Leading motor yacht marque Prestige is celebrating the win of major awards at leading boat shows in Cannes and Genoa for two yachts making their world-premiere appearances.

In the World Yachts Trophies ceremony on Saturday 16 September at the Cannes Yachting Festival, the Prestige F4 — the first of the all-new generation of the F-Line — won the prize for Best Interior Design in the category of yachts from 45 to 64 feet, while the flagship Prestige M8 was declared best among Power Driven Catamarans.

The following week at the Genoa International Boat Show, the M8 was named winner of the 2023 Design Innovation Award in the Multihull category.

“Both the new Prestige F4 and flagship Prestige M8 are important milestones in the evolution of the brand today,” said Erwin Bamps, vice president of the Franco-Italian yacht builder.

The multihull Prestige M8 “embodies [the marque’s] ability to cater to a sophisticated, discerning clientele” | Credit: Prestige

“The F4 is the first model of our third-generation flybridge line-up and features many new attributes that reflect our vision for the ideal family yacht of tomorrow.

“At the same time, the multihull M8 embodies our ability to cater to a sophisticated, discerning clientele, marrying French industrial excellence and an Italian heritage of personalisable, large yacht construction at our Monfalcone shipyard.

“Being recognised for both ends of the Prestige spectrum with international awards is a beautiful accolade of our achievements.”

MGM Boats are the Irish agents for Prestige and you can express your interest in the F4 and M8 at [email protected].

Irish F1 aficionado and TV personality Eddie Jordan was joined by representatives from iconic yachting brands Oyster Yachts, Sunseeker and Princess Yachts and show organisers British Marine to open London Luxury Afloat 2023 officially.

In a busy month for Dun Laoghaire yacht and powerboat broker, MGM Boats has just wrapped up its own successful Spring Showcase weekend at its Coal Harbour base before heading to London for the Luxury Afloat Show under its Prestige brand.

Taking place at the icon St. Katharine Docks, the show runs from 18-22 April. 

Following the ribbon cutting and declaring the show open, Eddie commented: “I feel very proud to be here, opening the second edition of London Luxury Afloat. I love being at St Katharine Docks; the location is so perfect, a hidden gem right in the centre of London. The Tower of London makes an incredible backdrop, and just one lock takes you straight out into the Thames. It’s a very calming location, in the heart of the City of London, yet you can be sitting on the deck of a yacht, enjoying the peace and quiet within this beautiful marina.”

Down on the pontoons, ticket holders can view a whole host of luxury vessels from leading luxury yachting brands, including Sunseeker, Oyster, Princess and Azimut, as well as Falcon Tenders limousine style tenders, the perfect accessory to any superyacht.

MGM Boats will stage a 'Spring Showcase' of its boat range will from 14 to 16th April at its Boatyard in the Coal Harbour, Dun Laoghaire, on Dublin Bay.

The broker celebrated 25 years in business in 2022 and has a wide selection of new and used boats on display in the water and outdoors on the hard at Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

A selection of the latest Jeanneau Sail and power boats and Prestige and Zodiac Inflatables will be available, and the company has posted a sample of the line-up on its website here and a sample are featured below.

All are welcome to visit, but MGM is asking interested parties to make an appointment to view boats in advance by contacting [email protected] or calling at 01 2802020 - 087 226 3598.

Sales personnel and yacht brokers will be available to discuss selling or buying a boat between 10 am and 6 pm on both days.

MGM Boats 'Spring Showcase' features the above range of boats at Dun Laoghaire Harbour from April 14 to 16

London Luxury Afloat

It's a busy time for the Dun Laoghaire brokers, as they also exhibit next week at the London Luxury Afloat Show.

Launched in April 2022, the show is a showcase event bringing the most luxurious sail and motor yachts on the market to the heart of London at St. Katharine Docks. Created by British Marine, organisers of the Southampton International Boat Show, the Show will feature well-appointed sailing, motor, and superyachts from leading brands, including the Irish broker.

This past weekend at boot Düsseldorf was a big one for Dun Laoghaire-based agents MGM Boats, with the world premiere of Jeanneau’s new DB/37 and the launch of the electric Delphia 10 Lounge — as well as the reveal of the new flagship of Prestige’s M-Line in the M8.

Following the M48, the first in the M-Line that was launched last year, the multihull M8 promises an unprecedented experience: to live in perfect harmony with the sea on smooth, serene cruises, more respectful of the environment with a reduced fuel consumption.

