The annual Monaco Yacht Show commenced today in the Port Hercule of the famous Principality. The Monaco show is said to be the world's only boat show specialising in Superyachts and the luxury businesses supporting the industry. So one might expect things to be a little quiet on the super sized floating luxury department this year?
Not so and contrary to everyone's predictions reports are emerging that the Super yacht industry has, despite a world wide near cataclysmic financial depression, defied predictions and has continued to show a year on year growth of 15.3%. So says a report by Superyacht UK.
It seems that taking to the high seas remains a super trend of the super wealthy and they aren't giving it up any time soon. So, at a time when everyone is tightening their belts and giving up non essential luxuries, why is this industry continuing to burgeon? Recent news reports give a good indication of what one of the reasons might be.
Cityfile New York reported yesterday that Russian Oligarch Roman Abromovich has deployed a new system of defying the prying gaze of the world's paparazzi. This system is from the latest gadget report on his ultimate luxury cruiser 'Eclipse'.
Abromovich's high tech superyacht is said to be the biggest and most expensive private vessel in the world and is naturally equipped with not only the best that money can buy but also the best that money can think of. hence his new 'Paparazzi shield' to guard his privacy.
The infra red lasers are said to pick up on electronic light sensors emitted from a camera and bombards them back with a photo op destroying laser beam. All very high tech and James Bond.
It certainly ups the ante for the Paparazzi although quite how many celebs can match the deep pockets of a Russian oligarch remains to be seen. It is a clear indication however of just what the rich and famous are facing and how far they are prepared to go to secure and protect their privacy.
Hence the rise of the Superyacht phenomenon. The high seas represent one of the last areas that a person can be guaranteed of their privacy. A floating island world where the proprietor controls their borders precisely. As Elizabeth Hurley was heard to say " No one stays in a hotel anymore" of a recent Cannes film festival trip.
It seems that the 'Eclipse' might be on target to be eclipsed even further if it is a trend that continues. One thing is for sure, it is certainly going to drive the price of the Paparazzi photos higher if they are harder to get which is in turn only going to boost the industry not hamper it. And anyway just what are you doing that the rest of the world are not allowed to see? You are only making us more curious!
To see what all the fuss is about and get an idea of what is luxury in the most luxury industry of them all, get down to Port Hercule in Monaco and choose your gold crystal solar lights for your matching helipad and football pitch on your very own floating planet.
If you can imagine it then be assured Abromovich can eclipse it.
Bedrooms: 3
The annual Monaco Yacht Show commenced today in the Port Hercule of the famous Principality. The Monaco show is said to be the world's only boat show specialising in Superyachts and the luxury businesses supporting the industry. So one might expect things to be a little quiet on the super sized floating luxury department this year?
