Sun rays, a salty breeze, the sparkle of sea spray against polished hulls—this week the Cannes Yachting Festival once again transformed the Vieux Port and Port Canto into one of the world’s most glamorous floating showrooms. Hundreds of yachts, from sleek tenders, wind whistling sailing monohulls, more or less muffled roaring engines superyachts, to majestic sailing catamarans and cutting-edge explorer yachts, lined the docks, each one promising a dream lifestyle at sea, each one an invitation to indulge in beauty, freedom, and refined living.

This 2025 edition has placed special emphasis on innovation and sustainability. The creation of the Innovation Route Awards shone a spotlight on 40 projects that embody the ecological transition of the yachting world. From alternative propulsion systems to sustainable materials, the message was clear: true luxury today embraces not only design and comfort, but also responsibility towards our seas.

The Yacht-Lady Lifestyle

For the Monaco Woman, a yacht is more than transport—it is an extension of her home and lifestyle. The ideal yacht combines sportiness and elegance, trend and tradition, adrenaline and wellness. Wide teak swim platforms for “pieds dans l’eau” afternoons, shaded dining terraces for sun-kissed lunches, expansive sunpads for languid tanning, and entertainment systems ready to host private club parties under starlit skies—these are the features that define the perfect yacht for a resident of the Principality, at once sporty and serene, fashionable yet timeless, adrenalizing yet holistic—crafted as much for wellness as for glamour.

A Dockside Encounter: Marlena Dapčić

While wandering the lively docks, I found myself in conversation with Marlena Dapčić, founder of Architecture Design Group, accompanied by her sister and partner Helena. They and their Team are currently designing a one-of-a-kind superyacht for a renowned Monaco Woman, blending elegance, functionality, and individuality.

“My Client wished for wide, open-air spaces,” Marlena shared, in an informal conversation over a morning espresso by the quay. “Swimming pools, a spa, a gym—she wants them bathed in sunlight, always in dialogue with the ocean. Wellness and openness are essential—more exterior living than interior confinement.”

And how does one capture elegance? Marlena smiles: “For a 53-metre yacht under 499 GT, the challenge is to balance spacious volumes with graceful proportions. I sculpt lines as one would a couture gown, inspired by the dynamism of automotive design. The result is grace in motion, a silhouette that seduces from every angle.”

And what is luxury to her Monaco Client? “It is the symphony of materials, textures, and details assembled uniquely for her lifestyle. But beyond that, it is my energy and passion, the dedication that transforms a yacht into a woman’s very own floating world, a private universe.”

Stars of the Festival

Among this year’s premieres, two stars shone brightest and particularly intriguing for Monaco’s seafaring women. The Lagoon 82ft sailing catamaran, a masterpiece of serenity, whispers of barefoot days carried by the wind. In contrast, the Cantiere delle Marche 43m explorer yacht Tremenda invites boldness, offering both autonomy and elegance for voyages beyond the horizon, with uncompromising comfort.

And for those drawn to Riviera chic, the sleek elegant Frauscher Porsche or the daring Maori Yachts powerboats promise Saint-Tropez in mere minutes from Monaco – because sometimes the journey is as thrilling as the destination.

The New Essence of Luxury

Today, true luxury at sea reveals itself in harmony—wellbeing, natural materials, and interiors that breathe with light and purity. Sustainability is no longer a passing trend but an imperative, guiding Owners toward yachts that nurture both body and spirit while honouring the ocean itself. For the Monaco Woman, this is perhaps the ultimate indulgence: a yacht that embodies beauty, freedom, and elegance, yet leaves only a trace of perfume on the sea.

Enjoy even more @Cannes Yachting Festival

Edit by @Antonio Costamante

Editor @Monaco Woman

@Alessia Castelli Editor-in-Chief @Monaco Woman