Imperial Charter Directory - 2020 edition

2020

...

CHARTER DIRECTORY

LUXURY

YACHTING

360°

IMPERIAL -YACHTS.COM

W

E

L

C

O

M

MONACO +377 97 98 38 80 MOSCOW +7 985 99 77 300

E

...

...

The superyacht industry has moved faster in the last 12 months than at any point in its history - and here at Imperial, we’ve been a central part of that. Having overseen the design, construction and delivery of FLYING FOX (Lürssen136m) and LANA (Benetti 107m), we have added both vessels to our charter fleet and cemented our position as a major player in the world of 100m+ superyacht charter.

But despite an increase in the scale, complexity and importance of these projects, our focus remains squarely on the client. Whether that client tasks us with creating a unique 100-metre superyacht or requests help refining their charter itinerary, we leverage the full weight of our skills and experience to provide precisely the solution required. That same combination of global presence and professional integrity has also enabled us to take some important steps forward on behalf of the industry.

As a result, our charter yacht fleet is becoming ever more extraordinary. RoMEA (Abeking & Rasmussen 82m) will be making her first-ever journey in the Indian Ocean over the 2019/20 winter season, while LILI (Amels 55m) will be heading to the Caribbean, before heading to Polynesia. With its 25-guest capacity, FLYING FOX has already taken its place as the largest PYC-compliant charter vessel in the world and LANA will be supplementing that fleet from May 2020 onwards.

With BLACK SHARK (Nobiskrug 77m), we have become one of the very first management companies to open up the build process, showing the World firsthand how much care and dedication goes into the creation of a superyacht.

In short, however fast the world of superyachts moves, we’re never surprised by that because we’ve become a key part of what defines it.

We have also reinforced our reputation as the market’s most complete, most bespoke and most modern superyacht service. From initial concept, through design and construction, to maintenance, charter, marketing and finance, we are now better equipped than ever to help construct and take charge of the world’s most extraordinary superyachts.

Welcome to the 2020 Imperial Charter Directory.

Welcome to a more complete luxury yachting experience. ...

Evgeniy Kochman, CEO Imperial Julia Stewart, Monaco Office Director Eric Lepeingle, Head of Sales & Charter

0 01

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

INSIDE CHARTERING FOR THE YEAR AHEAD

CONTENTS ...

YAC H T D I R E C T O RY ...

010 W H Y I M P E R I A L ?

110 C H A R T E R I N D E X

THROUGH-LIFE EXPERTISE FROM PROVEN PROFESSIONALS

E V E RY ST Y L E , E V E RY S I Z E , E V E RY D E ST I N AT I O N

012 C H A R T E R T I P S

112 T H E I M P E R I A L F L E E T

BEGIN YOUR CHARTER EXPERIENCE HERE

A G L I M P S E I N S I D E T H E W O R L D ’ S F I N E S T C H A R T E R YA C H T S

014 YA C H T I N G C A L E N D A R 2 0 2 0

118 S E V E N - S T A R S PA

T H E W O R L D ’S M O ST P R E ST I G I O U S L I F E ST Y L E E V E N TS

PIONEERING WELLNESS ABOARD FLYING FOX

016 T H E M I N D S B E H I N D T H E L E G E N D

15 4 G L O B A L K I T C H E N

ESPEN ØINO AND MARK BERRYMAN ON THE FLYING FOX PROJECT

O N B O A R D L I L I W I T H C E L E B R AT E D C H E F, R I C H A R D L E W I S

02 0 B R E A K I N G B A R R I E R S W I T H L A N A

182 A G I L I T Y C L A S S

T H E I N S I D E S T O R Y O F B E N E T T I ’ S 10 7 - M E T R E M E G AYA C H T

M O T O R YA C H T S U N D E R 4 0 M E T R E S

024 W O R L D ’S G R E A T E S T W I N E

18 8 T H E S A I L I N G F L E E T

T H E E N D U R I N G M YST I Q U E O F R O M A N É E - C O N T I

E L E M E N TA L T H R I L L S F O R T H E S A I L I N G A F I C I O N A D O

028 B L U E M A R I N E F O U N D A T I O N A C O L L A B O R AT I V E A P P R OAC H TO P R OT E C T I N G O U R O C E A N S

SERVICES ...

19 6 N E W C O N S T R U C T I O N

CRUISING GUIDE ...

036 WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN S P I R I T U A L H O M E O F T H E S U P E R YA C H T C H A R T E R 038 A -L I S T GAS T R O N OMY A F O O D - L O V E R ’ S G U I D E T O T H E C Ô T E D ’A Z U R 054 EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN A N C I E N T P L AY G R O U N D S I N C R O A T I A , T U R K E Y & G R E E C E 072 N O R T H E R N E U R O P E M A R I T I M E H OTS P OTS F R O M B E R G E N TO ST P E T E R S B U R G 076 I N D I A N O C E A N TROPICAL CHARTERS AMONG THE SEYCHELLES & THE MALDIVES 0 8 0 A W O R L D A PA R T A V I E W O F T H E M A L D I V E S F R O M V E L A A P R I VAT E I S L A N D 084 CARIBBEAN I C O N I C M E LT I N G P OT O F P I R AT E S , R U M & R E G G A E 0 92 T H E A M E R I C AS F R O M A L AS K A TO A N TA R C T I C A : A C O N T I N E N T R E D I S C OV E R E D 10 0 S O U T H E A S T A S I A R E M OT E I S L A N D S ; A - L I ST R E T R E ATS ; U N F O R G E T TA B L E C U I S I N E

A PORTFOLIO BUILT ON BET TER PROCESSES 2 0 0 B L A C K S H A R K R E V O L U T I O N B E H I N D T H E S C E N E S O F A 7 7 M S U P E R YA C H T P R O J E C T 2 02 S A L E + P U R C H A S E T H E P U L L I N G P O W E R O F A G L O B A L YA C H T I N G S P E C I A L I S T 2 0 4 YA C H T M A N A G E M E N T M A X I M I S I N G T H E P L E A S U R E O F YA C H T O W N E R S H I P 2 0 6 YA C H T M A R K E T I N G SMART SOLUTIONS: PROVEN RESULTS

MONACO +377 97 98 38 80 MOSCOW +7 985 99 77 300

IMPERIAL -YACHTS.COM

028

196

038

024

118

200

204

154

016

080

100

008 • 009

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

WHY IMPERIAL? SPECIALIST CREDENTIALS

...

WHY I M P E R I A L? ...

At Imperial, Luxury Yachting 360° is not just a company motto; it’s the guiding principle behind a full-spectrum approach to all things marine. From design and build to management, marketing and brokerage, every element of the yachting experience is orchestrated with patience, precision and expertise - and when you charter one of the company’s yachts, that same approach is central...

Imperial’s handpicked, multilingual team manages a fleet of the world’s finest yachts, crewed by the industry’s most experienced professionals and deployed among the planet’s most seductive cruising grounds. However, Imperial doesn’t just match your needs to the right yacht, the right destination and the right cruising plan. It also inspects the yacht, negotiates the best terms, helps with embarkation and provides continued support during your charter.

Your ‘Off-the-Yacht’ pleasures are also an integrated part of Imperial’s Luxury Yachting 360° experience. Every element of your shore-based experience is arranged on your behalf – from restaurant reservations and nightclub bookings to tickets for concerts and sporting events, as well as exclusive transfers by jet, helicopter or luxury car.

The options are of course boundless, but with first-hand knowledge of even the most far-flung destinations, allied to an in-depth understanding of each and every yacht, Imperial is well placed to devise your ideal charter plan. From Alaska to the Great Barrier Reef; from Turkey to Antarctica; 2 from 20-metre motor cruisers to 130-metre-plus megayachts; and from hedonistic A-list resorts to remote tropical sanctuaries, an Imperial charter is not just a holiday. It’s a carefully tailored expression of your personality and ambitions.

...

SIX REASONS 1 Attention to Detail With its background in through-life superyacht management, no charter operator is more meticulous in its care for the finer on-board details.

2 Quality Its charter fleet comprises the world’s most exclusive yachts, spread across the seven seas, not just in peak season, but all year round.

3 Service Imperial’s experienced, multilingual 24-hour concierge service is ready to assist, seven days a week, at any time of year & in any part of the world.

4 Pedigree The Imperial team’s extensive experience of global circumnavigation means authentic, first-hand knowledge of every conceivable charter option.

5 Experience Highly experienced brokers, captains & crews are painstakingly recruited & then trained to meet Imperial’s stringent internal standards.

6 Flexibility A personalised approach enables a fully bespoke itinerary, tailored to your tastes in all regards.

IMPERIAL -YACHTS.COM

MONACO +377 97 98 38 80 MOSCOW +7 985 99 77 300

010 • 0 11

...

F LY I N G FOX L Ü R S S E N 136 .0 0 m

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

CHARTER ESSENTIALS TEN KEY QUESTIONS

...

HOW TO CHARTER ...

Whether you are new to yachting or a seasoned adventurer, Imperial’s expertise in the charter industry enables it to create and oversee a broad range of fuss-free yacht charter experiences. Its specialist teams are well equipped to answer any queries you might have but for those starting out, these ten basic questions are a good place to begin. ...

10 K E Y Q U E S T I O N S 1 How do I book a charter yacht?

Call the Imperial team and you will be assigned a charter broker – a specialist who will listen to your requirements, from destination and timings to interests and special requests. A recommended yacht and itinerary will then be presented to you on the basis of this conversation.

2 Can the itinerary be tailored to reflect my tastes?

Absolutely. Tell Imperial about the ages, tastes and profiles of those involved, because an itinerary can be designed to encompass everything from cultural tours, sporting events and active pursuits to lazy days ashore or long, undisturbed evenings at anchor.

3 Can I take my own staff?

That depends on whether there is adequate capacity to accommodate extra personnel. If so, you can certainly take your own staff but if not, Imperial is always able to organise first-class staff on your behalf.

4 Can I take the kids?

It’s fine to take children on board and if you talk to your broker in advance it may even be permissible to take the family pet. The yacht, destination, crew and itinerary can also be orchestrated to suit your needs, with family-friendly catering, destinations and pursuits all built into the plan.

5 Does Imperial offer corporate charters?

Yes. Whether you book a charter yacht for client entertainment or staff reward, it makes a fresh and invigorating change from the norm. It can be the perfect hideaway for discreet business negotiations – and with some vessels capable of accommodating dozens of people at a time, there are very few venues that can match it for an upmarket conference.

6 Is a corporate charter similar to a holiday charter?

Yes. Like a holiday, you can specify the venue and the duration; you can organise it around a specific high-profile event such as the Cannes Film Festival; and you can benefit from the same comprehensive level of staffing as a luxury charter, with all service and catering provided.

7 Can I select a specific crew?

The crew tends to come with the yacht, so repeat charter customers will often specify a particular vessel in order to be certain of a reunion. However, if this is your first charter, tell your broker what kind of crew you favour.

From relaxed and outgoing to slick and formal, a yacht can then be selected to match your preference.

8 How should I conduct myself?

Just relax. There are no prescriptive expectations. Dress in whatever way makes you feel comfortable and behave in whatever way enables you to enjoy your charter to the utmost.

Your crew will always be rigorously professional and entirely discreet.

9 Are there any hidden costs?

In addition to the basic charter cost, there is usually an Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) of around 25%. This enables the crew to stock up on fuel and food in accordance with the input of your charter broker. Any funds left over will be returned to you.

10 What about tipping?

The timing and scale of any tips are of course at your discretion. However, the average is around 10% of the charter value and this can be paid at the end of your voyage, either directly to the Captain or indirectly via your broker.

IMPERIAL -YACHTS.COM

MONACO +377 97 98 38 80 MOSCOW +7 985 99 77 300

012 • 013

...

F LY I N G FOX L Ü R S S E N 136 .0 0 m

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

2020 CALENDAR DATES FOR THE DIARY

...

2020 ...

From Sydney to St Barts and from Singapore to St Petersburg, the global calendar is full of iconic art, fashion and luxury events, ideally suited to prestige charter.

Whether you favour international yachting exhibitions, sporting classics or high society gatherings, the 2020 yachting calendar is rich with wonderful options. ...

DAT E S F O R T H E D I A RY

1

6

04 – 20 Jan St Barts Music Festival 18 – 26 Jan Boot Dusseldorf 20 – 26 Jan Monte Carlo Rally 24 – 26 Jan St Moritz Snow Polo World Cup 26 Jan Grand Prix d’Amérique, Paris

02 – 05 Jun MIDEM, Cannes 02 – 06 Jun Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, Sardinia 03 – 07 Jun Les Voiles d’Antibes 03 – 06 Jun St Petersburg International Economic Forum 09 Jun – 16 Aug Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 18 – 21 Jun Art Basel 19 – 21 Jun Jumping International de Monte Carlo 28 Jun French F1 Grand Prix, Le Castellet 29 Jun – 12 Jul Wimbledon Tennis Championships

3

13 – 17 Feb Miami Yacht Show 14 – 18 Feb London Fashion Week (AW20) 24 Feb – 03 Mar Paris Fashion Week (AW20)

7 3

09 – 12 Mar Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, Virgin Gorda 12 – 14 Mar Classic Car Rally, Mallorca 10 – 13 Mar MIPIM International Property Event, Cannes 10 – 14 Mar Dubai International Boat Show 11 – 15 Mar Superyacht Challenge, Antigua 19 – 21 Mar Art Basel, Hong Kong 22 Mar Bahrain F1 Grand Prix, Sakhir 26 – 29 Mar Palm Beach International Boat Show 30 Mar – 05 Apr BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival 31 Mar – 02 Apr China International Boat Show, Shanghai

03 – 18 Jul Montreux Jazz Festival 09 – 18 Jul Jazz a Juan, Antibes 17 – 21 Jul Nice Jazz Festival 2 18 – 25 Jul Panerai British Classic Week, Cowes 30 Jul – 03 Aug Sydney International Boat Show 8

05 – 13 Aug Time in Jazz Festival, Sardinia 14 Aug – 13 Sep Lucerne Summer Festival 16 Aug Opera House Cup Regatta, Nantucket 26 Augt – 05 Sep Biennale Cinema Venice 31 August – 13 Sep US Open Tennis

4

Provisional dates correct at time of publication but may be subject to change.

01 – 07 Apr Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua 12 – 19 Apr Monte Carlo Rolex Masters Tennis 19 Apr Chinese F1 Grand Prix, Shanghai 19 – 22 Apr Singapore Yacht Show 23 – 26 Apr Beach Polo World Cup, Miami 27 – 30 Apr MYBA Charter Show, Barcelona 29 Apr – 03 May Palma Superyacht Show 5

08 – 10 May Monaco Historic Grand Prix 12 – 23 May Festival de Cannes 15 – 16 May World Superyacht Awards, London 22 May – 21 Jul Stars of the White Nights, St Petersburg 24 May Monaco F1 Grand Prix 24 May – 07 Jun French Open Tennis, Roland-Garros, Paris

9

04 – 12 Sep New York Fashion Week (SS21) 11 – 16 Sep Festival de la Plaisance de Cannes 12 – 16 Sep London Fashion Week (SS21) 17 – 23 Sep Milan Fashion Week (SS21) 19 – 26 Sep Regates Royales de Cannes 23 Sep – 01 October Paris Fashion Week (SS21) 23 – 26 Sep Monaco Yacht Show 26 Sep – 04 Oct Les Voiles de St Tropez 27 Sep Russian F1 Grand Prix, Sochi 10

02 – 05 Oct Frieze London Art Fair 03 – 04 Oct Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Paris 28 Oct – 01 Nov Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 11

29 Nov Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix 12

03 – 06 Dec Art Basel, Miami Beach

IMPERIAL -YACHTS.COM

12-23.05

MONACO +377 97 98 38 80 MOSCOW +7 985 99 77 300

23–26.09

23–26.04

03–18.07

02–06.06

22.05–21.07

24.02–03.03

24.05

18.05–07.06

014 • 015

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

F LY I N G F OX Q&A WITH ESPEN ØINO & MARK BERRYMAN

01

D E S I G N E R ’S P E R S P E C T I V E

...

FLYING FOX ...

In conversation with Espen Øino & Mark Berryman, designers of the largest superyacht launched in 2019

IMPERIAL -YACHTS.COM

MONACO +377 97 98 38 80 MOSCOW +7 985 99 77 300

...

What challenges are involved in the design of such a large yacht?

EØ In terms of function, one of the key challenges on a large superyacht is to make sure that there are intimate spaces; that you never feel lost; that there are logical and meaningful ways of moving around the boat, so that first-time visitors will intuitively know how to reach where they want to be. Of course, you can create more of those spaces - spaces that are both functional and adaptable to different situations, and you can equip them differently too. For instance, in the case of FLYING FOX, there’s an all-inclusive 400-square-metre spa set over two floors, as well as outside cooking spaces for a more active (and interactive) lifestyle. You have lots of toys and watersports equipment both for above and below the water, including a professional dive centre with decompression chamber - but the real trick is to provide all of that in a way that still enables you to feel comfortable.

MB Yes, that comfort element is absolutely central. I’ve always been a big fan of Japanese design. Whether it’s interiors, architecture or gardens, if you go to Japan and walk around, there is just something about it that seems to lower your blood pressure. I like the contemporary side of design too but, beyond anything else, superyachts need to be comfortable; they need to be relaxing. The people who are fortunate enough to be able to build these things are using them for downtime and often, their jobs don’t enable them to get much of that, so they need to walk into a space and feel completely relaxed.

So FLYING FOX has been designed to feel welcoming and accessible?

MB Very much so. There’s certainly still a strong market for heavily embellished superyachts with lots of detail, but some of the superyachts out there make me feel uneasy. I feel like I’m not invited to sit down, because they look so perfect and pristine, like untouchable show homes. I want to step onto a boat, kick off my shoes, walk barefoot across the floors and slump into whatever sofa I fancy. Our neutral backdrop, our natural materials and our favouring of simplicity over ostentation, invite you to do just that.

EØ Yes, it’s the choice of materials, the finishing of the materials, a lot of natural wood and stone. It doesn’t feel in any way ostentatious or aloof - and that’s the paradox. This is a superyacht made plain; something exclusive made accessible; a superyacht full of natural elements, natural materials, big trees and plants. That’s part of what makes it feel so fresh and different. But we’ve also been careful to avoid letting the sheer scale of things become intimidating. After all, FLYING FOX is a big superyacht – very large, wide and deep. But we’ve made sure that the transom is very inclined and the freeboard on the main deck level is quite low, so it doesn’t feel intimidating to swim off the back of the boat. That’s what you try to do – you make it to a human scale, despite its very large size.

...

01 FLYING FOX – 136 metres of majestic elegance 02 Designer Mr Espen Øino (on right) alongside Imperial CEO Mr Evgeniy Kochman 03 Yacht interiors expert Mark Berryman

02

03

016 • 017

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

F LY I N G F OX Q&A WITH ESPEN ØINO & MARK BERRYMAN

04

...

...

Is there any part of FLYING FOX you’re particularly pleased with?

Does that charter-friendliness extend to the layout as well as the fit-out?

MB My favourite element is the double-height spaces. You see a lot of this on other superyachts, where they face fore-and-aft, but on FLYING FOX they face outboard and that makes a huge difference. Ever since I started out in yacht design, I’ve always tried to push the idea of getting trees on board to supplement the natural materials.

It gives a yacht even greater life and texture and the double height spaces enabled us to do that. We were able to opt for some fantastic trees of four and a half metres in height and that’s not been done before. It sounds relatively simple but until you actually see it, you’re not prepared for just how impactful it can be. Aside from that, it’s the implicit ‘feel’ of the on board spaces that I love. I’m lucky enough to go to some fantastic hotels and restaurants all around the world and sometimes, when you occupy a space, you feel that it’s a wonderful place to be but you can’t put your finger on why that is. So on FLYING FOX, we’ve tried to draw people in. We want them to be sitting on a sofa and, when they see something at the other end of the room, they’ll think ‘Oh, what’s that?’ and they’ll go and touch it. That’s the fun part of design but it doesn’t need to be lavish or over the top. It doesn’t need to scream about wealth, because it has wealth in other, more important ways - and for us, that’s all about the tactile, elemental simplicity of natural materials.

EØ The layout offers all the guests very large cabins with direct access to their own balconies, which is obviously great for charter. But when it comes down to it, the very best charters are all about experiences. You want the client to have access to as many experiences as possible, so the more activities you can offer in terms of gyms, spas, watersports, cinemas, diving, sightseeing and flying, the better. The more culinary experiences you can offer them, the better too. On FLYING FOX, you can enjoy formal or casual dining, either inside or outside – and you can even sit at the amazing exterior galley on the bridge aft deck, while the chef cooks your meal right in front of you. It has a barbecue, plus a tandoori oven and lots of other high-grade facilities and very few superyachts can offer anything like that.

EØ For me, the most pleasing thing is when you fly in and land on the sun deck aft, or approach by boat from around 30 degrees off the stern. You see all these organic shapes and I’m really pleased with those. The transom also has some very natural, flowing lines to it, which makes it much more interesting; more pleasing to the eye.

Of course, we use 3D computer modelling, so we always know what we’re going to get, but when you’re standing there looking at the finished, full-scale yacht, it always feels good - like validation.

In what way is FLYING FOX particularly suited to charter?

