The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix was a weekend to remember for McLaren, not only on the track but also on the water. After a flawless race strategy and a commanding performance, Lando Norris clinched his first-ever victory on the streets of Monte Carlo, with teammate Oscar Piastri finishing a strong third. The celebrations began not in a hotel suite or a luxury villa, but aboard the legendary 73-meter superyacht Coral Ocean, which served as McLaren’s floating sanctuary throughout the race weekend.
Anchored just off Port Hercules, Coral Ocean became the de facto McLaren HQ, hosting the team’s top brass, engineers, VIP guests, and both drivers during the high-profile event. The yacht’s sprawling sundeck and indoor-outdoor saloon were transformed into prime viewing spots, offering panoramic views of the circuit while providing the utmost in comfort and exclusivity.
As the checkered flag fell and orange flags waved from balconies across the city, the champagne corks were already popping aboard Coral Ocean.
Originally delivered in 1994 by Lürssen and known as Coral Island, this historic yacht underwent a transformative $37 million refit completed in 2022. Spearheaded by Australian businessman and yacht owner Ian Malouf, the project was one of the largest self-managed rebuilds in recent memory. The overhaul modernized every aspect of the vessel while preserving the legacy of her original designer, Jon Bannenberg. Coral Ocean’s classic exterior was given a sleek refresh, including the removal of the former yellow hull in favor of a pristine white finish, an aesthetic that aligns well with McLaren’s sleek branding.
Inside, the yacht offers a masterclass in contemporary luxury. The new owner’s deck features a panoramic master suite with skylights, while a full-beam VIP cabin on the lower deck includes a private lounge that doubles as a cinema.
The sundeck boasts a glass-bottom spa pool, surrounded by sunbeds and a fully stocked bar, a setting that hosted private celebrations late into Sunday night following the podium ceremony. With retractable floor-to-ceiling windows, the upper saloon provides a seamless indoor-outdoor experience, ideal for entertaining both race fans and elite clients.
The yacht’s connection to McLaren for the 2025 Grand Prix was more than symbolic. In a sport increasingly defined by high-performance engineering and cutting-edge design, Coral Ocean felt like an extension of the McLaren philosophy, heritage-driven innovation delivered with precision. From race strategy meetings to private team dinners, the yacht served as a multifunctional platform for both business and pleasure.
Available for charter at a weekly rate of approximately $850,000, Coral Ocean isn’t just a floating palace, it’s a charter powerhouse. With a crew trained for ultra-high-end service, a wellness center including a treatment room and beauty salon, and every conceivable water toy, it offers the full superyacht experience.
