioning the Streets of Monaco?

To lend credence to the rumors, we did a fair amount of research and learned that this yacht doesn’t actually exist, well, not yet anyway. The Island Design yacht company of the United Kingdom presented the blueprint for the yacht back in 2011. The design team from Island Design remarked that this vessel would be more like a floating city than it would a yacht. The billionaire backing the building of the Streets of Monaco is none other than Russian magnate Roman Abramovich, owner of The Eclipse yacht, according to this article .

The proposed specifications and amenities

Construction of the Streets of Monaco? couldn’t confirm one way or another if it has begun but we do have information about the proposed specifications and at least some of the amenities. The ship is designed to be 500 feet in length with a replica of the streets found in Monaco with miniature replications of popular landmarks n Monaco including the Hotel de Paris, tennis courts and swimming pools. The Atrium will link the main living areas together including a network of seven guest suites with individual bedrooms, balconies, dressing rooms, bathrooms, and reception areas. The capacity of the ship will be 70 crew members for daily maintenance and operation and 16 guests. In addition, there will be a tunnel complex extending around the deck for the Monaco Grand Prix go-kart track. The plans also include an area for storing smaller yachts for VIP travel to and from the main ship.

The Streets of Monaco will also feature several casinos on board along with luxury resorts if you can picture this on board a yacht. Jacuzzi bars, a cinema, libraries, helipads, a submarine, underwater restaurants, and waterfalls are also included in the plans. There will also be recreations of a beach-inspired pool, cafe bars, barbecue facilities and interior opulence the likes of which this world has not yet seen, according to LuxeHabitat. There is also slated to be a basketball court, a dance hall, a full spa and hair salon and this is just what is known about the initial plans.

Will the fantasy ever be brought to life?

There has been a lot of speculation over the past eight years about the credibility of this design and as to whether or not it is even feasible. The Island Design company who currently holds the blueprints believe wholeheartedly that it is possible. The only element that is missing is a billionaire that is willing to commission the construction. There have been no concrete announcements about whether or not Abramovich has signed off on the construction, and according to the director of Yacht Island Design, Scott, Poxon, this requirement has yet to be satisfied.

Final thoughts

The Streets of Monaco is a lovely dream which one day may become a reality, but as of now, it’s locked away in the minds of the designers in a set of blueprints waiting for someone to step up to the plate with the necessary funding to commission the building of this $400 million dream yacht. One thing is for certain, it would be the biggest and most expensive yacht on the ocean, but it could possibly be considered a floating city, given the amenities and onboard operations which would give it the full functionality of a city floating on the ocean. Resorts, hotels, casinos, restaurants, a Grand Prix in a miniature version, transportation via submarine, helicopter or yacht, and we’re assuming that the communications technology would also be quite advanced. It’s nice to dream but this is one dream that could possibly become a reality in the near future.

Dana has extensive professional writing experience including technical and report writing, informational articles, persuasive articles, contrast and comparison, grant applications, and advertisement. She also enjoys creative writing, content writing on nearly any topic (particularly business and lifestyle), because as a lifelong learner, she loves to do research and possess a high skill level in this area. Her academic degrees include AA social Sci/BA English/MEd Adult Ed & Community & Human Resource Development and ABD in PhD studies in Indust & Org Psychology.

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155m SWATH ‘The Streets of Monaco’ superyacht by Yacht Island Design

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Written by Chelsea Smith

Introducing a new era in luxury yachting, the themed yacht.

Yacht Island Design has been formed by a creative team who are driven by a passion to deliver something different. That difference is themed yachts, the first of which is called The Streets of Monaco superyacht design. The art of producing a themed yacht is to seamlessly weave a story into every element of the design and is achieved via extensive consultation with the client during the initial phases of the design process. This focus allows the creation of a truly unique environment from the overall exterior shape down to the smallest interior detail. Yacht Island Design’s attention to detail is shown in the first proposal, a 155m SWATH vessel that takes the principality of Monaco to the ocean.

155m SWATH ‘The Streets of Monaco’ superyacht by Yacht Island Design Exterior render and zoning diagram

Yacht Island Design has selected the SWATH platform as its prime focus. Not only does this platform offer the best seakeeping ability but the exceptionally wide beam for its length gives the maximum flexibility to achieve best utilisation of space. It also allows for the exploration of bold and daring design ideas without the restrictions of a conventional hull shape. Yacht Island Design are in collaboration with BMT Nigel Gee on several SWATH proposals. As the world’s leading independent provider of naval architecture and engineering to the large yacht industry they bring significant experience in the naval architecture of SWATH vessels.

In order to showcase its capabilities, Yacht Island Design has set about developing several concept proposals. The first of these is ‘The Streets of Monaco’. This is a 155m SWATH yacht built predominantly in steel with the use of aluminium in the upper superstructure. With a maximum speed of 15 knots she transports her 70 crew and 16 guests using diesel electric propulsion. The design theme called for a unique yacht that reflected the style and sophistication of the principality and centres around three main communal areas, ‘The Streets of Monaco’, ‘The Oasis’ and ‘The Grand Atrium’.

‘The Streets of Monaco’ is the focal point of our story and the anchor for the themes that run throughout the yacht, revolving around a recreation of the famous  Monao Grand Prix race circuit. This fully functional kart circuit sets the stage for other famous locations seen on a lap of the principality. The Casino, Hotel de Paris, Cafe de Paris, La Rascasse, and of course the famous Loews hotel and tunnel complex are all featured and house many of the major interior communal spaces. There are four major areas to the external deck space. On the upper deck is ‘Casino Square’ featuring a large glass bottomed fountain situated in a tranquil garden setting. Heading past the Casino you arrive on the roof of the ‘Loews hotel’ which extends to the bow. This area features a small swimming pool, large Spa Pool and expansive sun decks with BBQ facilities. Moving aft we arrive at the main swimming pool which represents the Port Hercule harbour with a maximum depth of 3m incorporating a swim-in Spa Pool/bar. Continuing to the stern we pass into an area focussed on sports. The multi-use court can be configured to a variety of activities including tennis and basketball. Completing this floating city is the Prince’s Palace which as you would expect, houses the owners private apartment in a prime location on the port bow.

155m SWATH ‘The Streets of Monaco’ superyacht by Yacht Island Design The Oasis render

`The Oasis’, on the The Streets of Monaco superyacht design located aft, acts as the main boarding point for the yacht, an expansive area modelled on the gardens just outside the  Monaco Casino. On entering the Oasis, attention is immediately drawn to the central waterfall feature consisting of upper level pools cascading down into the lower pool and Spa Pool. Radiating from the pool are numerous shrub lined pathways and secluded seating areas. Large exterior windows surround the entire aft section of the oasis, extending to the full double deck height ceiling allowing natural light to flood the space. Located forward on the lower level is the Spa, with manicure and hair salon, private massage suites, sauna/steam rooms and a large relaxation lounge featuring a spa pool with bar. To either side of the spa entrance are located grand marble staircases and elevator access to the mezzanine, with a cafe bar and magnificent views of the gardens below. Forward of the Cafe Bar are large porthole windows offering unique under water views into the main external swimming pool. Opposite this feature lies access to the fully equipped Gym which boasts uninterrupted views over the ocean. Nestled between the feature portholes and the Gym is an art lined hallway which acts as the entranceway to `The Grand Atrium’.

155m SWATH ‘The Streets of Monaco’ superyacht by Yacht Island Design Owners Apartment - Living Room

`The Grand Atrium’ is the central hub of the yacht, linking the upper and lower living areas. At its centre is a large, ornate spiral staircase which surrounds a waterfall feature that is supplied by the glass bottomed fountain from the garden area above. A small cafe/bar area ensures this feature can be enjoyed while relaxing in comfort. The seven guest suites are located off of the lower atrium level and vary in size, from the more modest 135 m2 suite to the grand 356 m2 VIP suites. All include their own reception room, bathroom, dressing room, bedroom and balcony. The VIP suites have the added luxury of a private office. On the same level and located centrally to the guest suites are the Library, Communal Office, Communal Balcony and Cinema. The upper level of the Atrium leads to the main entertainment areas and the Owners suite. The entertainment areas comprise the Main Saloon with separate Havana room and adjoining wine cellar, the Dining Room, Casino and Dance Hall. At the farthest end of the Atrium lies the Owners Apartment. Connected to all decks via a private lift and spread over 3 floors, it covers a total 1460m2 of floor space. As well as the usual lounge with a feature fire place and double height ceiling, office, bedroom, bathroom, his/hers dressing rooms, the apartment also benefits from a listening room, private courtyard, sunroom, numerous balconies and private sundeck with a Spa Pool/swimming pool.

