The 2012 Monaco Grand Prix is scheduled to take place May 24-27, with Formula One racecars zipping right past the marina where chartered megayachts dock for the world’s best views.

“There is nothing quite like watching the Grand Prix from a yacht docked in the Monaco marina,” says Yachtstore charter broker Gina Robertson. “You can stand on the sundeck or aft deck as the drivers whiz right past the water. It’s as close as you can get to the race with a premier view, and you have the added benefit of being at a private party without masses of crowds all around you.”

Monaco Harbor

Charter yachts can be booked for the Grand Prix as part of private vacations or for use as event platforms. A number of megayachts are able to host 50 to 100 guests at the dock, with crew and catering services that keep the champagne and hors d’oeuvres flowing.

“To me, the best setup is a megayacht where you can watch the race from outside but also have the benefit of seeing it on a large plasma screen inside, when the cars are in other parts of the city,” Robertson says. “Some charter yachts even have the large screens on their sundecks, so you can watch both ways at once. It’s amazing.”

Marina slips fill up fast for the Monaco Grand Prix, and a waiting list is usually in place a month or two before the event. Contact Robertson today to see which yachts are available for charter during the race, and to secure a slip in the marina in time for the event.

Each May, Hollywood A-listers and world-renowned film moguls descend on the charming seaside town of Cannes, France, for the Cannes Film Festival. The event marks not only the year’s outstanding achievement in international film, but also the annual beginning of the summer yacht charter season in the South of France.

“The Cannes Film Festival takes place right on the harbor, so yacht charter is a practically a part of the event itself,” says Yachtstore charter broker Gina Robertson. “There are literally red carpets leading up to some of the yachts, where movie stars host parties and studios promote their latest projects.”

Cannes Harbor and “La Croisette” in the background

Megayachts are the most sought-after yachts for charter at the Cannes Film Festival. It’s not unusual to see some of the world’s newest and most impressive builds docked at the quay. Sometimes, the yachts are chartered by individuals. Other times, they are chartered by corporations that want to host large, dockside events.

“Our team at Yachtstore can help with both kinds of charters, including event charters that require extra catering and other services,” Robertson says. “We can arrange everything from limousine transfers at the local airport to theme events with live bands, dancers, and whatever else the client desires.”

Dockage for the Cannes Film Festival must be secured in advance, and a waiting list is often in place a month or two before the event. Contact Robertson today to learn which yachts are still available for this prestigious charter event.

The 178-foot Benetti Starfire has just completed an impressive refit that included a makeover of the interior décor as well as the addition of new water toys.

“There is not one space on the yacht that looks the same,” Capt. Carl Sputh told Yachtstore charter broker Gina Robertson. “We added wood floors in the main salon, dining room, and sky lounge. All of the soft goods were replaced in the interior. Outside, we changed all the cushions and added a day bed and a television to the top deck, which is now an awesome lounge area. Overall, the yacht has a more modern feel.”

Robertson was also happy to learn that Starfire now carries a pair of Seabobs for charter guests to enjoy along with two Wave Runners, a Jet Ski, kayaks, and more.

Starfire also continues to charter with a stylish, 36-foot Hinckley jet-drive powerboat as one of her tenders.

36 Foot Hinckley Jetboat

“The Starfire charter program has long been well respected, and the recent interior upgrades and additions in the water sports department only make the yacht that much better,” Robertson says. “She is going to continue to be a charter yacht with a lot of demand, and I look forward to booking clients onboard for quite some time to come.”

To learn more about Starfire or book a week onboard, contact Robertson today.