T
he launch of the Monte Carlo
range in 2015 caused quite a
stir among us international
journalists when we
gathered in the Balearic
Islands to put the first one through its
paces and we all agreed back then that
it was a game-changer for the French
builder who was rapidly increasing
its footprint in the burgeoning luxury
production powerboat sector. Fast
forward to 2017 and another posse
of us hacks descended on Barcelona
to put hull number one of the coupe
version, the 6S, through its paces.
As the flagship of the range that also
has the Monte Carlo 4 and 5, the 6S
is a more versatile boat and perhaps
appeals to a wider audience – who
prefer more entertaining on the top
deck than simply spotting coral heads.Australians love flybridge cruisers for
some very good reasons – spotting the
aforementioned coral heads being just
one, but also the ability to manoeuvre
from the commanding position up top
has been another reason. However the
latest pod drives have largely negated
that – as I found when using the highly
manoeuvrable Zeus transmission on
the 6S.
First impressions often count for a
lot, so the smooth swept-back profile
of the 6S gave it a leaner look than its
flybridge sibling, the MC6, I concluded
while walking towards it on the dock
at Puerto Ginesta. Italian designers
have added discreet portholes along
the slab sides while retaining the
signature central portlight that
bathes the owner’s mid-ships cabin
in natural light, while disguising thetall topsides of the charcoal hull (also
available in aqua blue). Having done
yacht deliveries along this region when
living here in Spain, I know this coast
to be uninspiring in parts so ideal
territory to put the hammers down
and blast along. In this department the
MC6S may not inspire as its Cummins
600HPs are steady rather than
outstanding performers. But the Monte
Carlo range with its Italian styling
and comfortable three-cabin layout is
much more sophisticated than being
simply about grunt. For the couple
who want to entertain and go offshore
without too much fuss in what is a
large yet fairly easily handled luxury
production cruiser, the MC6S offers a
compelling package without breaking
the bank of Monte Carlo.30 trade aboat.com.au