Port Hercules is always a spectacle of extravagance during the Monaco Grand Prix — but this year, one vessel effortlessly outshines the rest: Symphony, the $150 million superyacht owned by Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of luxury empire LVMH.
At 101 meters in length, Symphony is not only the largest yacht in the harbor this year — it’s also the most elegantly imposing. Designed by renowned British studio Tim Heywood, it holds the distinction of being the first Feadship yacht to break the 100-meter mark. Its name is no coincidence — Arnault, a devoted fan of classical music, conceived this floating palace as a tribute to the arts. The pièce de résistance? A grand piano that serves as the centerpiece of the main salon.
Spread across six expansive decks with an internal volume of 3,463 GT, Symphony is packed with amenities that redefine nautical luxury. The highlights include:
– A glass-bottom swimming pool with waterfall,
– An open-air cinema on the bridge deck,
– A private owner’s suite with Jacuzzi, sauna, and custom-designed office by François Zuretti,
– A wellness center, full beach club, indoor cinema, a pop-up golf platform with biodegradable balls,
– And eight ultra-luxurious guest cabins.
Before the race, Port Hercules buzzes with anticipation. Symphony towers above even the likes of Lady A, Luna, and Quantum of Solace, while the nearby Kismet — a 122-meter, $360 million superyacht owned by billionaire Shahid Khan — offers stiff competition. The battle for attention here isn't just on the racetrack — it’s on the water, where Symphony and Kismet wage their own silent war of opulence.
Kismet impresses with a seven-seat spa, sprawling pool, and lavish al fresco dining spaces. Yet even its ultra-detailed interiors can’t eclipse the architectural grace and commanding presence of Symphony. In every frame, it appears as a floating symphony of refinement and design.
For Bernard Arnault — who famously sold his $73 million Bombardier Global 7500 private jet in 2022 — Symphony is now his crown jewel. A reflection of his devotion to art, excellence, and understated power, this yacht is more than a status symbol. It’s a statement of elegance — and, for now, the undisputed queen of the Monaco Grand Prix.