MB FLYING FOX actually lends herself to charter in a big way because she’s not excessively flamboyant or esoteric. She feels quite neutral but engagingly tactile. It may not necessarily be to your taste, but if you’re spending two weeks on board, there’s nothing here that would shout at you or cause offence. And again, that goes for the function as well as the aesthetic. Charter guests obviously want to use the yacht in a different way to the owner, but if the function is well executed, it’s immediately relaxing. Everything runs smoothly so, rather than thinking about the small things, the charter guest can simply enjoy his time on board and relax into the space.

What kind of destination is best suited to FLYING FOX’s talents?

EØ She offers plenty of protected outside spaces with windbreaks, even on the external aft decks. But even though most people will probably think of her as a warm weather boat, I could just as easily see her in Antarctic waters as in the Med, the Caribbean, the Maldives or the Pacific. She offers lots of different spaces, both inside and outside, both protected and more open – so for me, she’s very much a world traveller.

MB Exactly. She’s a very elegant yacht with a relaxed and understated interior and a laid back, homely feel. That’s not something that gets said too often about superyachts, but it’s very important. She’s a home from home - a place you can feel truly comfortable wherever in the world you happen to be. ...

04 05 06 07

The distinctive organic-lines of the FLYING FOX decks The Herculean FLYING FOX stern Life aboard FLYING FOX is a home-from-home Mark's favourite element – the double-height spaces

IMPERIAL -YACHTS.COM

MONACO +377 97 98 38 80 MOSCOW +7 985 99 77 300

05

06

07

018 • 019

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

LANA Q&A WITH MICHELE GUERRIERI & MAURO IZZO

01

...

...

What approach did you each bring to the LANA project?

What was the nature of the LANA brief?

MI I started with Benetti in 2001 as an architect in love with boats.

Since then, I have always made sure I’ve been on board with every project, so I could examine each detail of the construction work as it moved forward. That’s been a major asset for me, as it has enabled me to understand exactly how a truly great yacht ought to be constructed – and on a yacht like LANA, which is 107 metres in length, with vast interior spaces and huge scope for potential design solutions, that experience-driven clarity of thought has been vital.

MI This particular client was very ambitious and wanted something unique to him and his own way of living. He had a right to expect that from Benetti, so I tried to interpret his taste and realise his opinion with a really timeless interior design. Sometimes, when you visit a beautiful yacht repeatedly, the attractiveness of it can diminish with time. The sense of gratification can be a bit short-term. But whether you consider LANA’s design to be classic, contemporary or modern, there’s no doubt that it makes the owner very proud and will continue to do so for as long as he chooses to keep her.

MG I have dealt with hundreds of customers and realised more than 22 yachts with Benetti in the last 20 years. But LANA represents quite a new design approach for me; one in which the build process has been a shared experience; one that has involved an ongoing succession of dialogues and modifications, enabling the final yacht to emerge almost organically, like a living entity. It’s taken great patience and coordination to achieve that but the results are magnificent.

MG Yes, right from the start, it was a very different kind of project. The artistic wit that has always prevailed in my projects for Benetti has tended to be based on a stylistic or conceptual approach. Here, however, the approach was both more psychological and more spatial. It was about generating a yacht that would embody the essence of the client’s personality. He was powerful, precise, firm and confident during every one of the project’s phases, from the designing of the lines to the definition of the spaces and their functionality. This is the reason for the yacht’s distinctive character. It’s delicate and cultivated but at the same time very forthright.

The extreme horizontal lines give it a very robust, masculine persona, while the three-dimensional elements add fluidity and elegance to that.

...

01 LANA makes ready for sea trials off the Tuscany coast

IMPERIAL -YACHTS.COM

MONACO +377 97 98 38 80 MOSCOW +7 985 99 77 300

D E S I G N E R ’S P E R S P E C T I V E

...

LANA ...

Imperial talks to Michele Guerrieri & Mauro Izzo, the designers behind one of the largest yachts ever to emerge from Benetti

020 • 0 21

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

LANA Q&A WITH MICHELE GUERRIERI & MAURO IZZO

02

...

...

So what exactly makes LANA special?

MI To help with that relaxation, LANA certainly features plenty of charter-friendly facilities, like a superb beach area plus a large hammam, a spacious spa zone, plenty of outside spaces and a huge pool on the sun deck. But it’s also important to understand that the internal proportions are completely different to most yachts. The ceiling, for instance is 2.7 metres high, which makes it feel more like a house than a yacht and we’ve taken advantage of that with the design. She’s certainly a very luxurious place, but it feels very natural to sit down and relax. You’re not worried about occupying the space. It’s luxurious without being aggressive; it’s opulent but accessible and charter guests will enjoy that just as much as the owner.

MG In terms of the external structure, Benetti’s style is expressed partly in the seamlessness of the stylistic union between the hull and the superstructure; and partly in the unique individuality of what I like to call her ‘orchestral rhythm’. That starts with the three-dimensional elements on the sides, which then rise upwards to the point where they are closed as a crown by the mast. And it also consists in the very sharp, horizontally stretched design, which optimises her grace and divorces her from the conventions of mainstream trends.

MI From an interior perspective, I feel quite similar. I don’t like fussy objects and endless detail. There needs to be a balance – not too much, not too little, but everything has to be special. You see that very clearly on board LANA in places like the foyer, where we designed a spectacular floor-to-ceiling chandelier. We went through ten different renderings before settling on the one the client wanted and the results are amazing. At six metres in length, it’s not so much a lighting feature as an architectural element of the boat – and just as everywhere else on LANA, when you’re in this space, it doesn’t feel weighed down with detail. It just feels very special; very unique. It’s a place of authentic individuality and character.

What kind of charter destination would be best suited to LANA's talents?

MI Given the scale and variety of her external spaces, she lends herself very naturally to somewhere warm. I certainly see LANA doing a wonderful job in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Far East or the Indian Ocean.

MG That’s true but she’s such a capable yacht, it almost doesn’t matter where you are. She’s stable and fast with a long cruising range and she comes with every kind of service you can imagine from a spa to a cinema and a touch-and-go helipad. LANA is a sea-lover’s fantasy hotel, wherever in the world she happens to be.

In what way is LANA particularly suited to charter?

What is the most satisfying part of LANA’s design for you?

MG LANA has been designed to prioritise both privacy and comfort. The positioning of the owner’s area on the upper deck guarantees plenty of private intimacy away from the guest and crew areas. And comfort is guaranteed by the thoughtful definition of specific areas for relaxation, for fun, for conviviality and for clean and simple operability. Both the guest and the communal areas adhere to the general idea that everyone on board should be able to enjoy the very best services while feeling as relaxed as they might in their own homes – and that’s the perfect solution for great charter. ...

02 LANA is conceived as a “sea-lover’s fantasy hotel” 03 There’s a clutter-free clarity to the internal arrangement 04 LANA’s relaxed and accessible form of luxury is perfect for charter 05 The team has been wholly committed to the client’s dream since the very start 06 LANA under construction at Benetti's Tuscan yard – the diesel-electric propulsion generates a top speed of 18.5 knots

MI I love the foyer with its beautiful chandelier. I love the use of materials too. We’ve used natural wood, plenty of leather, lots of engraved glass and stainless steel – and we’ve used several types of varnishing to create different effects. It means you can walk on board and recognise that, while each area feels special in its own right, there remains a lovely continuity throughout the entire yacht. Having said that, the single most satisfying thing for me is much simpler. LANA is as unique as she is spectacular and that is exactly the way the client always envisioned it.

MG I’m just tremendously proud of what LANA has become and of what she represents. For me, she is a fulcrum in my professional path. She has enriched me with a new way of approaching the design phase in a more psychologically astute and synergetic way. She has allowed me to embrace enormous spaces and to allow them to become slowly defined and animated in their most perfect form. As a result of that approach, LANA is truly timeless and I believe she will go on to be recognised as an icon.

MONACO +377 97 98 38 80 MOSCOW +7 985 99 77 300

IMPERIAL -YACHTS.COM

03

04

05

06

1

Nice Cote d’Azur Airport

2

Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport 3

LGKR Corfu Airport Cagliari International Airport

4

Athens International Airport

Milas-Bodrum Airport

5 6

...

L A N A C R U I S I N G ZO N E S U M M E R 2020 4

1 French Riviera (see page 36) • 2 Corsica (see page 42) • 3 Sardinia (see page 46) Ionion Islands (see page 56) • 5 Cyclades (see page 58) • 6 Turkish Riviera (see page 60)

022 • 023

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

LA ROMANÉE-CONTI FINE WINE

FINE WINE

...

LA ROMANÉE CONTI ...

The enduring mystique of the world’s greatest wine

01

IMPERIAL -YACHTS.COM

MONACO +377 97 98 38 80 MOSCOW +7 985 99 77 300

...

On a single day in October 2018, at Sotheby’s New York auction house, two bottles of 1945 Romanée-Conti reconfigured the record books. They had sat quietly in storage for more than 50 years, courtesy of the careful stewardship of Robert Drouhin - a mainstay of the Burgundy wine trade and a man who had presided over his family’s illustrious vineyard, Maison Joseph Drouhin, from 1957 right through to 2003. They arrived at the auction house with peerless provenance and, thanks to Drouhin’s patience and fastidiousness, with the likelihood of a condition as perfect as any bottle of their esteemed vintage could possibly enjoy. They immediately sold for more than 15 times their estimated value - the first to a private Asian collector for a world record price of $548,000; the second moments later to an American collector for $496,000. In so doing, both bottles more than doubled the previous world record, which had been set in 2010 for the sale of an 1869 Chateau Lafite Rothschild.

A long and illustrious history The original vineyard released its first vintage in 1232, using vines that were reportedly derived from Roman times. The compact 1.8-hectare parcel of land had been bought by the Abbey of Saint Vivant and would remain under his ownership for four centuries. The Croonembourg family would then take ownership in 1631, adding the name ‘Romanée’, presumably in reference to the derivation of the vines, before supplementing it with the adjacent land of La Tâche. King Louis XV’s cousin, La Prince de Conti, would then add the second part of the modern name during his tenure in the 18th century after a fierce bidding war with the King’s mistress, Madame de Pompadour. He paid a fortune for the land and had such regard for the extraordinary quality of the wine it produced that he reputedly removed it from the market and reserved it solely for personal consumption, even to the exclusion of his closest friends.

The land would later be seized and auctioned off during the French Revolution and, after another change of hands, the estate would finally begin to take the shape we see today when it was bought by Jacques-Marie Duvault-Blochet in 1869. He looked to develop the enterprise as a serious commercial concern by adding land and vines from neighbouring Grand Crus. And when a wealthy wine merchant named Henri Leroy acquired 50% of the estate in 1942, the leverage of his financial might enabled Domaine de la Romanée-Conti to further refine and develop its international reputation, taking it to the very pinnacle of wine making in Burgundy.

The modern estate Today Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is co-owned by Aubert de Villaine and HenriFrederic Roch and managed by Duvault-Blochet’s descendents. Often abbreviated to ‘DRC’, it comprises eight different vineyards in this most revered region of the Cote de Nuits. Every one of them enjoys Burgundy’s most prestigious ‘Grand Cru’ status, which accounts for less than 1% of the entire wine growing region of Burgundy - and while DRC partially owns or leases six of those vineyards, the most renowned plots of them all, La Tâche and La Romanée-Conti, remain monopoles, owned entirely by DRC. So revered are the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits regions of Burgundy that in 2015, after much hard work by de Villaine and his associates, both became UNESCO World Heritage sites, legally protected by international treaties in direct recognition of their immense cultural importance. ...

01 The especially desirable 1971 DRC Romanée-Conti – complex, silky & seductive 02 Pinot noir vineyards, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti

02

024 • 025

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

LA ROMANÉE-CONTI FINE WINE

03

04

...

...

A perfect little vineyard The Romanée-Conti vineyard occupies the original 4.5 acres of the DRC among what de Villaine has previously described as "a perfect ecosystem" for fine wine production - and, as with any wine, the quality of Romanée-Conti is, to a large degree, a function of the terroir. That all starts with the physical and chemical properties of the famous Cote d’Or soil, as well as its depth, its drainage characteristics and its microbiological activity. The soils reportedly comprise a bedrock of calcium-rich limestone, with marlstone (a limestone and clay mix) topped by silt and scree. The vines, which average around 50 years in age, are planted with uncommonly highdensity, techniques are painstakingly traditional and production is consciously limited to just 500 cases (around 6,000 bottles) per year.

However, when it comes to a wine of La Romanée-Conti’s exalted pedigree, objective assessments all too often give way to more visceral responses. While celebrated wine critic, Hugh Johnson, called it “exotically perfumed, richly nuanced, concentrated and complex with perfect balance”, for Salvador Dali, who was famously responsible for the creation of a wine-lover’s guide book entitled ‘The Wines of Gala’, things were much simpler: “Romanée-Conti does not make you talk. It is a wine of silence. It has said it all.” And despite his fabled eloquence, even writer Roald Dahl felt the same: “Taste it!

Drink it! But never try to describe it! Impossible to give an account of such a delicacy with words!”

While it has long been recognised that wines from closely adjoining vineyards could often exhibit very different flavours in this part of Burgundy, what has never been in doubt is the perfect suitability of the region for Pinot Noir. In fact, to the local winemakers, not only is Burgundy the birthplace and spiritual home of the grape; it is also better suited to maximising all of Pinot Noir’s glorious potential than any other place on earth. At La Romaneée-Conti, this terroir is lovingly nurtured. For instance, to avoid compacting the precious soil, horses rather than tractors are used to cultivate the vineyard; compost is derived solely from grape skins, vine roots and fermentation residues; and yields are restricted through substantial early pruning, the eradication of imperfect grapes prior to harvest and the hand-sorting of harvested grapes before the winemaking process begins.

How does it taste?

Notwithstanding the natural variations in terroir, Burgundy Pinot Noirs have always been famed for their classical ‘old world’ finesse. While modern Pinot Noirs from New World producers can be very forthright and muscular, the richness of a good Burgundy is drawn out by an aromatic bouquet and a long, deep complexity that develops slowly, revealing cherry and dark fruits with hints of spice, earth and herbs, alongside a silky texture, balanced beautifully by the traditional minerality of the region’s limestone soils. If you enjoy that idea but lack the finance to invest in the finest quality Grand Cru wines, a well-regarded Pinot Noir from the Côte de Nuits can still be a memorable experience. Strong recent vintages to look out for are 2005, 2009 2010 and 2012.

Price in perspective It is an inevitable consequence of the vineyard’s success that, to some, its wines have become less about savouring the glorious character of the world’s finest Burgundy and more about trading in coveted commodities. After all, it’s no secret that Romanée-Conti wines are best drunk after three or four decades of careful ageing; and neither is it a secret that demand for these wines will never come anywhere close to being met by a vineyard of such modest scale, such time-honoured traditions and such deep-rooted integrity. But despite its deserved fame as the world’s most expensive wine, RomanéeConti is not about the price, nor even about the exclusivity that such prices inevitably engender. These prosaic, quantifiable things are merely symptoms of a greater underlying truth - namely, that the mystique, the allure, the real value of a wine lives simultaneously in its quality, in its heritage and in its capacity to express with the utmost faith the nature of its origin.

At La Romanée-Conti, that origin involves some of the planet’s finest winemakers on the most perfect individual patch of the world’s most important wine-producing region.

It is natural then that a particularly rare bottle might alter the record books with such dramatic flamboyance as it did in 2018. After all, to own a bottle of Romanée-Conti is to own something special; something that speaks of its place and its people with unmediated fidelity; something that tells the story not just of the individual wine but of the broader backdrop of the winemaker’s narrative. If a bottle of wine is a single exquisite moment plucked from the vast arc of its history, there is no narrative more textured, more compelling or more authentic than that of La Romanée-Conti. ...

03 A bottle of 1945 Romanée-Conti was bought at Sotheby's for $548,000 04 Grape pickers selecting the harvest at Domaine de la Romanée-Conti 05 Engraved stone plaque in the boundary wall of historic DRC Domaine de la Romanée-Conti

IMPERIAL -YACHTS.COM

MONACO +377 97 98 38 80 MOSCOW +7 985 99 77 300

05

026 • 027

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

BLUE MARINE FONDATION OCEAN RESCUE

CONSERVATION

...

THE BIG BLUE ...

Rescuing oceans with the Blue Marine Foundation team

IMPERIAL -YACHTS.COM

MONACO +377 97 98 38 80 MOSCOW +7 985 99 77 300

...

...

What’s your involvement with Imperial?

Imperial as a Monegasque company supports Blue Marine Foundation under leadership of His Serene Highness Prince Albert. The first time our paths crossed was at the inaugural London to Monaco charity ride in 2016, when Imperial came on board as a sponsor for one of our support vehicles. In 2017, they got involved again and then in 2018, we talked about developing our relationship with a formal corporate partnership. Since then, Imperial has been able to support Blue in a more varied and flexible way.

Is there a balance to be struck between conservation and recreation?

If anything, they enhance each other. Right from the outset, we identified the yachting industry as one that would naturally want to support such a cause, because it’s built on the appeal of the water - and who wants to spend time in wildlife-deficient waters that have become a kind of jellyfish soup? It’s about working in collaboration with the yachting sector - about enhancing the environments yachtsmen want to enjoy.

What’s the London to Monaco all about?

It’s a cycle ride from London to Monaco over eight days. It’s our largest mass- participation fund-raising event and it’s helped hugely in raising awareness across different industries because it attracts riders and sponsors from such a broad mix of sectors. But everyone who comes along shares a common passion for the future of our oceans so what we’re doing is a kind of alchemy – turning sweat into money and pumping that directly into conservation.

As a Monaco-based company, Imperial is proud to support the Blue Marine Foundation. It is also proud to have hosted the Blue Marine Yacht Club Gala on board AMADEA (Lurssen 106.1m) during the Monaco Yacht Show 2019, with BMYC Founding Patron, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, in attendance as one of the VIP guests.

028 • 029

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

BLUE MARINE FONDATION OCEAN RESCUE

01

...

01 (left-to-right) Peter Lurssen, Lurssen CEO, George Duffield, BLUE Founder, H.S.H Prince Albert II of Monaco, Evgeniy Kochman, Imperial Founder & CEO, Clare Brook, BLUE CEO attending the Blue Marine Yacht Club gala on board AMADEA

IMPERIAL -YACHTS.COM

MONACO +377 97 98 38 80 MOSCOW +7 985 99 77 300

02

03

...

02 (left-to-right) Julia Stewart, Imperial Monaco Office Director, H.S.H Prince Albert II of Monaco, Evgeniy Kochman, Imperial Founder & CEO 03 Imperial co-sponsored London to Monaco Cycle Ride 030 • 0 31

IMPERIAL C H A R T E R D I R E C TO RY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE DESTINATIONS

2020 ...

CRUISING GUIDE ...

DESTINATIONS

West Mediterranean French Riviera • Corsica • Italian Riviera • Sardinia • Amalfi Coast • Sicily • Balearics East Mediterranean Ionian Islands • Cyclades • Turkey • Croatia • Montenegro • Red Sea Northern Europe Norway • Denmark • Sweden • Russia Indian Ocean The Maldives • The Seychelles Caribbean North Caribbean • Leeward Islands • Windward Islands The Americas Alaska • Belize • Panama • Nicaragua • Costa Rica • Galapagos • Patagonia • Antarctica Southeast Asia Indonesia • Philippines • Singapore • Vietnam • Thailand

032

•

033

IMPERIAL C H A R T E R D I R E C TO RY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE WEST MEDITERRANEAN

WHEN TO GO APRIL – OCTOBER

...

WEST MEDITERRANEAN ...

With ancient maritime heritage, easy cultural elegance and radical contrasts between coastlines, the Western Mediterranean is the spiritual home of the yacht charter. From the fast-living glitz of the French Riviera to the dreamy, indulgent glamour of western Italy; from the hedonism and gentility of the Balearics to the pungent and unchangeable charm of Corsica’s timeless shores.

Now, as ever, the Western Mediterranean is a region of extraordinary allure. ...

C R U I S I N G ZO N E S

French Riviera • Corsica • Italian Riviera • Sardinia • Amalfi Coast • Sicily • Balearics

034 • 035

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE WEST MEDITERRANEAN

...

A-LIST ADVE N TURE ...

The French Riviera is one of the most enticing destinations in the world. Here, between St Tropez and the Italian border, where the mountains meet the Mediterranean, shopping is an art form, eating out is high-end seduction and the streets are catwalks for the wealthy and well heeled. Its heritage is defined by glamorous personalities like Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren and its calendar is spiced with events like Monaco’s Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Cannes International Film Festival. The Côte d’Azur remains the spiritual home of the superyacht and the world’s most indulgent A-list playground. ...

S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A RY Region French Riviera • Start Port Monaco • End Port Porquerolles • Distance < 110 Nm • Destinations 7 Alternative route Marseille to San Remo • Peak yachting season May to August • Time zone UTC + 1 hour 1 Monaco might be the world’s second smallest country but its reputation as the wealthiest and most glamorous place on earth is fully deserved. Ignore the beaches and head for the old town with its royal palace, luxury boutiques and beautiful urbanites. The Café de Paris, Louis XV restaurant and Casino de Monte Carlo are particularly memorable.

