After the success of Sir Elton John in 2016, the Duran Duran concert in 2017 and Sting last year, it was another global star Lionel Richie who delighted the many boat owners and YCM members on the evening of 6th September 2019.

Organised by the Ferretti Group in partnership with the Yacht Club de Monaco, All Night Long – a reference to one of the singer-song writer’s biggest hits – was attended by YCM President HSH Prince Albert II and chairman of the Chinese Weichai Group, Tan Xuguang, and a host of international personalities including actor-producer Samuel L. Jackson, basketball legend Magic Johnson, Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba and fashion designer Domenico Dolce, one of the two behind the eponymous brand D&G.

“What a pleasant surprise to get to Monaco and hear our good friend Lionel Richie was performing at the Yacht Club de Monaco. Thank you to our incredible host for the night, Monaco’s Prince Albert II! Cookie and I along with Sam and LaTanya Jackson got a chance to hang out in his private section,” said Magic Johnson, who was celebrating his 60th birthday.

The ultra-private concert was held in the YCM Marina where some 25 yachts representing all Ferretti Group’s eight branches, dropped anchor for the occasion. On a spectacular stage set up on the water facing the Yacht Club de Monaco, the American star with the instantly recognisable voice performed many of his greatest hits including Hello; Say you, say me; and Deep River Woman.

After one and a half hours wooing his audience, Lionel Richie left the scene, by boat of course, to rapturous applause from guests and the blowing of horns by all the boats moored in the YCM Marina.

“We really showed tonight that Monaco is establishing itself as world capital of yachting. It was a great pleasure for our president HSH Prince Albert II to host Tan Xuguang, president of the Weichai Group, and an audience of international personalities. All the most passionate boating enthusiasts were here this evening to celebrate the opening of the season’s big meetings, on the eve of the Cannes Yachting Festival, Monaco Classic Week and the Monaco Yacht Show”, said Bernard d'Alessandri, General Secretary of the Yacht Club of Monaco to Yachting Art Magazine.

“Lionel Richie’s career is studded with amazing hits. From the moment he arrived, he had our guests dancing to the rhythm of his songs. This was the best way imaginable to kick-off the luxury yachting season that starts now: we have new models to present at the boat shows and are in a position to win over hearts and minds of owners and those who love beauty,” said Albert Galassi, CEO of the Ferretti Group.