The Monaco Yacht Show held last month was a testament to the opulence and innovation in the world of superyachts and their accompanying tenders. Approximately 60 tenders, spanning a wide range of styles and sizes, were on display at this prestigious event. These tenders not only enhance the functionality and elegance of superyachts but also reflect the evolving preferences and environmental concerns of the modern luxury yacht owner.
In recent years, superyachts exceeding 120 feet in length commonly carry at least two tenders. This represents a significant shift from the past when smaller superyachts, averaging around 80 feet, often had only a basic Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) for the crew and perhaps a Boston Whaler for guests. Today, the landscape has transformed, with gigayachts exceeding 250 feet frequently accommodating larger and more intricate tenders, such as limousine tenders with retractable roofs for comfort, open sports tenders for convenience, and even Zodiacs for venturing into remote regions.
Notable early adopters of this trend include vessels like the 303-foot Tatoosh, constructed by Nobiskrug in 2000, which introduced the concept of carrying two 39-foot tenders on its deck, accompanied by various other tender types like a safety boat and Sea-Doos. The 296-foot classic yacht Nero, another standout at the Monaco show, exuded luxury with its custom-built wooden Corsair tender. The maritime world also witnessed the entry of green technologies with the unveiling of the hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered tender, Chase 0, by America’s Cup Emirates Team New Zealand, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable and emissions-free alternatives.
The modern luxury yacht owner is increasingly concerned about ocean preservation and the environment, which has prompted many tender manufacturers to adopt more eco-friendly approaches. Several new electric runabout builders are making a compelling case that electric and hybrid propulsion systems can offer the same level of performance and comfort as conventional tenders, all while minimizing emissions.
In the realm of superyacht tenders, there are essentially two main categories: those designed to fit into a yacht’s garage and those serving as shuttles from the owner’s home port to the mothership. The styles and sizes of these tenders are often dictated by the owner’s specific requirements and preferences.
Here, we highlight ten of the most notable superyacht tenders from the Monaco Yacht Show:
Hodgdon Limousine
Hodgdon’s new Limousine, en route to a shipyard in Northern Europe to join a superyacht, boasts accommodation for up to 15 individuals. It offers both forward and aft outside seating areas, a wet bar, a climate-controlled interior, and a T-top that can be lowered when stowed in the yacht’s garage. Equipped with gyro stabilizers to minimize motion sickness, this vessel stands out with its striking design and features.
Compass Limousine for Oceanco ‘H3’
Custom-built for the 344-foot Oceanco H3, this 36-foot limousine incorporates subtle styling elements from the mothership’s exterior design. The cabin offers custom leather seating, stainless-steel trim, leather paneling, and a geometric teak floor. It also features an integrated AV system, ambient lighting, and forward-facing cameras displaying the tender’s journey on twin screens.
Falcon Project KD
Making its world debut in Monaco, Project KD is a custom 32-foot limousine tender commissioned by the owner of a 210-foot Sanlorenzo yacht. The exterior features fiber-optic light lines and promises a spectacular interior design set to be revealed next year.
Brabus Shadow 300
Available in two models, Cross-Bow and Cross-Top, the Brabus Shadow 300 is designed for powerboat enthusiasts. With a top speed of 50 knots, thanks to a Mercury 300R V8 racing engine, it ensures swift travel between the yacht and port. It’s also well-suited for water sports activities, including water skiing and wakeboarding.
J-Craft Torpedo ‘BaBeBi’
J-Craft’s 42-foot Torpedo BaBeBi made a significant impression at both the Cannes and Monaco shows. With a metallic-colored hull, brass and off-white interior, and the capability to withstand 13-foot waves, it offers both style and functionality. Powered by two Volvo Penta IPS 650s, it reaches a top speed of 47 knots and can accommodate up to four guests for weekend getaways.
Cockwells ‘Titian’ Tender
The custom 34-foot Titian tender, constructed by Cockwells in the UK, boasts traditional features such as stainless-steel fittings and advanced electronics, including a virtual anchor and touchscreen digital switching system. Its twin jet drive ensures reliable handling, while the tender’s finish meets superyacht quality standards.
Riva Aquarama
The Riva Aquarama is a legendary wooden runabout, renowned for its speed, elegance, and craftsmanship. With a limited production run between 1962 and 1972, this iconic boat is the epitome of luxury and style.
Williams DieselJet 565
Williams is a respected name in RIB tenders, known for models that cater to yacht garages. The DieselJet 565 offers advantages such as jet propulsion, diesel fuel, and the capacity to carry up to nine passengers. Ergonomic seating, ample storage, grab rails, and customizable features make it a standout choice for yacht owners.
Lanéva Dayboat
The Lanéva Dayboat is an all-electric 26-foot vessel designed with a military-grade lithium polymer battery and aviation-style axial-flow motors. It combines performance with sustainability, featuring a cork floor and recyclable leatherette upholstery.
Tyde Icon
The Tyde Icon is a distinctive 43-footer with a futuristic design, capable of reaching 30 knots thanks to its foiling technology. Designed in collaboration with BMW, it offers a spacious cabin with large windows for a breathtaking view of the water, lounge chairs, and a range of more than 50 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 24 knots.
Sacs Rebel 47
The Sacs Rebel 47 is a versatile rigid-hulled inflatable boat designed to function both as a tender and a primary day boat for owners. It offers multiple seating areas, a generous cabin, and excellent performance even in rough waters, boasting a top speed of 38 knots with two Volvo D6 sterndrives or 50 knots with three Yamaha 425 hp XTO outboards.
The world of superyacht tenders is continuously evolving, with a growing emphasis on eco-friendliness, innovation, and luxury. These exceptional tenders not only enhance the functionality of superyachts but also represent the unique personalities and preferences of their owners, offering a glimpse into the luxurious world of yachting. Whether for transportation, watersports, or pure enjoyment, these tenders are a vital part of the superyacht experience, combining style, performance, and environmental responsibility.
