Interview: Gaëlle Tallarida on propelling the Monaco Yacht Show to the forefront of yachting

From team leadership to eco-friendly innovation, Gaëlle Tallarida discusses her role in shaping the Monaco Yacht Show into a world-class event and how it continues to redefine luxury yachting.

Established in 1991 as a broker-focused event, the Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) has grown into one of the world’s premier superyacht showcases. It returns to Port Hercules from 25th to 28th September for its 33rd edition.

Gaëlle Tallarida, involved with MYS since its early days and managing director since 2010, has been instrumental in its success. Under her leadership, the show attracts over 27,000 visitors annually, including top industry figures and enthusiasts.

The total value of yachts at MYS 2023 was around €4.3 billion, showcasing 117 yachts, with nearly half brand new. This year, over 120 superyachts and 60 tenders will be displayed, with more than 20 entries over 50 meters.

The global superyacht market, valued at USD $19.44 billion in 2024, is forecasted to reach USD $40.17 billion by 2031. The rise in high-net-worth individuals worldwide has driven the industry’s growth, as superyachts symbolize the ultimate status for luxury-seeking consumers.

Monaco Life’s Features Journalist, Celina Lafuente de Lavotha, spoke to Gaëlle Tallarida about her career, her impact on MYS, and the show’s future.

Gaëlle Tallarida. Photo credit: Valeria Maselli

Monaco Life: What attracted you to work in event management? 

Gaëlle Tallarida: My passion for organising events began at a very early age, with a memorable experience in business school where I organised a national theatre festival for students from business and engineering schools. This initial thrill for event coordination naturally led me to extend my ambition to work for a world-class event. I joined the Monaco Yacht Show in 1998 after completing my master’s in business and marketing at Skema Business School. Becoming Managing Director in 2010 allowed me to channel that passion into making the Monaco Yacht Show the leading event in the superyacht sector. I’m proud to combine my love for event planning with the dynamic world of yachting.

What are your primary responsibilities?

Since my early days at the Monaco Yacht Show and my subsequent appointment as Managing Director in 2010, my primary responsibility has been to oversee the entire event. Organising such a prestigious show demands meticulous planning and execution. I work closely with our dedicated teams to ensure every detail is carefully considered and every aspect of the event meets our high standards. Our constant communication with exhibitors, partners, and local institutions ensures a seamless experience. Our focus is on maintaining the show’s position at the forefront of the yachting industry, ensuring it evolves with the market while consistently delivering the best quality.

They say you’re only as strong as the team around you. Please tell us about the people in your squad. 

Our team, consisting of 20 dedicated professionals, each brings unique expertise to different areas. What unites us is a shared vision for the Monaco Yacht Show. We are grouped into specialist teams, who work seamlessly together to ensure every aspect of the event is meticulously planned and executed. Each member’s crucial role in delivering an exceptional experience, from logistics to marketing, strengthens our team, and the Monaco Yacht Show is the world-class event it is.

How did you help increase the show’s success and growth?

Our team contributed to the Monaco Yacht Show’s success by maintaining constant communication with exhibitors and partners throughout the year. By listening to their needs and understanding their goals, we refined the event, offering a platform that aligns perfectly with the growth and development of their activities. This ongoing dialogue ensures that the MYS remains relevant, innovative, and valuable, driving its continued growth and reinforcing its position as the premier event in the yachting industry.

Sustainability Hub at the MYS. Photo source: MYS

What changes have you introduced while at the helm of MYS? 

Since I took over as Director of the Monaco Yacht Show, I have introduced many new features to enhance the overall show experience. One of these is the Upper Deck Lounge, an exhibition and lounge space dedicated to showcasing major luxury brands in a sophisticated and exclusive setting. Another highlight is the luxury car exhibition in the Adventure area, which beautifully integrates the world of yachting with other high-end markets, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience.

In 2022, we launched the Yacht Design & Innovation Hub, a dedicated space to showcase cutting-edge yacht design and technology, providing a platform for industry leaders to present their latest innovations and for visitors to experience the future of yachting. The same year, we created the Sustainability Hub to promote environmentally friendly practices and underline Monaco Yacht Show’s commitment to environmental responsibility. This hub features a range of initiatives and exhibits that highlight the importance of sustainability in the industry and inspire positive change.

What are your ongoing goals for an eco-responsible MYS? 