‘The Streets of Monaco’ superyacht by Yacht Island Design VIP Suite

Other Key features

Two large tender garages to store all manner of launches, offshore power boats, jet skis etc. Dive dock and Submarine, deployed from one of the submerged hulls. Multi configurable sports court sized to championship tennis regulations also doubles as a Heli-Pad. Ample crew quarters including a gym and private sun terrace. Crew can access all areas of the yacht via a network of corridors allowing for maximum guest privacy. Sea level ‘Beach’ decks situated aft in both struts.

What’s next for Yacht Island Design?

Yacht Island Design’s second proposal is an 85m yacht based around a ‘Pacific Island’ theme, a notable departure from the architectural feel of the ‘Monaco’ design with a flowing organic shape and natural themed features. This concept illustration is a small teaser of what is to follow.

85m yacht with a ‘Pacific Island’ theme, by Yacht Island Design

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "155m SWATH ‘The Streets of Monaco’ superyacht by Yacht Island Design".

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A Look at Streets of Monaco, the World's Most Absurd Yacht

The world of megayachts is hardly known for its subtlety, but this proposed floating city makes even Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich's 557-foot Eclipse look downright sensible. Modeled after the glamorous Mediterranean city-state of Monaco, the Streets of Monaco features exhaustive replicas of landmarks like the Monte Carlo Casino, the Hotel de Paris, La Rascasse, and even a beach-like swimming pool. Estimated to cost of more than $1B to construct, this floating mini-city is the brainchild of the Yacht Island Design, an as-yet-untested firm fond of attention-grabbing designs that don't make it past the design stage. Still, plenty of thought has gone into this extravagant farce.

? The plans, while well publicized, don't appear to be very exact (above), just vague sections on each deck of the none-too-streamlined ship. That might be because, with the way things are going in yacht design lately, the designs might very well be obsolete before this billion-dollar extravagance is finally constructed.

· Yacht Island Design [official site] · Outrageous, Opulent Yacht Interiors For Filthy-Rich Boaters [Curbed National]

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Yacht Island Design Unveils 'Streets of Monaco' Project

Yacht Island  Design has released plans for a £244 million gargantuan yacht that replicates the streets of Monaco. Christened 'The Streets Of Monaco', the super ship mimics the key landmarks of the wealthy city-state, including the famous Hotel de Paris, Prince's Palace, Loews Hotel, Port Hercule and La Rascasse. It also boasts a go kart race track that replicates the famous Grand Prix track, as well as a helipad, mini submarine, speedboats, jet skis, swimming pools and Jacuzzis.

Rob McPherson, one of the founders of the project, said: 'The theme is based around the Mediterranean principality with the primary focus being the famous grand prix circuit. 'The idea was to recreate the circuit as a fully-functional kart track able to accommodate three karts side-by-side to allow for plenty of overtaking. By sizing the track in this way it has driven the overall dimensions of the yacht and the placement of the famous landmarks.

Streets of Monaco yacht features urban replica of Monaco

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UK-based design company Yacht Island Design has proposed a new innovative superyacht named Streets of Monaco, inspired by a small section of the Principality of Monaco.

The new 155m Streets of Monaco yacht has been designed by Yacht Island Design, in association with UK-based naval architectural firm BMT Nigel Gee. Currently in the design stage, it is conceived as a floating island featuring its own fully functional go kart circuit. The entire design is a unique recreation of a small section of the Principality of Monaco.

The themed yacht comes complete with casino and race track. The four-deck yacht will feature innumerable amenities such as a main swimming pool with swim-in Jacuzzi/bar and the Casino Square in the upper deck; multi-purpose courtyard, which also doubles as a helipad; open sundecks and BBQ facilities aboard the yacht; and other communal areas named ‘The Oasis’ and ‘The Grand Atrium.’

The Oasis, the main boarding point that features a central waterfall, has been designed by seeking inspiration from the gardens outside the Monaco Casino. The lower level of ‘Streets of Monaco’ houses a spa with manicure and hair salon, sauna/steam rooms, a relaxation lounge with a spa pool and a bar, and a gym and café bar with underwater views.

The Grand Atrium is designed to link the upper and lower living areas of the yacht. Seven guest suites, library, communal office, communal balcony and cinema are housed in the lower level atrium. The upper atrium leads to the entertainment area and the owner’s suite. The atrium is also equipped with seven guest suites with their own reception room, bathroom, dressing room, bedroom and balcony.

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The Streets of Monaco. The yacht that could revolutionize luxury yachting

The Streets of Monaco

The yacht that could revolutionize luxury yachting

“ The Streets of Monaco “, the eccentric yacht would be the closest thing to the idea of ​​a floating luxury hotel. A surprisingly flashy and expensive prototype, “ The Streets of Monaco ,” a $ 965 million titan

The project designed by Yacht Island Design is still a prototype, but if possible it would be one of the most impressive inventions of pleasure in contemporary history.

As its name suggests, The Streets of Monaco is based on the popular European town characterized by its luxurious casinos and prestigious hotels. Due to the intimidating size of her, the structure of the yacht is swath type, similar to that of cargo ships.

As for the size of it, the yacht would be 155 meters in length, which would fit 16 people in the main living areas and another 70 corresponding to the crew. Also, the maximum speed of it would be 15 knots or 28 km / h.

Due to the magnitude of it, the Streets of Monaco would enter numerous leisure areas such as bars, swimming pools, tennis courts and even a heliport in case you have to abandon ship in an emergency. In addition, the spa, gym, hairdresser and beauty salon will allow you to achieve the maximum possible relaxation.

But that’s not all, as it would also include a restaurant, a library, a large movie theater with the latest in audiovisual technology, a solarium, a wine cellar, and up to seven guest rooms, including a 356-square-meter VIP room.

The design of this luxurious and eccentric yacht designed exclusively for magnates includes a central department of 1,460 square meters distributed on three floors capable of connecting to all decks by means of a private elevator. This home would be for the owner or guests

The price of it, if the development takes place, could reach a little more than USD 965 million.

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The New Concept in Luxury Yachting: The Themed Yacht

• By Christopher White
• Updated: May 10, 2011

If you think that a Carnival Cruise Lines ship is a floating city, just wait until you see this. The creative team at Yacht Island Design has put forth its first proposal: the Principality of Monaco, a SWATH design will provide the beam and sea keeping ability needed to keep this nautical municipality afloat.

Multiple decks contain pools, spas, waterfalls, tennis courts, a lavish private master suite (located in the Prince’s Palace on the port bow) and accommodations for 16 guests and — brace yourself — 70 crew that the company estimates it will take to keep Monaco cruising along at 15 knots. The focal point of the design is “The Streets of Monaco,” which will feature re-creations of the Monaco Grand Prix race circuit (complete with go-carts for racing), the Hotel de Paris, the Casino, Café de Paris and the Lowes Hotel.

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The $1billion luxury yacht: The Streets of Monaco

You can’t put a price on the ineffable elegance of monaco, but you can, it seems, put one on its streets floating out in the ocean on a luxury yacht. .

The $1 billion Streets of Monaco is a concept, luxury yacht by Yacht Island Design  that while not yet complete, will eventually feature a go-kart track, casinos, a replica of the Monaco Grand Prix track, tennis courts, swimming pools and a bar.

The 152-metre luxury yacht, as its name suggests, will be a floating replica of the city of Monaco. The ‘streets’ detail reflects a particular part of the Monte Carlo landscape. Naturally, then, the yacht will also feature the kind of decadence and indulgence that Monte Carlo is prized for.

The luxury yacht will feature helicopter and submarine facilities, a mini waterfall and underwater views for the onboard cafe and bar. The luxury yacht’s stunningly designed centrepiece, the Atrium, will also be the scene of the main living quarters of its lucky billionaire owner, and will spread over three floors and 445 square-metres. Other accommodation on board will include seven guest suites each featuring a reception room, multiple bathrooms and balconies.

In the design firm’s own words, “We like to base our designs upon innovative floating platforms. It frees us to explore bold and daring ideas which challenge the accepted norms within the yachting industry. No longer are we bound by the restrictions of a conventional hull shape. This unleashes creative flair and individualism for our clients as well as us!”

Another centrepiece of the luxury yacht is The Oasis. The primary boarding point for the vessel, this royal space is modelled on the magnificent gardens of the Monaco Casino . With multi-level pools which cascade from one to another, as well as a peaceful Jacuzzi, this section of the ship is punctuated by the (comparably) simple garden seating areas within which you might just need to sit quietly for moment and take it all in.

