French naval traditions meet Italian design in the Monte Carlo 76

PHUKET: There are hundreds of boats docked at marinas in Phuket, some big and some small, some flashy and some more subdued. But if you find yourself walking down one of the piers and come across a Monte Carlo yacht, you’re guaranteed to stop and stare… And start dreaming.

There is something about those curves, the sophisticated lines. They exude an essence of pure class and elegance, in some ways these yachts look classic, yet in other ways they have a contemporary feel, making them hard to define or to place in time. Timeless – timeless is the word I’m looking for.

“If you look at the shape of the hull from the front, you will see that it resembles the classic boats from the 50s and 60s. The design is different, classic and modern at the same time,” explains Sergio Loiacono, country manager of Simpson Marine Thailand, the company who brings Monte Carlo yachts to Phuket.

Indeed, it was the eye-catching design that the Simpson Marine team recognized when visiting the state-of-the-art facilities in Monfalcone, Italy, where Monte Carlo Yachts are built.

“During our visit to the shipyard in Italy we quickly realized that this is unique,” says Sergio.
But the Monte Carlo MCY 76 Flybridge, currently on sale in Phuket and the second largest in Beneteau’s Monte Carlo range, has more to offer than just looks. It delivers top-class comfort.

Its spacious interiors can accommodate up to eight guests and two crew members overnight, and as many as 20 people on day trips. Guests can enjoy elegantly decorated interiors featuring fabrics and materials from designers such as Hermes, Armani, Poltrona Frau and Pierre Frey. Spacious cabins, a fully equipped kitchen, entertainment system and other amenities are all here for the pleasure and comfort of those on board.

Comfort – check; functionality – check; impressive design – check. But what about the
seaworthiness? This is where Beneteau, the French sail and motor boat manufacturer with history reaching back to late 19th century, comes in. The company’s experience in designing boats that perform great on water, combined with the classic Italian design, resulted in the unique character of the Monte Carlo Yachts’ lines. And when I ask about the boat’s performance on the water, Sergio could not conceal his excitement.

“In many yachts, design is improved at the expense of seaworthiness. In the case of Monte Carlo, we have a perfect union of North Atlantic seafaring culture, that comes from the 130 years of Beneteau’s history, blended with Italian design,” he says.

The MCY76’s advanced keel structure uses Kevlar to strengthen and protect the yacht, while lightweight materials help reduce weight and fuel consumption and this no-compromises approach results in the boat’s great performance, even at a top speed of 30 knots.

Take French naval tradition, blend with Italian design, mix in a lot of luxury and class… and what you get is Monte Carlo.

Simpson Marine is an exclusive dealer for Beneteau Motorboats and has represented Beneteau Yachts in Asia since 1986. The company’s office is located in Phuket Boat Lagoon, 22/22A Moo 2, Thepkasattri Road, Muang, Phuket. For more information call 076-239786, email phuket@simpsonmarine.com or visit simpsonmarine.com

— By Maciek Klimowicz