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Event Charters Kick Off Mediterranean Season

Mediterranean yachts
Ocean Independence says the 196-foot Brodosplit Katina can host parties for as many as 150 guests quayside. The yacht’s light show and sound system are part of her charter rate, and she has a whisky and smoking room for after-party chats. Neven Gere Gerencir

They say hosting an event aboard a yacht at the Monaco Grand Prix or Cannes Film Festival requires a ­level of planning on par with a 250-guest, black-tie affair on Oscars night in Hollywood: You need at least a year to organize, extra security deposits will be required, and the canapés had better be Michelin-star mouthwatering, because Steven Spielberg just might show up.

In the case of a film fest or Grand Prix charter, there’s also the matter of snagging one of the limited number of prominent slips in the harbor, as well as a yacht to put in that slip — one rated to take all the guests you hope to welcome at the quay. The biggest superyachts that can pull off the best parties book fast, especially those set up with multiple outdoor entertaining spaces or onboard discos. Some clients who’ve done Monaco and Cannes in the past book for the events more than a year in advance, allowing plenty of time to snag each location’s best catering firms, chauffeurs and other staff.

Mediterranean yachts
(Clockwise from top left) Sarah: This 203-foot Amels, with Ocean Independence, is open for the Cannes Film Festival. Sarah is also getting a Spanish charter license. Her lowest weekly base rate is about $396,600. Mariu: Edmiston markets this 164-foot Codecasa for parties with as many as 80 guests at the quay. Mariu’s daily base rate for the Monaco Grand Prix is about $45,700, plus expenses. Sequel P: Burgess says this 179-foot Proteksan-Turquoise has a weekly base rate of about $288,000 for the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix. She has 13 crew on board. Titania: The 239-foot Lürssen Titania, also with Burgess, underwent a stern extension to accommodate a beach club that can convert into a nightclub for parties at the dock. Yachting

The Monaco and Cannes events are the annual kickoff to the summer charter season in the Mediterranean, a finale-caliber, star-studded scene, but at the beginning of a monthslong show. The time to book yours is now, if you want next year’s party to be the kind they make movies about.

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