Monaco Grand Prix: Casting Off In An Electric Speedboat

Arrive in style at this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix aboard an electric Frauscher x Porsche Fantom.

Test Drive: Frauscher x Porsche Fantom

JT-P – Quiet speed ahead! What a brilliant idea. An all-electric speedboat that doesn’t leave a cloud of diesel fumes in its wake as you arrive in time for the 82nd Monaco Grand Prix.

JT – Ingenious, indeed. And what makes this vessel extra special is that the Fantom’s potent electric power pack is shared with the latest Porsche Macan Turbo SUV.

I note all the electrical gubbins are stashed under the floor in a watertight compartment – sound move as water and electricity don’t mix that well!

It’s the same Macan-sourced motor that pumps out 536bhp in the road car. A substantial 100kWh lithium-ion battery offers up to 62 miles of nautical fun. 

Neat. Upholstery, hull and deck can also be matched to the owner’s Macan SUV. Standard features include a folding sunshade, high-end audio system and LED underwater lighting at the rear.

Jessica & Jeremy set sail

Porsche has collaborated with Austrian-based Frauscher Shipyard on the Fantom Air, which is also available as a day boat with closed foredeck and cabin.

On our sail around Monte Carlo Bay, the battery pack served up smooth, linear acceleration, just like an electrified Macan. 

And that’s not all there is to remind sailors this is an automotive collaboration – a proper Porsche steering wheel dominates the central console, as well as five automotive-style dials.

At £485,000, the electrified version is twice as much as the combustion-engined Fantom, but the acceleration is astonishing. It will keep on going to 95mph, or until you lose your hat – or nerve.

So, where is the best place to stay and watch the Grand Prix – will it be a McLaren one-two?

Picking a winner is anyone’s guess. However, the best place to book in and watch is the iconic Fairmont Hotel which has epic views over the notorious Fairmont Hairpin – famous for many low-speed bumps and crashes over the years. The hotel’s main entrance is right on the corner.

Cool – a hairpin named after your hotel! The Fairmont is the property propped up on pillars overlooking the sea?

It is. Guests have unrivalled race views from track-facing suits, which can either be used as a bedroom or converted into luxury viewing boxes for the weekend. Most feature balconies. The Fairmont is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year; back in 1975, the race was won by Niki Lauda.

What else does the Fairmont offer guests on a pit-stop visit for the Grand Prix?

The freshly-renovated hotel is something of a masterclass in modern design. The six-sided structure resembles a ship and has everything any F1 fan could wish for, including a humongous spa, fitness room and a glamorous roof-top pool run by the Nikki Beach brand.

Yes, there’s actually no need to leave the eco-friendly building at all – unless you fancy a flutter at the famous casino. Sea views peep around every corner and the dining options are mouthwatering.

Yes, if you fancy an evening of Japanese-inspired flavours at world-renown Nobu, just take the lift down to the ground floor! Otherwise, people watch in the lobby lounge restaurant or head up to the seventh floor for a terrace table at Amu, offering glorious views in every direction. 

Anywhere to moor an electric speedboat?

Valet parking for cars, but otherwise the electric boat chargers at the famous Monte Carlo Yacht Club are just a five-minute stroll away…

DISCOVER

Find out more about the Frauscher x Porsche Fantom at frauscherxporsche.com

Book at stay at the Fairmont Monte Carlo at fairmont-montecarlo.com

Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby is Director of Programmes at London College of Fashion, studying for a PhD in sustainable e-textile design.