There is, of course, a lot to take in.

Other levels of the luxury yacht will include a spa, a manicure and hair salon, private massage suites, sauna and steam rooms and a large relaxation lounge featuring a spa pool with bar. These features will be framed by two marble staircases and elevator access leading to a grand mezzanine.

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Mega Yachts: Streets of Monaco

For the super-rich it would combine the delights of Monaco with untrammelled access to the ports of the world – as well as bragging rights as to owning the world’s most expensive personal yacht.

British designers have produced plans for a floating replica of the principality named Streets Of Monaco which features scaled-down versions of its famous landmarks including the Monte Carlo racetrack.

The 500ft-long boat – expected to cost up to £700million – also boasts miniatures of the famed Monte Carlo Casino, Hotel de Paris, Cafe de Paris, La Rascasse, the Loews Hotel as well as swimming pools and tennis courts.

It even has a platform that holds smaller yachts in case prospective owners need something a little nippier to get around in.

The most mind-bending feature is the Monaco Grand Prix-inspired go-kart track complete with tunnel complex which runs around the deck.

The ship is the brainchild of fledgling Derbyshire-based Yacht Island Design.

Company director Rob McPherson said: ‘The design theme called for a unique yacht that reflected the style and sophistication of the principality.

‘We want to create a truly unique environment that could take the principality of Monaco to the ocean.’

But for the designers the centerpiece of the incredible ship is The Atrium, which links the upper and lower living areas.

The Atrium has seven guest suites which all include their own reception room, bathroom, dressing room, bedroom and balcony.

In total, Streets of Monaco’ would be capable of housing 16 guests and 70 crew and would cost the owner tens of millions to run each year.

And the billionaire owner would get the benefit of the main apartment which is spread over three floors, sprawling an amazing 4,800sq ft – the size of a luxury penthouse.

The four-deck yacht will also have BBQ facilities dotted around the deck as well as a mini waterfall and cafe bar with underwater views.

While only at a design stage, The Streets Of Monaco would likely exceed the £665 million price-tag rumored to be paid by Roman Abramovich for his ‘Eclipse’ yacht to become the world’s most expensive personal boat.

At 500ft, The Streets of Monaco is 25ft shorter than the Chelsea owner’s super-yacht but Abramovich would undoubtedly be envious of the Monaco’s fully functional kart circuit.

Now that the design has been completed, the only question remaining for Yacht Island Design is whether they can find a billionaire with enough spare change to turn it into a reality.

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Inside £1bn superyacht ‘Streets of Monaco’ – with replica Grand Prix track, casino & tennis court

• Josie Klein
• Published : 10:12 ET, Feb 17 2022
• Updated : 7:33 ET, Mar 9 2022

YOU could be forgiven for thinking a city's streets must stay firmly on the ground.

But a £1bn superyacht is throwing that idea out the window with a replica Monaco Grand Prix track on its deck.

The Streets of Monaco is a luxury yacht inspired by the lavish city that, while still in the design phase, will feature everything you'd expect from a visit to the French city-state, including casinos and swimming pools.

Designed by Yacht Island Design , the superyacht is centred around its replica of the famous Grand Prix circuit which will be a functioning go-kart track where guests can race against each other.

The 152m yacht will have a special owner's apartment and seven guest suites and can sleep up to 16 guests and 70 crew.

The suites are all on the lower level of the central atrium and each have their own reception room, bathroom, dressing room, bedroom and balcony - with the VIP suites also featuring a private office.

Also in the atrium is the owner's apartment which is spread over three floors. In addition to all the features in the guest suites, the owner's apartment also has a private courtyard, sunroom and private sundeck with a jacuzzi and swimming pool.

The main boarding point of the yacht is The Oasis - a double-height foyer modelled on the gardens just outside the Monaco Casino.

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Living up to its name, The Oasis features multi-level pools which cascade from one to another, a jacuzzi and seating among plants, to give guests a peaceful place to relax while onboard.

Additionally, the yacht includes a helicopter pad, tennis court, spa, gym, manicure and hair salon, sauna and steam rooms, private massage suites, cinema and library.

A spokesperson for the design company said: "The theme is based around the Mediterranean principality with the primary focus being the famous grand prix circuit.

"The idea was to recreate the circuit as a fully functional kart track, able to accommodate three karts side by side to allow for plenty of overtaking.

"By sizing the track in this way it has driven the overall dimensions of the yacht and the placement of the famous landmarks.

"The Monaco story extends beyond this exterior architecture and into the interior spaces giving a seamless transition as guests move between the various areas of the yacht."

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Everyone has their favorite city, a place where they feel most at home whether or not they live there. But what if you could pack up that place and take it with you, basically anywhere you wanted to go? That's sort of the idea behind the Streets of Monaco Yacht (Around $1 Billion). This insane invention aims to recreate Europe's most notorious billionaire enclave with scaled down clones of iconic structures like the Monte Carlo Casino, Hotel de Paris, Cafe de Paris, and even the Grand Prix course, functioning as a go-kart course on the deck of this 500-foot watercraft. Other features include multiple swimming pools, a multi-use court for basketball and tennis that doubles as a helipad, a submarine (!), an interior "oasis" area, space for up to 16 guests and 70 staff members, a spa, and, of course, a swim-up jacuzzi bar. All of which begs the question: how big does a yacht have to be before it becomes a city unto itself?

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Inside £1bn superyacht ‘Streets of Monaco’ – with replica Grand Prix track, casino & tennis court

• Josie Klein
• Published : 15:12, 17 Feb 2022
• Updated : 12:32, 9 Mar 2022

YOU could be forgiven for thinking a city's streets must stay firmly on the ground.

But a £1bn superyacht is throwing that idea out the window with a replica Monaco Grand Prix track on its deck.

The Streets of Monaco is a luxury yacht inspired by the lavish city that, while still in the design phase, will feature everything you'd expect from a visit to the French city-state, including casinos and swimming pools.

Designed by Yacht Island Design , the superyacht is centred around its replica of the famous Grand Prix circuit which will be a functioning go-kart track where guests can race against each other.

The 152m yacht will have a special owner's apartment and seven guest suites and can sleep up to 16 guests and 70 crew.

The suites are all on the lower level of the central atrium and each have their own reception room, bathroom, dressing room, bedroom and balcony - with the VIP suites also featuring a private office.

Also in the atrium is the owner's apartment which is spread over three floors. In addition to all the features in the guest suites, the owner's apartment also has a private courtyard, sunroom and private sundeck with a jacuzzi and swimming pool.

The main boarding point of the yacht is The Oasis - a double-height foyer modelled on the gardens just outside the Monaco Casino.

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Living up to its name, The Oasis features multi-level pools which cascade from one to another, a jacuzzi and seating among plants, to give guests a peaceful place to relax while onboard.

Additionally, the yacht includes a helicopter pad, tennis court, spa, gym, manicure and hair salon, sauna and steam rooms, private massage suites, cinema and library.

A spokesperson for the design company said: "The theme is based around the Mediterranean principality with the primary focus being the famous grand prix circuit.

"The idea was to recreate the circuit as a fully functional kart track, able to accommodate three karts side by side to allow for plenty of overtaking.

"By sizing the track in this way it has driven the overall dimensions of the yacht and the placement of the famous landmarks.

"The Monaco story extends beyond this exterior architecture and into the interior spaces giving a seamless transition as guests move between the various areas of the yacht."

See inside the 10 biggest superyachts in the world - with saunas, beach clubs and helipads onboard.

Check out a mind-blowing s uperyacht with its own waterfall and pool aquarium.

An incredible 'flying' superyacht with helipad and huge pool has been revealed in new designs.

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Inside Monaco: Playground of the Rich — just don’t ask who owns the yacht

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Monaco Yacht Show 2024: The Biggest, Boldest and Most Expensive Superyachts To See

Even in its 33rd year, Monaco Yacht Show continues to break its own milestones.

By Ellys Woodhouse and Toby Louch

The principality of Monaco has a calendar that’s filled with major events. While the financial benefits of this little tax haven ensure its population remains fairly well stocked with super-rich and socialites year-round, it’s these events that truly bring the masses. April calls for the tennis at The Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters; in May it’s time for the Formula One Grand Prix ; June brings the world-famous car show Top Marques ; and summer draws to a close with perhaps the most glam of the bunch, the Monaco Yacht Show, which this year falls on September 25 – 28.