We continuously work to reduce our environmental impact by implementing more eco-friendly practices across all aspects of the event. We also use the show to promote sustainable solutions and innovations within the industry. We aim to drive positive change and contribute to global conservation efforts by partnering with key organisations and supporting environmental initiatives. This commitment to sustainability is critical to our ongoing goals for the Monaco Yacht Show.

What are the demands of organising such a show on land and water?

Organising the world’s greatest on-land and in-water superyacht event in the heart of one of the tiniest countries presents unique challenges that require unparalleled logistical precision. Coordinating such a massive event in Monaco involves close collaboration with local institutions, port authorities, and event suppliers to ensure everything runs smoothly, from the setup of the exhibition space to the management of visitor flow. Our goal is to deliver an extraordinary show while ensuring that the daily life of Monaco’s residents remains as undisturbed as possible. This delicate balance demands meticulous planning and a strong partnership with the local community, making the Monaco Yacht Show a remarkable feat of coordination and excellence.

View of the Prince’s Palace and the yachts at Port Hercule during the MYS. Photo source: MYS

What makes the show in Monaco unique and special?

The Monaco Yacht Show is like the horological equivalent at sea, where each detail, much like the intricate gears of a high-precision timepiece, is meticulously crafted. This iconic event brings together the industry elite in the opulent setting of Monaco, perfectly blending business, innovation, and prestige. With an exclusive programme of events, global promotion, and flawless organisation, the MYS is not just a show—it’s the beating heart of luxury and excellence in the yachting world.

Which are the top superyachts expected to participate in 2024?

The 2024 Monaco Yacht Show will feature 120 superyachts, including eight vessels over 70 meters and 48 brand-new deliveries. The largest yacht, Kismet by Lürssen, measures an impressive 123 meters. With such a diverse collection of 120 unique and remarkable models, it’s challenging to single out a definitive top list of yachts. These figures emphasise the exceptional quality of this year’s exhibition and reflect the ongoing evolution in yacht design. The participation of 48 new deliveries underscores the industry’s recognition of the Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) as the premier platform to showcase their masterpieces to the world.

What are your job’s toughest challenges and most rewarding aspects? 

The most difficult challenge in my job is balancing the complex logistics of organising such a high-profile event while ensuring that every detail aligns with our vision of excellence and meets our clients’ expectations. Coordinating with numerous stakeholders and managing the requirements of the Monaco Yacht Show is very complex. However, the most rewarding aspect is seeing the event come to life and the positive impact it has on the yachting industry. Seeing the hard work of our team result in a successful show where innovation, luxury, and sustainability come together makes all the challenges worthwhile.

Can you share some novelties expected during this 33rd edition of MYS? 

The 33rd edition of the Monaco Yacht Show consolidates its thematic exhibitions—the Yacht Design & Innovation Hub and the Sustainability Hub—for the third year, underscoring our commitment to groundbreaking design and eco-friendly solutions. We’re also introducing a series of conferences focused on design, innovation, and sustainability, providing valuable market intelligence and insights into how the yachting industry addresses environmental responsibilities.

The Monaco Yacht Show is certainly a sight to behold. Photo source: MYS

On the eve of the Monaco Yacht Show, you’ll co-host the 2nd edition of The Honours with Superyacht Life. What is the role of this event?

The Honours event, co-hosted with the Superyacht Life Foundation, plays a pivotal role in celebrating and recognising individuals in the superyacht industry who are driving positive change. It honours those who have significantly contributed to sustainability, diversity, innovation, and philanthropy, showcasing the industry’s potential to inspire and impact the world positively. This event highlights the industry’s commitment to progress and the broader good beyond the primary perception of a lifestyle industry.

Please tell us about the Sapphire Experience and the Captain’s and Crew Lounge. 

The Sapphire Experience at the Monaco Yacht Show provides VIP guests exclusive access to various luxurious services, including private tours of the most stunning yachts, personalised concierge assistance, and a dedicated lounge with premium amenities. Guests can enjoy bespoke hospitality in an elegant setting, ensuring a unique and memorable experience.

The Captain’s and Crew Lounge provides a stylish retreat for yacht captains and crews, offering relaxation, networking opportunities, and specialised resources to support their professional and social needs. Both enhance the Monaco Yacht Show experience with tailored, premium services.