The M8 also aims to redefine the onboard experience with a living area of more than 270 sq m “unequalled in its category” and twin hulls ensuring natural stability and excellent seaworthiness.

The M8 is being touted as ‘a true villa on the sea’, to which this artist’s impression of the interior can testify | Credit: Prestige Yachts

“The M8, flagship of the M-Line by Prestige, represents the quintessence of our savoir-faire in terms of design, elegance, and fit and finish,” says Erwin Bamps, vice president of Prestige.

“I would like to underscore the unique character of Prestige, the only Franco-Italian yacht builder in the world, today, combining the French mastery of serial production and Italian heritage in large yacht construction.”

While remaining faithful to Prestige’s identity, the M8 features a distinctive hull, designed from the start uniquely for a motor yacht.

Living is easy onboard the M8, its creators promise | Credit: Prestige Yachts

The result is a multihull that is less wide but taller than a sailing catamaran, offering unequalled surface area and dimensions, which Prestige says is never before seen in existing monohulls and multihulls on the market.

“The M8 is a true villa on the sea,” says its designer, Camillo Garroni. “The layout, living spaces, ease of movement and safety on board have been designed to optimise the experience of the owners and their family.”

Discover new horizons, get closer to nature and reconnect with yourself and others in a spacious, refined, bright environment with the M8 from Prestige. There’s more on the Prestige website — and if you’re at boot Düsseldorf this week, meet the team from MGM Boats for details.

The new electric-first Delphia 10 Lounge enjoyed its official launch at boot Düsseldorf on Sunday morning (22 January).

Similar to the D10 LoungeTop which was unveiled last November by the ‘mindful cruising’ brand, the Delphia 10 Lounge boasts an open cockpit with up to 12 seating positions so even more can get together for fun and relaxing times.

While the focus is on short retreats along city canals and other inland waterways, weather conditions can still change quickly — which prompted the design of a complete cockpit enclosure protect those on board from the elements.

Evening trips on the Delphia 10 Lounge can go a little further thanks to multiple accommodation options below deck

And down below, the spacious interior with up to four sleeping berths and a bathroom is the perfect set-up for a night onboard when the evening trip goes a little further.

In the propulsion department, once again Delphia has partnered with marine e-mobility specialists Torqueedo to equip the Delphia 10 Lounge with an 80hp Deep Blue electric motor, offering three different configurations of electric propulsion. And like the LoungeTop, it also comes with a diesel option with reduced-emission engines from Yanmar.

Express your interest in the Delphia 10 Lounge with recently appointed Irish agents MGM Boats at [email protected] — and meet them this week at boot Düsseldorf to see more the boat at Hall 1, Stand B/16.

Jeanneau expands its DB Yachts line with the new DB/37, which had its world premiere at boot Düsselforf on Saturday 21 January.

Benefiting from all the savoir-faire and creativity of Jeanneau, the DB/37 is available in inboard and outboard versions and features a streamlined silhouette designed by Camillo Garroni, with a distinctive personality.

This new model perfectly represents the DB Yachts line, upholding the core principles that made the DB/43 a success.

The deck plan privileges exterior space and easy movement on board, and while at anchor, side terraces can extend the cockpit toward the sea.

Faithful to the promise of the DB Yachts line, “More than you expect”, the DB/37 seduces all those adept at cruising with private living spaces and a refined interior, unique aboard a day boat.

Inviting and protective, the DB/37 is designed for you to fully benefit from the sea, to experience and share unforgettable moments. A true party boat, with an optimal interior layout, she also offers the possibility of extended stays onboard — and all of this with the stylish allure of elegant lines.

Jeanneau is display the inboard version of the new DB/37 until next Sunday 29 January in Hall 5 at Stand C19. Irish agents for Jeanneau, MGM Boats in Dun Laoghaire, will be on hand throughout the show for more details.

MGM Boats in Dun Laoghaire will have a full sales team at boot Düsseldorf from 21-29 January — the largest indoor boat show in the world.

Aside from their dedicated brokerage stand (E45 in Hall 5), MGM Boats will have agents on hand for all the brands they represent in Ireland, such as Prestige Motor Yachts (Hall 6), Aquador Boats (Hall 4), Delphia Yachts (Hall 1) and Lagoon Catamarans (Hall 15).

That’s not to mention the impressive Jeanneau range, from sail (Hall 16) to power (Hall 1) and day boats (Hall 5), the latter stand hosting the world premiere of the premium DB/37 on Saturday 21 January.