For those interested in gazing upon some of the finest yachts that can be found anywhere in the world, Monaco ’s Port Hercules is a pretty good spot year-round, but for the weekend of the Monaco Yacht Show, things enter a different league.

The Monaco Yacht Show is essentially a gathering of the global superyacht community. From owners to innovators, manufacturers and brokers, all head to the principality. Each year, builders and brokers present around 120 superyachts and 60 luxury tenders , with many of these reflecting current industry trends and revealing the potential future direction of the industry. These vessels boast an average length of around 160 ft, with a sprinkling of superyachts that top the 320 ft mark – with this year’s headliner clocking in at 400 ft.

Aside from the yachts themselves, visitors can expect countless designers improving yacht interiors and engineers working to ensure the industry becomes more sustainable. There’s sure to be a lot going on.

So ahead of this year’s event, Elite Traveler has looked into which yachts will be on display at Port Hercules and curated a list of some of the show’s unmissable vessels. So blow the dust off your Panama hat and add a few zeros to your credit card limit, because these are some of the biggest, boldest and most expensive boats attending the 2024 Monaco Yacht Show.

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The undisputed biggest headline of this year’s show – in every sense of the word – Lürssen’s Kismet will be the largest yacht to go on display in Port Hercules. While the previous title holder was another from Lürssen, the 377.6-ft Ahpo, the Kismet takes its victory by a considerable mile, clocking in at 400 ft. Previously known as Project Jag, the Kisamet was handed over to owner Shahid Khan in May 2024, making it one of the show’s newest deliveries, too. 

With exterior design by Nuvolari Lenard and naval architecture by Lürssen Yachts along with Reymond Langton Design working on the yacht’s interiors , Kismet is decked out with a helipad, beauty salon, indoor and outdoor cinema, dance floor and gym. Perhaps unsurprising, but all this makes Kisamet one of the most expensive yachts to charter , too, asking for €3m (approx. $3.4m) per week with Cecil Wright & Partners. 

[See also: How Louis Vuitton Made the America’s Cup the Voyage en Vogue]

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Delivered in 2019 by SilverYachts and refitted in 2024, the almost 280-ft, self-described ‘sports activity vessel’ Bold takes center stage at Monaco Yacht Show 2024. Designers Espen Øino created the superyacht’s striking, military-inspired exterior, creating a unique glass-enclosed loft on the upper deck that covers over 3,200 sq-ft of interior space. Meanwhile, Vain Interiors has created an opulent, New York-style loft, which is built to accommodate up to 12 overnight guests in eight luxurious staterooms and can carry up to 96 passengers while cruising.

With a a huge selection of water toys, a vast outdoor entertaining area with a bar and Teppanyaki grill, a cinema, an eight-person hot tub and a lounge surrounding a firepit, it’s no surprise that the Bold is a popular charter yacht, with Holl Robinson asking €875,000 ($972, 800) per week. 

Following an extensive, three-year rebuild, the most expensive superyacht on the market has returned to Port Hercules for 2024, complete with a new look – and price tag, too, asking for €295m ($328m). The 344.5-ft Oceanco H3 superyacht has already picked up a handful of international awards for the new look and is expected to impress many fans at Monaco Yacht Show 2024. 

In addition to the extra 10 meters that were added to the H3 ’s hull, the rebuild – from the likes of Reymond Langton Design, which worked on both the exterior and interior redesign, and the collaboration between Lateral Naval Architects and Oceanco on its naval architecture – also saw a pool deck, huge spa and wellness area and climate-controlled winter garden added to H3 ’s numerous amenities. 

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With its distinctive, shark-like exterior design, the 295-ft superyacht DAR will be hard not to miss at Monaco Yacht Show 2024. Built by Oceanco with exteriors designed by Luiz de Basto Design, the glossy black silhouette was inspired by the look of the hammerhead shark, with sinuous lines, wide set wing stations and a mast modeled after a dorsal fin. 

Meanwhile, renowned Italy-based studio Nuvolari & Lenard has crafted swooping, contemporary interiors. DAR’s impressive features include a complete owner’s deck, complete with a private salon and jacuzzi, a wellness area, an impressive beach club, and two helipads for private use. Offering grandeur and complete privacy in equal doses, DAR can accommodate up to 14 guests in overnight accommodation, with separate living quarters to host as many as 31 crew members.

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Despite only hitting the waters in June this year, the first wallywind110, Galma , is set to make its global debut at Monaco Yacht Show 2024. Measuring almost 110 ft, Galma ’s naval architecture comes from German studio judel/vrolijk & co while interior and exterior lines are designed by Wally in collaboration with Santa Maria Magnolfi. With a design that offers the comfort of a cruising yacht while maintaining the performance of a racing boat, Galma is characterized by the 22.6-ft telescopic keel and an all-carbon hull that has been painted in light metallic blue.

Other highlights of Galma include an 860-sq-ft full-beam cockpit with seating and dining for up to 15 people, as well as an open-plan raised saloon. Galma can accommodate up to eight guests overnight, with five crew members. 

monacoyachtshow.com

[See also: The Ultimate Guide to Hydrogen-powered Yachts]

Ellys Woodhouse

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The largest yachts to have ever attended the Monaco Yacht Show

The Monaco Yacht Show is the most highly anticipated event of the Mediterranean season. But this year has generated even more excitement than usual, with a series of impressive milestones reached. The biggest superyacht in the show's history – the 122-metre Kismet – will be in attendance, alongside the largest number of 100-metre-plus yachts overall with the arrival of the 111.9-metre Renaissance and 105.3-metre H3 .

To honour this record-breaking edition, BOAT looks back at the Monaco Yacht Show's largest attendees...

Which show?

This year's Monaco Yacht Show will be a record-breaker with Lürssen 's mighty Kismet in attendance. An immense volume of 4,918GT houses a mosaic-line pool with a 40-tonne capacity, two spa pools, a certified helipad, fireplaces inside and out, a full-service spa, a lift and a gym. To say nothing of her intricate paint and marble detailing or the stainless-steel jaguar bow figure. It's no wonder Pascale Reymond, co-founder of Reymond Langton studio, has billed her a "cathedral of design". 

Kismet also represents a first for the German shipyard with her underwater lounge and cinema, featuring extra-large windows (1.1 metres by 2.8 metres) that dip under the waterline. She follows a 95.2-metre World Superyacht Awards winner, now known as Whisper .

Another Lürssen, Ahpo was named after a term of endearment meaning grandmother. And her design certainly centres around the family, including two identical bedrooms with different colour schemes, designed for the original owner's twin girls. Wellness is another major focus, with a nature-themed spa, massage room, beauty salon and private owner's gym outfitted in red-lacquer furniture and custom dumbbells. 

Other highlights include a mosaic bathroom modelled after the work of Gustav Klimt, a 12-seat cinema and an aft deck winter garden. There are quarters for up to 53 crew, including two helicopter pilots. 

Renaissance 

Renaissance was built by Spanish yard Freire and created by the legendary Jon Bannenberg , though for 40 years the design never left the drawing board. The owners turned to his son at Bannenberg & Rowell Design when it came time to build it and provided a long list of non-negotiables, including a large gym, high ceilings, lots of places to eat and a very large beach club. The brief was certainly fulfilled with a double-height formal dining room, a sushi bar and a deck entirely dedicated to wellness, including the aforementioned gym, a sauna, a ballet bar and a dedicated hair and beauty salon.

Accommodation is across 19 cabins, including an owner's deck with a 60-square-metre suite, a media room and a lounge with bar and dining. A private terrace with sunloungers and a Jacuzzi for six can be found forward.

Alaiya (then Tis ) was styled inside and out by British studio  Winch Design  and was commissioned by a long-time (read: seven year) charter client of Moran Yacht & Ship . The superyacht houses two helicopter pads, a 12-metre swimming pool, a private owner's deck and a "resort-inspired" spa across her 4,699GT interiors. Her tender garage can also accommodate two 13-metre tenders and a variety of water toys. 

Accommodation is for 18 guests across nine cabins, with further quarters for 38 crew. Alaiya was sold following her appearance at the show and then underwent an extensive, seven-month refit with Blohm & Voss .

Kaos (then Jubilee ) is one of the most recognisable yachts on the water with a long, lean, metallic blue exterior by Igor Lobanov . The Oceanco looks surprisingly lithe for her immense size, attributed to the clever troupe l'oil effect design that gives the appearance of additional decks and so conceals her actual height. Interior details have been kept largely under wraps but at the time of her delivery, it was said that Kaos had the most marble and stone outfitted within the interior than any other superyacht. 