Where do visitors come from? How do you measure activity at MYS? 

Visitors to the Monaco Yacht Show come from around the world and include ultra-high-net-worth individuals, yacht owners, and industry professionals. While we track attendance numbers (27,223 participants in 2023), our focus is on the quality of attendees rather than just the quantity. We aim to connect exemplary visitors with the right exhibitors, ensuring meaningful interactions and valuable opportunities. We emphasize the profiles and interests of our guests to foster productive relationships and enhance the overall experience for exhibitors and attendees.

What is your vision for MYS going forward? 

My vision for the Monaco Yacht Show is to solidify its role as the premier marketplace for the super yachting industry, where innovation and excellence are showcased and celebrated as the driving forces for the sector’s future. We aim to elevate MYS as an educational hub offering market intelligence, helping industry leaders and newcomers understand the proactive role of yachting in addressing global challenges, particularly sustainability. By fostering a culture of collaboration and forward-thinking, MYS will continue to be at the forefront of shaping the future of yachting. 

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Main photo by Cassandra Tanti for Monaco Life 

Monaco’s efforts to resolve Nice-Ventimiglia train debacle prove fruitful

Since the shock announcement that evening and early morning trains between Nice and Ventimiglia would be cancelled for a full nine months, the Monaco Government has been working hard to find a solution to the chaos the plans mean for commuters and visitors to the Principality.

Following a series of high-level discussions that culminated last week with a meeting between Céline Caron-Dagioni, Monaco’s Minister of Equipment, Environment and Urban Planning, and Jean-Pierre Serrus, Vice-President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in charge of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, as well as representatives from SNCF Voyageurs and SNCF Réseau, the Monaco Government has achieved its goal of finding a viable workaround to the mass cancellations.

Initially, the SNCF had announced that all trains after 9pm and before 6am would be cancelled from Sunday through Thursday until 26th June 2025. The cancellations, the national network said, were necessary in order for workers to perform essential maintenance works and upgrades to sections of the line between Nice and Ventimiglia. More information on this can be found here.

The Monaco Government, however, immediately fought back against these plans, with Minister of State Didier Guillaume saying, “I am deeply shocked to read that trains will no longer stop in Monaco from 9 PM onwards. This is unacceptable. We must be respected with a certain quality of service and not just be considered as financial contributors.”

Read more: Monaco Government shocked at SNCF rail disruptions, calling the last-minute announcement “unacceptable”

Its efforts to hammer out a solution have now, thankfully, proved fruitful, and the finer details of these alternative travel services were confirmed on Monday 23rd September by the government. They include a reduction in the number of evening cancellations as well as an expanded bus replacement programme.

Evening services

The last evening train from Monaco to Nice will now depart at 10.02pm, meaning that the 10.10pm, 10.18pm and 11.20pm trains will still be cancelled. Two replacement buses will depart the Principality at 10.45pm and 11.30pm in a bid to make up for the lack of train links.  

In the direction of Menton and Ventimiglia, the last train will now leave Monaco at 9.55pm. The 10.18pm, 10.46pm and 11.14pm trains will be scrapped. Replacement buses will be leaving the Principality at 10.45pm and 11.15pm.  

Early morning services 

There will be no cancellations to the early morning train services from Nice to Monaco. As usual, the first train will depart Nice at 5.40am. 

The first train from Ventimiglia will be at 5.47am, meaning that the earlier 5.17am train will still be cancelled. Instead, passengers can use the 5.15am replacement bus from Ventimiglia or hop on at Menton at 5.45am.  

“Based on observed usage, the composition of bus replacements may be adjusted to correspond to demand and actual passenger attendance,” says a representative for the Monaco Government.

Event days

Train services will be fully restored in the event of a major sporting occasion in Monaco, such as the three upcoming UEFA Champions League matches at the Stade Louis II.

Read related:

Nice-Ventimiglia night train: new deal to keep trains running during rail upgrades

 

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Photo source: Monaco Government

Video: Prince Albert talks of urgent need for peace and climate commitments at UN General Assembly

Prince Albert II has delivered a rousing speech on the themes of peace, human dignity and the need for an increased focus on sustainable development at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Over the weekend, Monaco’s Prince Albert travelled to the UN Headquarters in New York to attend the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.

