As the yachts in Port Hercules get ready to simultaneously sound their horns to signify the end of the 2012 Monaco Yacht Show, the visitors, owners, exhibitors and media professionals who experienced some of the superyacht world’s best and brightest new stars this week will be reflecting on the past four days.

The mood was one of cautious optimism, with many of the brokers and yacht management teams we met reporting strong interest in purchase or charter. On Friday and Saturday, our journalists saw some of the most exciting new designs at the show, including Stella Maris from VSY – Viareggio Superyachts. This 72-metre features expansive cabins for all the guests and an astonishing vertical garden, a glass-walled section running through different decks growing live plants.

We also had the chance to go on board Nassima, from Acico Yachts. This yacht was made for an adventure loving owner and accordingly features a Mini in its own garage, two Ducatis and two electric bikes. The garage is also packed with fishing and diving gear, and on the main deck an aquarium sits between the salon and outdoor aft deck area.

The SYBass sunset evening on Friday night united many shipyards and yachts around the show for cocktail celebrations. We saw Alloy Yachts’ Vertigo, a sailing yacht with wide walkrounds and expansive exterior deck spaces.