2 Villefranche-sur-Mer The sheltered natural yacht harbour of Villefranche-sur-Mer makes a fine anchorage for watersports against a backdrop of the 14th century citadel and port. Nearby St Jean Cap Ferrat, with its white sandy beaches, verdant hillsides and enviable peninsula setting, is home to some of the most expensive residential properties in the world.

Eze is an impossibly picturesque Provençal village. Perching precariously on the edge of a steep cliff, its ancient zigzag streets are great for a stroll and there are plenty of art galleries, shops and restaurants to entertain.

An alfresco meal at Michelin-starred Château Eza, overlooking your anchored yacht, is a truly indulgent experience.

3

4 Cap d’Antibes is a place of enduring legend. In addition to the expansive Juan-les-Pins beach resort, the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, with its private beach, spa and restaurant, is a well-established hotspot for touring glitterati. A short distance inland lies Vence, one of the best preserved medieval settlements in the region and a famous hub for artistic inspiration.

5 Cannes Iles de Lérins The elegant, cosmopolitan city of Cannes offers everything from fine dining and luxury shopping to sparkling beaches and a vibrant nightlife. Across the bay, Île Sainte-Marguerite’s translucent creeks are great for a leisurely swim and the nearby Île Saint-Honorat is owned and run by Cistercian monks, who make and sell award-winning wines.

6 St Tropez is notorious for its high-end hedonism and nearby Pampelonne Beach has been a shining exponent of that ethos since Brigitte Bardot first embraced it in the 1950s. Today, the town’s old port is a great spot for superyacht cocktails and St Tropez tself is full of bars and nightclubs. The star-studded Caves du Roy is a particular highlight.

7 Porquerolles Just west of St Tropez, Porquerolles is a tranquil chain of islands and a protected nature reserve with ravishing white beaches and elegant coves. Robert Louis Stevenson was inspired to write Treasure Island here so if the French Riviera’s high-octane entertainments become a bit much, the modest serenity of Porquerolles is the perfect tonic.

...

1

RANGE Monaco – 2 Villefranche-sur-Mer 15 Nm • 2 Villefranche-sur-Mer – 3 Eze 10 Nm • 3 Eze – 4 Cap d’Antibes 18 Nm 4 Cap d’Antibes – 5 Cannes 5 Nm • 5 Cannes – 6 St Tropez 24 Nm • 6 St Tropez – 7 Porquerolles 35 Nm

FRENCH RIVIERA A-LIST ADVENTURE

WHEN TO GO MAY – SEPTEMBER

Nice Cote d’Azur Airport 2

Cannes Mandelieu Airport 2

3

1

4 5

6

Toulon – Hyéres Airport

7

036 • 037

IMPERIAL C H A R T E R D I R E C TO RY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE WEST MEDITERRANEAN

FRENCH RIVIERA

...

GASTRONOMIC CHARTER ...

From world-renowned Michelin star restaurants to rustic bistros and buzzing markets, the French Riviera is the perfect place for a gastronomic charter.

...

...

As the birthplace of superyacht charter, a playground for the rich and famous and a magnet for all things high-end, the French Riviera is blessed with some spectacular places to eat. The entire coastline is littered with world-famous destinations like Monaco, Cannes, St Tropez, Nice, Antibes and Eze. These are names that developed a mystique in the 50s and 60s and continue to resonate with the promise of delectable sensory indulgence today. It should therefore come as little surprise that one of the region’s many fine-dining establishments, ‘Mirazur’ in Menton, has recently added the title of ‘World’s best restaurant’ to its three Michelin stars.

Don’t forget the markets While the region’s top restaurants are often memorable destinations in their own right, a true gastronomic tour of the Côte d’Azur should also make time to embrace the local markets. They generally open at around 7am and close at around 1pm, so it often pays to arrive early and treat yourself to a leisurely breakfast. If you prefer to come later, then why not mimic the traders and retire to a bistro for a lengthy lunch once the stands have been packed away.

And yet it’s important to understand that food in this part of the world is about more than just the transcendent art of high-end gastronomy. After all, as a historical place of aromatic lavender fields, of lemon-scented villages and of pine-cloaked hills that plunge into clear Mediterranean waters, it’s also about the simpler things. It’s about tomatoes, garlic, saffron, peppers, anchovies and olives; it’s about atmospheric markets selling fresh produce, bright-eyed fish, artisan oils and great wine; it’s about rustic back street bistros serving authentic local dishes in elegant alfresco settings; and it’s about out-of-the way eateries amongst hillsides strewn with wild herbs. While the natural riches of this region certainly give the ambitious chef everything he needs to excel, there’s little doubt that to stick solely to the Côte-d’Azur’s most exalted restaurants is to miss out on much of what makes the French Riviera such a thrilling gastronomic destination.

The foods that define the Côte d’Azur While heady fish soup with croutons and spicy ‘rouille’ remains a major favourite throughout the French Riviera, it’s by no means the only local speciality to get excited about. A rich beef and red wine stew known as daube provençale has developed into something of a delicacy in Nice, while equally rustic and traditional dishes like Salad Niçoise and ratatouille also take on a magic of their own when enjoyed alfresco with a bottle of local wine in the very region that made them famous. Other indulgent local treats include truffles, Fromage de chèvre (goat’s cheese) and pungent, aromatic aïoli, a garlic mayonnaise that makes a wonderful dip for the local shellfish. There are some exciting flatbreads here too – not least socca, a chickpea-base flatbread flavoured with herbs; and fougasse, an ancient flatbread fortified in this part of the world with olives, cheese, and anchovies, earning it a playful reputation as the ‘pizza of Provence’. And then of course there are the famous ‘Herbes de Provence’ – typically rosemary, thyme, marjoram and oregano – which flavour so many of the region’s classical dishes and which seem to add a warm Mediterranean perfume to the fabric of the place itself.

On the sweeter side of things, the French Riviera also boasts Tarte Tropézienne, a cream-filled brioche made famous by Brigitte Bardot in the 1950s, as well as a great range and variety of nougat and candied fruits. And while you’re wandering the backstreets of St Tropez or Cannes, in search of a good bistro, why not take a slow Mediterranean approach to your meal with some homemade tapenade, packed with local olives, capers, anchovies and garlic, alongside a glass or two of wine or even a classic provençal Pastis apéritif.

While there are plenty of regular markets throughout this region, marrying wonderful produce with uncontrived cultural authenticity, particular regional highlights include the covered market in Antibes’ Old Town at Cours Massena, which makes a fine place to browse local produce from smallholders as well as professional growers. In Cannes the near iconic ‘Marche Forville’ at the bottom of Le Suquet is also among the best of its kind in the Riviera. Selling everything from oils, breads, herbs and cheeses to meat, veg and flowers, it’s open six days a week thoughout the year and is a great place to embrace the infectious appeal of France’s famed passion for food. Nice is also a well-established hub for markets of every kind. The Cours Saleya Market is an especially atmospheric and inspiring place to be, full of beautiful produce and passionate artisans. However, its appeal is by no means a secret so if you want something that’s not so high on the visitor hitlist, the huge fish market at Liberation near the train station is a thrilling experience for lovers of fish and advocates of all things local.

If you can spare the time, serious gastronomes would also do well to take a small detour inland. There are some wonderful farmers’ markets further west in the pretty towns of Arles, Carpentas and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue - but such is the commitment of this region both to homegrown produce and to the culture of local trade that, between Tuesday and Sunday throughout the year, you should always be able to find a market with the power to excite. ...

01 02 03 04 05 06 07

Chef Arnaud Donckele at La Vague d’Or, St Tropez Mirazur head chef Mauro Colagreco The charming restaurant-packed alleys of St Tropez Cours Massena, provencal market, Antibes JAN head chef Jan Hendrik Van Der Westhuizen The dining room at Le Louis XV, Monaco Cours Saleya, Nice

FRENCH RIVIERA GASTRONOMIC CHARTER

WHEN TO GO MAY – SEPTEMBER

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

038 • 039

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE WEST MEDITERRANEAN

5 3

4

...

FIVE FINE-DINING HIGHLIGHTS ...

1 Mirazur, Menton Having knocked Denmark’s Noma off top spot as ‘World’s best restaurant’, three-Michelin-star Mirazur is a powerfully memorable experience. Presided over by Italian-Argentinian star of gastronomy, Mauro Colagreco, you can expect a surprising union of South American and Mediterranean ingredients in dishes that look, feel and taste like a passionate love letter to the farmers and fishermen who made it all possible.

2 Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris, Monaco Impeccable eating opportunities come thick and fast in Monte Carlo, but this highly decorated, peerlessly prestigious restaurant remains an iconic destination restaurant. Famously grand and reverentially formal, it is a place that continues to draw glowing reviews from around the world courtesy of Chefs Dominique Lory and Alain Ducasse.

Expect slick service, a vast wine list and cuisine that continually validates its 3-Michelin-Star status.

3 JAN, Nice This compact and intimate fine-dining restaurant can be found in a lively side street near the Port of Nice.

It is overseen by young South African, Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen – a multi-textured character with a love for writing, food, wine and photography, who honed his skills as a chef on the yachts of Monaco. Though it operates in a region famed for long-established prestige-laden culinary hotspots, very few restaurants are as warmly regarded as this.

4 La Vague d’Or, St Tropez “I wish to bring about a firework of flavours; to sculpt local ingredients without removing their primary essence.”

So says Arnaud Donckele, the youngest chef ever to attain three Michelin stars and the man in charge of all things gastronomic at the delightfully decadent waterfront hotel, Cheval Blanc St Tropez.

5 Chateau Eza, Eze Village Perched in a medieval village, high above the bays of Eze in a 400-year-old chateau, the restaurant at Chateau Eza is something special. Out of respect for the hotel guests, alfresco eating is not possible in the evening, but if you come here for a long, slow lunch, you can sit out on the terrace, enjoying a combination of beautiful food and precipitous sea views as intoxicating as anywhere on the entire Côte d’Azur.

01

02

04

03

05

1 2

FRENCH RIVIERA GASTRONOMIC CHARTER

WHEN TO GO MAY – SEPTEMBER

NAVIGATE BY THE STARS 28 MICHELIN STAR RESTAURANTS

...

ANTIBES

Les Pêcheurs BEAULIEU SUR MER

Le Restaurant des Rois BIOT

Les Terraillers CANNES

La Palme d’Or (Hotel Martinez) ÈZE

Chateau de la Chèvre d’Or GRASSE

La Bastide Saint Antoine JUAN LES PINS

La Passagère LA COLLE SUR LOUP

Alain Llorca LA TURBIE

Hostelleire Jérôme LE CANNET

Villa Archange LE ROURET

Le Clos Saint Pierre MANDELIEU LA NAPOULE

L’Oasis MENTON

Mirazur MONACO

Le Louis XV (Alain Ducasse) Le Blue Bay (Monte Carlo Bay Hotel) Le Grill (Hotel de Paris) Yoshi (Metropole Hotel) MOUGINS

Le Mas Candille NICE

Flaveur Jan PORQUEROLLES

L’Olivier (Le Mas du Langoustier) ROQUEBRUNE-CAP-MARTIN

Elsa (Monte Carlo Beach Hotel) ROUBION

Auberge Quintessence SAINT JEAN CAP FERRAT

Le Cap (Grand Hôtel du Cap Ferrat) SAINT TROPEZ

L’Olivier (Hotel La Bastide) La Vague d’Or (Résidence de la Pinède) VALBONNE

Lou Cigalon – Maison Martin VENCE

Les Bacchanales

040 • 0 41

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE WEST MEDITERRANEAN

...

F R ANC O - I TALIAN INDULGENCE ...

The French island of Corsica is a lush, volcanic destination with a distinctly Italian flavour. On the east coast, the terrain is flat and beachy with a scattering of compact harbours, while in the west, a wild cascade of steep cliffs and rock stacks plunges unchecked into the open sea. Here, the complex deepwater shoreline creates a landscape that’s not just more dramatic but also more versatile for roaming superyachts. But whichever part of Corsica’s 600-mile coastline you favour, the island’s resolutely distinctive culture, cuisine and customs are a world apart from the mainstream charter destinations of Italy and France. ...

S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A RY Region Corsica • Start Port St Florent • End Port Porto Vecchio • Distance < 160 Nm • Destinations 6 Alternative route Corsica to Sardinia • Peak yachting season April to September • Time zone UTC + 1 hour 1

St Florent The compact 15th century Genoese citadel of St Florent sits on the edge of some renowned fishing waters and wine producing regions. It is one of Corsica’s most vibrant port towns, with plenty of restaurants and some fine local beaches, not least in the form of Plage de Saleccia.

2 Calvi As the nearest port to mainland France, Calvi is a serious shipping hub with first-rate superyacht facilities. In classic Corsican style, the town’s convoluted web of ancient sun-drenched streets is wrapped in huge fortifications – and the continued existence of a fishing industry makes this steeply stacked town much more three-dimensional than most tourist resorts.

3 Girolata Just south of Scandola National Park lies a region of pristine coastal wilderness. At Porto, the 16th century watchtower and pretty marina are tempting; at Osani, the Plage de Gradelle offers fine views of the famous cliff structures at Calanques de Piana; and at Girolata, you find yourself right at the heart of the famous marine nature reserve.

4 Ajaccio Tucked away in a hilly nook on the northern shore of a gulf, the scenery in and around Ajaccio is delectable. The old town is a traditional cluster of washed walls and shaded streets and the cafés, shops and restaurants are well up to par for the chic clientele that emanates from the lavish marina at Port Tino Rossi.

5 Bonifacio At the end of a narrow inlet between vertical cliffs, topped with craggy hilltop fortifications, the sun-bleached Italianate citadel of Bonifacio is a spectacular destination. With an ancient harbour that is just as memorable as the interwoven alleyways of the old town, Bonifacio is a shining beacon for the gruff, organic loveliness of this salt-soaked island.

6 Porto Vecchio With its resident population of TV celebrities, the ancient fortified town of Porto Vecchio enjoys a reputation as a distinctly prestigious destination. The narrow streets of the elegant old town and the pretty, café-lined marina enjoy a happy, languorous decadence – and the local beaches are first class

...

1

RANGE St Florent – 2 Calvi 32 Nm • 2 Calvi – 3 Girolata 27 Nm • 3 Girolata – 4 Ajaccio 38 Nm 4 Ajaccio – 5 Bonifacio 30 Nm • 5 Bonifacio – 6 Porto Vecchio 30 Nm

CORSICA FRANCO-ITALIAN INDULGENCE

WHEN TO GO APRIL – SEPTEMBER

1

Poretta Airport

2

Calvi-Saint-Catherine Airport 3

4

Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport

6

Figari Sud-Corse Airport 5

042 • 043

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE WEST MEDITERRANEAN

2

Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport

3

4 5 1

Nice Cote dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Azur Airport

Pisa International Airport

Siena-Ampugnano Airport 6

7

ITALIAN RIVIERA THE LIGURIAN HIGH-LIFE

WHEN TO GO APRIL – SEPTEMBER

...

THE LIGURIAN HIGH-LIFE ...

Like its French equivalent, the Italian Riviera features narrow waterfront strips against an Alpine backdrop, with high-end shopping and first-rate cuisine. Here, however, the shore is littered with fishing villages, some of which (like Portofino) have achieved super-chic status; and others (like those around La Spezia) that retain an authentic salt crust on their tumbling technicolour buildings. There are plenty of extraordinary coastal walks, sheltered bays, secluded beaches and lofty cliffs, but what makes the Italian charter experience so special is that it fuses maritime tradition with 21st century luxury to better effect than anywhere else in the world. ...

S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A RY Region Italian Riviera • Start Port San Remo • End Port Porto Ercole • Distance < 255 Nm • Destinations 7 Alternative route Tuscan Archipelago • Peak yachting season April to September • Time zone UTC + 1 hour

San Remo As a historical refuge for the pampered elite, the balmy Ligurian resort of San Remo is arguably the showiest destination on the Riviera. This Roman settlement is a hotbed of ritzy, casino-style nightlife, the enormous harbour is a renowned superyacht hub and the bars, shops and cafés ooze with appropriate cosmopolitanism.

1

2 Genoa Regional capital, Genoa, is the worldly counterpoint to the compact elegance of the outlying towns and villages. In addition to a buzzing arts scene, a plentiful supply of high-class dive sites and a beautiful old harbour, it offers several classical districts, where the manic mishmash of multicoloured villas plunges steeply to the sea.

3 Portofino The fabled Italian fishing village of Portofino nestles between herb-strewn hillsides in a protected reserve at the apex of a turquoise inlet. Its pristine loveliness is deeply affecting but don’t discount the nearby port towns of Santa Margherita and Rapallo. They might be less gentrified, but for the charter yacht explorer, they’re every bit as memorable.

Portovenere The impossibly lovely headland settlement of Portovenere is a wonderful place to sit among the waterfront villas and revel in the quiet prestige, the rustic elegance and the maritime gentility of it all. From here, Cinque Terre is also within reach – a mountainous shoreline encompassing five famously unspoiled fishing villages.

4

Viareggio The promenade and the high-spec marina sit right at the heart of this traditional seaside resort – and while the town’s shipbuilding roots have largely given way to tourism, the youthful energy of the upmarket beach scene is extremely attractive. Viareggio also makes an ideal stopover for a daytrip to Pisa or Florence.

5

6 Elba The Isle of Elba feels like a Caribbean paradise in the middle of the Med. Its shores are blessed with lofty headlands, sandy bays and protected rural landscapes. Its clear, richly stocked waters are great for diving and Portoferraio, the historic centre, is at once an authentic fishing town and a sophisticated leisure destination.

...

1 4

RANGE San Remo – 2 Genoa 65 Nm • 2 Genoa – 3 Portofino 17 Nm • 3 Portofino – 4 Portovenere 32 Nm Portovenere – 5 Viareggio 22 Nm • 5 Viareggio – 6 Elba 65 Nm • 6 Elba – 7 Porto Ercole 50 Nm

044 • 045

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE WEST MEDITERRANEAN

...

E XO T IC ARC HIPE L AGOS ...

With a shoreline closer to Africa than Italy, plus crystal clear diving waters, a beautiful climate and an assortment of caves, corals, wrecks, bays, cliffs and inlets, Sardinia feels like a very exotic destination. But while the lovely capital, Cagliari, offers all the cool indulgence the upmarket traveller could want, a really special Sardinian yacht charter has to concentrate on the northeast of the island. Here, the irrepressible vim of party resorts like Porto Cervo is supplemented with an astonishing wealth of secluded coves, sheltered anchorages and dramatic views and seascapes. With easy access to Corsica’s southern resorts, it makes an impressively versatile yachting playground. ...

S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A RY Region Sardinia • Start Port Olbia • End Port Bonifacio • Distance < 70 Nm • Destinations 6 Alternative route Sardinia to Corsica • Peak yachting season May to October • Time zone UTC + 1 hour

Olbia While Sardinia’s famous Costa Smeralda gets all the plaudits, Olbia is a very engaging way to ease yourself into a Sardinian charter. In addition to a large marina, a historic centre and a range of chic cafés, bars and boutiques, this ancient port town sits in prime position for access to Sardinia’s most rewarding stretch of coastline.

1

2 Tavolara Island Tavolara explodes from the sea like a mountain peak – and with nothing but a restaurant, a bar and a beach, it is almost perfectly untouched. Remarkably, this tiny patch of land has been an independent monarchy ever since a 19th century Genoese sailor proclaimed himself King, so as unusual anchorages go, it makes a wonderful detour.

3 Porto Rotondo At the southern end of the Costa Smeralda, in the protective Cugnana Gulf, Porto Rotondo is a stylish tourist haunt, with gorgeous bays, first-class restaurants and a fine line in exclusive pampering for visiting yachtsmen.

Just a mile across the gulf, Portisco Beach offers a white, sandy incline with warm, shallow waters and excellent watersports.

4 Cala di Volpe Much loved by the touring glitterati, the illustrious hotel and beach resort at Cala di Volpe sits in the very bay that featured in 007’s iconic ‘Amphibious Lotus’ scene. From here, infamous Porto Cervo is just a short hop north and the uninhabited islands of Soffi and Mortoria provide a wonderful yachting escape.

5

Porto Cervo Created in the 1950s as a super-exclusive tourist resort, the pretty pastel-coloured village of Porto Cervo enjoys a yacht-friendly position in a natural port among verdant Mediterranean hills. With a feel-good party vibe, plus outlying archipelagos and a proliferation of coves, beaches and bays, this upmarket ‘built-for-purpose’ designer destination is in the yacht charter Premier League.

6 La Maddalena Archipelago Maddalena, the largest island in the archipelago of the same name, offers a trio of useful ports, plus a fine beach at Cala Spalmatore. But with outlying islands on three sides, the opportunities for a private anchorage are remarkably rich. Head for the southern side of Budelli Island for pristine bays and pink coral sands.

...

1

Olbia –

2

RANGE Tavolara Island 10 Nm • 2 Tavolara Island – 3 Porto Rotondo 15 Nm • 3 Porto Rotondo – 4 Cala di Volpe – 5 Porto Cervo 8 Nm • 5 Porto Cervo – 6 La Maddalena 11 Nm

4

Cala di Volpe 4 Nm

SARDINIA EXOTIC ARCHIPELAGOS

WHEN TO GO MAY – OCTOBER

6

5 4 3

1

2

Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport

Cagliari International Airport

046 • 047

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE WEST MEDITERRANEAN

...

