Superyachts on the French Riviera: the stars’ boats that are putting on a show this summer
A Ballet of Giants on the French Riviera
Since the beginning of summer, the immense silhouettes of yachts like Launchpad (119 m), Al-Raya (110 m), and Coral Ocean (72 m) have punctuated the maritime landscape of the Riviera. Their owners? Mark Zuckerberg, the Bahraini royal family, and prestigious guests like Lando Norris. But on the water, it’s the engineering prowess that captures attention.
Launchpad: Zuckerberg’s Floating Palace
Launchpad, Mark Zuckerberg’s personal yacht, is a Feadship-designed behemoth, estimated at €300 million. At 119 meters long and with a gross tonnage of 5,050 GT, it has a support vessel that carries a helicopter, tenders, and high-end leisure equipment. On board, 24 passengers and 50 crew members share an infinity pool, a full spa, a cinema, and spaces dedicated to virtual reality. This technological marvel is equipped with a deactivatable AIS system for discreet navigation, which didn’t prevent boaters in La Ciotat from spotting it for several days.
Royal Presence on Al-Raya
In Antibes, the 110-meter Al-Raya (formerly Dilbar) was spotted with members of the Bahraini royal family on board. Built by Lürssen and estimated at €245 million, it accommodates 20 guests and 47 crew members. This extraordinary yacht boasts a 25-meter swimming pool, a luxurious spa, a helipad, and even a private hospital room. Its exterior architecture, designed by Tim Heywood, remains a benchmark in the world of XXL yachting.
Beckhams’ Discretion on Seven
Not far from Saint-Tropez, David and Victoria Beckham are enjoying a more discreet but no less luxurious yacht: the Seven, a 40-meter Riva 130 Bellissima. Made of carbon fiber, this €20 million yacht features a spectacular front terrace, a panoramic lounge, and a beach club directly at water level. It can accommodate 10 guests in absolute comfort, served by 7 crew members.
Wayfinder: Gates’ Support Vessel
Also in the category of behemoths, the Wayfinder, Bill Gates’ support yacht, is attracting attention on the Riviera. At 68 meters long, this work catamaran from Astilleros Armon accompanies the main yacht (Feadship Project 821) and carries a helipad, racing tenders, diving equipment, and even pocket submarines.
Koru: Bezos’ Sailing Giant
Finally, it’s hard to ignore the silhouette of Koru, Jeff Bezos’ 127-meter sailboat, recently spotted sailing discreetly between Italy and the French Riviera. This three-masted vessel, estimated at €500 million, is the largest private sailing yacht in the world and features an ultra-classic design combined with advanced navigation technologies.
Futuristic Catamarans and Legendary Yachts
Far from classic superstructures, boats like the catamaran THIS IS IT (43.5 m) are shaking up the codes. This ultra-design catamaran, spotted in Cannes with Luke Wilson and Scott Eastwood on board, is offered for rent between €350,000 and €390,000 per week. Its sculptural silhouette by Tecnomar hides a panoramic lounge, a spectacular beach club, and unprecedented open spaces for a multihull of this size. With its 750 tons of gross tonnage and a maximum speed of 19 knots, it combines performance and aesthetics.
Coral Ocean: A Grand Prix Hotspot
Near Monaco, the Coral Ocean (ex-Coral Island), owned by a private shipowner, hosted several personalities during the Grand Prix, including F1 driver Lando Norris. This 72-meter Lürssen yacht, valued at €80 million, underwent a complete refit in 2022. It offers its 12 guests a full spa (sauna, hammam), a gym equipped with a Peloton, a beach club, and a range of water toys: seabobs, jet skis, flyboards, and even a Pardo 12m tender nicknamed “Little Coral”. On board, 22 crew members provide a tailor-made service.
The French Riviera: An Ideal Playground
Stars choose the French Riviera for a reason. The density of large-capacity ports (Monaco, Port Vauban, Port Canto), the quality of sheltered anchorages, and the proximity of global events (Grand Prix, Cannes Film Festival, Voiles de Saint-Tropez) transform the region into an open-air showcase for the nautical industry.
Each yacht becomes a floating demonstration: innovations in hybrid propulsion systems, retractable bathing platforms, aquatic toy garages, and interiors decorated by the greatest designers. Luxury is no longer ostentatious; it is technological.
Meanwhile, in Italy, the summer season is also in full swing off the coast of Sardinia, the Amalfi Coast, and the Aeolian Islands. Numerous celebrities have been spotted there aboard exceptional yachts: Paris Hilton, Kylie Jenner, DJ Martin Garrix, Jason Statham, and singer Dua Lipa, all enjoying the Italian waters aboard rented or private superyachts. Here too, the trend is towards high-tech yachts, equipped with the latest generation of toys and XXL beach clubs.
More Efficient and Discreet Yachts
Far from the exuberance of the past, the new generation of yachts focuses on elegant sobriety. Many of these vessels feature clean lines, increased navigation performance (speed, stability, autonomy), and increasingly present eco-responsible solutions (hybrid propulsion, water treatment, solar energy).
In reality, the real spectacle is seeing these masterpieces of the naval industry parading a few miles from the coast, constantly pushing the boundaries of design and maritime technology.
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