If you’re still on the fence about a visit, MGM Boats are making the very tempting offer of a full refund on flights and accommodation (up to €1,200) if you order a new boat from them at the show.

Get in touch with Martin Salmon (+353 87 226 3598 or [email protected]) who can also put you on the list for an introduction to MGM Boats’ full range on display.

Jeanneau will unveil the DB/37, the second model in its new line of premium day boats, with its world premiere at boot Düsseldorf next month.

This brand-new 37-foot model is the perfect representation of the DB Yachts line, Jeanneau says. In addition to a streamlined design, entirely open to the sea, with fine materials and polished finishes, the DB/37 reveals an unprecedented interior volume for a day boat.

Following the DB/43, the DB/37 is the result of a collaboration between and world-renowned naval architects. Boasting excellent handling, its elegant lines were drawn by Italian designer Camillo Garroni and its hull was designed by Michael Peters Yacht Design.

From day boat to party boat to cruiser, the DB/37 offers great versatility and a unique design, promising exceptional experiences on the water.

The world will get its first look up close at the DB/37 during boot Düsseldorf from 21-29 January 2023. And Irish agents for Jeanneau, MGM Boats in Dun Laoghaire, will have all the details on how to get on the buyers’ list.

The latest addition to Delphia’s ‘mindful cruising’ range — available in Ireland via MGM Boats in Dun Laoghaire — is the Delphia 10 LoungeTop, which will have its worldwide launch in Berlin this week.

Designed for relaxation in total comfort, the Delphia 10 LoungeTop has a refined silhouette with an “innovative” outside cover that encompasses the best aspects of open and enclosed boating.

Combined with an optimised layout and its electric-power-first spec, the Delphia 10 LoungeTop is “the ultimate partner to go mindfully cruising through the canals and along the coast”.

The rear platform’s bike storage solution makes it easy to get out and explore the landscape along your travels

Moving around inside and outside has never been easier thanks to the one single-level platform and open cockpit, while the deep side decks and the closing companionway create a secured environment.

Disembarking for explorations is facilitated by the side gate on starboard. In particular, the rear platform’s bike storage solution makes it easy to get out and explore the landscape along your travels.

Staying on board, two protected lounge areas in the open cockpit offer up to 12 seating places. A wet bar to prepare meals and a variable dining bench on port complete a superb environment for socialising and relaxing.

Sustainable fabrics and materials as well as choice of two woodwork and floor options for the interior guarantee a pleasant environment.

The Delphia 10 LoungeTop boats an “innovative” outside cover that encompasses the best aspects of open and enclosed boating on deck

In the single or twin cabins, natural light comes though the large portholes reinforcing this relaxing feeling and guaranteeing bright days and optimal conditions for peace of mind.

Finally, a contemporary bathroom with walk-in shower will help you unwind after a day of adventure.

Proud of its ‘nature friendly’ reputation, Delphia teamed up with Torqeedo, a leader in e-mobility in the marine industry, to fit the Delphia 10 LoungeTop with the powerful 80hp Deep Blue electric motor, offering three different configurations of electric propulsion. It also comes with a diesel option with reduced-emission engines from Yanmar.

The worldwide launch of the latest Delphia 10 will happen at the Boat & Fun exhibition in Berlin from this Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 November. Express your interest with recently appointed Irish agents MGM Boats at [email protected].

For most sailors in what is Ireland’s largest and busiest pier-enclosed recreational harbour, MGM Boats of Dun Laoghaire are, first and foremost, the people who provide the essential service of one of Ireland’s largest and most versatile travel hoists. For it’s often the case that the more effective a boat is in the water, then the more awkward she is out of it. Thus when you urgently need their services to get your pride-and-joy safely onto dry land in jig time, a skilled travel hoist operator ranks somewhere above the angels in any listing of divine helpers. Their quiet competence is a balm for bothered boat owners who have suddenly become aware of what the insurance business tries to de-dramatise as “an inexplicable ingress of water”, or some other invisible but noise-evident problem.

Introducing one of Ireland’s leading international marine traders and service providers with this most basic of viewpoints may seem to be slightly off-target in profiling an expanding company which has been trying to fit the celebration of its 25th Anniversary into what – post-pandemic – has proved to be one of its busiest years ever.

