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The Magic of Monaco Grand Prix 2016 : Yacht Charter Tips

Bespoke Yacht Charter's Top Tips for those planning to Charter a Yacht at the 2016 Monaco Grand Prix.

The Magic of Monaco Grand Prix 2016 : Yacht Charter Tips

Monaco Grand Prix is held annually on a street circuit fringing Port Hercules and the Principality and is the most hotly anticipated race on the Formula 1 calendar.

This year’s Monaco Grand Prix takes place from Thursday 26 May to Sunday 29 May with the main race day on Sunday 29 May, and is a truly spectacular event with a backdrop of a bustling port filled with superyachts, Monegasque high rises and famous landmarks such as the Casino de Monte Carlo and Fairmont Monte Carlo.

Monaco Grand Prix Yacht Charters

Bespoke Yacht Charter are specialists in luxury yacht charter in Monaco and can offer expert advice about Monaco Grand Prix packages, with recommendations for the ideal yacht solution for your requirements.

On deck of superyacht at Monaco GP
On the deck of a Superyacht at Monaco GP

 

Whether you want to rent a yacht for the day to soak up the magical Monaco Grand Prix atmosphere, charter a yacht for clients to host your own trackside Monaco yacht party or treat your friends or family to a Grand Prix hospitality package on a luxury yacht or terrace, get in touch with us to discuss how to make this amazing experience a reality for you.

Why choose a Yacht Charter for Monaco Grand Prix

Monaco GP is an iconic and prestigious race – everyone knows Monaco, everyone wants to be in Monaco and every driver wants victory at Monaco.

Booking a yacht charter for Monaco Grand Prix is a must-do experience whereby you can combine action-packed motor racing with entertaining on board, or sightseeing along the French or Italian Riviera coastlines. The Monaco GP circuit follows the Principality’s tight bends and narrow roads and comes just metres from where your superyacht is berthed in the port!

CHAKRA yacht for charter by drone
CHAKRA

The party ambience ashore is a big drawcard for many yacht charter guests – ranging from celebrity-spotting at harbourside restaurants to charity galas attended by the drivers to VIP parties with guests including top models, musicians, film producers and actors who have just finished appearances at Cannes Film Festival.

What to Expect for 2016

The Monaco GP has the shortest circuit in F1, the slowest hairpin corner at Turn 6 and is almost impossible to pass on however it remains a challenging race with car stability, driver skill and grid position influencing the outcome. For 2016’s race, there’s likely to be the usual high media interest for many reasons:

  • Renault is intending to debut its upgraded engine at the Monaco GP, but only 2 Renault-powered drivers will get the new engine meaning 2 will miss out. Expect online F1 forum debate and race day commentary to match!
  • Monaco GP will be the debut race for Pirelli’s fifth tyre compound, the new P Zero Purple ultrasoft available only for street circuits – both Red Bull drivers, both Mercedes drivers as well as Kevin Magnussen have opted for 10 sets each hoping this will help their qualifying chances on a circuit where overtaking is near impossible. From Monaco onwards, the FIA has confirmed they will be monitoring tyre pressure more closely after suspicions that teams are bypassing restrictions.
  • Spotlight on Max Verstappen after he became the youngest F1 race winner at the recent Spanish Grand Prix.
  • Attention toward Nico Rosberg, whether he can claim a fourth Monaco GP victory in a row amidst rumours that he is considering a switch to Ferrari.
  • Keep an eye on debate about real estate developments by the Caroli Group who have plans to build a portside district with restaurants and shopping that will influence the Monaco circuit and take over the TV compound zone used during the F1 race.
  • Global motor racing fans have a huge spectator weekend in store – as well as Monaco Grand Prix, the same weekend greets the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 in the U.S.
Monaco GP circuit car with superyachts
Monaco GP Circuit- F1 Car with Superyachts

Monaco Grand Prix in numbers

  • The 2016 race is the 74th F1 Grand Prix hosted in Monaco
  • 78 Laps
  • Track length: 3.337 kms (2.071 miles) after a track adjustment in 2015
  • Race distance: 260.286 kms (161.734 miles)
  • 2015 winner: Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)
  • Fastest lap in 2015: 1:18.063 (D. Ricciardo, Red Bull Renault)
  • Longest period at full throttle: 7.5 seconds in the Fairmont tunnel
  • Average number a driver changes gears per lap: 62
  • Most driver wins at Monaco: 6 (Ayrton Senna)
  • Most constructors wins at Monaco: 15 (McLaren)
  • Time taken to erect the circuit: 6 weeks
  • 1100 tonnes of grandstand seating
  • 650 marshals

2016 Race Schedule (Monaco local time)

 Thursday 26 May  

Practice 1                                             10am

Practice 2                                            2pm

FIA press conference                       4pm

Saturday 28 May 

Practice 3                                           11am

Qualifying                                          2pm

Post qualifying press conference  3pm

Sunday 29 May 

Grand Prix                                         2pm

Post race press conference            4pm

4 Practical Tips

  1. Arriving by helicopter with Heli Air Monaco is a popular option with heli transfers connecting Nice Côte d’Azur Airport and the Fontvieille heliport in 7 minutes!

It’s important to note that driver transfers from the heliport on the main race day may not be guaranteed so check in advance.

Monaco Helicopter - Heli Air Monaco
Monaco Helicopter – Heli Air Monaco
  1. Arriving by train is an economical choice for many spectators and the approach to Monaco via the coastal rail line is really scenic.

The Monaco-Monte Carlo station is a major hub and trains service main destinations including Nice, Antibes, Cannes as well as Ventimiglia with connections through to San Remo and beyond in Italy.

Unfortunately, the regional TER trains are striking this week until 8am Friday 27 May and while there will be around 1 in 3 trains running, bear this in mind if you choose to use the train for Thursdays practice sessions (or Friday’s free day).

Check timetables in advance here: www.sncf.com/fr/itineraire-reservation/itineraire as there are no extra night trains put in place for Grand Prix if you choose to enjoy the night life!

The train station is located high above the Sainte Devote corner which is the quickest way to the port though it can be confusing for first time visitors as there are numerous exits – for a free downloadable map click this link: www.cam.mc/en

  1. Monaco has some excellent attractions and things to do, however during Grand Prix many of these are closed including the popular Musée Océanographique so keep this in mind before planning any shore excursions.
  2. We’re blessed with blue skies and fine weather for around 300 days a year, however Monaco has its own microclimate so be prepared for all weather conditions – it’s not unknown for the race to start in rain and end in blazing sunshine or vice versa.

Useful Weblinks:

GP Management: gp-management.com Experts in providing yacht hospitality packages for the Monaco Grand Prix.

Visit Monaco website: www.visitmonaco.com (Official Government Tourist Office site)

This article was written by Rebecca Whitlocke, who with over 10 years travel industry experience loves to share ‘must-do’ destination tips and hidden spots to discover in France and beyond.

To discuss your Monaco Grand Prix and other French Riviera event charter requirements, please contact:

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