IN THE SHADOW OF VESUVIUS ...

This ancient playground of Roman Emperors courses with the charm and texture of a bygone age. Once a favourite among wealthy Etruscans as an escape from the heat and bustle of Rome, gentle sea breezes continue to temper the ferocity of the sun, making the Amalfi Coast the ideal summer retreat. This place of emerald waters, steep cliffs and fragrant lemon trees has something for everyone. The cliff-top walks and crystal clear dives are extraordinary; the steep, multi-coloured maritime towns and archaeological ruins are a big draw; and the classical seafood dishes and Limoncello are a gastronomic delight. ...

S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A RY Region Amalfi Coast • Start Port Atrani • End Port Sorrento • Distance < 40 Nm • Destinations 6 Alternative route Napoli to Palermo • Peak yachting season May to October • Time zone UTC + 1 hour 1

Atrani With ranks of pastel houses propped up between the steep cliffs and the dozing harbour, this fine medieval town is a very attractive sanctuary from the eager crowds of nearby Amalfi. You can spend the afternoon on the sandy beach (a rarity in these parts) or step back in time among narrow cobbled streets, ancient vaults and sun-drenched piazzas.

Amalfi Once the hub of a powerful maritime republic, Amalfi’s modern persona is more about panache than politics.

Famed as the haunt of Hollywood actors who made a beeline for its winding medieval streets and slick Italian glamour, it remains a compact but dramatically staged archetype for this coastline’s colourful clash of sea, cliff and culture.

2

3 Praiano As well as being an established favourite with Italian aristocrats, Praiano is the sunniest place on the Amalfi coast, with long balmy evenings and a more sedentary vibe than its neighbours. There are several secluded pebble beaches that can only be approached by boat, plus a remarkable inlet known as the Furore Fjord, just a short hop east. For those in search of low-key loveliness, it’s a major highlight.

4 Positano, a dramatic cliff-top settlement and one of the most photogenic destinations in the Mediterranean, feels distinctly well heeled. The shops, the restaurants, the elegant, flower-scented streets and the dreamy Italianate sophistication of the buildings – it all combines to create a fiercely memorable stopover.

5 Isle of Capri Three miles west of the mainland, the Isle of Capri has been a VIP holiday retreat since the time of the ancient Greeks. The Blue Grotto, a limestone lagoon with water that glows in contrasting shades, is a highlight on a fissured coastline tailor-made for charter exploration; and when you step ashore, the chic bars and boutique shops are well balanced by a loveliness unspoiled by time.

6

Sorrento Ever since its inclusion in the ‘Grand Tours’ of the early 18th century, Sorrento has been an unashamed tourist hotspot, but its beauty is no less striking for that. Here, at the brightly coloured conjunction of sea and mountain, valley and citrus grove, famous poets like Byron and Keats have come to revel in the narrow alleyways, sweeping views and café-lined squares.

...

1

RANGE Atrani – 2 Amalfi 1 Nm • 2 Amalfi – 3 Praiano 4 Nm • 3 Praiano – 4 Positano 5 Nm 4 Positano – 5 Isle of Capri 16 Nm • 5 Isle of Capri – 6 Sorrento 9 Nm

AMALFI COAST IN THE SHADOW OF VESUVIUS

WHEN TO GO MAY – OCTOBER

Naples International Airport

6

2

4 3

1

Aeroporto di Salerno Costa D’Amalfi

5

048 • 049

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE WEST MEDITERRANEAN

5 6 8

Aeroporto di Palermo Falcone e Borsellino

7

4

3 2

Catania Fontanarossa Airport

1

S I C I LY & T H E A E O L I A N I S L A N D S IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ODYSSEUS

WHEN TO GO MAY – OCTOBER

...

IN THE FOOTSTEPS O F O DYS S E U S ...

Positioned on the apex of trade routes with ancient Greece, Sicily was a natural hub for Greek expansion in the 8th century BC. Today, it remains a favourite yacht charter destination for travellers wishing to mix history, culture and art with a pleasant climate and beautiful beaches. To the north of Sicily lies the volcanic archipelago of the Aeolian Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a fascinating region for active travel. It’s a place where harsh volcanic landscapes dotted with the ghostly remnants of ancient foundations contrast beautifully with whitewashed villages that gaze out over the sea on the fringes of each rocky outcrop. ...

S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A RY Region Sicily & the Aeolian Islands• Start Port Syracuse • End Port Lipari • Distance < 200 Nm • Destinations 8 Alternative route South Sicilia via Agrigento • Peak yachting season May to October • Time zone UTC + 1 hour

Syracuse Sicily’s capital is one of the best-preserved ancient Greek cities in the world. But while the archaeological gems of the northwest quarter enjoy particular renown, the Old City (Ortigia), a compact island and the original heart of the settlement, is the primary draw. Expect ancient palazzos rich in sculpture, alongside shops and nightlife that (despite its time-capsule loveliness) are among the most varied and vibrant you will find.

1

2 Giardini-Naxos enjoys a long crescent-shaped beach of the finest white sand with memorable views out to sea. You can anchor off the bay and take the tender ashore for traditional pizzerias and smart waterfront cocktail bars along the promenade.

Otherwise, why not head for the Old Town’s designer boutiques or the excellent seafood restaurants in the harbour itself.

Taormina The glorious medieval town of Taormina, built into the side of a mountain by Greek colonists, is full of historical sites.

The Teatro Greco is not to be missed; and parts of the ‘Gymnasium’, where athletes trained for the ancient Olympics, also survive.

However, modern Taormina is also a lavish resort town, so for a shopping expedition to remember, head for Corso Umberto.

3

4 Messina Known as the ‘Doorway to Sicily’ (and the setting for Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’), Messina’s links to the arts has cemented its place as a must-visit destination. Originally named ‘Zancle’ due to the scythe-like shape of the harbour, the town’s colourful history is manifested in a busy architectural clash of churches, forts and ancient foundations that fan out from the Piazza del Duomo.

5

Stromboli, the ‘Lighthouse of the Mediterranean’, is actually an active volcano with a scattering of curious black sand beaches to the northeast. Habitation is minimal and the island’s famed beauty is of a harsh, elemental kind.

Adventurous visitors can get a closer look at the daily eruptions on a guided hike, but a night approach by yacht gives an even better view of the flashes emanating from the crater.

6 Panarea In the absence of cars, the best way to get around Panarea is by means of golf-cart taxis.

There are plenty of secluded bays, particularly in the southeast, where you can anchor up and head ashore for a hike to the ruins; and there are plenty of private beaches with stunning volcanic views. Otherwise, San Pietro, where luxury yachts create a vibrant summer vibe, is definitely the place to be.

7 Vulcano With sulphurous emissions filling the harbour and hissing from the pavements, you can smell Vulcano long before you arrive. However, if you can tolerate the scent, it makes a memorable retreat. You can visit its smoking crater, kayak its wild shoreline and bathe in its volcanic muds, before washing yourself clean in the sea, which fizzes with hot gases from the seabed.

Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands, was formed by an ancient volcano, whose last eruption destroyed the town 1,400 years ago. Today, a picturesque harbour greets those arriving by sea and a pleasant afternoon can be spent wandering the cobbled alleyways of the elegant Old Town. Greek and Roman tombs can be seen in the park and some magnificent Aeolian artefacts can be witnessed in the Archaeological Museum.

8

...

4

RANGE 1 Syracuse – 2 Giardini-Naxos 50 Nm • 2 Giardini-Naxos – 3 Taormina 2 Nm • 3 Taormina – 4 Messina 27 Nm Messina – 5 Stromboli 50 Nm • 5 Stromboli – 6 Panarea 13 Nm • 6 Panarea – 7 Vulcano 15 Nm • 7 Vulcano – 8 Lipari 4 Nm

050 • 0 51

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE WEST MEDITERRANEAN

...

S PE C TAC LE + SECLUSION ...

There are four primary islands in the Balearics chain – Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera – and with more than 300 days of sun each year, they enjoy a superb yachting climate. The thriving tourist industry often sees Mallorca and Ibiza dismissed as mere bastions of youthful excess, but with elegance and rusticity in equal measure, there is much more to these shores than that. Head for Menorca in the east or Formentera in the far west and the secluded coves, ancient monuments and protected marine parks conjure up an altogether gentler, more relaxed form of Balearic charter experience. ...

S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A RY Region Balearic Islands • Start Port Mahon • End Port Ibiza Town • Distance < 270 Nm • Destinations 7 Alternative route Barcelona or Valencia • Peak yachting season May to October • Time zone UTC + 1 hour 1 Mahon Perched on a ridge above a saltwater inlet, Mahon is a very charming, small-scale and intimate city, with indisputably elegant Georgian-style architecture and a relaxed alfresco food culture that quickly salves the mind.

Though it enjoys a pleasant seasonal buzz, it’s rarely overcrowded outside of the riotous Nuestra Señora de Gràcia Festival in September.

2

Ciutadella de Menorca With its commercial fishing fleet and its yacht charter luxury, its ancient charm and its modern energy, the west coast town of Ciutadella is every bit the equal of Menorca’s capital city. The beaches are beautiful, the port is lined with colourful restaurants and the romantic square at Placa d’es Born is a fine base for old town exploration.

3

Port d’Alcudia Alcudia, northern Mallorca’s biggest holiday resort, offers plenty of white sandy bays with easy gradients and warm shallow waters. Meanwhile, in the old town, heaped up within the vast peripheral ramparts, a blend of boutique shops, lively markets and quality restaurants adds some mature continental chic to the region’s family-friendly offering.

Puerto de Sóller Having been the subject of substantial investment over the past decade, Puerto de Sóller’s harbour has become one of the island’s most lavish charter hubs. It sits in the arc of a generous bay, creating a sheltered playground for a picturesque anchorage and a half-mile beach that is tailor-made for watersports.

4

5 Palma de Mallorca The elegant alfresco entertainment and suave cosmopolitanism of Palma de Mallorca make it a huge charter favourite. The glittering marina is full of outrageously high-end yachts and the town itself is a thriving year-round bastion of artistic and cultural vivacity, with buzzing bars and cafés, beautiful beaches and complex networks of atmospheric backstreets to explore.

6

La Savina, Formentera Formentera, a rocky little island south of Ibiza, is renowned as a fine wildlife watching destination and a tranquil refuge for the cruising yachtsman. The two main sections of the island are joined in the middle by a three-mile expanse of unspoiled beach and the island’s exposed position makes it a great spot for windsurfing and sailing.

Ibiza Town might be famous for Café del Mar, Pacha and the Sunset Strip, but this 24-hour party destination is as much about superyachts as nightclubs. Down at the marina, there is upmarket food and artisan shopping – and with 2,700 years of history, the crass neon glitz is well matched by high-end sophistication and cultural authenticity.

7

...

RANGE 1 Mahon – 2 Ciutadella 43 Nm • 2 Ciutadella – 3 Alcudia 35 Nm • 3 Alcudia – 4 Puerto de Sóller 42 Nm 4 Puerto de Sóller – 5 Palma 50 Nm • 5 Palma – 6 La Savina 80 Nm • 6 La Savina – 7 Ibiza Town 12 N

BALEARICS SPECTACLE + SECLUSION

WHEN TO GO MAY – OCTOBER

2 4

5

Ibiza Airport

3

Menorca Airport

1

Palma de Mallorca Airport

7 6

052 • 053

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE EAST MEDITERRANEAN

WHEN TO GO APRIL – OCTOBER

...

EAST MEDITERRANEAN ...

For those left cold by tourist artifice, the modest cultural authenticity of the Eastern Mediterranean feels very special. Croatia’s island-strewn Adriatic shore is tailor-made for sheltered cruising; in Greece, the ancient maritime folklore of the various archipelagos is a classicist’s dream; in the sultry, coral-rich shallows of the Red Sea, diving takes centre stage; and on Turkey’s Aegean coast, the fusion of east and west creates a thrilling cultural dynamic.

C R U I S I N G ZO N E S ...

Ionian Islands • The Cyclades • Turkish Riviera • Croatia • Montenegro • The Red Sea

054 • 055

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE EAST MEDITERRANEAN

1

LGKR Corfu Airport

2

Aktion National Airport 3

4

5

Kefalonia International Airport

Zakynthos International Airport 6

THE IONIAN ISLANDS IONIAN ODYSSEY

WHEN TO GO MAY – OCTOBER

...

IONIAN O DYS S E Y ...

With 9,000 miles of coastline and 2,000 islands, the charter options in Greece are extraordinary. Places like Athens, Mykonos, Santorini and Rhodes resonate with historical significance and the variety in location, scale and character of the archipelagos creates a bewildering choice. Do you opt for the Saronic Islands?

The Cyclades and Dodecanese in the Aegean Sea? Or the Ionian chain off the mainland’s west coast? From uninhabited hideaways to bustling resorts and from beaches and seascapes to history and hedonism, a Greek yacht charter has the capacity to satisfy your wanderlust like few other destinations. ...

S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A RY Region Greece • Start Port Corfu • End Port Zakynthos • Distance < 170 Nm • Destinations 6 Alternative route Mykonos to Santorini • Peak yachting season May to October • Time zone UTC + 2 hours 1 Corfu Town The dramatically mountainous island of Corfu is a renowned walking destination, a hub for beachgoers and a treasure trove of archaeological remains. Corfu Town provides a pleasant blend of old and new, with a vast marina and high-class shops alongside a pair of fortresses and a resident population impressively unmoved by modernity.

Paxi The dramatic caves, limestone cliffs and glorious beaches of the Paxi archipelago make them some of the finest cruising grounds in Greece. Paxos, the main island, offers lots of sheltered inlets so you can explore the rock formations or anchor up for some snorkelling; and Antipaxos, the second largest island, is a hotspot for local wines.

2

3 Lefkas Butted up close to Greece’s western shore with excellent shelter from the swells of the Ionian Sea, Lefkas Town is a natural centre for marine tourism and the shops, bars and restaurants reflect that. The open sea coast offers fine beaches and Nydri and Vassiliki are ideal for watersports. Meganisi, with its quaint villages and sheltered anchorages, makes an attractive stop en-route to Ithaca.

4 Ithaca Just between Kefalonia and the mainland lies Ithaca – an unspoiled yachting haven with good hiking, authentic tavernas, a fine beach at Gedaki and plenty of opportunity for diving and sea kayaking. The rocky landscapes periodically give way to verdant olive groves and Ageri in Frikes is a Greek restaurant at the very top of its game.

5 Kefalonia From Myrtos Beach and the steep sea cliffs of the northwest to the Melissani Cave in the east, Kefalonia is radically beautiful. Argostoli, the main port, was rebuilt in the 50s after an earthquake but the island retains plenty of historical sites and the variety and calibre of bays means huge flexibility for the visiting yachtsman.

Zakynthos The Ionian resort of Zakynthos is a classic Greek cocktail of party venue, coastal paradise and authentic island lifestyle. The liveliest nightlife is to be found at Laganas; for seclusion, the west coast is ideal; and for somewhere in between, Alykanas is a great place to perch in a comfy taverna, munching on souvlaki and sipping cold beer.

6

...

1

RANGE Corfu – 2 Paxi 33 Nm • 2 Paxi – 3 Lefkas 35 Nm • 3 Lefkas – 4 Ithaca 35 Nm 4 Ithaca – 5 Kefalonia 20 Nm • 5 Kefalonia – 6 Zakynthos 33 Nm

056 • 057

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE EAST MEDITERRANEAN

...

AEGEAN ISLAND ADVE N TURE ...

In the southern reaches of the Aegean Sea, between the Greek mainland, the Turkish Riviera and the northern shores of Crete, the Cyclades island group is arguably Greece’s most alluring destination. It’s a place where chalky, whitewashed walls, colourful rooftops, olive groves, vineyards and classical ruins perch above picturesque old harbours and deserted coves. It’s a place of shipwrecks, sunsets and sandy beaches; of honeymooners and romantic escapes. From the slow, traditional rurality of Syros to the ‘destination glamour’ of modish Santorini, the varied delights of this close-packed archipelago are easily accessible on a week’s charter from Athens. ...

S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A RY Region Greece • Start Port Athens • End Port Santorini • Distance < 195 Nm • Destinations 6 Alternative route Naxos and Delos • Peak yachting season May to October • Time zone UTC + 2 hours 1 Athens With an enviable position just five miles from the city centre, Athens Marina puts you on the cusp of elegant streets, fast-paced urban entertainments and extraordinary archaeological sites. The Acropolis and Parthenon are of course major highlights, but the genteel Plaka quarter is also a memorable place for its authentic Greek cuisine.

Syros The island of Syros is not a carefully preserved tourist utopia, but an authentic Greek hub, with the bustling old Cycladic port town of Ermoupoli at its heart. While the bulk of the island is rural, Ermoupoli is an apex for ferry travel in the north, a fine gastronomic destination and a happily uncontrived four-season resort.

2

3 Mykonos Mykonos is well established as a party destination, but it’s not just about all-night clubbers.

It’s also a magnet for cruise ship visitors, preening fashionistas and touring celebrities. In addition to its cosmopolitan profile, Mykonos boasts some fine beaches, many with useful anchorages, plus a renowned restaurant scene and some crowd-pleasing Cycladic architecture.

4

Paros While it doesn’t enjoy the exalted profile of its noisy neighbours, Paros is a major highlight for cruising yachtsmen.

The relative absence of tourists makes the elegant capital much easier to enjoy and the proximity of smaller Antiparos to the southwest offers plenty of opportunity for a sheltered inlet and a private swim at anchor.

5

Folegandros The modest size and sparse population of Folegandros gives it a remote, natural beauty as yet unaffected by tourism. The port town of Karavostasi is a pleasant low-key experience and in accordance with its reputation as the ’Island of Peace’, the leafy town of Chora is closed to motorised traffic. This is as pristine as an Aegean hideaway gets.

6 Santorini Romantic Santorini is the most classically beautiful island in the entire archipelago. Blessed with dramatic clifftop towns such as Fira and Oia, plus rich vineyards and famous sunsets, its inverted C-shape offers plenty of shelter from the swells so you can anchor up in peace – and there are several smaller volcanic islands within easy reach.

...

1

RANGE Athens – 2 Syros 76 Nm • 2 Syros – 3 Mykonos 18 Nm • 3 Mykonos – 4 Paros 25 Nm 4 Paros – 5 Folegandros 38 Nm • 5 Folegandros – 6 Santorini 38 Nm

THE CYCLADES AEGEAN ISLAND ADVENTURE

1

WHEN TO GO MAY – OCTOBER

Athens International Airport

Mykonos Airport

3

2

Naxos Airport 4

5

6

Santorini Airport

058 • 059

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE EAST MEDITERRANEAN

...

COASTLINE OF CONTRASTS ...

Set against the backdrop of the Taurus Mountains, on the boundary between the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, Turkey’s ‘Turquoise Coast’ is a vibrant clash of contradictions. On the one hand, it offers secluded coves, plunging landscapes and long, golden beaches. On the other, it blends ancient cities and oriental bazaars with the effortless opulence of first-rate eateries and glittering superyacht harbours.

Here, on the overlap between east and west, Turkey’s kaleidoscopic Riviera also enjoys one of the world’s most charter-friendly climates, with more than 300 days of sun each year and some of the warmest waters in the Mediterranean. ...

S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A RY Region Southwest Turkey • Start Port Bodrum • End Port Göcek • Distance < 155 Nm • Destinations 6 Alternative route Göcek to Antalya • Peak yachting season July to August • Time zone UTC + 2 hours 1 Bodrum The Bodrum Peninsula is full of ancient ruins, entertaining bars and memorable beach resorts, but the city of Bodrum on the south side is the destination of choice. Set around a complex, meandering waterfront with a magical harbour at its heart, this classical Aegean hub is guarded by St Peter’s Castle, a medieval fortress perched high above the water.

Knidos Knidos is a 2,500-year old Dorian port city set against a steep, lighthouse-topped outcrop. The remains of this once prosperous settlement are by no means pristine but the broad scatterings of pathways, buildings and temples are impressively atmospheric. Anchoring in the bay and taking the tender ashore on an exploratory voyage is a memorable trip.

2

3 Datça Datça is the primary harbour town on the peninsula of the same name and it makes a useful base for land access to Knidos. It has three beaches, one to the east, one by the main street and one (Taslık Plajı) at the end of the harbour with a pool fed by hot springs. The Datça Vineyard is well worth a visit.

4 Marmaris Entertaining Marmaris Harbour enjoys a dreamy backdrop, with turquoise seas in the foreground and mountainous hillsides to the rear. There’s an attractive (if compact) old quarter, plus a 16th century hilltop castle gazing down over the scene. Come here for the pleasant bay, the nightlife and the accessible diving and leave when antiquity beckons.

5 Ekincik / Dalyan The deeply inset, beach-lined bay at Ekincik makes a fine anchorage, with great shelter between long verdant slopes. The scenic walks from Ekincik east towards the pretty riverside town of Dalyan are among the best in Turkey and the ancient ‘Kings’ Tombs of Kaunos’ (elaborate Lycian tombs carved into the cliff face) are not to be missed.

6 Göcek Göcek is a key charter hub on the Turkish Riviera, with a fine natural position and a first-class marina.

The town offers excellent access to the coves and islands of this protected yachting region and there are also useful stopping points at Skopea Marina and at the Club Marina in beautiful Bungus Cove.

...