The Monegasque sovereign packed a lot into his two-day visit, which began on Sunday 22nd September with a meeting with the leaders of the Post Conflict Development Foundation at Monaco’s Permanent Mission to the UN. Here, he presented an award bearing his name to Léa Chaki, a climate activist who works as a UN Youth Representative for the foundation.

Léa Chaki of the Post Conflict Development Foundation is pictured addressing Prince Albert II of Monaco. Photo credit: Michael Alesi / Palais Princier de Monaco

From there, the Prince headed off for a meeting with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) president, Thomas Bach. The two signed a partnership agreement between the IOC and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation that will see the institutions work together to “promote the emergence of future leaders in the fields of environmental protection and the sharing of universal sports values”.

The focus then switched to the situation in Ukraine as Prince Albert attended a bilateral meeting with Edgars Rinkēvičs, President of the Republic of Latvia. The two leaders also discussed Latvia’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

Later that afternoon, the Prince was given a tour of the Explorer’s Club in New York before attending a conference on the future of the world’s polar regions. The talks covered the impact of climate change in the Arctic and the consequences that climatic disruptions are having on the indigenous peoples—two issues that feature prominently in the work of Prince Albert’s eponymous foundation.

In the evening, the Prince was invited to an exclusive dinner in the presence of members of the IOC at the behest of Bach.

Firm friends: IOC President Thomas Bach and Prince Albert II of Monaco. Photo credit: Michael Alesi / Palais Princier de Monaco

The following day, Monday 23rd September, Prince Albert attended the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, an annual event that brings together representatives from the UN’s 193 member states.

The theme of this year’s assembly was ‘Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for Peace, Sustainable Development and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations’, and Monaco’s Prince played a part in advancing these goals by delivering a thoughtful speech that touched on the Principality’s commitments to “the futures of our children and of our planet”.

After thanking António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN, for giving him a platform to address the assembly, the Prince spoke of his desire for a world that is “more equal and prosperous for all”.

“Peace is our most precious asset,” said the Prince. “Without peace, it is impossible to ensure access to fundamental human rights… Restoring peace is our collective responsibility – and urgently.”

Prince Albert, a staunch conservationist and prominent voice in the world of environmental protection, pointed to the links between “international tensions” and the “environmental crisis, climate change and a loss of biodiversity”. He called on those present to respect their commitments to the 56 pledges of the Pact for the Future, adopted by the UN on Sunday 22nd September , which includes “bold, ambitious, accelerated, just and transformative actions to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to place the eradication of poverty at the centre of the efforts to do that”.

The Prince then raised the issue of gender equality and parity, saying, “Women’s empowerment is a key lever in social, economic, and political progress”.

He also called on the nations present to come together to increase their collective efforts to safeguard the environment, notably the oceans, and urged for swift action in the name of sustainable development and essential climate goals.

To watch Prince Albert’s full speech, see below:

 

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Photo credit: Michael Alesi / Palais Princier de Monaco

Classic motorcycles set to race through Ospedaletti streets this September

Fans of historic motorcycle racing are in for a treat this month as the streets of Ospedaletti, a coastal town nestled between Bordighera and San Remo, will roar back to life with the ‘Trofeo Internazionale Motociclistico Sanremo – Autodromo di Ospedaletti’ on the 28th and 29th September.

Known as the “mini TT of flowers”, this bi-annual event brings together motorsport legends and vintage motorcycle enthusiasts for an unforgettable showcase of speed and nostalgia.

Originally used for motorcycle races from 1947 to 1972, Ospedaletti’s street circuit is one of the most unique in the world. Featuring tight corners, challenging inclines, and a thrilling long straight, it offers spectators the chance to witness classic motorcycles — and even racing scooters like Vespas and Lambrettas — reaching remarkable speeds, all in the heart of town.

Since 2008, the Ospedaletti Historic Circuit Promotional Committee has organised this celebration of racing history, which includes exhibition events for vintage cars and motorcycles. Admission is free, making it an accessible and exciting event for motorsport lovers. For more information, visit the Ospedaletti Historic Circuit website.

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Banque Havilland Monaco enters new sale negotiations after Andbank withdraws offer

Banque Havilland (Monaco) has entered into exclusive negotiations with a new consortium of high-profile investors, including former Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan. following the decision by Andbank Monaco not to proceed with its previously announced acquisition offer. 

