Spotlight
MONTE CARLO YACHTS MCY96: UNMISTAKABLE
The MCY96, the seventh model in the Monte Carlo Yachts range, fits perfectly in between the shipyard’s MCY86 and MCY105. Luxurious in spirit, the new five-cabin yacht continues to break new ground thanks to the support and the industrial strength of the Beneteau Group.
Monte Carlo Yachts has been able to debut a new model every year, in a steady rhythm, since they opened for business back in 2010. With the mighty Beneteau Group watching over them, the Italian shipyard has the resources to continuously develop new yachts, while steadily evolving previous models.
NUVOLARI LENARD
Since the launch of the original MCY76, Nuvolari Lenard has designed the entire range, with the studio also shaping the sleek form of the MCY96, the latest yacht from the Monte Carlo Yachts stable. Launched last summer in Venice then presented to the public at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September and January’s boot Düsseldorf, the new Monte Carlo Yachts 96 is the seventh model in the range and one of the most interesting yachts debuting on water this season.
Her designers and builders have once again crated a yacht that is easily recognisable as a Monte Carlo, following the same development path as with previous models and using the same aesthetics. Still, the new MCY is more than just another yacht in her range. This impeccable craft was built around function, with stylistic touches added as a bonus, not the defining quality.
ALL ABOARD!
Ninety-six feet long, the new model is wide and safe, with an almost seven meter long submersible aft platform and a large garage (4.5 metres in length; more than enough for a jet-ski and a tender). The cockpit is also large, and features a long dining table with eight seats and is charmingly classical, thanks to extensive use of lacquered teak. Stainless steel details add a little bit of class to the overall appearance making the aft deck lounge a pleasant place to mingle and chat.
MAIN SALON
Unlike the classical exterior, the interior of the new Monte Carlo Yachts 96 is very much modern, furnished with exclusive pieces signed by Hermès, Armani/Casa and Rubelli. Very similar in look and feel to the previous models in the range, the 96 has a large main salon with two side sliding doors – one on each side of the dining space – leading to two foldable terraces on the sides of the yacht.
The lounge itself is all about relaxation, featuring comfortable seating in the form of a large U-shaped sofa and a dining space with a longitudinally placed table. The salon is surrounded by huge windows that allow plenty of natural light to flood in – a classic MCY feature that this yacht inherits from the first model. Port-side, there is the crew staircase leading to the lower deck, while the guest staircase is located on starboard aft.
CABINS
Below deck, the Monte Carlo Yachts 96 has three cabins and a large galley for the crew; another large cabin (with a double bed and private head) for the captain, with a layout that allows complete separation of the crew and guests.
The yacht we tested had a five-cabin layout, with the master cabin on the main deck and four guest cabins on the lower deck. The master has a private bathroom with a shower in the aft section, and a bed placement that lets you make the most of the suite’s huge glazing. The cabin is surrounded by glass surfaces (even in the side of the hull) and has a skylight (with electrically-powered blinds) for those wanting to gaze at the stars. An office corner with a desk can also be found in the master, along with a lounge corner with a comfortable sofa. Simple lines, round forms and luxurious touches – primarily leather details – make the interior of this yacht exceptionally pleasant.
During boot Düsseldorf, Monte Carlo Yachts announced A collaboration with the Italian furniture giant Giorgetti, whose carefully selected pieces accentuate the cleanliness of the design. The unit we tested had four guest cabins on the lower deck, all very large: two identical double cabins aft and two twins (with beds that can be joined into one) in the bow, all with large windows and great view of the sea. As impressive as the interior is, the exterior takes the cake.
UP TOP
The bridge is in the raised pilothouse and is probably the largest command post in the category. The hard top on the flybridge has been produced in lightweight carbon fibre, with a fabric central part, and the only thing on the 96 that wasn’t perfect, was that the prototype’s hard top vibrated a little at higher speed, (this was immediately fixed by the yard after initial tests.) Forward on the flybridge we have discovered a hidden TV and comfortable seating, while aft there are several deck chairs and a Jacuzzi (optional).
POWER
During our test, the Monte Carlo Yachts 96 was steady and reasonably fast. Powered by two 2,200 horsepower MTUs, we reached an indicated 27 knots top speed and cruised at around 20 knots. We hope we will get another chance to sail this fantastic new addition to the range, as there are surely many more details to discover – and if you get a chance, we suggest you do the same. You will definitely learn about how a good yacht needs to look and feel.