1

Bodrum –

2

RANGE Knidos 23 Nm • 2 Knidos – 3 Datça 24 Nm • 3 Datça – 4 Marmaris 50 Nm 4 Marmaris – 5 Ekincik 20 Nm • 5 Ekincik – 6 Göcek 37 Nm

TURKISH RIVIERA COASTLINE OF CONTRASTS

WHEN TO GO MAY – SEPTEMBER

Milas-Bodrum Airport

1

4 5 2

6

3

Rhodes International Airport

Dalaman Airport

060 • 0 61

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE EAST MEDITERRANEAN

TURKISH RIVIERA

...

THE CAPTAINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PERSPECTIVE ...

The LEGENDA Captain makes a case for Turkey

TURKISH RIVIERA M/Y LEGENDA

WHEN TO GO MAY – SEPTEMBER

...

...

How have you become so familiar with Turkey?

When I got promoted to Captain in 2011, I worked for three years on the same 40-metre yacht. We would do a couple of months in Turkey every year and I’ve been returning periodically on different yachts ever since, so I have quite extensive experience of what the place has to offer.

What kind of charter experience does Turkey now offer?

It’s very much a place of contrasts – of the old and the new; the rustic and the sophisticated; the traditional and the modern. Of course, if you’re keen to embrace non-stop avant-garde cuisine at the world’s most celebrated fine dining restaurants, Turkey can’t yet match the established superyacht regions of Italy and France. But of course the other side of that dynamic is the authenticity of the place - the honesty of the cooking, the warmth of the people, the simple unaffected charm of some of its more remote coastlines.

And the landscapes are also amazing. And not just in terms of the views they provide but in terms of the activities they enable and the shelter they generate for quiet and comfortable anchorages.

What are Turkey’s primary attractions?

The cuisine, the culture and the vibrant historical heritage are all major draws; and the sheer volume of beaches, architectural sites and walking opportunities means there are always plenty of shoreside excursions available for guests. But Turkey also offers such a perfect year-round climate that a lot of our clients actually come here specifically because of the weather. July and August can get a bit hot, but for anyone keen to charter earlier or later in the season when the rest of the Mediterranean is shutting up shop, this is the place to be. It’s quite protected from the Meltemi winds, which affect most of Greece during the summer season, so for people who are put off by that, it’s just unbeatable.

062

Have you seen Turkey develop much in that time?

It’s certainly developed a great deal over the years in terms of its capacity to cater for wealthy guests with broad experience of the world and high expectations. There are a lot of places with a certain style, a certain sophistication that you might not have seen in the past. But with its coves, its beaches, its beautiful waters and its perfect climate, it’s always been a great place to go yachting, so that shoreside infrastructure - that capacity to cater for tourists – is not as recent a phenomenon as some people imagine. In fact, I remember coming to Gocek as a deckhand on a 16-metre yacht 20 years ago and even then, there were some high-profile superyachts beginning to congregate in the region. So I think its popularity as a cruising destination has been developing for a long time now and while the shoreside entertainments and yachting facilities have been upgraded to accommodate that, it still retains the unique flavour of a place positioned at the apex of east and west.

• 063

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE EAST MEDITERRANEAN

01

...

...

So how long does the Turkish charter season last?

You can easily enjoy a reliable charter here in September. The temperatures are regularly around 30 degrees and the water is great for swimming and watersports at 22 or 23 degrees. But we’ve even had a Turkish charter in mid-October before and that was fantastic.

Does Turkey still offer tranquillity and privacy to those who want it?

Definitely. In fact, one of the major things that makes Turkey so easy to enjoy is the relative absence of crowds. Of course, Marmaris is more tailored toward mass-tourism, with its clubs and its nightlife options. But aside from that, Turkey manages to sidestep the problems you might get in other parts of the Med. Whether you go at the start of May or in the middle of the season, you can always find a private bay to anchor up and relax – and that’s very difficult to replicate elsewhere.

What's been the reaction to a Turkish charter aboard LEGENDA? Feedback from our clients is outstanding – and not just on Turkey but on LEGENDA. The interior is fantastic, the engine room, the decks, it’s all premium. And even by the standards of the modern charter industry, this superyacht is beautifully maintained. She has a good cruising speed of 14 to 15 knots, which puts plenty of destinations within a comfortable two-hour cruise and her design is very distinctive, as well as elegant.

Our guests love that because when you book a charter, you want the superyacht to feel as different, as unique, as the destinations.

What are the must-see destinations on a Turkish itinerary?

The main cruising area runs from Bodrum down to Gocek and Fethiye.

Some boats go even further south but the main cruising region gives you plenty to enjoy with very manageable distances between destinations.

In particular, the Gocek area offers some beautiful swimming spots.

The land is lush and green and the shelter it provides for the local waters is ideal. It’s a very relaxed place but there’s a lot of history here too; a lot of ruins from Roman times. You can get right up close to it all and go swimming between the artefacts so people are often fascinated by it.

There’s also a place called the Blue Lagoon, or Ölüdeniz, about an hour from Gocek. It’s a long beach and – as with beach destinations throughout Turkey – it’s common practice for boats to tie up and put a line ashore, either to a rock or a tree. It’s quite sheltered so you can do that without your boat spinning around. Our charter guests love the freedom of that; the simple spontaneity it allows. And in the Blue Lagoon, it’s particularly memorable because if you hike up the hill from the beach, the view from the top is wonderful. Bodrum is also a really striking destination. It’s a busy spot in July and August, similar to Italy’s Amalfi Coast in terms of its appeal and popularity. But it offers something very different to other parts of Turkey, in that it’s quite a sophisticated and cosmopolitan place with a chic and worldly feel to it. It makes a really lovely contrast to the more rustic destinations like Knidos or the more lively party destinations like Marmaris.

What kinds of toy are particularly useful in Turkey?

You see a lot of inflatable toys such as slides and trampolines in Turkey and, because the weather is so settled and predictable, you have plenty of time to set these things up. The shelter provided by the Turkish coastline also makes it all very easy. In the morning, you often get an extraordinary lake-like sea state, which is perfect for skiing and wakeboarding. And the fact that there are no restrictions on the use of power driven tenders and toys means there’s lots of freedom to enjoy the waters too. There are some controlled zones in the Gocek area but, aside from that, you can enjoy everything from kayaks and dinghies to subsurface scooters and jetskis.

There are some interesting rock formations and good subsurface visibility too, so diving is also recommended. It means that, even if you don’t have much interest in the history of the place, you can still enjoy a great charter centred on or around the superyacht.

What would you say to first-time charter guests considering Turkey as a destination?

Most of our clients have already been to Turkey, so the fact that they keep coming back tells you a lot about the place’s appeal. But for first-time guests, I would say ‘prepare to be impressed’ – not just by the scenery, the history and the weather, but by the wonderful hospitality of the people. ...

01 02 03 04 05 06 07

LEGENDA's crew admire the Turkish sunset The ancient Greek Halicarnassus Theatre, Bodrum Colourful Bodrum alleyway Ölüdeniz lagoon, Turkey The welcoming lights of LEGENDA Lush pine trees and calm lagoons – Fethiye Unimpeded jet-ski fun in Turkish waters

TURKISH RIVIERA M/Y LEGENDA

WHEN TO GO MAY – SEPTEMBER

02

03

04

05

06

07

064 • 065

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE EAST MEDITERRANEAN

Split Airport

1

Airport Brac 2 3 4

5 6

Dubrovnik Airport

Tivat Airport

CROATIA CHARTER MASTERCLASS

WHEN TO GO MAY – OCTOBER

...

CHARTER MASTERCL ASS ...

Croatia’s Adriatic coastline looks like it might have been engineered specifically with yacht charter in mind. From Italy to Montenegro, the west-facing shore runs south in stratified ranks of coastal landmass, generating not just extra shelter for charter yachts but also more interesting seascapes, more secluded cruising regions and a virtually inexhaustible supply of lovely anchorages. With more than 1,200 islands, allied to one of Europe’s sunniest climates and several of the world’s most glorious UNESCO-protected cities, this hallowed land of olive groves and vineyards offers enormous potential for a bespoke yacht charter itinerary. ...

S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A RY Region Croatia • Start Port Split • End Port Dubrovnik • Distance < 155 Nm • Destinations 6 Alternative route Rjeka to Zadar • Peak yachting season May to October • Time zone UTC + 2 hours 1 Split Propped up against a mountainous backdrop, the ancient architecture of this exuberant city is thrilling.

Though often used as an access point to the exotic charms of Croatia’s Adriatic archipelagos, it is a special destination in its own right, with plenty of bars, shops and restaurants and one of the most engaging waterfronts in Europe.

2 Hvar The buzzing tourist hub of Hvar enjoys a fine position for access to the outlying islets, sandy bays and sheltered anchorages – and the port of Hvar itself is a superb example of antiquity turned chic. It has the suave, upmarket character of the Italian Riviera, complete with boutique shops and restaurants and a gregarious feel-good nightlife.

Bisevo The tiny Dalmatian island of Bisevo offers some of the Mediterranean’s best fishing and in Porat Beach, one of its finest stretches of sand. However, the greatest attraction is Blue Grotto – a sea cave among the steep limestone cliffs of the eastern shore that glows an eerie blue as the sun rebounds off the white seabed.

3

4 Korcula Town Traditional Croatian island, Korcula, is wonderfully calming. Like so many parts of this region, the land is awash with vineyards and olive groves and the main port city is so idyllic, it almost defies credibility. With its blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, swaddled in vast anti-piracy fortifications, this imposing coastal citadel is a treat.

5 Mljet Mljet is the island that is said to have captivated Odysseus for seven years – and at the national park in the west, that’s not hard to believe. With lots of fine anchorages, not least at Pomena and Polace, the island’s saltwater lakes are easily accessible by tender. Further east, Mljet’s famous shipwreck dive sites are equally compelling.

6 Dubrovnik Dubrovnik is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Inside its vast city walls, thousands of years of architectural heritage and cultural colour create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else.

Whether you drink local wine at a harbourside eatery or feast among the ramparts at a world-class restaurant, simply being here is a pleasure you won’t forget.

...

1

Split –

2

RANGE Hvar 24 Nm • 2 Hvar – 3 Bisevo 24 Nm • 3 Bisevo – 4 Korcula 32 Nm 4 Korcula – 5 Mljet 40 Nm • 5 Mljet – 6 Dubrovnik 35 Nm

066 • 067

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE EAST MEDITERRANEAN

...

ADRIAT IC JEWEL ...

On the Adriatic Sea, just across the border from Croatia’s fabled maritime attractions, lies a 160-mile coastline as lovely as any in Europe. Fast achieving renown among charter fans, shoreside entertainments centre around pristine medieval towns and unspoiled coastal forest walks, while the country’s spectacular seascapes offer an enviable wealth of secluded coves, white sandy beaches and uninhabited islands. With a tangible sense of history dating back to the golden ages of the Greek, Roman and Byzantine empires, allied to its relative infancy as a tourist destination, modern Montenegro offers a charter experience of singular character. ...

S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A RY Region Montenegro • Start Port Tivat • End Port Tivat • Distance < 150 Nm • Destinations 7 Alternative route Montenegro to Venice • Peak yachting season May to October • Time zone UTC + 2 hours 1 Tivat Though Tivat itself might struggle to compete with some of Montenegro’s more charismatic old towns, the beautifully arranged harbour at Porto Montenegro is the perfect spot to begin and end your charter. With its position in the deep, sheltered Bay of Kotor, its chic waterfront boutiques, its elegant gastronomic scene and its impressive calendar of high-end events, it’s a lifestyle hotspot of international calibre.

2 Perast Though it comprises only a few interwoven waterfront streets, the tiny UNESCO World Heritage Site of Perast is a major charter highlight. With 16 grand palaces and 19 churches, its pristine Venetian loveliness is not to be missed.

Although you can now hire bicycles and Segways, most visitors opt for a simple alfresco meal or a short trip to the artificial island known as ‘Our Lady of the Rocks’.

3 Kotor Just past the islets of Perast, at the furthest reaches of the bay, lies the superb UNESCO World Heritage site of Kotor.

With some parts of the city dating back to the 12th century, nearly three miles of fortified walls and a spectacular nautical heritage, Kotor’s medieval maze of cobbled streets, squares and churches feels every bit as extraordinary as its mountainous waterfront setting.

4 Rose Perched dramatically at the tip of Lustica Peninsula, the rustic fishing village vibe of Rose makes it a popular holiday spot for prominent Montenegrins. While Forte Rose, an ancient Austro-Hungarian citadel, is a good spot for a drink, there’s little to beat a leisurely lunch of grilled octopus, washed down with a bottle of local Krstac at one of Rose’s seaside cafés.

5 Budva is an established Adriatic destination with plenty of appeal. You can embrace the hedonism of Ploce Beach, bask in the private island luxury of Sveti Stefan, walk the town walls or inspect the museum’s Roman artefacts. But for many, the greatest pleasure is to be had simply hiding away in one of the Old Town’s intimate local eateries with authentic food and a famously warm welcome.

6 Sveti Stefan Though Sveti Stefan is also the name of the shoreside town, it most commonly refers to the exclusive luxury island resort to which it is linked by means of a narrow causeway. With its tightly packed mishmash of 15th-century villas overlooking some of this coastline’s finest beaches, it’s not hard to see why this place is one of the most photographed sites in the whole of Monenegro.

7 Bar The busy, modern port town of Bar is home to one of the world’s largest fortified archaeological sites, some of the world’s most ancient olive groves and a scattering of first-class beaches. The Old Town is also very well preserved and, while Bar itself is not yet a major tourist hub, it makes an engaging stop-off en route to the superb beaches of Ulcinj.

...

1

Tivat –

2 5

RANGE Perast 6 Nm • 2 Perast – 3 Kotor 5 Nm • 3 Kotor – 4 Rose 14 Nm • 4 Rose – 5 Budva 20 Nm Budva – 6 Sveti Stefan 4 Nm • 6 Sveti Stefan – 7 Bar 16 Nm • 7 Bar – 1 Tivat 46 Nm

MONTENEGRO ADRIATIC JEWEL

WHEN TO GO MAY – OCTOBER

Dubrovnik Airport 2 4

1

3

Tivat Airport 5 6

7

068 • 069

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE EAST MEDITERRANEAN

...

D I V E R’S DREAM ...

While Alexandria and Port Said on Egypt’s Mediterranean shore attract plenty of international tourism, the Red Sea is a prime region for an exotic yacht charter.

Stretching between the Suez Canal and the Gulf of Aden with Africa on one shore and Asia on the other, the Red Sea is a glittering expanse of turquoise waters, replete with internationally acclaimed dive sites. It’s a place of vast reefs, pristine beaches and sun-baked desert; of five-star charter resorts that give way to unspoiled waterfront settlements and ancient desert shores. The Sinai Peninsula in the far north is the ideal starting point for a unique voyage of discovery. ...

S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A RY Region Egypt • Start Port Hurghada • End Port Sharm-El-Sheikh • Distance < 80 Nm • Destinations 5 Alternative route Dahab • Peak yachting season All-year round • Time zone UTC + 2 hours

Hurghada The yachting hub of Hurghada on Egypt’s mainland shore enjoys a cosmopolitan nightlife and a reliable tourist throng. Its hedonism is well balanced by the gruff tranquility of the old town and various land-based pursuits like camel riding and desert treks. The prettier town of El-Gouna, a short hop north, also warrants a closer look.

1

2

Giftun Islands The Red Sea is not short of uninhabited islands, but the Giftun Chain is particularly noted for its exemplary waters. There are plenty of places to find a good anchorage in the lee of the prevailing northerlies and although the islands are largely sunbaked desert, the subsurface diversity more than makes up for that.

3 Ras Mohammed Marine Park If you don’t object to the dive tourists who come for the clear, warm waters, sub-surface caves and astonishing corals, the Ras Mohammed Marine Park is a magnificent place to witness the Red Sea’s sparkling wildlife. If diving isn’t your thing, it’s just as good for an informal snorkel or a beach jaunt in the tender.

Nabq Just past Sharm-El-Sheikh, on the eastern shore of the Sinai Peninsula, lies Nabq – an unspoiled Red Sea destination, with spectacular diving and useful shelter on the south side of the outlying islands. If you have the time, Dahab, further north, is a more modern, leisure-ready destination for roaming Aqaba Gulf tourists.

4

5

Sharm-El-Sheikh is the core base for most Red Sea exploration. It provides plenty of first-class beaches, easy access to various dive sites and a broad choice of luxury waterfront resorts. The main strip at Naama Bay is the partygoer’s heartland, but there are also plenty of waterfront eateries and some atmospheric markets in the old town.

...

3

RANGE 1 Hurghada – 2 Giftun: 20 Nm • 2 Giftun – 3 Ras Mohammed: 25 Nm Ras Mohammed – 4 Nabq: 22 Nm • 4 Nabq – 5 Sharm-El-Sheikh: 12 Nm

THE RED SEA THE DIVER'S DREAM

WHEN TO GO MAY – OCTOBER

4

5

Sharm-El-Sheikh International Airport 3

1

2

Hurghada International Airport

070 • 0 71

IMPERIAL C H A R T E R D I R E C TO RY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE NORTHERN EUROPE

...

NORTHERN EUROPE ...

With its ancient labyrinth of waterways, trade routes, imperial cities and virgin landscapes, Northern Europe is a magical yacht charter zone. From the wild glacial majesty of Norway’s west coast to the infectious feel-good vibe of Denmark, the stylish modernity of Sweden and the cultural treasures of Russia’s Baltic coast, it has the variety to satisfy even the most ambitious charter yacht explorer.

C R U I S I N G ZO N E S ...

Norway • Denmark • Sweden • Russia

072 • 073

WHEN TO GO JUNE – AUGUST

072 • 073

IMPERIAL C H A R T E R D I R E C TO RY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE NORTHERN EUROPE

...

BALT IC BONANZA ...

In West Norway, where the fjords come into dramatic union with the open sea, Bergen grants easy access to thousand-metre cliffs, majestic waterfalls and blissful anchorages. For a more sophisticated slice of urban finesse, medieval Copenhagen, on the islands of Zealand and Amager, is arguably the most thrilling yacht charter base in Scandinavia.

If true nautical flavour is what you want, Sweden’s capital2is well placed, with the Baltic on one side and island-rich Lake Malaren on the other.

And for an unmatched cocktail of opulence, confidence and cultural vitality try St Petersburg, a truly iconic charter destination. ...

N O RT H E R N E U RO P E A N S N A P S H O T With wrecks, reefs and sheltered waters, Norway’s diving is world famous.

Copenhagen is a world hub for Michelin-starred restaurants.

Sweden comprises more than 24,000 islands and 95,000 lakes.

St Petersburg offers 64 rivers, 48 canals and 92 miles of coastline.

1

Norway Steep mountains • Colourful towns • Historic harbours • Majestic fjords Denmark Seafaring cities • Fine food • Striking modernity • Elegant heritage 3 Sweden Island culture • Healthy living • Upmarket style • Scenic splendour Russia Opulent palaces • Iconic museums • Boutique shops • Imperial heritage

2

4

NORTHERN EUROPE BALTIC BONANZA

Stockholm Arlanda Airport Bergan Airport 1

WHEN TO GO JUNE –AUGUST

Pulkovo Airport

3

Oslo Airport

4

2

Copenhagen Airport

074 • 075

IMPERIAL C H A R T E R D I R E C TO RY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE INDIAN OCEAN

...

INDIAN OCEAN ...

An Indian Ocean charter is about cutting yourself off from the rest of the world among remote island resorts, virgin palm forests, secluded coves and pearlescent coral atolls. The tiny tropical landscapes of the Seychelles and the Maldives feel almost overwhelmed by the ocean â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and yet their blissful seclusion is splendidly tempered by unimpeachable opulence and some of the rarest marine life on the planet.

C R U I S I N G ZO N E S ...

The Maldives â&#x20AC;˘ The Seychelles

WHEN TO GO DECEMBER –

OCTOBER

076 • 077

IMPERIAL C H A R T E R D I R E C TO RY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE INDIAN OCEAN

...

TROPICAL OCEAN ADVE N TURE S ...

Nowhere is more keenly tied to the sea than the Maldives. With 1,200 islands over 35,000 square miles of Indian Ocean, this tropical nation is more than 99% water.

The remaining 1% comprises a scattering of charter-friendly coral atolls, each with a saltwater lagoon hemmed in by a circular reef and inhabited by the world’s most spectacular marine life. From huge pods of dolphins to whale sharks, sperm whales, manta rays and hammerheads, a wildlife tour here is not about searching; it’s merely about opening your eyes. With its astonishing oceanic backdrops, the Maldives is a tropical yacht charter like no other. ...

S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A RY Region Maldives • Start Port Malé • End Port Malé • Distance < 260 Nm • Destinations 7 Alternative route Ari Atoll • Peak yachting season December to April • Time zone UTC + 5 hours 1 Malé is unlike anywhere else in the Maldives. Inside its mighty ring of seawalls lies a tight-packed high-rise cityscape, cut through with narrow streets and charged with the fractious clatter and bustle of an authentic 24-hour hub. An artificial beach on the east of the city provides welcome relief with a cooling summer swim.