The yacht is also known for her swimming pool, positioned on the largest of the four decks and peering into an aquarium in the beach club below. She was one of the most travelled superyachts of 2023 thanks to a mammoth transatlantic passage that began in St Barths for the New Year's celebrations and ended in the River Thames, London.

A Benetti creation, IJE is the flagship of the Italian shipyard's fleet and a full-custom project to boot. British studio RWD is responsible for the exterior and interior design, which is meant to capture "the soul of an explorer" in a polished superyacht package. 

As a result, IJE was kitted out with three large tenders, eight Jet Skis, comfortable guest and crew cabins for long stints in remote areas, as well as an owner's deck, a nightclub, a cinema, a gym and a beach club. She is also reportedly equipped with the largest single-point lift crane installed on a yacht. The superyacht edges out previous flagships Luminosity and Lana by only a few centimetres.

Amadea took just 31 months to complete from the first steel cutting, which was quite the feat for a vessel of her size. Exterior design is by Espen Øino International , while interiors were styled by Francois Zuretti . Her highlights include a 4D cinema with popcorn machine, a hand-painted Pleyel piano and a spa pool and sunpad set up that can convert into a live stage with built-in speakers, stage lights and laser beams. The owner’s cabin also has a private terrace complete with a mosaic-lined pool.

The superyacht was arrested in May 2022 after her UBO (ultimate beneficiary owner) was allegedly sanctioned following the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

She may not have the (literal) edge over Kismet this year, but H3 is a record-breaker in her own right as the current world's most expensive yacht for sale . The superyacht is asking an eye-watering €295,000,000 with Edmiston and earns the bill, outfitted with a piano previously owned by Elton John – the one on which he wrote the album Songs from the West Coast – a large pool with a waterfall feature, a huge spa and wellness area with a nail salon and a climate-controlled winter garden in the owner's suite. 

Her three-year rebuild, beginning in 2020, won her international acclaim and a World Superyacht Award . Virtually nothing was left from her previous life as Indian Empress except the hull, which had also been extended a further 10 metres. BOAT International was provided an exclusive look inside her rebuild last year.

For those attending the Monaco Yacht Show, visit Stand DS103 to say hello to the BOAT International team.

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The 11 Most Exciting Superyacht Debuts at the Monaco Yacht Show

This year's newbies range from a 400-footer that charters for $3.25 million per week to multiple hybrid yachts, including one that runs on methanol., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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The Monaco Yacht Show always promises a stellar lineup— last year had an unusually large number of wild launches—and this time around will be no exception. More than 120 superyachts, including 20-plus that measure 200 feet and above, will be on the docks at Port Hercule, with beautiful Monte Carlo in the hills above.

Among the fleet of anticipated launches is the 400-foot Kismet . Built by Lürssen and launched earlier this year, this stunner will be shown before the winter charter season, at a weekly rate of $3.25 million. The vessel is sure to stand out, thanks to the large silver jaguar sculpture fitted under its bowsprit.

Besides bling, showgoers will notice the concerted push toward sustainability this year. Rossinavi has introduced the Seawolf X , its first hybrid-electric catamaran, and Nautor Swan’s sailing maxi yacht, DreamCatcher , is also its first hybrid. Sanlorenzo is launching Almax , its first 50-meter (165-foot) vessel with hydrogen fuel cells. It was developed with Siemens Energy.

Siemens is also sponsoring the show’s Sustainability Hub, which has become a breeding ground for eco-friendly concepts and new ideas to promote a greener superyacht sector. This year’s conference will cover alternative propulsion, outlining how it will be adopted over the next five years. The show’s Yacht Design & Innovation Hub takes a less technical approach to sustainability. It’s the place where leading designers and mainstream innovators converge, presenting vessels that will shape the future of superyacht design.

Here are 11 must-see boats at this year’s show.

Lürssen ‘Kismet’

The 400-foot Kismet is the most anticipated boat on display at Monaco this year. True to form, Shahid Khan’s third Lürssen, which charters for $3.25 million per week, will be an exceptional landmark in a marina of superyachts. Alongside its Nemo lounge for viewing marine life, a Balinese-inspired spa with the first chromotherapy bathtub on a yacht, and upper-deck dining options for 24 people, the vessel has a duplex owner’s apartment with two separate marbled bathrooms, a fireplace, and gilded wall coverings. When guests have had their fill of the DJ station and Bogányi piano, the ’80s retro matrix dance floor should keep the party going.

Royal Huisman ‘Special One’

Set to make a splash is Royal Huisman’s 171-foot Special One , the largest sportfisherman in the world. Commissioned by an experienced yachtsman and passionate fisherman, the monster sportfish is kitted out with a fighting chair, 22 fishing rods, insulated cooler boxes, and a dedicated bait-and-tackle room. The teak foredeck can transition into a sheltered private lounge area and also converts to an outdoor cinema. Designed by Vripack, the vessel offers up proportions and seakeeping capabilities that are matched by its impressive 30-knot top speed.

Rossinavi ‘Seawolf X’

Looming large above the water, the 140-foot Seawolf X is Rossinavi’s most ambitious build to date. The hybrid-electric catamaran is the Italian shipyard’s first multihull, which can stay in electric mode during transatlantic trips for 80 percent of the time. Even more impressive is the onboard artificial intelligence system—Rossinavi AI—which analyses the operation of the vessel, predicts the needs of guests and optimizes crew service and logistics. The interior is designed by New York-based Meyer Davis, with an exterior penned by Fulvio De Simoni Yacht Design. Its wow features include a cockpit centered around a pool, a second hidden pool on the bow area, and an outdoor cinema.

Bilgin ‘Eternal Spark’

Eternal Spark is the first hull in Bilgin’s 163 series. In addition to six outdoor and three indoor lounge areas, the yacht can host over 100 people while at anchor from its five dedicated bar areas. Hot Lab’s use of wood inlays and embossed natural leather create a refined interior aesthetic, while the combination of a huge beach club, sauna, pool, and two cinemas—outdoor and indoor—should keep guests happy. Built with over 200 different materials, it shows how advanced the Turkish yard has become with its last few launches.  

Sanlorenzo ‘Almax’

Sanlorenzo’s first fuel-cell-powered 50Steel model joins a growing list of yacht launches exploring alternative power sources. The fuel-cell technology converts biomethanol (green methanol) into enough electricity to cover the hotel load so the yacht can anchor all night without generators. Almax also has Sanlorenzo’s newly patented Hidden Engine Room (HER), located on the lower deck. This novel configuration creates enough interior volume to include a 1,615-square-foot beach club with a pool and unfolding sea terraces, while keeping the yacht below 500GT. The shipyard has confirmed the sale of four units to date.

Custom Line50

Making its global debut a Monaco, the four-decked Custom Line50 is the Italian shipyard’s new flagship model. The dedicated owner’s apartment on the upper deck includes full-height windows, a full-beam suite, and a large private terrace. The sun deck’s lounge seating, cocktail bar, uninterrupted views, and glass-edged infinity pool amplify the sense of being on a floating island. It’s an effective design that is replicated on the main aft deck. This area offers stepped access to the sea, a scenario that is reinforced by an aquamarine-and-cream interior color scheme.

Damen ‘Five Oceans’

The newest model from Damen’s Yacht Support 53 range, Five Oceans was built for Tommy Allen, an entrepreneur committed to ocean exploration and marine conservation. The vessel will be easy to spot in Monaco’s Port Hercules, thanks to its powder-blue, orange, and white hull. The custom build is Allen’s second yacht-support vessel from Damen. It has a sprawling aft deck to carry toys and tenders as well as a 15-ton deck crane for the launch and recovery of the electric boats and Triton 3300 Pro submersible. Five Oceans also carries an Icon A5 amphibious aircraft.

Tankoa ‘Diamond Binta’

Conceived as a world explorer, Tankoa’s 190-foot Diamond Binta blends a hybrid propulsion package with high-gloss finishes over a wooden interior. Penned by Francesco Paszkowski, Tankoa’s long-time design collaborator, the full custom build has an owner’s suite with a fold-out balcony, a forward helideck for shore-based excursions, a large beach club with a spa, and massage room as well as a sundeck with a gym and pool. A corridor on the lower deck connects the yacht’s five guest cabins to the beach area, passing through a viewable engine room.

