One of the highlights of Formula 1’s action-packed, global calendar, the Monaco Grand Prix has not only become a historic event in itself, but it's also evolved into an ultra-luxury showcase of wealth. From hypercar-lined streets leading up to the race to a marina packed with some of the most expensive superyachts you’ve ever seen, it seems as though every year becomes bigger and better. Over the past few Monaco Grand Prix weekends, an unofficial tradition has emerged of displaying rare supercars and hypercars on the decks of yachts.
The viral trend was popularized by Ultimate Superyacht founder Tom Claeren, who first drew attention with a Ferrari F40 before following it up in later years with a McLaren Solus GT. This year, just days away from the kickoff, Claeren and his team have organized a serious spectacle for the weekend, featuring a Formula 1 race car, a multi-million dollar hypercar, and a monumental work of automotive art.
And if you’re wondering what type of vessel holds the type of space needed to display these full-size masterpieces, while also meeting the requirements of the Monaco Marina, it’s the massive 236-foot ‘Stella Maris’ built in 2015 by Italian shipyard Viareggio Superyachts. Designed to accommodate 12 guests and 19 crew members with a luxurious seven-cabin layout, a week of chartering Stella Maris on the open sea will cost you $755,500 during peak season.
Ample deck space on the bow, stern, and onboard helicopter pad proved perfect for displaying an Audi Revolut F1 Team race car, a brand-new Koenigsegg Jesko, and a Formula 1 sculpture by French sculptor Antoine Dufilho. And while seeing these perched on the deck of a $75 million superyacht during one of the biggest weekends on F1’s calendar is an event in itself, witnessing the process of making this all happen is just as impressive.
Tom Claeren took to Instagram to show just how much work goes into organizing and executing the incredible feat. With a large crane sitting dockside and a team of eyes to make sure every move was precise, the Audi Revolut F1 race, Koenigsegg Jesko, and F1 sculpture were hoisted into the air and onto the superyacht for all of Monaco to see. Now that you have a first-hand sneak peek at what’s to come this weekend during the Monaco Grand Prix, tune in to see if you can catch a glimpse of Stella Maris and its four-wheel VIP guests.
Source: @tomclaeren Instagram