2 Huvafen Fushi is an extraordinary oasis of five-star pampering in a delectable setting. Down at the shore, huge rays come to feed in the shallows by the chic beachside bar – and the tropical decadence continues elsewhere, with six gourmet restaurants, a famous subsurface spa and easy access to lots of equally alluring islets.

3 Rasdhoo The compact Rasdhoo Atoll comprises a near perfect ring of coral with Rasdhoo Island at its entry point and a pair of alternative resorts for visitors to consider in the form of Kuramathi and Veligandu. It’s a popular daytrip destination from the neighbouring resorts and it’s also a great place to go diving with hammerheads.

4 Landaa Giraavaru At the heart of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll lies Landaa Giraavaru and the famous Four Seasons Resort. With a vast natural lagoon and more than 40 acres of tropical island wilderness at your disposal, you can swim with rays and whale sharks, dine at one of three restaurants or luxuriate at the island spa.

5 Kanuhura Genteel but informal Kanuhura Island is a place where classical villas perch on stilts above the water’s surface. In addition to the obligatory spa, there are five upmarket restaurants, a useful watersports scene and even a nightclub.

Anchor off this lovely island and head ashore for a gourmet dining experience in spectacular surroundings.

6 Kaashidhoo Island Unlike most Maldive islands, Kaashidhoo is perched out on its own in an expanse of oceanic terrain. Bananas, lemons and watermelons are grown here and the lagoon also provides shelter for various northbound boats. With a scattering of Buddhist monuments to supplement its classic Maldive allure, this is one of the region’s most diverse and multi-textured resorts.

7 Dhiffushi On the eastern edge of the North Malé Atoll, Dhiffushi is one of the most tranquil islands in the Maldives.

Well-regarded Meerufenfushi Island with its resort, spa, restaurant and bar, is only a short hop north, but with its slower, more relaxed pace, Dhiffushi makes the ideal refuge before a return to the happy mayhem of Malé.

...

1

Malé –

2

RANGE Huvafen Fushi 16 Nm • 2 Huvafen Fushi – 3 Rasdhoo 25 Nm • 3 Rasdhoo – 4 Landaa Giraavaru 60 Nm 4 Landaa Giraavaru – 5 Kanuhura 35 Nm • 5 Kanuhura – 6 Kaashidhoo 40 Nm 6 Kaashidhoo – 7 Dhiffushi 35 Nm • 7 Dhiffushi – 1 Malé 42 Nm

MALDIVES TROPICAL OCEAN ADVENTURES

WHEN TO GO DECEMBER –

APRIL

5

4

6

2 7

3

1

Ibrahim Nasir international Airport

078 • 079

IMPERIAL C H A R T E R D I R E C TO RY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE INDIAN OCEAN

MALDIVES

...

A PRIVATE ISLAND ...

In conversation with Lexus Lian of fabled Maldives resort, Velaa Private Island ...

...

What differentiates the Maldives from the many other Indian Ocean destinations?

The Maldives is unique because there’s no single landmass that defines it.

It’s a scattering of islands in a very remote part of the ocean. You have to really commit if you want to come here.

Does Velaa have any special amenities that set it apart?

In addition to the golf course, we have a Finnish sauna and the only snow room in the Maldives. We have a Cloud Nine Pod too – a kind of pod that you sleep in with special music and lights and it’s supposed to give you the best, most regenerative sleep of your life. We were also the first resort to bring a submarine to the Maldives so, if you don’t want to scuba dive, you can hop on your own little submarine and head off under the water.

We really want to be a pioneer in terms of our luxury amenities and I think we’re leading the way.

How do first-time visitors react to the Maldives?

Well the capital, Malé, is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. It’s a very small Island. You can literally walk around in a day so it’s really just a base to catch a seaplane or a yacht to one of the outlying resorts. But once you’re on the seaplane transfer, you see what all the fuss is about. For instance, a plane trip to Velaa from Malé brings you 45 minutes of the most stunning views you can imagine. As you fly over the atolls, you see the islands, surrounded by white sandbanks and then the lagoons, glowing turquoise before the shallow water plunges off into that deep blue. Every time I make the flight, I just sit there transfixed. It is truly jaw dropping.

Is it that remoteness that appeals to people about the Maldives?

That’s part of it, definitely. You really are completely disconnected from the world out here - so much so that you forget another world even exists.

You can just be free, do what you want to do and live a life of the most exquisite luxury. There’s a huge focus on watertsports, as well as wellness – and a lot of resorts also class themselves as culinary destinations. I remember in the past that my screensaver was of some resort set in the Maldives, and you always think ‘This has to be touched up! The water can’t be this blue! No place can really be that beautiful!’ But when you come here it’s all of that and more.

So what’s the idea behind Velaa Private Island?

The owner bought this place because, as a regular visitor to the various resorts, he realised that being corporately owned by big name brands somehow undermined the visitor experience. He wanted to establish a place for him and his family that wasn’t constrained by guidelines. He looked here because its distance from Malé made it more tranquil and optimised the health of the reefs and the coral. The full name of the island is ‘Fushi Velavaru’, which means ‘Turtle Island’ because every year, the sea turtles flock to our beaches to dig their nests. That’s when he was determined to buy this place. Not only was it natural, but it was almost a symbol of the cycle of life. But it was always meant to be his personal home, so everything revolves around his family. He built a golf course for himself; he built a tennis court for his wife; he brought in the largest selection of watersports toys in the region and he built the largest aqua park in the Maldives – and the park was designed by his seven year-old daughter! So Velaa is not the product of a boardroom meeting. It’s not structured or formatted. It’s more organic. There’s more emotion, more thought, more love put into it.

What else is there to enjoy in the Maldives?

Reef diving is a major draw throughout this region. In fact, at Velaa, we have our own in-house team of marine biologists, funded directly by the owner. They run the largest coral nursery in the Maldives, growing coral and transplanting it back onto the reef to help attract marine life and enable the eco-system to thrive. The result is one of the best reefs you will ever see. You swim into the lagoon, past the wave breakers, where you enter that deep blue water and you just see this huge array of fish in every colour imaginable.

What is your favourite thing about Maldives?

Every day, I make a point of going to see the ocean. There’s something about that turquoise water that kind of washes everything away. You just jump into the lagoon and feel all your stress dissipate. The sunsets are spectacular here too. The sky turns this beautiful orangey-purple, which is something I’ve never seen before. You don’t realise how beautiful it can be until you come to a place like this, where there’s no pollution; no interference; no complications to cloud your view. ...

01 Velaa Private Island 02 Athiri Restaurant & Avi Bar 03 Velaa Private Residence - Living Room 04 Ocean Pool House - Bedroom 05 Velaa Golf Academy by Olazabal 06 Romantic Pool Residence - Over Water Gazebo

MALDIVES VELAA PRIVATE ISLAND

WHEN TO GO DECEMBER –

APRIL

01

02

04

03

05

06

080 • 0 81

IMPERIAL C H A R T E R D I R E C TO RY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE INDIAN OCEAN

6 5 7

Praslin Island Airport

4

2

3

Seychelles International Airport 1

SEYCHELLES PARADISE REDISCOVERED

WHEN TO GO APRIL – OCTOBER

...

PAR ADIS E RE DISC OVE RE D ...

A thousand miles off the African coast, in the western reaches of the Indian Ocean, the 115 equatorial islands that make up the Seychelles are the epitome of a tropical paradise. The natural arrangement of granite islands, curved coral reefs and sheltered saltwater lagoons makes the Seychelles an ideal venue for watersports – not least surfing, diving, fishing and kayaking. The chief cruising grounds tend to revolve around the three primary islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, but whichever region you choose, a Seychelles yacht charter encompasses steep, forested mountains, spectacular golden beaches and clear turquoise waters teeming with marine life. ...

S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A RY Region Seychelles • Start Port Mahé • End Port Praslin • Distance < 100 Nm • Destinations 7 Alternative route Desroches to Les Souers • Peak yachting season April to October • Time zone UTC + 4 hours 1 Mahé is often used as the central hub for a Seychelles charter holiday, but with around 70 beaches, plus a busy port and a lively market, the island is not without merit. Top entertainments include watching giant turtles, swimming with dolphins and hiking the tropical mountains of the Morne Seychellois National Park.

Silhouette Island is a place of astonishing loveliness. The walking, diving and fishing are superb and as both a national park and a national marine park, that’s not likely to change. But there’s luxury as well as rusticity here, with a selection of high-end spa developments, not least in the form of the five-star Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort.

2

Fregate Island As one of the largest private island resorts in the entire archipelago, Fregate’s white sandy beaches are an important wildlife haven for Hawksbill turtles and Aldabra giant tortoises. Aside from the inherent pleasures of isolation, there are also some super-exclusive holiday resorts and villas here – ideal for those intent on serious escape.

3

4 La Digue offers a very low-key form of tourism, with a modest peppering of guesthouses and restaurants, plus some watersports operators, bicycle providers and horse-riding companies. However, it remains at heart a simple Creole island, with ox carts, plantation houses and blissful white beaches – and it’s all the more appealing for that.

5 Grande Soeur and Petite Soeur sit at the eastern perimeter of the inner isles, near Félicité and Ile Cocos.

There are no moorings available but there are good anchorages on the western side of Grande Soeur, offering access to big ocean views, great walks, idyllic picnic opportunities and high-class diving in fish-rich waters.

6 Curieuse Despite the absence of any hotels or restaurants, the protected island of Curieuse remains a key destination for day-trippers from neighbouring Praslin. Its National Marine Park status means you have to pay to enter (and to moor overnight), but its mangrove forests, turtle breeding grounds and glorious dive sites certainly make up for that.

7 Praslin With its bleached, powdery sands, scatterings of pink boulders and magnificent bays and coves, the Seychelles’ second largest island is a beach lover’s paradise. Diving off the north coast is also a treat and the UNESCO-protected Vallée de Mai primeval palm forest is a place of international importance.

...

1

RANGE Mahé – 2 Silhouette Island 18 Nm • 2 Silhouette Island – 3 Fregate Island 41 Nm • 4 La Digue – 5 Grande Soeur 6 Nm • 5 Grande Soeur – 6 Curieuse 11 Nm •

3 6

Fregate Island – 4 La Digue 15 Nm Curieuse – 7 Praslin 8 Nm

082 • 083

IMPERIAL C H A R T E R D I R E C TO RY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE THE CARIBBEAN

WHEN TO GO DECEMBER –

APRIL

...

THE CARIBBEAN ...

The Caribbean is littered with uplifting destinations. From the peerless exclusivity of Mustique to the festival energy of the Bahamas, the textured colonial heritage of the Virgin Islands and the piratical narratives of Antigua; from Florida in the north to Bonaire in the south and Barbados in the east – this vast, multicultural maritime playground is a place of Paradise islands, open ocean wildlife and thrilling historical intrigue.

C R U I S I N G ZO N E S ...

Florida • Bahamas • Cuba • British Virgin Islands • Windward Islands • Leeward Islands

084 • 085

IMPERIAL C H A R T E R D I R E C TO RY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE THE CARIBBEAN

...

TROPICAL C OC K TAI L ...

Between the Gulf of Mexico and the open Atlantic, the Northern Caribbean is a place where cruise ships and charter yachts mingle with vast marine migrations, vibrant island cultures and deep-rooted nautical heritage. While once it was a hotbed of piracy, today its vibrant coral reefs are home to some of the world’s most legendary dive spots and wildlife sites. With its pungent mix of upmarket travellers, genial residents, lively tourist destinations and deserted tropical islands, it’s a truly memorable region. ...

S U G G E S T E D F L O R I DA I T I N E R A RY 1 Fort Lauderdale – 2 Miami 25 Nm • Miami – 3 Key Largo 42 Nm • Key Largo – 4 Islamorada 23 Nm Islamorada – 5 Marathon 28 Nm •Marathon – 6 Big Pine Key 20 Nm • Big Pine Key – 7 Key West 26 Nm

Florida From Palm Beach to Key West, the Sunshine State’s oceanic coastline marries city excitement with tropical seclusion to great effect. From the vibrant, Venetian-style superyacht hub of Fort Lauderdale to Miami’s Latin American vibe and the welcome serenity of the glittering Florida Keys archipelago, America’s cosmopolitan southwest is one of the greatest charter destinations in the world.

...

S U G G E S T E D B A H A M A S I T I N E R A RY 1 Nassau – 2 Eleuthera 60 Nm • Eleuthera – 3 Elbow Cay 110 Nm • Elbow Cay – 4 Marsh Harbour 7 Nm Marsh Harbour – 5 Treasure Cay 14 Nm • Treasure Cay – 6 Guana Cay 9 Nm • Guana Cay – 7 Paradise Island 105 Nm Bahamas With around 700 islands, comprising everything from tourist hotspots to untouched swellings of reef and rock,

the Bahamas is a destination of near mythical status. Shallow seas, warm water, fine beaches and exotic marine life make it a paradise for swimmers, watersports fans and anglers – and cultural tourists are also well served, with a relaxed lifestyle that continues to resonate with musical and nautical heritage.

...

S U G G E S T E D C U B A I T I N E R A RY 1 La Havana – 2 Maria La Gorda 220 Nm • Maria La Gorda – 3 Isla de la Juventud 100 Nm Isla de la Juventud – 4 Cuenfuegos 190 Nm • Cuenfuegos – 5 Ancón Beach 40 Nm • Ancón Beach – 6 Jardines de la Reina 85 Nm Cuba’s convoluted political history has given this island nation a fascinating patchwork of architectural styles, cuisines and striking regional peculiarities. With its proud heritage, its proliferation of iconic American muscle cars and the enduring musical vibe of its street culture, it’s not difficult to see why modern, effervescent Cuba is rapidly becoming a charter destination of choice.

1

José Martí International Airport 4 2

3

5

6

NORTH CARIBBEAN TROPICAL COCKTAIL

WHEN TO GO DECEMBER –

5

March Harbour International Airport

APRIL

6 4 3

1

Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport 2

Miami International Airport

3 4

7

6

Lynden Pindling International Airport

7 1

Rock Sound International Airport

2

5

086 • 087

IMPERIAL C H A R T E R D I R E C TO RY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE THE CARIBBEAN

...

H E RI TAGE + E LEGANC E ...

1

St Maarten – Saba –

2 5

S U G G E S T E D L E E WA R D S I T I N E R A RY Anguilla 13 Nm • Anguilla – 3 St Barths 22 Nm • St Barths – 4 Saba 25 Nm St Kitts 37 Nm • St Kitts – 6 Nevis 6 Nm • Nevis – 7 Antigua 40 Nm

The Leeward chain comprises several island nations, each with contrasting landscapes and cultural flavours.

From the international sophistication of ultra-chic St. Barths and Anguilla to the historical serenity of Antigua and the tropical tranquility of St. Kitts, its multifaceted profile is a treat for those in search of a diverse yacht charter. You can adapt your route to include some of the smaller destinations, like Barbuda, Nevis and Saba; or head further south for the dynamic, French-influenced islands of Montserrat, Dominica and Guadeloupe.

However, with its Georgian harbour, world-famous beaches, sumptuous resorts and elegant capital city, the idyllic Caribbean island of Antigua is a critical stopover on any Leeward yacht charter.

2

Clayton J Lloyd International Airport 1

Princess Juliana International Airport 3

4

5

Robert L Bradshaw International Airport

VC Bird International Airport

Vance W Amory International Airport 6 7

...

1

S U G G E S T E D V I R G I N S I T I N E R A RY St Thomas – 2 Jost Van Dyke 7 Nm • Jost Van Dyke – 3 Tortola 14 Nm • Tortola – 4 Virgin Gorda (4) 12 Nm Virgin Gorda – 5 Norman Island 16 Nm •Norman Island – 6 St John 3 Nm • St John – St Thomas 4 Nm

In the far northwest of the region, the Virgin Islands is a different experience again. The US islands are more lively, developed and glamorous; and the British Virgins are smaller, more authentic and more intimate. Enjoy the pristine habitats of Prickly Pear Island or the carnival energy of St Thomas; the rustic marketplaces of Tortola or the laid-back swagger of Cruz Bay. With its year-round sun, floating bars, wreck diving sites and vibrant cultural colour, this Caribbean destination is tailor-made for charter yacht adventure.

Beef Island Tortola Airport 2

Cyril E King International Airport

4

3

Virgin Gorda Airport 1 6 5

CENTRAL CARIBBEAN HERITAGE + ELEGANCE

WHEN TO GO DECEMBER –

APRIL

088 • 089

IMPERIAL C H A R T E R D I R E C TO RY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE THE CARIBBEAN

...

C A R N I VA L CRUISING ...

The Windward Islands is a complex chain of volcanic landmasses that punctures the surface of the eastern Caribbean – and from the French-influenced gastronomic hotspot of Martinique in the north to the famous spice island of Grenada in the south, it’s a place very much favoured by the world’s yacht charter elite. With steep, tropical peaks wrapped in thick rainforest and sheltered coves visible only to inbound yachts, it has also provided the dramatic backdrop to several swashbuckling Hollywood films. As a charter destination, it offers a memorable scattering of reef, cay and islet and while both St Lucia and St Vincent are rich in rare wildlife, dramatic hiking routes and colonial heritage, the peerless privacy of Mustique makes it one of the world’s most exclusive retreats.

...

S U G G E S T E D W I N DWA R D S I T I N E R A RY 1 Rodney Bay – 2 The Pitons 19 Nm • The Pitons – 3 St Vincent 49 Nm St Vincent – 4 Bequia 11 Nm • Bequia – 5 Mustique 13 Nm •Mustique – 6 Grenada 69 Nm 1

2

Hewanorra International Airport

3

ET Joshua Airport 4

5

6

Maurice Bishop International Airport

WINDWARD ISLANDS CARNIVAL CRUISING

WHEN TO GO DECEMBER –

APRIL

090 • 091

IMPERIAL C H A R T E R D I R E C TO RY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE THE AMERICAS

WHEN TO GO JANUARY –

DECEMBER

...

THE AMERICAS ...

From Alaska in the north to Antarctica in the south and from the Atlantic east to the Pacific west, the opportunity for adventure here is fantastically rich. Whether you favour the lost Mayan civilisations of Belize, the magnificent melting pot of Panama or San Francisco’s urban energy, this thrilling region of jungle-drenched volcanic landscapes and vast, creaking glaciers offers a variety and scale unmatched anywhere else in the world.

C R U I S I N G ZO N E S ...

Alaska • North California • Nicaragua • Costa Rica • Belize Panama • Galapagos • Patagonia • Antarctica

092 • 093

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE THE AMERICAS

...

LANDMARKS + HINTERLANDS ...

The ‘Pacific Northwest’, between Alaska and northern California, exhibits an invigorating dynamic between the wild and the well heeled. Alaska is a powerful affirmation of nature’s scale – from intimidating mountains and rolling glaciers to the fearsome spectacle of whales, bears and eagles. San Francisco Bay, however, is a hotbed of fabled urban icons, like Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, all wrapped up in a rich landscape of surfing beaches, verdant vineyards, yacht-friendly coves and National Parks. ...

N O RT H W E S T A M E R I C A S N A P S H O T 1

Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the United States combined

Of the United States’ 20 highest peaks, 17 are in Alaska There are more than 3,000 rivers and 3 million lakes in Alaska 2

Northern California Much of old San Francisco was made from prospectors’ deserted ships

San Francisco is built on the tip of a peninsula with water on three sides Its cool sea climate makes San Francisco a year-round charter venue

NORTHWEST AMERICA LANDMARKS + HINTERLANDS

WHEN TO GO MAY – SEPTEMBER

Juneau International Airport 1

San Francisco International Airport 2

Los Angeles International Airport

094 • 095

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE THE AMERICAS

...

TRANSOCEANIC E XPLOR AT ION ...

Though it might lack the slick gentrification of the world’s most exclusive yachting destinations, the unpasteurised wildness of Central America’s charter scene is a big draw. Dense jungle landscapes are littered with lakes, rivers, ancient architectural sites and smouldering volcanoes. The towns and villages abound with intoxicating Creole flavours and the unique twin-coast geography offers not just a Caribbean coastline full of desert island delights, but a Pacific shore with big surf beaches and open ocean sport.

From exotic Belize to dynamic Panama, Spanish-flavoured Nicaragua and wild Costa Rica, the natural generosity of this yacht charter venue is the stuff of legend. ...

CENTRAL AMERICA SNAPSHOT Belize Virgin jungle • Mayan ruins • Subsurface adventure • Eco-escapism Nicaragua Pacific fishing • Wreck diving • Outdoor adventure • Creole culture 3 Costa Rica Volcanic landscapes • Exotic wildlife • Big surf beaches • ‘Pura vida’ (the pure life) 4 Panama Piratical heritage • World trade • Cultural dynamism • International glamour Galapagos Unique biodiversity • Ecological significance • Outdoor exploration • Protected environments 1

2

5

CENTRAL AMERICA TRANSOCEANIC EXPLORATION

WHEN TO GO NOVEMBER –

MAY

Philip SW Goldson International Airport 1

2

Augusto César Sandino International Airport

3 5

4

Tocumen International Airport

Tobias Bolanos International Airport Aeropuerto de General Villamil

096 • 097

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE THE AMERICAS

Ezeiza International Airport

Comandante Armando International Airport

1

Rio Grande Airport

Ushuaia - Malvinas Argentinas International

2

SOUTH AMERICA FRONTIER EXPEDITIONS

WHEN TO GO NOVEMBER –

MARCH

...

