It's the kind of flawless, dazzlingly bright day the French Riviera is famous for: sunrays seep through the Mediterranean making it glow like Murano glass, and palm trees - swishy and supermodel tall - dapple the Beaux-Arts boulevards in veils of shade. Celebritystudded superyachts clog Port Hercules, bouncing off each other like bath toys, and the traffic along the corniche above Monte Carlo sulks to a crawl.
It's the Grand Prix, shrugs my taxi driver, in that oh so-French, what-did-you-expect way. He's right, of course; but it's not just any Grand Prix. Fuelled by a new wave of fandom by virtue of Netflix's Formula 1: Drive to Survive documentary, plus a post-pandemic roaring 2020s attitude, the May 2022 Formula 1 Grand Prix event reached full fever pitch among the beau monde. Everyone - from movie stars to moguls, princes of finance to real-life princes - wanted in on the action.
In the history of the iconic Monaco Grand Prix, which dates back to the 1920s - and is as much about what happens on the track as what happens off it - there have never been more applications for yacht berths. I'm told that over 175 yachts didn't make the cut this year, including (allegedly) exF1 and Ferrari driver Kimi Räikkönen's.
One that did make the cut? My destination: MV Friendship, a pearly-white, 173ft Oceano superyacht, docked off Quai Rainier III and chartered by Ultimate Driving Tours. With 15 years of experience crafting luxe driving holidays and motorsport experiences all over the world, it's safe to say that Ultimate Driving Tours knows its stuff, so of course, it was going to conjure up a yacht, regardless of this year's challenges (which are too lengthy to get into here, and may or may not involve an Eastern European billionaire, an impounded vessel; and a last-minute change-of-plans from the Prince of Monaco himself).
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Beachfront Paradise
Known for its intricate architecture and contemporary structures, Iniala Beach House in Phuket stands as a grand retreat just a few steps away from the shores of Natai Beach.
Emerald Magnificence
Embrace the splendours of Hokkaido's natural beauty from a different yet equally majestic perspective at Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
The Real Deal
In Guadalajara, one discovers the rise of luxury tequila Volcan de mi Tierra and the passion in bringing forth the highest expression of the spirit.
This Month's Feed
Only the best dining and drinking spots in Singapore.
World Builders
At Bellerby & Co., hundreds of hours are spent crafting globes that don't just depict the planet-they chart, in mesmerising detail, your individual journey or your family's history upon it.
The Home Of Equine Elegance
AWARD-WINNING INTERIOR design studio EightyTwo transforms the essence of comfort, luxury and aesthetic elegance with bespoke home solutions that are crafted to reflect one’s personal tastes and enhance your well-being.
Film-schooled
Which Autumn 2024 collection best embodies your sartorial look?
Lead With Passion
At a glamorous event in Singapore, Tumi launched the Asra collection for Spring/Summer 2024 with the help of South Korean superstar Mun Ka Young.
Bag The Look
From utilitarian daily beaters to versatile style statements, here are the latest work bags to elevate your office cachet.
The Vanity Table
The latest grooming products to know.