How To Throw The Ultimate Superyacht Party
With the Mediterranean summer yachting season upon us, what better way to throw a party than aboard a luxury superyacht?
The shores of Europe provide the perfect backdrop for incredible parties; from the glamour of the French Riviera to the high cliffs and quaint, pastel-coloured buildings of the Amalfi, these coastlines are the ultimate party destination for the rich, the famous and the high-society.
Known as the million-dollar party planner, London-based luxury events planner Scarlet, has orchestrated some of the world's most expensive events and weddings. Launched nine years ago by personal trainer-turned wedding planner Marc Ahmed, these events have a minimum spend of a quarter of a million pounds.
Last year Scarlet organised the wedding of Hong Kong-based heiress Karen Li, to Sam Lau at the exclusive Chateau de Chantilly in France. The wedding was attended by 120 of their closest friends and family and took place on a 100m long private island. Scarlet built a large glass conservatory for the reception right beside the Chateau.
Another stand-out was flying Lionel Richie in to perform at a 10-year star-studded wedding anniversary in London, as a surprise from the client to his wife, who was a big fan of Lionel's music. Scarlet has also brought artists including Jennifer Lopez, Bryan Adams and Bruno Mars to past events.
Courtesy of Scarlet CEO Marc Ahmed, Billionaire reveals the best destinations, boats, entertainment and cuisine to create the ultimate event this yacht season.
The Location
Celebrate in style and comfort whilst indulging in refreshing aperitifs overlooking the vibrant coastline of Monte-Carlo, Monaco. Known for grand celebrations, including Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival, Monaco Grand Prix and the Monaco Yacht Show, the sophisticated and exuberant city-state on the Côte d’Azur provides the perfect backdrop for a soirée at sea.
Continue the celebration and host the ultimate after-party at one of the many prestigious nightclubs - our favourite being Jimmy’z on Avenue Princess Grace. For over 40 years, this iconic hotspot has seen the likes of Mark Ronson, Calvin Harris and Tiesto hit the turntables. Attracting only the most elite celebrities and socialites, and not to mention the biggest names in fashion, sport and film, Jimmy’z offers an electric atmosphere with a phenomenal setting.
The Catering
Menus on yacht parties commonly tend to be somewhat restricted to small bowls and canapés, such as sliders, salads and skewers due to the lack of space and lack of kitchen facilities in most yachts. However, we try to be more creative with food - bringing in experienced catering teams to offer a variety of cuisines. Some of the bigger super yachts tend to be more purpose built for entertaining and we can serve plated items such as Wagyu Beef or Sea Bass. However a plated menu isn’t always ideal if there is a large number of guests, therefore live food stations are probably the way to go. High quality Sushi and Sashimi is a must, and Thai and Italian always go down well.
Oysters and Champagne are always on the list, surprisingly clients don’t often demand Foie Gras or Caviar. Clients just want good food that will go down well with the crowd and if the client doesn’t stock their own drinks, which is unusual in this day and age for yacht owners, then it’s usually Dom Perignon or Cristal. There isn’t any room for Armand de Brignac – which is usually found at beach parties in Dubai.
Wine is often a typically difficult-to-get vintage Rothschild, or Chateau Montrachet is always popular, however most clients have specific taste in wine so it can vary.
The Entertainment
The advantage of hosting a party on your very own superyacht is that you can do exactly as you please. Sail out to sea where there’ll be no noise restrictions and no prying eyes. Perhaps you’d like to arrange for a helicopter to fly in a megastar to perform for you and your guests? Whether it be Elton John or David Guetta, your party will be remembered with a legendary star entertaining a crowd until the early hours out at sea.
Which boat?
One of the worlds-largest mega yachts famous for hosting exclusive parties is the Dilbar. Owned by Uzbek-born Oligarch Alisher Usmanov and built by Lurssen in Germany, the Dilbar features sumptuous bespoke interiors by Winch Design. The custom-built vessel is truly spectacular; boasting its very own indoor 25-meter swimming pool and helipad. If that isn’t impressive enough, the Dilbar can accommodate up to 36 guests and 96 crew, meaning that you can host a truly spectacular party without having to fly your guests back to shore at the end of the evening.
Another magnificent yacht ideal for entertaining to the highest level is Sailing Yacht A. Sleek, grand and elegant in design, Yacht A illuminates the waters commanding attention due to her formidable size at just over 140 meters. Known for being the largest yacht of its kind, this seamless structure boasts free- floating spiral staircases and an underwater observation area.
Whether it’s chartering a superyacht for a week or simply for one incredible event, being out on the water is the ultimate private party location this summer.