According to a statement by Banque Havilland Monaco, the new investment group is headed by Martin Gilbert, Chairman of Revolut Bank, and corporate financier Ivan Murphy, a long-term Monaco resident. The consortium also includes notable figures such as former Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan, Dutch industrialist Bart Duijndam, and Christopher Murray, a shareholder in Monument Bank. The investor group aims to reinforce the bank’s balance sheet and expand its private banking operations in Monaco.

This consortium, made up of both international and Monaco-based entrepreneurs, has expressed its commitment to securing the bank’s future. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to acquire Banque Havilland (Monaco) SAM and to restore the trust of its loyal clients and staff,” said Ivan Murphy, Executive Director. “We are excited to work with the existing team to close this transaction and move forward to build a strong traditional independent private bank in Monaco.”

The development comes after Andbank Monaco submitted a non-binding offer for the purchase of Banque Havilland Monaco. In a press statement on Monday, Andbank Monaco said that it had pulled out of the deal: “On August 21st, Andbank Monaco SAM announced the submission of a non-binding purchase offer for Banque Havilland (Monaco) SAM, subject to the completion of audit work and due diligence. Following this analysis period, Andbank Monaco SAM decided not to proceed with the transaction and will not submit a purchase offer for Banque Havilland (Monaco) SAM.”

The deal between Banque Havilland (Monaco) and the new consortium of investors is expected to be completed by the end of the year, subject to regulatory approval.

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Photo by Monaco Life

 

A milestone event: Monaco Economic Board hosts 50th Members’ Rendezvous

The Monaco Economic Board celebrated a major milestone by hosting its 50th Members’ Rendezvous at the prestigious Yacht Club de Monaco last week. This landmark event, which has become a fixture in the Principality’s business calendar since its inception in 2009, united more than 400 prominent business leaders and key figures for discussions on Monaco’s economic future. 

On 18th September, the Monaco Economic Board’s (MEB) Members’ Rendezvous brought together a diverse group of professionals, reaffirming the event’s essential role in fostering connections within the Principality’s business community.

The event began with an exclusive B2B session for a select group of member companies. This session featured structured one-on-one meetings, allowing 81 companies to conduct over 100 pre-arranged meetings designed to engage direct and meaningful business dialogue. This was followed by a welcome cocktail reception for all participants.

MAIN EVENT

Following the B2B meetings, MEB Executive General Manager Guillaume Rose welcomed attendees before President Michel Dotta took the stage to pay tribute to the event’s founders and long-time contributors.

Dotta expressed his gratitude to Franck Biancheri. Through his role as President of the Chamber of Economic Development in 2009, Biancheri played a pivotal role in creating the Members’ Rendezvous. His vision, according to Dotta, helped establish the event as part of the MEB’s “DNA”. Dotta also acknowledged the dedication of the staff members who have been instrumental in ensuring the continued success of the gathering since its inception.

Among the distinguished guests was Pierre-André Chiappori, Monaco’s Minister for Finance and the Economy. A regular attendee of the event, Chiappori took to the stage to discuss Monaco’s economic outlook in the context of recent international recommendations, such as those from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and Moneyval.

Chiappori struck an optimistic tone, saying, “We know what reforms need to be made, and we have the luxury of being in a good macroeconomic situation to implement them. The wealth of an economy is its ability to create value, and that value is created by you, the entrepreneurs.”

NEW TOOLS

The event also served as an opportunity to introduce the new Association Monégasque de Normalisation (AMNOR), which was presented by its president, Jean-Franck Bussotti. AMNOR will act as Monaco’s representative within the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO), ensuring that Monaco’s voice is heard in decisions concerning international standards. This development will allow Monegasque companies to exert influence on ISO standards, ensuring they remain competitive on the global stage.

The event provided Louis Ducruet, the nephew of Prince Albert II, with a platform to announce the integration of B2B networking sessions into the structure of the Fights Aids Cup. Photo credit: Basile Landry / MEB

Louis Ducruet, the nephew of Prince Albert II, also took the floor to announce details of the upcoming Fight Aids Cup, an annual charity football match in aid of the Fight Aids Monaco association. For the first time, the 2024 edition will include a B2B networking component aimed at entrepreneurs and sponsors, promising further opportunities for business engagement.

As the formal presentations concluded, attendees were free to continue networking, with many using the assistance of the MEB team to make key introductions.

 

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Photo credit: Basile Landry / MEB