Nautor Swan ‘DreamCatcher’

As Nautor Swan’s first hybrid yacht, the 88-foot DreamCatcher is described by the shipyard as a “no-compromise cruiser with a racer’s soul.” Designed for guest comfort with a maximum heeling angle of 20 degrees, its exterior is penned by veteran Swan designer Germán Frers, while the light-wood interior with gray accents is done by Misa Poggi. The aft cockpit has a new coachroof design with an integrated sprayhood, bimini, and modular benches that can be used for both lounging and dining. The stern area incorporates a large beach club area and tender garage. On the foredeck is the “sunset lounge.”

Oceanco ‘H3’

Built in 2000 as 312-foot Al Mirqab for a member of the Qatari royal family, the renovated H3 emerged from Oceanco’s facilities in 2023 looking brand new, with an extra 476 gross tons of internal volume. The vessel’s 33-foot extension—to accommodate the owner’s request for an infinity pool with a convertible dance floor and waterfall—and a fully replaced superstructure were enough for Lloyd’s Register to classify the yacht as a new build. A spa on the lower deck has a hammam, a sensory shower, a hair salon, and treatment rooms. The beach club with its rippled mirror ceiling offers stepped access to the sea.

Conrad ‘Extra Time’

Extra Time , the second hull in Conrad’s C144 series, has an exterior by Reymond Langton Design and naval architecture by Diana Yacht Design. The interior is by M2 Atelier. Much like its sistership Ace , Extra Time has a beach club, four guest lounge areas, a cinema, two bars and an infinity pool. Standout personal touches include an attention-grabbing King Kong  sculpture in the main salon and the main-deck owner’s suite that’s accessed via a private study with an electric piano.

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Sail Away: The Oral History of ‘Yacht Rock’

This story was originally published on June 26, 2015

I n the late 1970s and early 1980s, musical artists like Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, Steely Dan, Toto, Hall and Oates, and dozens of others regularly popped up on each other’s records, creating a golden era of smooth-music collaboration.

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And on June 26th, 2005, an internet phenomenon was born. In 12 short but memorable episodes — first via the the short-film series Channel 101 and then online — JD Ryznar, Hunter Stair, Dave Lyons, Lane Farnham and their friends redefined an era and coined a term for the sultry croonings of McDonald, Fagen, et al.: “yacht rock.”

As “Hollywood” Steve might say, these guys docked a fleet of remarkable hits. This is the story of Yacht Rock, told from stem to stern — a reimagining of a bygone soft-rock renaissance, courtesy of hipsters with fake mustaches, impeccable record collections and a love of smoothness. Long may it sail.

The Michigan Connection JD Ryznar (Director, “Michael McDonald”): I moved from Ann Arbor to L.A., and ended up making friends with all these other guys from Michigan, like “Hollywood” Steve Huey, Hunter Stair, and David Lyons. Pretty much every weekend I’d have “Chinese Thanksgiving” at my apartment — we’d eat BBQ chicken and burgers, drink beer and listen to records of what I called “yacht rock.” You know, like Michael McDonald is singing background vocals and like there’s guys on boats on the covers; it feels like you’re on a yacht listening to it. And the guys were like, oh, we know this music.

Dave Lyons (“Koko”): You know how, in the Seventies, these big bands started playing arena rock? We liked the idea of these smooth bands playing “Marina Rock.” I thought it was a better name.

“Hollywood” Steve Huey (“Hollywood Steve”): What I mostly remember is JD playing Journey records all the time. He was so into Journey that he had photocopied a photo of Steve Perry and pasted it onto his liquid soap dispenser. He wrote “Steve Perry Soap: Clean as all fuck” on it.

Lane Farnham (editor, “Jimmy Messina”): JD and I had talked about Journey for a year before we did Yacht Rock. In the third episode, that whole “you need to fly like a pilot” bit? Those are direct lines from Steve Perry in this crazy documentary we found. He’s coked to the gills, in the Eighties, just blabbering about who knows what. We got a kick out of that stuff.

Ryznar: My musical tastes are not that interesting, and they never were.

Huey: I turned 30 right before we started doing the series, and I thought, well, this is a nice round number. What do 30-year-olds do? I feel like it’s time I get into Steely Dan. I bought most of the catalogue and was like, This is my new identity. I’m gonna unwind, start listening to Steely Dan, and leave parties early.

Channel 101 Hunter Stair (“Kenny Loggins”):  At the time, JD had helped me get a job at a production company, and he asked if I wanted to shoot this thing they were doing for something called Channel 101. I didn’t know anything about it, but I saw that it was started by Dan Harmon and Rob Schrab — who I knew because I had a copy of Heat Vision and Jack [the failed 1999 pilot they wrote that became a huge underground hit, directed by Ben Stiller and starring Jack Black ]. So I was super pumped.

Ryznar : It was a cool scene at the time: Justin Roiland had [Channel 101 series] House of Cosbys, Dan Harmon had Laser Fart. Our friends Drew Hancock and Wade Randolph, who would go on to play Hall and Oates, they had a show about a regular guy who got angry, and turned into a smaller, shirtless weaker guy who didn’t turn green or anything.

Drew Hancock (“Oates”): That was called “Man to Man: Metamorphosis Ultra.” It was the lowest stakes Incredible Hulk show you could possibly have.

Justin Roiland (co-creator of Rick & Morty and House of Cosbys, “Christopher Cross”): Every single month you’re making something, and then you’re testing it in front of a live audience. You see what works, what doesn’t work.

Ryznar : It was a January 2005 screening where we started the school of Channel 101, where you’re showing the stuff you made in front of 200, maybe 300 people. And then they put it on the “internet,” which was very hard to do back then. There was no “YouTube.” Listen to Old Man Ryznar here.

Farnham: JD and I would go down to the beach and play something called “smash ball” — there’s no rules to the game, so we’d just make them up. And he said, this is fucking hilarious, we should make a short film about this. So we got Hunter to direct SmashBoys — and it was funny.

Lyons: Two paddles and a ball that you hit back and forth on the beach. We turned it into a soap opera .

Stair : We started playing Kenny Loggins’ “Playing With the Boys” [from Top Gun ] on repeat as we drove a convertible around Playa del Rey. Just to get in the mood.

Ryznar : There were some Phil Collins music cues, I think. A lot of sports music from Eighties movies — “You’re the Best Around” and whatnot. We used a great Kenny Loggins song for the climax. It’s from Caddyshack II . . .

Stair : “Nobody’s Fool”! It ended up winning the Best Failed Pilot of that year; we lost by eight votes to the Lonely Island guys, who did “The ‘Bu.” They just stuck their middle fingers up at everybody and said, we didn’t make a show but we made a hilarious music video. That was the night I had the idea for Y acht Rock.

Christening the Ship Ryznar : Hunter and Dave Lyons came up with an idea for a show about a couple of jewel thieves who lived on a yacht and listened to that music.

Stair : That was actually called Steal Away.

Lyons: I believe Hunter and I were talking about a private eye detective team called Loggins & Loggins that lived on a houseboat and solved mysteries — like Simon & Simon.

Ryznar : I said: How about we play Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald as they co-write “What a Fool Believes” together? We had Stevie Nicks in there originally, for some reason. And then Drew Hancock and Wade Randolph said, we want to be Hall and Oates. I had gotten into the H&O song “Portable Radio” pretty hard. I needed to introduce it to the world. That was very important to me.

Stair : The seed of Koko the manager is . . . there’s a Doobie Brothers album that has a sweet looking manager dude on it. I remember sitting there with JD and being like, look how awesome this guy is.

Ryznar : Dave Lyons invented the Koko character while out drinking with Hunter one night. He just put on a bunch of garbage Seventies clothes he had around the house, and had a little stupid whistle around his neck. All these little touches — that’s what Dave is so great at.

Lyons: No, [Dan Harmon] wasn’t an immediate fan. That’s because he doesn’t get music. Just listen to the theme song for  Community — it’s terrible. Dan looks at things differently than most people, and I don’t think he loves music the way we do. But he came around. He came to really enjoy it. [Harmon would eventually play record producer Ted Templeman in two episodes.]

Ryznar : We thought maybe people would get it, maybe they won’t. But we submitted it. At the prime time panel, everybody but Dan Harmon like it. I think that because he’d never heard of the guys, he didn’t realize how much that music had meant to other people. People knew who everybody was. That’s why we put Hollywood Steve in there to say, hey, this is the deal. Hollywood Steve was a friend and an actual music critic. If you look up a lot of Nineties rap albums on All Music Guide, chances are Hollywood Steve wrote the review.

Huey: I was a published music writer, and that lent me a voice of authority that I might not have otherwise had amongst a hardcore group of music nerds. “Oh this guy’s viewpoint has to be legitimate! He’s published.”

