Monaco GP from a Superyacht: My Unfiltered Diary of F1's Most Glamorous Weekend
For years, I'd seen the photos: gleaming superyachts lining Port Hercule, celebrities sipping champagne, F1 cars flashing past just metres away. The Monaco Grand Prix from a yacht always seemed like the absolute pinnacle of F1 luxury, almost a mythical experience. This year, I decided to stop dreaming and live it. And because I know many of you are curious, I kept a diary. Here's my unfiltered, day-by-day account.
Pre-Arrival: The Anticipation (and Logistics)
The journey to Monaco itself is part of the experience. Flying into Nice, the helicopter transfer over the Côte d'Azur is breathtaking. My package, arranged through Above + Beyond, handled everything seamlessly. They secured a prime berth for the yacht – Zone 1, right by the Tabac corner. This, I'd learn, is crucial.
My Pre-Race Thought: Is this going to be more about the party than the racing? Can you even see the cars properly?
Thursday: Settling In & First Glimpses
Morning: Arrived at the yacht. "Spectacular" is an understatement. Multiple decks, a jacuzzi, an onboard chef – it was a floating five-star hotel. The crew were incredible, instantly making me feel at home.
Afternoon
This was my first surprise. The view from our berth was insane. The cars were so close I could see the drivers' helmet designs. The sound, reverberating off the buildings and water, was visceral. You're not just watching; you're in it.
Evening: Welcome cocktails on deck. The harbour transforms at night – a city of lights on the water. Met some fascinating people – fellow F1 fans, business leaders, even a former F1 driver who shared some incredible stories.
Diary Note: The proximity to the track is mind-blowing. Forget TV – this is sensory overload in the best way. The yacht itself is a haven of calm amidst the Monaco buzz.
Friday: Qualifying Heats Up & The Amber Lounge
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Diary Note: Qualifying from the yacht is better than any grandstand. You see the commitment, the tiny corrections. The Amber Lounge is a whirlwind – fun, but I was glad to retreat to the calm of the yacht afterwards.
Saturday: The Build-Up & Exploring Monaco
Morning: A leisurely breakfast on deck, watching the harbour come alive. Took the yacht's tender out for a spin along the coast – a different perspective on Monaco's beauty.
Afternoon: Decided to explore Monaco town. The yacht provides easy access via tender. Walked part of the track, visited the Casino. The whole city is electric. It's amazing how F1 transforms this tiny principality.
Evening: Dinner on the yacht. Our chef prepared an incredible meal. We discussed qualifying strategies and race predictions. The camaraderie with fellow guests was a real highlight.
Diary Note: The flexibility of the yacht experience is key. You can be in the heart of the action or find a quiet corner. It's your personal F1 sanctuary.
Sunday: Race Day - The Main Event
Morning: The buzz is incredible. Helicopters overhead, tenders zipping across the harbour, horns sounding. Champagne breakfast, naturally.
The Race: This is it. From our berth, we had views of a significant portion of the track, plus a giant screen for everything else. The start is chaos. Every lap is intense. You feel the vibrations as the cars pass. When an overtake happens near your section of the track, the roar from the surrounding yachts is deafening.
Post-Race: The track invasion is a Monaco tradition. Watching it from the deck, then the podium celebrations... it's pure F1 theatre. The party continues on the yachts well into the evening.
Diary Note: The race itself was surprisingly engaging from the yacht. You don't miss a thing. The shared experience with other guests, the luxury, the sheer spectacle... it's unforgettable. My initial skepticism about the racing view was completely unfounded.
Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?
Absolutely, unequivocally, yes. Experiencing the Monaco Grand Prix from a superyacht isn't just about luxury; it's about a unique, immersive way to witness one of the world's greatest sporting events. The combination of trackside proximity, unparalleled comfort, and the electric atmosphere of Monaco is unbeatable.
It's more than just watching a race. It's a multi-day event where every detail is curated for an extraordinary experience. If you're considering it, my advice is: do it. And do it with a reputable provider like Above + Beyond who understand the nuances of making this complex weekend seamless and magical.
This wasn't just my first time watching F1 from a yacht; it was the first time I truly felt part of the Monaco Grand Prix legend. And I'm already planning my return.