But a friend in need is a friend indeed. And those who have come to know MGM through their readiness to provide an emergency boat lift in times of stress will rightly see the company in a favourable light, thereby joining the very long list of satisfied customers who – since 1997 – have been availing of MGM’s increasing range of services provided and new boats and equipment marketed, combined with their always-interesting used-boats sales list.

A Prestige 520 Flybridge brings a bit of glamour to a 50-ton Travelhoist, which has proven equally ready to lift the most rugged workboats

The experience within the company and its associated service providers is remarkable. Managing Director Gerry Salmon has been involved in boat work at every level and most areas since 1986. His brother Martin - Sales & Marketing Director - does even better, as he started as a boat-finishing carpenter and joiner in 1983, before rapidly expanding his expertise and moving up the ranks in several areas of the marine industry.

Ross O’Leary, Director of Brokerage & New Boat Sales, continues as an active sailor from the Laser level upwards, and after studying at Solent University he came to the growing MGM operation in 2000, joining a team which was soon further enhanced by the appointment of Paul Gavin as Yard Manager, an all-encompassing title which will shortly be celebrating Paul’s 20th year of involvement with the company.

Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, John O’Kane had formed his own brokerage company in 1997. He then co-founded MGM Boats NI in 2000 with the office at Carrickfergus Marina, bringing with him the UK distributorship for Aquador Boats and active links with the south of England, which greatly assisted the establishment of the MGM Boats Hamble Point Marina office.

In fact, although MGM is at the cutting edge of new boat sales in Ireland, their solid reputation is built on long-established and firmly-based national and international relationships which have developed into dynamic friendships. They will shortly be celebrating their 20th year of working with the boat-commissioning company in the famous port of Les Sables d’Olonne on France’s Biscay Coast, where many of their French-built new boats receive their final preparation for sea-going. And a vibrant relationship with another commissioning company in Perpignan on the Mediterranean coast enjoys a similar longevity, meeting as it does the needs of MGM Boats customers whose focus afloat is totally Mediterranean-based.

THE INSIDE OF THE INSIDE TRACK

Thanks to these time-honoured working partnerships, MGM Boats are on the inside track in all aspects of the international marine industry. And while many on the periphery of the industry are currently finding problems with international supply chain delays, MGM find their special links and active working friendships very quickly smooth out any difficulties – in truth, they are on the inside of the inside track.

Thus they have become so much a part of the Dun Laoghaire waterfront scene that there are young sailors who only think of MGM as a boat company, and are blissfully unaware of the once-legendary Hollywood film company of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, aka MGM. But when Martin and Gerry Salmon set up MG Marine in what is now the previous Millennium, they decided to tackle this naming conundrum head-on, and they’ve been so enduringly successful that nowadays even cinema-inclined sailing buffs tend to think of boats first and Tinseltown second when the name MGM comes up on the radar.

In the firmly established mood of celebration around their 25 years in business, it is easy to forget just how difficult it can be to get a new enterprise into being on the Dun Laoghaire waterfront, let alone underpin its operation with support offices in Northern Ireland and Cork, all in turn supporting an international presence which provides ready representation in popular international boating areas, combined with regular participation in all the major boat shows.

CHALLENGES OF AN ESTABLISHED WATERFRONT

But the fact is, Dun Laoghaire Harbour is built much too well, with magnificent stonework to match. And when it was completed, its design was so complete, and totally aimed at the needs of naval use in the first half of the 19th Century, that it was a major challenge to make even the smallest modifications to its very fixed waterfront in order to accommodate accelerating changes in ship and boat technology, and general harbour use.

The MGM boatyard operation has been slotted – with some difficulty – into Dun Laoghaire’s very fixed waterfront. This was not an easy operation in a harbour where the authorities seem to think that the ideal solution to railway station car parking demands is to in-fill sheltered boat-berthing space.

So totally is Dun Laoghaire Harbour a fixed and massive monument of its time that we have heard speakers at Save Our Seafront public meetings in Dun Laoghaire refer - in all seriousness - to this completely artificial construction as “a wonderful natural feature of Dublin Bay”. When you’re faced with a mindset like this around a harbour where sea-going people have long struggled to provide anything remotely approaching the modern facilities which other waterfronts take for granted, you realise the difficulties that Martin and Gerry Salmon and their growing team faced in trying to carve out a bit of usable space for the provision of marine services which were based on contemporary commercial reality.