Steve Agee (“Steve Porcaro”): Channel 101 at that point in time was really known for people making videos kind of purposely shitty. So we couldn’t tell if it was made to look bad on purpose.

Hancock: When Wade and I saw the first episode, we were like, eh, this isn’t very good. We didn’t like it. I didn’t understand it. So when it had this meteoric response, I was very surprised.

Ryznar : So Yacht Rock got screened, we were very nervous, and it went over like gangbusters. Just bona fide love from beginning to end from the audience. And we got voted number one on our first try, which hadn’t been done too often on Channel 101.

Stair : It got the biggest laugh of the night. As soon as it was over, we knew we were in. We weren’t totally sure it was going to be number one, but we knew we’d be up there.

Ryznar : A lot of people wanted parts. People had ideas. So we got to work with people we wanted to work with. Before we even knew we were picked up for a second episode, Hunter came up to me and said, “Uh, just talking to Doug Benson. I told him he could play Peter Cetera in the next episode.”

Lyons: The thing about the Channel 101 screenings, they’re always at a place that serves lots of alcohol. And after we saw how well it went over, we’re all drinking at the bar; Dan Harmon is doing a show with Sarah Silverman [ The Sarah Silverman Program ] at the time, and Doug was there with her. Yes, Hunter promised him the role of Peter Cetera. Which is great casting.

Episode Two: The Songwriting Contest In the second episode, Hall and Oates challenge Loggins and Messina to songwriting contest. It ends with the creation of some of the greatest smooth music ever.

Ryznar : I mean, imagine if you saw Hall and Oates where Oates, with all that hair and the mustache, was the top, and Hall was the bottom? They were sort of the opposite of the smooth California scene. So they sort of made the perfect antagonists.

Huey: The only reason they were picked as antagonists is because they’re from Philadelphia, which is a mean place.

Hancock: The wigs we got from our friend Willy, who just happened to have two of the most perfect wigs ever.

Wade Randolph (“Daryl Hall”): The Hall wig is named the De Carlo. I don’t know why.

Hancock: I remember for the mustache, I think I tried a regular handlebar mustache but it just wasn’t thick enough. So I just ended up taking a lock of the wig and fashioning a mustache out of that.

Stair : And Justin Roiland coming in, doing “Sailing.” The way the whole thing flowed, it’s so fast and perfect. I think that was Yacht Rock ‘s the finest hour.

Roiland: JD asked me, would you play Christopher Cross? I’d never heard “Sailing” before, believe it or not. I remember the first few listens going I don’t get the appeal of this fucking song. It’s an acquired taste.

Huey: We didn’t quite know what we had at that point, and so you kind of had to establish the value system. Smoothness is the main value in this world. The second episode, when that screened for the live audience, I’ve never seen a Channel 101 audience go that apeshit for anything. I remember walking out of the screening going, we’re rock stars! Granted, it’s only this one room, with like 300 people in it, but in that one room of 300 people, I think we might be rock stars.

Koko Makes His Final Voyage Lyons: As soon as we got in for the first one, JD called me and said here’s the idea for the second one: I’m gonna kill off Koko. Well, thanks a pantload, JD. He’s like, no it’ll be great. You’ll come back later as a ghost or something.

Stair : So JD wanted this guy Koko to have this totem at this fight; I suggested a trident, since it’s more nautical. But Anchorman had come out, and they had the fight scene with the trident. We still needed something, so we settled on a harpoon.

Lyons: In the second one, I’m supposed to get run through with my own harpoon. And Hunter showed up with a child’s little trident, taped to the handle of a barbecue fork. I was like Hunter, we can do better than this. So my roommates had a woodshop in the backyard; I went out there and drilled some holes, made some dowel rods, and wrapped the handle in rope. When I showed up with it, everyone said holy shit — you made a fucking harpoon, dude! It also split in the middle, so you could run it through someone. And that episode elevated Koko to this mythic level that nobody expected, least of all me.

Stair : You can’t kill Loggins. You can’t kill McDonald. These are real people. Koko had to die.

Lyons: My thought is that Koko fell on his own harpoon and martyred himself. I like to think that Koko was the Jesus Christ of Yacht Rock. [ Pause ] That’s going to sound arrogant. How about: Koko died to deliver smooth music to the rest of the musicians.

Huey: I don’t think it was ever decided who killed Koko until the very end. The important thing is, like Jesus, he died for a cause. Which, in this case, was smooth music. But you know what’s gonna happen if you’re in the middle of a melée with a bunch of guys from the mean streets of Philadelphia. You’re going to die of a harpoon injury. That’s why they call it the city of harpoon murders.

Randolph: I always assumed it was Oates.

Wyatt Cenac (“James Ingram”): Who killed Koko? You know, very good question. If I had to go with anybody… I’d say maybe Loggins and McDonald together. That’s the secret twist. I think they’d been slowly poisoning him for years, and the harpoon was just to throw people of their scent.

Ryznar : I don’t know. Is Tony Soprano dead? Hollywood Steve took the “Koko” answer to his grave.

Stair : I would never name names. Only Hollywood Steve knows for sure, and someone would have to give him big Hollywood dollars to spill.

Any Port in a Storm After 10 stellar installments, including a guest appearance by “Cleveland” Drew Carey ,  a case for Jethro Tull (the 18th century farmer, not the band) to be considered smooth and a primer on how Michael McDonald influenced Nineties G-Funk , Yacht Rock was canceled by Channel 101 after “FM” — about a gang war between the Eagles and Steely Dan. But help was on the horizon.

Ryznar : The record at the time was 12. We really wanted to beat it — but we didn’t. There might have been Yacht Rock fatigue in the audience.

Lyons: It’s not one of my favorites. I’m not a fan of the Eagles, and not a lot of people get Steely Dan.

Huey: Some people come back to Channel 101 month after month after month. But you always get some new people in there who don’t know what’s going on. You cross your fingers that general audience goodwill is enough to get you by this month. Unfortunately, in this case, it wasn’t.

Ryznar : It was heartbreaking, man. Because the great thing about Channel 101 is, you can feel when the audience isn’t into it. And the audience was not into this. I knew the 101 days were over as soon as the screening was done.

Stair : Nowadays, things have two- or three-year runs at Channel 101. Back then, 10 episodes was a lot.

Ryznar : Not even two weeks after we were canceled, I got an email from someone who booked a bar in Chicago — The Empty Bottle — and wanted to screen all the Yacht Rocks. I forget if they flew us out or if we just happened to be there, but we screened all the episodes back to back. There was a line down the block; the place was filled to capacity. People were quoting lines.

Huey: The show had started to go viral. Working lower level jobs in reality television, and then walking into a bar and being the most famous person in that room didn’t match up with my everyday experience at all.

Cast Off . . . Again After successfully touring the country, JD & co. starting making new episodes, beginning with Footloose. Featuring the likes of Jason Lee and Wyatt Cenac, it tells the story of how Loggins being kidnapped by Jimmy Buffett led to one of the Eighties’ most rockin’ soundtracks.

Huey: Yeah I was really excited to get back into it, because I didn’t really have too much else going on at that point. Let’s do that thing that made me semi-famous again!

Ryznar : We did the Footloose episode. And it turned out even better than I could have imagined. It was nice, since we weren’t limited to five minutes, even though we tried to keep it close: one of the keys to Yacht Rock is jamming everything into five minutes. I had done some work with Jason Lee, who would quote lines every time I saw him. So I asked if he’d play Kevin Bacon, and he was throwing chairs around.

Lyons: We kept talking about the stories that we never got to tell, one of them being Footloose. And I hate Jimmy Buffett ‘s music; I think it’s a soundtrack to date rape. I think it’s garbage music for people who have no interest in listening to anything good.

Ryznar : We portrayed parrotheads being brainwashed idiots. You kind of have to be if you’re into Jimmy Buffett. Or just want to be so tuned out of life, that like hey, whatever — kick back with flip flops, drink some margs, listen to some sweet Jimmy Buffett music and let him paint a rosy picture of a reality that does not exist.

Lyons: I always like that artists like Bertie Higgins, Rupert Holmes and Andy Kim have an authentic longing in their music. Buffett is a rich dude getting richer off of the lack of taste of the poor and stupid. He represents the lowest common denominator in music, even worse than country singers profiting off of 9/11. To summarize: I’m not really a fan.

Ryznar : You might be able to argue that Jimmy Buffett music is about escaping from a dark place, but there’s no soul in there. So we just wanted to make him an absolute idiot. Our good friend Vatche Panos, who is super funny, really hit a home run with that one.

