The Monaco Grand Prix may be the best car race on the planet, and the best place to take it all in on Sunday is, not surprisingly, a $30 million yacht.
A significant chunk of the 3.34-kilometer track runs along Port Hercule, Monaco's main harbor, where dozens of luxury yachts pay thousands of dollars to dock for just a few days. The views from these massive boats are among the best in all of motorsport.
If you want one of those views but didn't think to buy a yacht and sail it to Monaco, you're in luck. For $22,000 per couple, you can spend race weekend partying on the 181-foot Turquoise.
The $30 million yacht is moored on the prestigious Quai Kennedy, at a particularly exciting spot along the course. Drivers coming out of the tunnel just before a chicane are hitting their highest speeds—north of 170 mph. They slow down to enter the turn, creating the rare opportunity to pass (most of the track is made up of city streets barely wide enough for two cars side by side). This braking zone is also the site of some scary moments over the years, including Sergio Perez's terrible crash in 2011.
The $22,000 price tag covers four days and includes an open bar and fine dining. To get on board, guests must take private high-speed tenders between land and the moored yacht, as there is no dock access because of space restrictions.
Friday evening, the Turquoise will host 250 guests at the annual Royal Party, where His Serene Highness Prince Albert II will be in attendance.
The yacht arrived in Monaco on Tuesday and must stay moored until Monday because of harbor restrictions on boat movement—the harbor has some 700 slips and the logistics of moving boats and people, not to mention keeping the ships supplied with fresh water and electricity, are a nightmare.
The Turquoise has a cruising speed of 12 knots from her two 1,500 horsepower Caterpillar engines, with a range of 4,500 nautical miles. With a draft of just over 10 feet and a fuel capacity of more than 22,000 gallons, she can go nearly anywhere in comfort and style. With sleeping accommodations for 12 guests and 13 crew members, the yacht is typically available for charters starting at $300,000 per week.
Designed by Hoek Design Naval Architects, the Turquoise has advanced stabilizers keep the ship steady at anchor or on rough seas. The yacht has enough on-board toys and equipment to keep everyone entertained, including jet skis, snorkeling and fishing gear, and a full gym. Oh, and don't forget the 75" LCD TV in the lounge and the 92" movie screen on the aft deck.
For those looking for a last-minute getaway, My Yacht Monaco, the promotion company behind the race-weekend party, is still accepting reservations.
The Monaco Grand Prix takes place Sunday May 25 at 7:30 AM Eastern time on NBC.