So massive are the majestic piers sheltering Dun Laoghaire Harbour that many people think of it as a sacred and untouchable natural feature of Dublin Bay

Yet they did it, and they did it so well, with such gallant refusal to call it a day when the going got tough, that they themselves are now part of the greater Dun Laoghaire establishment, even if their boatyard and yacht sales areas are rather different from what folk from purpose-designed yacht harbours might expect in such a facility.

Despite that, it works – and it works very well. For in the final analysis, like any truly successful business MGM Boats is ultimately all about people, and the extremely slow staff turnover in MGM’s enthusiastic longtime team speaks volumes for their dedication, satisfaction and ultimately enjoyment in what they do.

“As smooth as silk” - a Jeanneau 54 sailing with effortless style. MGM Boats’ longtime links with the extensive Jeanneau performance cruising and racing ranges has been one of the cornerstones of the company’s success.

Thus it’s typical of the MGM Boats approach that they have turned what others might see as a problem into an opportunity. In order to stay up to speed with the latest developments in innovation and marketing, their yearly schedule inevitably includes full attendance at a carefully-chosen selection of the more glamorous boat shows.

SUNSHINE HOLIDAY BONUS

The bonus of this is that if a customer is moving towards a purchasing decision from among their comprehensive range of new boats, instead of trying to close the deal in the familiar but rather weather-dependent setting of Dun Laoghaire, Belfast Lough or Kinsale Harbour, they might suggest a deal-sealing visit to their stand at some boat-fest like the Cannes or Miami Boat Shows. Thus customers come to associate the boat-buying experience with a sun-filled holiday enhanced by contact with people who know their way around the venue.

Erwin Bamps, CEO of Prestige Motor Yachts Jeanneau International, wishes MGM Boats a happy birthday at their Silver Jubilee in Dun Laoghaire 

After so many years in the business, the MGM team have shaped their range of dealerships and agencies with the skilled care of the connoisseur. By now, most folk in the sailing and boating community will be aware that their main lines are Jeanneau Sail, Jeanneau Power, Prestige, Lagoon Catamarans, Aquador, Zodiac, and Bombard. Additionally, if your inclination is to something very exotic indeed outside these highly regarded brands, you can be quite sure that the team will well know exactly the key person to guide you towards success in your quest.

Paul Blanc, CEO of Jeanneau International, speaking at the MGM Boats Silver Jubilee celebrations in Dun Laoghaire with (left to right) Martin Salmon, John O’Kane and Gerry Salmon 

But recently, the most exciting development in the MGM range is the addition of Delphia Yachts of Poland. Formed in 1990 and steadily expanded since, Delphia is part of the international Beneteau group, and is rapidly building a reputation for being at the sharp end of the electric-powered marine engine revolution - so much so that by 2024, every new-built Delphia motor-cruiser will rely on electric power.

It takes a while to absorb the full significance of that statement. But as you process it, a feeling of real hope develops. And those of us who have thought for years that the traditional and very effective yet not at all environmentally-friendly marine engine is an insult to the natural order will realise just what a step change the increasing prominence of Delphia Yachts signifies.

The future is here. MGM Boats are agents for the new Delphia electric range, seen here in the Delphia 11 Sedan Electric

Yet a revolution like this cannot happen overnight. It will take years. And meanwhile, the huge existing stock of standard sailboats and motor cruisers will need first-class servicing of every part of each boat and her equipment in order to keep their emissions to a minimum.

Thus the MGM Boatyard and Travelhoist have never been busier than they are in their 25th birthday year 2022. And they’ve experienced a fascinating cross-section of craft, for the 50-ton Travelhoist – which regularly works overtime – has found itself lifting everything from the most luxurious of yachts to hard-worked fishing boats and pilot boats and – perhaps most interesting of all – the fascinating selection of workboats dedicated to servicing the windfarms of the East Coast.

SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS

Yet in this high level workaday pattern of almost non-stop boat servicing added to regular sales staff departures for the key international boat shows, somehow they found a date when the many moving targets of the international world of boats could come to Dun Laoghaire to help MGM Boats celebrate their Silver Jubilee.

With an attendance which included people of the calibre of Jeanneau CEO Paul Blanc and Sales Director Antoine Chancelier, together with Prestige Motor Yachts CEO Erwin Bamps, it was a case of industry heavy hitters happily mingling with satisfied MGM customers. And in the midst of it, after 25 years and more together, there they were - the key MGM Boats team – the very embodiment of Thomas Lipton’s saying that, if you like your work, then work is the best fun you can have.