How to buy a yacht at Monaco Yacht Show

Inside the superyacht world’s busiest event with sales broker, Virginia Di Antonio

The golden Mediterranean sun splashes across sleek hulls; the smell of sea salt and freshly polished teak mingle with the hum of engines and the soft click of heels on docks. Yachts, some still fresh from the shipyard, line Port Hercule just waiting to be claimed. It’s September in Monaco, and we’re all thankful that there’s a slight chill in the warm air—Monaco Yacht Show is about to begin.

In this compressed, curated world of designers, shipyards, and brokers, it can be overwhelming to navigate the process of a yacht purchase. Thankfully, our sales broker Virginia Di Antonio, is here to guide us through the chaos that is Monaco Yacht Show.

Why Monaco Yacht Show is great for yacht purchase

One of the biggest draws of the Monaco Yacht Show is the world premieres and debuts in the global fleet—some yachts so new, the varnish has barely had time to dry.

This year, in particular, will set a historic record: of the 120 superyachts on display, nearly half will be unveiled as world premieres.

Why does this matter? Virginia Di Antonio says the opportunity to view new product before the rest of the world is a big advantage.

“A debut gives clients a first look at the newest designs and technologies, often before they’re widely marketed,” explains Virginia. “This offers them the chance to secure a yacht ahead of broader demand.”

Beyond the yachts themselves, the show provides an opportunity to bring together shipyards, brokers, and even financiers to the same place at the same time. “This gives buyers direct access to every aspect of the decision-making process,” Virginia adds.

And then there’s the simple luxury of comparison. Unlike isolated private tours, Monaco lets buyers step from one yacht to the next, gauging styles and layouts side-by-side, allowing instant comparison, accelerating decision-making, and highlighting what truly matters to them.

But access is only half the story. The real challenge is making sense of it all.

The yacht purchase process at Monaco Yacht Show

While yacht shows can already feel like a whirlwind, with the right guidance, it can become a focused, efficient process. That’s where a broker steps in.

“I act as their guide and trusted advisor while scheduling visits, filtering the right opportunities, providing market insight, and ensuring their time is used efficiently,” says Virginia.

Preparations begin well before the show. Defining budget, preferred size, style, and intended use allows a broker to prepare a short list in advance. Once in Monaco, buyers move through the rhythm of private tours and onboard visits, narrowing down their preferred options one by one.

However, when interest sharpens, offers aren’t actually typically made on the spot.

“Most offers follow a shortly after, actually. Not at the show itself,” Virginia explains. “Once clients have digested what they’ve seen, had a chance to think things though, that’s when we move quickly to secure the yacht. The show is what often triggers momentum.”

The purchase then unfolds in a familiar sequence: a letter of intent, negotiation of terms, and technical due diligence before a final contract is signed.

But while the pace at Monaco Yacht Show can be exhilarating, it can also be risky. Opportunities appear quickly, but Virginia cautions against being swept away by the spectacle. “Decisions should be fast, but never rushed,” she warns. “A deal inked in the wrong mood could end up costing millions later.”

Insider tips for buyers

Preparations for the show should begin with the basics: defining the budget, range, and whether financing will be required. From there, lifestyle considerations should come into play: Do you want the yacht optimised for family cruising, or one designed to attract high-end charter guests? Will you be spending long seasons on board, or use the yacht primarily for summers?

Virginia advises that buyers who arrive with clarity will save themselves hours of time—and often secure better opportunities.

“I once had a client who arrived with a clear brief; I had pre-arranged visits,” says Virginia. “We were able to make an immediate offer on a yacht of the selection we had outlined, and we didn’t waste precious time wandering around. Sometimes, having too much choice at arm’s length creates confusion for a client if they don’t have set ideas.”

In the end, clarity is currency at Monaco Yacht Show. Buyers who arrive prepared, and with trusted guidance, are the ones who turn the spectacle into success.

On the market? Join us at our stand this year alongside our sister company, Hill Robinson:

📍Quai Chicane, stand QC9

Contact us for more information.

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