The 5 largest yachts by gross tonnage at the Monaco Yacht Show 2018

By Rebecca Bradbury 14 September 2018

The 2018 Monaco Yacht Show is fast-approaching, and as 120 one-off superyachts prepare to go on display, YachtCharterFleet reveals the five largest on the line-up according to gross tonnage.

In an article written last week, we rounded up the 5 largest yachts attending the Monaco Yacht Show by length. But, below we list - in ascending order - the yachts with the biggest gross tonnage - a measurement that refers to a yachts’ overall internal volume.

#5 Areti – 2,817 GT

superyacht Areti anchors in the Mediterranean

the aft deck areas including the upper deck with a Jacuzzi on board charter yacht Areti

main salon styled with an American classic theme on board motor yacht Areti

master suite with sweeping panoramas on board luxury yacht Areti

The 85m/279ft superyacht ARETI, a Lurssen build, was fifth on the list for the longest yachts signed up for the upcoming show and stays in the same place when comparing the interior volume.

She returns to the event after making her worldwide debut at the 2017 edition and is expected to once again capture much attention for both her vast expanse and world-class amenities. Among these are gym and spa facilities designed for elite athletes and space for 20-plus guests.

The interior styling from Andrew Winch Design is also notable for its fresh American-classic theme. This has been created by combining makore joinery, Emperador and Borricno marble floors and brass accents.

#4 Aquarius - 2,980 GT

Aft deck of superyacht AQUARIUS with pool and seating

After making her debut at last year's edition of the Monaco Yacht Show, the 92m/302ft motor yacht AQUARIUS is reappearing and takes fourth spot on the leaderboard for her gross tonnage.

The luxury yacht was designed by Feadship, and features immaculate interiors with accommodation for up to 14 guests. She is one of the most recent yachts to confirm her attendance at the event.

Though sadly not available for private yacht charter, the yacht will be on display for show-goers to admire her sleek and contemporary finish. High windows allow light to flood in and bathe her interior spaces, giving the superyacht an elegant and sophisticated edge.

#3 Barbara – 2,984 GT

charter yacht Barbara underway on a Mediterranean yachting vacation

seating areas with shade on the sundeck of superyacht Barbara

seating areas in the main salon aboard luxury yacht BARBARA

dining table in the main salon aboard motor yacht Barbara

Oceanco’s 88m/290ft charter yacht BARBARA comes in as the fourth largest yacht by length but, at 2,984 GT, the third largest yacht by volume. With her dark hull and shapely superstructure, the 2017 launch will certainly not be hard to spot lined up in Monaco’s Port Hercules.

Show attendees lucky enough to climb aboard will also find it impossible not to note her unusual layout. Most noteworthy is the owner’s office which, located in the central area of the yacht, has drop-down balconies either side to create a huge expanse filled with fresh air and natural light.

The self-contained master suite, meanwhile, is located forward on the owner’s deck and other distinctive features include an aquarium by Living Color in the main salon, a lower deck cinema with Lay-Z Boy chairs and a striking timber and metal vine sculpture that wraps its way around the lift shaft.

#2 Dar – 2,999 GT

motor yacht DAR cuts through the water while undertaking sea trials

Not only will the 90m/295ft superyacht DAR – also from Oceanco - be the second largest yacht by volume to appear at MYS 2018, but she will be the second largest yacht by length at the event.

Launched in July, she is one of the most exciting superyachts to hit the water this year due to her ground-breaking design and technological innovations. Making her worldwide debut at the show, she is expected to attract much attention and acclaim.

One of her radical features is the glass-clad exterior and this has been designed in harmony with the interior. Based on the theme of nature, the inside guest living areas are said to be decorated in fine fabrics, wall paper, 3D lacquer and woods such as Brazilian Carballo and bleached grey maple.

#1 Illusion Plus – 3,642 GT

motor yacht Illusion Plus outside yard's facilities following her delivery

huge TV transforms salon into a cinema room aboard superyacht Illusion Plus

large pool and under cover seating on the sundeck of superyacht Illusion Plus

master suite flanked by full-length windows on board superyacht Illusion Plus

Ranking in first place with a huge volume of 3,642 GT is the 89m/291ft motor yacht ‘Illusion Plus’ from Chinese shipyard Pride Mega Yachts. This figure is an impressive 643 GT ahead of her nearest rival (DAR) and may be surprising given that, at 89 metres, she is only the third longest yacht on the line-up.

Similarly to DAR, she was launched this summer and will be premiering at the yachting event after undertaking her maiden voyage from China to Monaco. She is expected to receive a warm welcome from industry professionals keen to discover her unparalleled sense of space and luxury interior.

A dedicated spa, beauty salon and gymnasium, and an 80-square-metre master suite are just a few of her highlights for guests to enjoy, while a diesel-electric propulsion package by Rolls Royce ensures the ultimate in cruising performance and energy efficiency.

For further details on any charter yacht at MYS 2018, speak to your preferred charter broker.

Alternatively, view all superyachts attending the Monaco Yacht Show 2018.