What happens at the Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) does not stay at the Monaco Yacht Show... Networking over these four days is about making as big a professional splash as possible. Here's where to make the most of this elite gathering

The MYS is the biggest industry event of the year with €3 billion value of 100 superyachts on display, even though only one will actually be sold during the show. Publicity at the MYS you just can’t buy, so networking over these four days in September is about making as big a professional splash as possible.

Yacht Club de Monaco
One of the world’s most exclusive members-only clubs, YCM is the centrepiece of the yacht show exhibition. Designed by Norma Foster, the 204m moored ship-style clubhouse, which is powered by renewable energy, has five stories linked by a commanding spiral stairway that greets you as you enter the atrium. Getting swept away by the harbour views from the 4000m2 deck-like terraces will be a sure sign you’re a guest. The Rowing Club (Société Nautique de Monaco) has a port-side restaurant (€1 cover charge to dine for non-members) on the ground floor open to the public. Hey, at least you can say you were there. 

Stars’n’Bars
Facing the yacht club, this laidback American-style eatery nestled in the port is a Monaco institution and pulls an impressive international crowd; Prince performed a secret gig on the upper floor and Novak and Jelena Djokovic had their first date at the sports bar. In fact, the environmentally friendly Stars’n’Bars also has one of the biggest celebrity sports museums on the planet. Daily Happy Hour from 5:30-7:30 pm means complimentary snacks, usually with ingredients from SNB’s own terrace garden, with each beverage ordered.

Hotel Hermitage
The inimitable Hotel Hermitage, tucked behind the Hotel de Paris in Casino Square, is the epitome of old-world charm and Le Limùn, its lobby, offers non-guests a chance to experience Grace Kelly’s classic Monaco. This is a swanky spot for tight-lipped tête-à-têtes, so opt for a table in the back against the wall, but not in a corner as you need to be able to nonchalantly acknowledge other movers and shakers in the room. Mineral water is a safe bet at €7 (50 ml) or a not freshly-squeezed juice for €8. Open from 8 am. 

Hotel Metropole
Steps from the Casino, at the Metropole’s stunning lobby and bar, designed by the “atmosphere magician” Jacques Garcia, the sport of eye darts is at its best so don’t be offended when the person you’re trying to impress grazes the room while nodding in your direction. Everyone in this oasis has an air of importance… and is beautiful. Ridiculously pricey, the Metropole made the social media rounds charging a whopping €14 for a double espresso during the Grand Prix. If people watching builds your appetite, order the cheese plate, a bargain at €15. 

Amber Summer
Sonia Irvine, sister of F1 driver Eddie Irvine, is the woman behind the Formula One’s hottest post-race parties, Amber Lounge. Following the Monaco GP in 2016, she launched Amber Summer at the Méridien Beach Plaza, which has quickly established itself as the place to chill for Monaco’s in crowd. The dusk to dawn lounge area facing the Larvotto peninsula is only 900 metres from the Yacht Club and offers a welcome alternative to some of the Principality’s more traditional meeting spots, with an Asian-style menu, shisha pipes and DJ from 5 pm. Amber Summer closes after the yacht show weekend, and has top-secret plans to end its first season with a memorable bash. 

By Nancy Heslin, Monaco Life

Ideal For

Rubbing shoulders