FRONTIER EXPEDITIONS ...

While Brazil might enjoy a reputation as the jewel of South America’s yacht charter scene, the regions in the far south offer something unmatched in the rest of the world.

At the southernmost tip of the mainland, where the Pacific and Atlantic oceans clash at infamous Cape Horn, the opportunities for adventure are fantastically rich. Here at the bottom end of the Andes, Chile and Argentina exhibit a truly intrepid, ‘frontier-style’ yachting experience – and as you head further south, the extremes intensify at the Antarctic Peninsula, gateway to the world’s most inhospitable continent. ...

SOUTH AMERICA SNAPSHOT Patagonia The Valdes Peninsula is a major whale and penguin-watching destination

1

Patagonia is peppered with fjords, glaciers, forests, lakes and hot springs Ushuaia is the world’s southernmost city and a key post for Antarctic voyages 2

Antarctica The cruising grounds expand and contract with the ice and the seasons

Antarctica is the highest, driest and coldest continent on earth The absence of people makes Antarctic wildlife uniquely approachable

098 • 099

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE SOUTHEAST ASIA

WHEN TO GO NOVEMBER –

APRIL

...

SOUTHEAST ASIA ...

This vast charter region is home to some of the world’s most thrilling archipelagos, coral reefs, sea caves and party capitals. It encompasses the wild islands of Indonesia; the famous dive sites of the Philippines; the slick, urban glitter of international city-state, Singapore; the rustic anchorages of Vietnam; and the spectacular food, scenery and people of Thailand.

C R U I S I N G ZO N E S ...

Indonesia • Philippines • Singapore • Vietnam • Thailand

10 0 • 101

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE SOUTHEAST ASIA

Da Nang Airport 4

Ninoy Aquino International Airport 2

Tan Son Nhat International Airport Francisco Bangoy International Airport

3

Changi International Airport

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport 1

Nhurah Rai International Airport

SOUTHEAST ASIA FILMSET BACKDROPS

WHEN TO GO NOVEMBER –

APRIL

...

FILMSET BAC KDROPS ...

A yacht charter voyage in Southeast Asia is all about steep, jungle-topped limestone islands, with turquoise bays, vast cave networks, subsurface wildlife and spectacular cuisine. However, it’s also about radical contrasts. You can sip Champagne with the jet set among the glittering hotel bars of mega-rich Singapore or you can haggle for street food in the ramshackle markets of Vietnam’s gruff shoreline settlements. With its exotic concoction of ancient histories, welcoming attitudes and Western-influenced Indo-Chinese cultures, a Southeast Asian yacht charter is an extraordinary thrill. ...

SOUTHEAST ASIA SNAPSHOT Indonesia Remote islands • Unique wildlife • Tropical waters • Off-grid adventure Philippines Yachting tranquility • Urban hedonism • High-class diving • Exotic food Singapore Urban modernity • Multinational culture • Impeccable quality • Upmarket entertainment 4 Vietnam Traditional towns • Private beaches • Dramatic scenery • Idyllic anchorages 1

2

3

10 2 • 10 3

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

CRUISING GUIDE SOUTHEAST ASIA

...

ANDAMAN ARC HIPE L AGOS ...

While the vast majority of Thailand is landlocked, its southern region juts out beyond Burma, creating a pair of dramatic coastlines – one with the Andaman Sea in the west and one with the Gulf of Thailand in the east. The Gulf coast is certainly a wonderful holiday destination, not least in the form of its world famous Samui archipelago, but with a more settled climate and a prolific wealth of natural, cultural and social treasures, the Andaman coast is among the most alluring destinations in the world.

The Andaman Sea also happens to be a very ingratiating playground for the touring yachtsman. It has a wealth of sheltered anchorages and the island of Phuket in Phang Nga Bay is a world-class hub for charter exploration. It offers glorious multicultural cuisines, endless beaches, great scenery, friendly people and a party scene of peerless effervescence. The hundred or so islands in the bay are just as magnetic – exploding almost vertically from the azure waters, with the kind of A-list beauty that has seen them appear in various Hollywood films and achieve worldwide fame as the pinnacle of the Southeast Asian superyacht scene. However, a round trip down the Thai west coast, from Phuket towards Langkawi and Koh Rawi, on the cusp of the Malay border, makes a truly memorable charter – and, arguably, a more diverse and thrilling one even than the fabled waters of Phang Nga Bay. ...

THAILAND SNAPSHOT 1 Phuket – 2 Phi Phi 25 Nm • Phi Phi – 3 Koh Lanta 22 Nm • Koh Lanta – 4 Langkawi 95 Nm Langkawi – 5 Koh Rawi 45 Nm • Koh Rawi – 6 Koh Racha 80 Nm • Koh Racha – Phuket 18 Nm Thailand’s complex 1,800-mile coastline offers great charter flexibility The Phang Nga islands have starred in various films including James Bond Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, is a popular stopover for cruise ships The Similan Islands, northwest of Phuket, are a major Andaman attraction Nearby Koh Panyee is a famous village built entirely on stilts Patong Beach on Phuket’s western shore is the region’s premier party venue

THAILAND ANDAMAN ARCHIPELAGOS

WHEN TO GO NOVEMBER –

APRIL

Phuket International Airport Krabi Airport

1

2

6 3

5 4

Langkawi International Airport

10 4 • 10 5

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY 2020 VESSELS FOR CHARTER

2020 ...

YAC H T DIRECTORY ...

Whether you favour a 30-metre motor cruiser, an 80-metre sailboat or a 130-metre superyacht, our world-leading charter portfolio has the solution

10 8 • 10 9

...

F LY I N G FOX L Ü R S S E N 136 .0 0 m

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY 2020 VESSELS FOR CHARTER

IMPERIAL FLEET VESSEL

...

LANA

TRANQUILITY

O ’P TASIA

S AVA N N A H HERE COMES THE SUN RoMEA SOLO

11 . 11 SARASTAR

FORMOSA

ILLUSION V

O ’MATHILDE LILI LAURENTIA PA PA IRISHA DA VINCI VERTIGE OURANOS

HOME MY SECRE T

AVA N T GA R D E 2 WILLOW LEGENDA

BUILDER

136.00m 107.00m 93.00m 91.50m 85.00m 83.50m 83.00m 81.80m 72.00m 63.00m 60.20m 60.00m 58.00m 56.00m 55.00m 55.00m 55.00m 51.00m 50.00m 50.00m 49.90m 49.80m 46.70m 42.60m 42.00m 41.10m

Lürssen 25 Benetti 12 Feadship 12 Oceanco 18 Golden Yachts 12 Feadship 12 Amels 12 Abeking & Rasmussen 12 Tankoa Yachts 12 Benetti 12 Mondomarine 12 Benetti 12 Benetti 12 Golden Yachts 12 Amels 12 Heesen 12 Amels 10 Heesen 10 Mangusta Yachts 12 Tankoa Yachts 12 Admiral 12 Heesen 12 Heesen 12 CRN Ancona 11 Benetti 10 Mondomarine 10

... ...

F LY I N G F OX

LADY S

LENGTH

GUESTS

RATE* WINTER / SUMMER REGION WINTER / SUMMER

... ...

€3,500,000 / €4,000,000 €1,700,000 / €1,700,000 €1,470,000 / €1,470,000 €1,100,000 / €1,100,000 €800,000 / €800,000 Please enquire / €1,000,000 €1,200,000 / €1,200,000 €875,000 / €875,000 €595,000 / €650,000 €650,000 / €650,000 €364,000 / €364,000 €400,000 / €400,000 $350,000 / €350,000 €220,000 / €220,000 €290,000 / €290,000 $490,000 / €490,000 $315,000 / €315,000 €280,000 / Please enquire €225,000 / Please enquire $250,000 / Please enquire €210,000 / €210,000 $240,000 / Please enquire €195,000 / €195,000 Please enquire / €140,000 Please enquire / €154,000 Please enquire / €135,000

...

Indian Ocean / Mediterranean Please enquire / Mediterranean Caribbean / Mediterranean Indian Ocean, SE Asia / West Mediterranean Mediterranean / Mediterranean Please enquire / S Pacific Caribbean / Mediterranean Indian Ocean, SE Asia / Mediterranean Caribbean / Mediterranean Caribbean / Mediterranean Caribbean / Mediterranean Mediterranean / Mediterranean Please enquire / Please enquire E Mediterranean / E Mediterranean Caribbean / Americas, South Pacific Caribbean / Mediterranean SE Asia / W Mediterranean W Mediterranean / W Mediterranean W Mediterranean / W Mediterranean Caribbean / Mediterranean Mediterranean / Mediterranean Caribbean / Caribbean W Mediterranean / W Mediterranean Please enquire / W Mediterranean Please enquire / W Mediterranean Please enquire / Mediterranean

M O T O R YAC H T S VESSEL

LENGTH

SANDS

35.70m Maiora 33.00m Ferretti Yachts 29.90m Riva 28.95m Benetti 24.01m Ferretti Yachts 23.25m Riva 22.60m Princess Yachts 21.25m Princess Yachts

...

DECEMBER SIX RAPH SEVEN URIAMIR EPIC DEMA NELENA SHAWLIFE

BUILDER

... ...

GUESTS

RATE*

12 12 10 11 8 6 6 8

Please enquire €105,000 €110,000 €88,000 €50,000 €38,000 €36,000 Please enquire

... ...

SAILING FLEET VESSEL

...

MALTESE FALCON AQUIJO VERTIGO PA N T H A L A SS A

LENGTH

BUILDER

GUESTS

... ...

RATE* WINTER / SUMMER REGION WINTER / SUMMER

...

88.00m 86.00m 67.20m 56.00m

Perini Navi Oceanco – Vitters Alloy Yachts Perini Navi

12 12 12 12

$480,000 / €480,000 €450,000 / €550,000 €245,000 / €245,000 Please enquire / Please enquire

Caribbean / Mediterranean Caribbean / Mediterranean Caribbean / Mediterranean Please enquire / Mediterranean

... ...

* Charter rate begins at this figure – stated sum represents the minimum weekly charter rate. Rates & charter lengths vary.

• Charter rates are quoted per week for the hire of the yacht but a charter period can be of any length.

• Charter periods are calculated pro-rata against the weekly rate. High-season rates apply to the most popular charter periods (i.e. July, August, Christmas and New Year) and are normally applicable to all major events such as the Monaco Grand Prix & the Cannes Film Festival. Low season rates apply to all other periods.

• All rates are correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.

CHARTER INDEX SPECIFICATION SUMMARY

11 0 â&#x20AC;¢ 111

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

MOTOR YACHTS FOR CHARTER

...

IMPERIAL FLEET ...

Create the setting for unforgettable experiences aboard our 2020 portfolio of superyachts

112 • 11 3

...

F LY I N G FOX L Ü R S S E N 136 .0 0 m

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

F LY I N G F OX 1 3 6 . 0 0 M E T R E S / 11 C A B I N S

FLYING FOX ...

L E N G T H 13 6 . 0 0 M E T R E S

11 4 â&#x20AC;¢ 115

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

F LY I N G F OX 1 3 6 . 0 0 M E T R E S / 11 C A B I N S

11 6 â&#x20AC;¢ 11 7

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

F LY I N G F OX S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2019 • Length 136.00m / 446’ 2” • Builder Lürssen • Guests 25 in 11 Double cabins Crew 55 • Cruising speed 15 knots • Winter rate from €3,500,000 /week • Summer rate from €4,000,000 /week Winter cruising area Indian Ocean • Summer cruising area Mediterranean ...

Exclusive to Imperial • The largest superyacht currently on the charter market • 12-metre transverse pool • Central lift serving all guest areas Wide aft decks, with an impressive exterior galley and dinning area for 20+ guests on Bridge deck • PYC compliant: 25 guests in 11 cabins Inside and outside cinemas • Fully private Owner’s suite including a full-beam Master cabin with salon Double height main salon • 400sqm two-floor Spa including Hammam, massage rooms, Cryosauna, Jacuzzi, Beauty centre & Gym Incredible array of water toys and professional PADI-certified Dive Centre with 3-person decompression chamber

F LY I N G F OX 1 3 6 . 0 0 M E T R E S / 11 C A B I N S

11 8 â&#x20AC;¢ 11 9

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

...

S E V E N-S TA R S PA ...

Pioneering wellness with FLYING FOX Spa Manager, Kayleigh Westgarth

F LY I N G F OX 1 3 6 . 0 0 M E T R E S / 11 C A B I N S

01

02

05

04

03

06

07

...

...

How did you achieve the position of Spa Manager?

I originally began in the beauty and massage industry on cruise ships, before moving into five-star land-based spas. I then headed into the luxury yachting sector, where I’ve been working for eight years now.

But during that time, I’ve stepped out every now and then. I’ve worked for an Olympic-level athlete, as well as operating at various spa retreats in central America, and that’s given me some radically different perspectives on the spa world – and a very versatile repertoire.

Why do you think the on board spa has become so important?

When I first started on boats, the facials and the massages were fairly basic because the spaces were relatively small. But as superyachts have become larger and more advanced, it has become a natural progression. We can now incorporate various different product ranges and the machines that go along with them – like hypobaric oxygen treatments, which are very much a results-driven practice. I think people have also become much more aware of the stresses of daily life and the importance of making time for yourself.

So in addition to enjoying the indulgences of a beautiful chef or of nights out or of wakeboarding or kite surfing in exotic waters, they can take the time to come to us; to slow the pace; to relax and recuperate.

What makes the spa special on board FLYING FOX? When I joined FLYING FOX in the summer of 2017, I did so in the yard.

The spa was literally just an empty 400-square-metre space over two floors and it felt like a massive challenge. Nothing had been put in yet, but it meant I was able to give my input from an operational side. I gave advice on the kinds of product we would use, the equipment we’d need and where it would fit into the structure, making sure everything flowed with the designers’ ideas. What we essentially did was create the spa from a shell and the result is something special. Certain areas of the spa open out literally onto the ocean, so you can hear it while you’re being treated and that adds a lovely sensory element to the experience.

What facilities does Flying Fox offer?

One of our highlights is our cryo-sauna, which has the capacity to go down to minus 110 degrees. It forms quite an integral part of our service - for wellbeing, for weight loss, for metabolism, for anti-ageing and especially for muscle recovery. Traditionally, they were only used for athletes and medical professionals, so it’s only entered the wellness arena very recently. But people have quickly realised how extraordinary the health benefits can be. We also have an exceptional hammam, plus a wet massage room with hydro-bath, and a couple’s dry massage room, where we offer all of our facials and various different types of massage.

Our underpinning philosophy is simply to provide a seven-star spa and seven-star treatments to every guest that walks through the door.

Does globetrotting give you a fresh perspective on treatments?

Oh, a hundred per cent. When we visited Turkey, I made a point of experiencing a traditional Turkish Hammam ritual, so we could make sure we are as true to the treatment as possible. And wherever we go, even if for a short time, we try to make sure we sample the best of the local treatments with a view to adding them to our repertoire. It means we are always in a position to do something that’s better tailored to a place, a time or a person.

Does the spa world move that fast that you need to keep your skills updated?

Absolutely. There’s no doubt that, as you become more experienced and more comfortable in the spa environment, the quality of your treatment gets better - but to remain at the very top of the game, we need to ensure that the entire spa department takes every opportunity to add to its expertise with training. We need to offer the most flawless treatments available. Our guests expect the best and that’s exactly what they get. ...

01 02 03 04 05 06 07

Various areas of the Spa enjoy direct access to the open sea The Spa covers 400 square metres over two floors The Dry Massage room is set up to cater for couples The Wet Massage room features a hydro-bath The Cryo Sauna is an outstanding treatment for muscular fatigue Everything is engineered to maximise client relaxation FLYING FOX’s Hammam is among the finest on the charter market

12 0

Do guests select FLYING FOX on account of the spa?

I would hope so, because we have so much to offer them – more in fact than almost any other charter superyacht in the world. We want them to walk into the spa and feel that it adds an extraordinary element of luxury and indulgence to their charter experience. We want them to wander down after breakfast or lunch and feel like they’re in the most serene and tranquil environment imaginable. I certainly couldn’t think of anywhere better to spend my time.

What’s your most popular treatment?

Our signature treatment is a combination of Thai and Hawaiian lomi lomi massage. It envelopes the whole body, so it’s a great introduction to the spa.

Not only does it bring the client complete relaxation but it also enables us to get to know the client’s body and the client’s needs.

• 121

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

LANA 107. 0 0 M E T R E S / 8 C A B I N S

LANA ...

L E N G T H 107. 0 0 M E T R E S

12 2 â&#x20AC;¢ 12 3

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

LANA S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2020 • Length 107.00m / 351’ 05” • Builder Benetti • Guests 12 in 8 Double cabins Crew 32 • Cruising speed 16 knots • Winter rate from €1,700,000 /week • Summer rate from €1,700,000 /week Winter cruising area Please enquire • Summer cruising area Mediterranean ...

Exclusive to Imperial • One of the three only 100m+ superyacht built by Benetti available for charter 8-metre pool on Sun deck • Touch-and-go Helipad • Impressive high ceilings on all interior Fully-equipped Spa with Hammam, Sauna or Gym • Large array of water toys and tenders

LANA 107. 0 0 M E T R E S / 8 C A B I N S

12 4 â&#x20AC;¢ 12 5

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

LADY S S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2019 • Length 93.00m / 305’ • Builder Feadship • Guests 12 guests in 1 Master, 2 VIP, 2 Double & 2 Twins cabins Crew 33 • Cruising speed 14 knots • Winter rate from €1,470,000 /week • Summer rate from €1,470,000 /week Winter cruising area Caribbean • Summer cruising area Mediterranean ...

Imax cinema• Space for 5-a-side football, golf, volleyball and basketball • 2 outdoor pizza ovens • Spa 200” CSEED TV • 2 VIP suites with balconies, plunge pool • 2 outdoor fire pits

LADY S 93.00 METRES / 7 CABINS

12 6 â&#x20AC;¢ 12 7

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

TRANQUILITY S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2014 • Length 91.50m / 300’ 2” • Builder Oceanco • Guests 18 in 9 Double, 2 Twin and 2 Convertible cabins Crew 31 • Cruising speed 15 knots • Winter rate from €1,100,000 /week • Summer rate from €1,100,000 /week Winter cruising area Maldives & Thailand • Summer cruising area Mediterranean ...

5,000nm Trans-Oceanic range • Guest elevator • Spa complete with sauna, Hammam and massage room Vast swimming pool (20m3) on deck with jets • Unique experiences such as experiential shower and plunge pool Fully equipped gymnasium • Excellent crew-guest ration • Spectacular beach club

TRANQUILITY 9 1 . 5 0 M E T R E S / 11 C A B I N S

12 8 â&#x20AC;¢ 12 9

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

O’PTASIA 8 5 . 0 0 M E T R E S / 11 C A B I N S

O ’P TASIA S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2018 • Length 85.00m / 278’1” • Builder Golden Yachts • Guests 12 in 8 Double & 3 Twin cabins Crew 28 • Cruising speed 17 knots • Winter rate from €800,000 /week • Summer rate from €800,000 / week Winter cruising area Mediterranean, Croatia & Red Sea • Summer cruising area Mediterranean, Croatia & Red Sea ...

Large exterior social areas • Relaxing Beach club • Wide Sun deck with Swimming pool Touch-and-go Helipad • Cinema • VIP suite with private cinema room • Spa area • Gym

13 0 • 131

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

SAVANNAH 83.5 METRES / 6 CABINS

S AVA N N A H S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2015 • Length 83.50m / 273’ 11” • Builder Feadship • Guests 12 in 4 Double & 2 Twin cabins Crew 24 • Cruising speed 14 knots • Winter rate from Please enquire • Summer rate from €1,000,000 / week Winter cruising area Please enquire • Summer cruising area South Pacific ...

Spectacular and expansive interior • Multiple skylights • Underwater observation lounge • Exceptional swimming pool Elevator serving all interior decks • Spa with Hammam, massage, facials and nail treatments available

13 2 • 13 3

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

HERE COMES THE SUN S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2017 • Length 83.00m / 272’ 4” • Builder Amels • Guests 12 in 9 Double (4 Convertible) cabins Crew 25 • Cruising speed 12.5 knots • Winter rate from €1,200,000 /week • Summer rate from €1,200,000 / week Winter cruising area Caribbean • Summer cruising area Mediterranean ...

More than 1,000 metres of exterior deck space • Large volume over six decks • Huge private Owner’s deck (300 square meters) Spa area including Sauna and steam room • Enormous Beach club with grand bar • Self-playing grand piano Magnificent selection of water toys • 10.5m Limousine Tender & 9.2m Tender Performance D-RIB

HERE COMES THE SUN 83.00 METRES / 9 CABINS

13 4 â&#x20AC;¢ 13 5

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

RoMEA 81. 8 0 M E T R E S / 6 C A B I N S

Ro M E A ...

L E N G T H 81. 8 0 M E T R E S

13 6 â&#x20AC;¢ 13 7

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

RoMEA 81. 8 0 M E T R E S / 6 C A B I N S

RoMEA S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2015 • Length 81.8m /268’ 4” • Builder Abeking & Rasmussen • Guests 12 in 4 Double & 2 Twin cabins • Crew 23 Cruising speed 14 knots • Winter rate from €875,000 / week • Summer rate from €875,000 /week Winter cruising area Indian Ocean, South-East Asia • Summer cruising area Mediterranean ...