Cenac: I remember when we were shooting that, I had no idea there was a song called “Cheeseburgers in Paradise.” Much less that people actually listened to it and liked it.

Ryznar : I hope he doesn’t mind me telling this story, but Wyatt Cenac had just auditioned for The Daily Show , and he was flat broke.

Cenac: Yeah, I was definitely very broke. That isn’t why I did it. I did enjoy it. But there was also a part of being broke where you’ll do anything.

Ryznar : And then a month later, he becomes Wyatt Cenac, the international sensation.

Cenac: Do I want to say that Yacht Rock was the thing that changed my life? Someone can say it. You can find someone to connect the dots and make that leap on the Internet.

Huey : We did one more, and I didn’t feel like the last episode came together as well as it could have for whatever reason. I think Footloose was a more cohesive episode. Also the original idea for the finale was Gene Balboa was going to kidnap all these people from the “We Are the World” session , take them to an island, and force them to write soundtrack hits for him. Anyone who tried to escape would get hunted down like in The Most Dangerous Game.

Ryznar : That was a hard one to write — the space battle, Hall and Oates shooting lasers, Loggins starting his soundtrack phase. I’m proud of killing off Hollywood Steve and making it a pain drug-induced hallucination. I think that let us go nuts with it. The “We Are the World” part was a fun shoot. You just look around and go, wow, I know so many talented people that are bringing so much to this thing.

Stair : The Hollywood Steve “character” was on morphine, not Huey. Well, he might have been on morphine, I don’t know. That’d be an awesome salacious story about Yacht Rock. Just write that, it’s even better.

Huey : When I was using, it did get increasingly harder to tell where the character stopped and I began. Once you’ve been on VH1’s “100 Greatest Songs of the Nineties,” the public expects you to maintain a certain image, and I guess I got caught up in a myth. [ Pause ] I’m kidding. But I did murder a homeless woman. Just to see what it felt like.

Farnham: One of my favorite moments of all of Yacht Rock is when Giorgio Moroder is whispering into Kenny Loggins’ ear about “the Danger Zone.” I love that. It’s such a good moment.

Ryznar : Loggins going soundtrack is kind of like the end of Yacht Rock. If “Sailing” is one of the greatest yacht-rock songs ever, and that’s in Episode Two, it’s all death from then on. “Danger Zone” — there’s just nothing smooth about that song at all. By 1985, Michael McDonald had released his last great album. The Doobie Brothers were done. Toto didn’t have any more good songs in them. Steely Dan was broken up. It was over.

How did the actual musical artists react to their portrayal in the show? John Oates (speaking to the Seattle Weekly in 2007): “I think Yacht Rock was the beginning of this whole Hall & Oates resurrection. They were the first ones to start to parody us and put us out there again, and a lot of things have happened because of Yacht Rock. “

Ryznar : People actually contacted me and wanted to see if I wanted tickets to [their] shows at the Hollywood Bowl. We went backstage and met Hall and Oates. There’s a picture out there somewhere of Drew Hancock and Wade Randolph with Hall and Oates — and it’s awesome.

Randolph: I don’t know who contacted who, but Oates had seen the show and was apparently a fan of it. Hall didn’t give a fuck about us at all. He was just like whatever.

Hancock: Oates actually understood what we were doing. First of all, he’s the shortest dude on the planet. I’m 5’8, and he looked at me and said, man you’re way too tall to play me. I think he’s 5’4 and had thick heels on too.

Cenac: Oates is the unsung hero in that group. The moment he decides to turn the jets on, watch out.

Lyons: The only negative thing I’ve ever heard from any of the actual people we’ve portrayed was that Kenny Loggins wasn’t a huge fan. My wife met him once, and said my husband played Koko in Yacht Rock. He just got all, huh. Not mean, not nasty. Just: Huh.

Stair : I’m not sure Loggins liked it, [but] I know his son did. A lot of the kids of the guys in the show like. You know, some serious artists. Michael McDonald, I’m pretty sure he liked it.

“I met Steve Porcaro at a book-release party, and he asked, ‘Do you guys hate us?’ We’re writing a love letter to this music and we meant no ill will toward anybody. Except for Jimmy Buffett.”

Michael McDonald (speaking to Time Out New York in 2008): “I thought Yacht Rock was hilarious. And uncannily, you know, those things always have a little bit of truth to them. It’s kind of like when you get a letter from a stalker who’s never met you. They somehow hit on something, and you have to admit they’re pretty intuitive.”

Lyons: Did JD tell you the story of when we went to see Steely Dan? We got contacted by somebody in their camp, I don’t remember who, but they gave us four or five tickets to see them in Irvine. We were in the third or fourth row, and Michael McDonald was the opening act. Those guys got recognized at the concert. Later, when Michael McDonald came out to perform with Steely Dan, they were all wearing captain’s hats. They were singing the song “Showbiz Kids”: “Showbiz kids, showbiz kids making movies themselves/Showbiz kids, don’t give a fuck about anybody else.” And during that line they threw their hats on the ground and stomped on them. We just looked at each other and went, oh my god, they know who we are.

Agee: About a year ago, I was at Largo, and one of the guys that works there is married to Steve Porcaro’s daughter. He was like, yeah, Steve is actually here tonight; he loves Yacht Rock, and said he wanted to meet me. I cut out early because I was honestly too nervous.

Stair : I met Steve Porcaro at a book-release party, and he kind of pulled me aside and asked, “Do you guys hate us?” And I was like, oh no, I hope that’s not the impression we gave anybody. We’re writing a love letter to this music and we meant no ill will toward anybody. Except for Jimmy Buffett.

Farnham: I actually worked with an editor who was good friends with the Toto folks, and they said it’s uncanny how close some of these stories are. Apparently there’s a lot more truth than we know.

Agee: So I can see how bands would be like, oh, they’re making fun of us. But I’ve known JD for awhile now, and I know for a fact that he loves that music. I don’t think someone who hated what’s now called yacht rock . . they wouldn’t spend so much time making videos about it.

Stair : The way I always looked at Yacht Rock was that we kind of did what the Blues Brothers did. We took the music that we really loved that we weren’t really part of, and reintroduced it to our own generation a little bit. The one thing that I hope we got across is that the music is really good, and that we were huge fans of it. The whole reason we did the show is because we loved it.

Lyons: I felt we always treated the music lovingly. It was always treated with respect; what we were trying to make fun of was all these guys hanging out and the ridiculous things they were into. I heard a story that Kenny Loggins got married in the nude. I don’t know if it’s true or not. But that’s the kind of late Seventies/early Eighties Southern California horse shit that is so delightful about Yacht Rock. Like wanting to find out what your root chakra is. That’s what’s funny about it. [ Pause ] I mean of course Kenny Loggins and Steve Perry are going to be into karate!

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Investors digested the Fed's first interest rate cut since 2020.

Bong Joon Ho’s Mickey17 trailer is even crazier than the book

Bong Joon Ho’s Mickey17 has a trailer and it looks even crazier than the book. The film stars Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun and Mark Ruffalo.

Fantasy Basketball Rankings: Small forward draft tiers for 2024-25 NBA season

Analyst Dan Titus presents his fantasy basketball SF rankings for the 2024-25 season — and yes, LeBron James still sits comfortably in Tier 1.

More deadly blasts reported in Lebanon a day after pager explosions killed 12 and injured thousands: How the attacks unfolded

Another wave of blasts was reported a day after at least a dozen people were killed and thousands were wounded when pagers belonging to members of Hezbollah detonated almost simultaneously.

Samsung The Frame Review: An art TV that can really class up your living room, but is it worth the price?

The cool factor is through the roof, but we're talking about your wall, here -- and I have thoughts.

It's 'Princess Diana weather.' Understanding the enduring appeal of the oversize sweatshirt, bike short and chunky sock look.

Why the royal's workout look has become a seasonal staple.

Wake Forest adds series with Oregon State, says canceling Ole Miss game was 'the right business decision'

Lane Kiffin said Wake Forest had violated an "unwritten rule" in canceling the 2025 matchup.

Americans can now renew their passports online. Here's how to do it.

The State Department just made it easier for Americans to renew their passports online. Here's how it works.

YouTube launches Communities, a Discord-like space for creators and fans to interact with each other

At its Made On YouTube event on Wednesday, the company announced a new dedicated space for creators to interact with their fans and viewers. The space, called “Communities,” is kind of like a Discord server built into a creator's channel. With Communities, YouTube is hoping creators won't need to use other platforms like Discord or Reddit in order to interact with viewers.