One of the biggest motor yachts available in the Mediterranean • Elevator • Indoor & outdoor cinemas Six large staterooms with owner’s full-beam private area including an extra children’s double cabin • Impressive selection of water toys Outstanding interiors decorated with high-end luxury furniture • Beach club with steam room & Jacuzzi Exclusive Spa with all facilities, including dedicated massage/beauty therapy areas

13 8 • 13 9

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

SOLO S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2018 • Length 72m / 236’ • Builder Tankoa Yachts • Guests 12 in 4 Double & 2 Twin cabins Crew 18 • Cruising speed 15 knots • Winter rate from €595,000 / week • Summer rate from €650,000 / week Winter cruising area Caribbean • Summer cruising area Mediterranean ...

Oversized beach club with a lounge/bar area, hammam & sauna with a sea view & balcony • Harmonious interior layout Infinity pool on the aft deck & large Jacuzzi on the upper aft deck • Private touch-&-go helipad converting into a dance floor Owner’s deck including a private studio & terrace with Jacuzzi • Fully-equipped Gym & massage room with sea views & folding balcony

SOLO 72.00 METRES / 6 CABINS

14 0 â&#x20AC;¢ 141

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

11 . 11 63.00 METRES / 6 CABINS

11 . 11 S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2015 • Length 63m / 206’ 8” • Builder Benetti • Guests 12 in 4 Double & 2 Twin cabins Crew 16 • Cruising speed 14 knots • Winter rate from €650,000 / week • Summer rate from €650,000 / week Winter cruising area Caribbean • Summer cruising area Mediterranean ...

Art Deco interiors • Master suite with 180-degree views & private Sun deck Steam room & Massage room • Oversized Jacuzzi on Sun deck

14 2 • 14 3

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

SARASTAR S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2017 • Length 60.20m / 197’6” • Builder Mondomarine • Guests 12 in 5 Double & 1 Twin cabins Crew 15 • Cruising speed 18 knots • Winter rate from €364,000 / week • Summer rate from €364,000 / week Winter cruising area Mediterranean• Summer cruising area Mediterranean ...

Sleek & modern exteriors • High-end custom designed interior with onyx, exotic marbles & semi-precious stones Beach club & large swim platform • Gym • Impressive selection of water toys

SARASTAR 60.20 METRES / 6 CABINS

14 4 â&#x20AC;¢ 14 5

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

FORMOSA 60.00 METRES / 6 CABINS

FORMOSA S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2015 • Length 60.00m / 196’10’’ • Builder Benetti • Guests 12 in 5 Double & 1 Twin cabins Crew 15 • Cruising speed 14 knots • Winter rate from €400,000 / week • Summer rate from €400,000 / week Winter cruising area Southeast Asia • Summer cruising area Mediterranean ...

Bright, clean & contemporary style by SINOT design • Observation deck • Upper deck cinema room Drop-down swim platform • Glass elevator • Master suite with private terrace and study

14 6 • 14 7

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

ILLUSION V S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2014 • Length 58.00m / 190’ 3” • Builder Benetti • Guests 3 Double & 3 Twin (1 Convertible) cabins Crew 13 • Cruising speed 12 knots • Winter rate from $350,000 /week • Summer rate from €350,000 / week Winter cruising area Please enquire • Summer cruising area Please enquire ...

Versatile accommodation • Custom A/V and in-room controls • Wine cellar and humidor Crew of 13 • On board gym equipment • Scuba gear • Jetsurf Board

ILLUSION V 58.00 METRES / 7 CABINS

14 8 â&#x20AC;¢ 14 9

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

O’MATHILDE 56.00 METRES / 7 CABINS

O ’MATHILDE S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2018 • Length 56.00m / 183’ 9” • Builder Golden Yachts • Guests 12 in 5 Double & 2 Twin cabins Crew 12 • Cruising speed 15 knots • Winter rate from €220,000 /week • Summer rate from €220,000 / week Winter cruising area East Mediterranean, Croatia & Red Sea • Summer cruising area East Mediterranean, Croatia & Red Sea ...

Clean and contemporary interior styling • Ample space for dining, relaxing and socializing Expansive 70 sqm Master suite on upper deck • Fully-equipped alfresco gym • Drop-down swim platform

15 0 • 151

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

LILI 55.00 METRES / 6 CABINS

LILI ...

LENGTH 55.00 METRES 15 2 â&#x20AC;¢ 15 3

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

LILI 55.00 METRES / 6 CABINS

LILI S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2017 • Length 55.00m / 180’5” • Builder Amels • Guests 12 in 4 Double & 2 Twin cabins Crew 13 • Cruising speed 13.5 knots • Winter rate from €290,000 / week • Summer rate from €290,000 /week Winter cruising area Caribbean • Summer cruising area Americas, South Pacific ...

Customised Amels 180 Limited Edition • Teppanyaki BBQ Grill and Sky lounge Cinema on Sun deck Exclusive layout with two Master cabins: Owner suite with private aft deck on Upper deck, and VIP stateroom on Main deck 105” LED Samsung with surround sound on Main deck salon and AVIT - Sonos/Vidabox system throughout the vessel Beach club with steam room • Folding balconies on port and starboard main deck and VIP cabin Gym on Main Deck with treadmill and cross trainer equipment • Four-metre swimming pool with counter-current jets system

15 4 • 15 5

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

01

...

GLOBAL KITCHEN ...

A world of flavours with MY LILIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Head Chef, Richard Lewis

02

03

04

05

LILI 55.00 METRES / 6 CABINS

...

How did you become the chef on a yacht like LILI? In the catering world, if you don’t evolve with the latest trends and learn from other chefs, you become obsolete. So as a young chef in London, I booked myself a one-way ticket to the other side of the world. I travelled Australia and New Zealand, spent some time in South East Asia, eating, cooking and working. I spent nearly five years doing that. Then I spent six months in the French ski resorts looking for private clients and it’s from there that I moved into the luxury superyacht industry. I’ve been in yachting for seven years now and I have to say, I love it.

Presumably you can now absorb more gastronomic influences than ever?

Absolutely. We’re in Sicily right now (August 2019) and only this morning, I was out exploring the local markets. It’s great in that regard. I get to go behind the fish counter and make handmade swordfish sausages with the local Sicilian men. These are things I’ve never seen before so going to the markets, speaking to the people, eating in the local restaurants, learning their techniques, experiencing their flavours. This all enhances what I’m able to bring back to the superyacht and cook for our guests.

Do your charter guests embrace that?

A lot of charter clients know what they want, but others aren’t sure until you put it in front of them. That’s exciting because I get the chance to show them what I can do; to unveil what I’ve found for them. It enables me to give them a new experience and a special memory of their time on board that’s directly related to food.

How does your food differ from that of a high-end shoreside restaurant?

When you’re staying on a superyacht, surrounded by 2 and 3 Michelin Star restaurants, we actually encourage our guests to go and experience that. After all, that’s what I’d want to be doing in their position. When they’re on board, they can have whatever they like but they rarely want non-stop fine dining. Sometimes they want food they’re comfortable with - nothing that scares them too much. And if they want a grilled cheese sandwich, they can have that but it’s my job to make sure it’s the best grilled cheese sandwich they will ever eat.

Where do you get your supplies?

We have the most amazing suppliers on standby. For instance, my pasta always comes from a little lady in Naples - the same lady every time. She sits there and makes all this beautiful, fresh, handmade pasta. She’s looked after me for a long time now and these are the kinds of people who make up the support network that you have to leverage when you’re the chef on a superyacht.

So you and LILI are on a world tour now?

That’s right. We’re starting off in the winter of 2019-2020 in the Caribbean, the home of Chilean seabass and Mahi and things like Caribbean shrimp. Then when we head through the Panama Canal and out into the Pacific. That will involve lots of Ecuadorianinfluenced food and I’m also a really big scuba diver, so there should be plenty of opportunities to indulge that. Then, in the spring of 2020, we’ll be heading north and cruising to Alaska, which I find really exciting because I’m not yet familiar with it. I’m expecting lots of snappers, lots of cold water fish, huge octopus and shrimp. And when it comes to meats, we’ll be in deer and game territory, so whatever they succeed in hunting is what we’ll eat. They are huge on halibut too. Some of the biggest halibut in the world have been caught up there. And vast King Crab the same span as my own arms. But it’s going to be cold outside, so things like clam chowder will go down particularly well.

Are there any parts of the world you particularly enjoy?

I’ve worked in Thailand and learned a great deal about authentic Thai cuisine, including some tastes that have really thrown me. But having spent time in Japan, I sway very much to authentic Japanese flavours. I like to use Japanese miso or yuzu to enhance my dishes. In fact, one of my favourite dishes at the moment is yuzu-baked banana, with a white miso-based butter sauce, topped with salted caramel satay ice-cream. It’s a simple flavour-packed dish that people always find satisfying.

...

LILI cruising the Seychelles in 2018 LILI head chef Richard Lewis Octopus gets the fine-dining treatment Alfresco lunch – sandy feet & secluded beach Example dishes from the extensive menu

15 6

01 02 03 04 05

Do some of your charter guests enjoy pushing the boundaries with food?

I’ve had six-year old boys at a breakfast table requesting wagu beef, only grade 7 and above, cooked medium with truffle sauce and mashed potato at 9:00 am. I’ve had four-year old children saying ‘My favourite dessert is Tahitian vanilla crème brulee’. But those challenges are great because we also enjoy pushing boundaries on their behalf.

For instance, we sometimes have a ‘White Party’ where the sun deck is dressed up with white veils. We serve the most exquisite fine dining food, like beluga caviar served on Champagne-infused John Dory fillet, next to a bowl of lemons filled with dry ice so you get the aroma of the lemons cascading across the table. But even then, it’s not about showing off. It’s about understanding the client and knowing what they will enjoy.

• 15 7

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

LAURENTIA S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2017 • Length 55.00m / 180’ 5” • Builder Heesen • Guests 12 in 4 Double and 2 Twin cabins Crew 13 • Cruising speed 13 knots • Winter rate from $490,000 /week • Summer rate from €490,000 / week Winter cruising area Caribbean • Summer cruising area Mediterranean ...

Open-air Cinema • Spacious 110sqm Beach club on Main deck aft with bar and Spa pool • Glass-enclosed Sky lounge Interiors of open-grain white oak and dark wenge accents • Large selection of water toys including Scuba diving equipment

LAURENTIA 55.00 METRES / 6 CABINS

15 8 â&#x20AC;¢ 15 9

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

PA PA 55.00 METRES / 5 CABINS

PA PA S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2019 • Length 55.00m / 180’ 5” • Builder Amels • Guests 10 in 4 Double & 1 Twin cabins Crew 13 • Cruising speed 13 knots • Winter rate from $315,000 /week • Summer rate from €315,000 /week Winter cruising area Phuket/Langkawi, South East Asia • Summer cruising area West Mediterranean ...

Numerous alfresco lounging spots • Fold-out balconies • Chic beach club at sea level Stunning sun deck cinema • Contemporary interiors • Sky lounge with custom-made football table

16 0 • 161

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

IRISHA 51 . 0 0 M E T R E S / 5 C A B I N S

IRISHA S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2018 • Length 51.00m / 167’4” • Builder Heesen • Guests 10 in 5 Double cabins Crew 9 • Cruising speed 15 knots • Winter rate from €280,000 /week • Summer rate from Please enquire Winter cruising area West Mediterranean • Summer cruising area West Mediterranean ...

Sleek silhouette inspired by a modern jet fighter aircraft, with a 25-knot top speed Eye-catching metallic blue hull and glass cockpit • Expansive exterior designed as an elegant outdoor living space Sliding doors transform the aft deck into a winter garden • Open-air Jacuzzi located on the sundeck Ultra-contemporary interior design • Beach club with massage area • Non-stop action thanks to a very wide range of water toys

16 2 • 16 3

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

DA VINCI S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2017 • Length 50.00m / 164’1” • Builder Mangusta Yachts • Guests 12 in 4 Double & 1 Twin cabins Crew 9 • Cruising speed 21 knots • Winter rate from €225,000 /week • Summer rate from Please enquire Winter cruising area West Mediterranean • Summer cruising area West Mediterranean ...

The largest Mangusta available on the charter market • Maximum speed up to 38 knots Wide side decks with impressive sightlines • Jacuzzi with large sunbeds & lounge areas on bow Wide & bright open-plan interior • Impressive selection of water toys

DA VINCI 50.00 METRES / 5 CABINS

16 4 â&#x20AC;¢ 16 5

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

VERTIGE S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2017 • Length 50.00m / 164’ • Builder Tankoa Yachts • Guests 12 guests in 5 Double & 1 Twin cabins Crew 9 • Cruising speed 14 knots • Winter rate from $250,000 / week • Summer rate from Please enquire Winter cruising area Caribbean • Summer cruising area Mediterranean ...

Very sleek lines & elegant behaviour at sea • The best outdoor spaces for sea lovers Large sundeck with Bar, sound system & Jacuzzi • Interior made of teak furnishings & cream & beige colors Full-beam master suite including two side balconies • Full selection of tenders & water toys

VERTIGE 50.00 METRES / 6 CABINS

16 6 â&#x20AC;¢ 167

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

OURANOS 49.90 METRES / 6 CABINS

OURANOS S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2016 • Length 49.90m / 163’ 9’’ • Builder Admiral • Guests 12 in 4 Double & 2 Convertible cabins Crew 12 • Cruising speed 16 knots • Winter rate from €210,000 / week • Summer rate from €210,000 / week Winter cruising area Mediterranean • Summer cruising area Mediterranean ...

Named as the most silent superyacht in her category as per RINA standards • Generous volumes & aggressive design Beach club terrace aft including Gym & Massage room • Jacuzzi on Sun deck • Elevator serving all decks Six-cabin layout including an impressive Master cabin • Contemporary interiors with two large salons

16 8 • 16 9

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

HOME 49.80 METRES / 6 CABINS

HOME S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2017 • Length 49.80m / 163’ 5” • Builder Heesen • Guests 12 in 4 Double & 2 Twin cabins Crew 9 • Cruising speed 12 knots • Winter rate from $240,000 /week • Summer rate from Please enquire Winter cruising area Caribbean • Summer cruising area Bahamas ...

Special ‘flying chair’ feature on the bow, which will thrill even the most seasoned charter client • Spacious sun deck with Jacuzzi Sun loungers and 360-degree views • Light and bright interior, offset with a sleek design theme of ‘Less is More’ Paddle boarding, fly boarding, plenty of towable toys, plus personal water craft and beach gear

17 0 • 171

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

MY SECRE T S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2012 • Length 46.70m / 153’3’’ • Builder Heesen • Guests 12 in 3 Double & 2 Twin cabins Crew 9 • Cruising speed 13 knots • Winter rate from €195,000 /week • Summer rate from €195,000 / week Winter cruising area West Mediterranean • Summer cruising area West Mediterranean ...

Jacuzzi on the Sun deck, • Zero-speed stabilisers to reduce any rolling motion while at anchor Enormous sundeck with flexible layouts • Full-beam Master cabin with study • Exceptionally efficient Heesen hull design

MY SECRET 46.70 METRES / 5 CABINS

17 2 â&#x20AC;¢ 173

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

AVA N T GA R D E 2 S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2010 (refit 2016) • Length 42.60m / 139’ 9” • Builder CRN Ancona • Guests 11 in 4 Double & 1 Twin cabins (+1 Pullman cabin) Crew 9 • Cruising speed 13 knots • Winter rate from Please enquire • Summer rate from €140,000 / week Winter cruising area Please enquire • Summer cruising area West Mediterranean ...

Water-level gymnasium • Sundeck Jacuzzi, bar and lounging options • Generous deck areas for dining and entertaining Large swim platform • Impressive interior volume and vast deck spaces • Warm and contemporary interior

AVANT GARDE 2 42.60 METRES / 6 CABINS

174 â&#x20AC;¢ 175

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

WILLOW S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2017 • Length 42.00m / 137’ 10” • Builder Benetti • Guests 10 in 3 Double & 2 Twin cabins Crew 7 • Cruising speed 17 knots • Winter rate from Please enquire • Summer rate from €154,000 / week Winter cruising area Please enquire • Summer cruising area West Mediterranean ...

Bright and contemporary interior • Beach club with bar • Sun deck Jacuzzi and bar Zero-speed stabilisers to reduce any rolling motion while at anchor • Excellent water toys inventory

WILLOW 42.00 METRES / 5 CABINS

176 â&#x20AC;¢ 17 7

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

LEGENDA 41. 10 M E T R E S / 5 C A B I N S

LEGENDA ...

L E N G T H 41. 10 M E T R E S

178 â&#x20AC;¢ 17 9

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY IMPERIAL FLEET

LEGENDA 41. 10 M E T R E S / 5 C A B I N S

LEGENDA S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2009 (refit 2016) • Length 41.10m / 134’10” • Builder Mondomarine • Guests 10 in 3 Double & 2 Twin cabins Crew 7 • Cruising speed 14 knots • Winter rate from Please enquire • Summer rate from €135,000 / week Winter cruising area Please enquire • Summer cruising area Mediterranean ...

Famous Mondomarine series superyacht • Never available on the charter market before • Multiple upgrades on board Large exterior socialising spaces, including Jacuzzi on Sun deck • Experienced Captain & crew Versatile layout • Full-beam Owner stateroom on Main deck • Large selection of water toys

18 0 • 181

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY AGILITY CLASS

CHARTER VESSELS UNDER 40 METRES

...

AGILITY CLASS ...

Create the setting for unforgettable experiences aboard our 2020 portfolio of motor yachts under 40 metres

18 2 â&#x20AC;¢ 18 3

...

NELENA PRINCESS YACHTS 22.60m

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY AGILITY CLASS

SANDS S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2018 • Length 35.70m / 117’2” • Builder Maiora • Guests 12 in 2 VIP, 2 Double & 2 Convertible cabins Crew 6 • Cruising speed 19 knots • Rate Please enquire

DECEMBER SIX S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2018 • Length 33.00 m /108’3” • Builder Ferretti Yachts • Guests 12 in 3 Double & 2 Twin cabins Crew 6 • Cruising speed 13 knots • Rate From €105,000 / week

SANDS 35.70 METRES DECEMBER SIX 33.00 METRES

RAPH SEVEN 29.90 METRES URIAMIR 28.95 METRES

RAPH SEVEN S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2018 • Length 29.90m / 98’1” • Builder Riva • Guests 10 in 3 Double & 2 Twin (1 Convertible) cabins Crew 5 • Cruising speed 20 knots • Rate From €110,000 / week

URIAMIR S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

18 4

Year 2018 • Length 28.95m / 95’0” • Builder Benetti • Guests 11 in 3 Double & 2 Twin, 2 Convertible cabins Crew 6 • Cruising speed 10 knots • Rate From €88,000 / week

• 18 5

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY AGILITY CLASS

EPIC S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2018 • Length 24.01m / 78’9” • Builder Ferretti Yachts • Guests 8 in 2 Double & 2 Twin cabins Crew 3 • Cruising speed 25 knots • Rate From €50,000 / week

DEMA S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2019 • Length 23.25m / 76’3” • Builder Riva • Guests 6 in 2 Double & 1 Twin cabins Crew 2 • Cruising speed 27 knots • Rate From €38,000 / week

E P I C 24 . 01 M E T R E S DEMA 23.25 METRES

NELENA 22.60 METRES S H A W L I F E 21 . 2 5 M E T R E S

NELENA S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2017 • Length 22.60m / 74’2” • Builder Princess Yachts • Guests 6 in 2 Double & 2 Convertible cabins Crew 2 • Cruising speed 22 knots • Rate From €36,000 / week

SHAWLIFE S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

18 6

Year 2016 • Length 21.25m / 69’9” • Builder Princess Yachts • Guests 8 In 2 Double & 2 Twin cabins (2 Convertible) Crew 2 • Cruising speed 20 knots • Rate Please enquire

• 187

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY SAILING FLEET

SAILING YACHTS FOR CHARTER

...

SAILING FLEET ...

An exhilarating way to see the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most beautiful shores

18 8 â&#x20AC;¢ 18 9

...

MALTESE FALCON PERINI NAVI 88.00m

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY SAILING FLEET

MALTESE FALCON S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2006 (Refit 2016) • Length 88.00m / 288’ 9” • Builder Perini Navi • Guests 12 in 6 Double cabins Crew 19 • Cruising speed 14 knots • Winter rate from $480,000 /week • Summer rate from €480,000 /week Winter cruising area Caribbean • Summer cruising area Mediterranean ...

One of the most famous sailing yachts available for charter • Iconic DynaRig design Exceptional sailing performance • On board massage therapist Experienced & friendly crew • Vast outdoor cinema with screen projected onto the lowest sail

MALTESE FALCON 88.00 METRES / 6 CABINS

AQUIJO 86.00 METRES / 7 CABINS

AQUIJO S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2016 • Length 86.00m / 282’2” • Builder Oceanco & Vitters Collaboration • Guests 12 in 4 Double, 1 Twin & 2 Convertible lounges Crew 17 • Cruising speed 15 knots • Winter rate from €450,000 /week • Summer rate from €550,000 /week Winter cruising area Caribbean • Summer cruising area Mediterranean ...

Beach club with Spa area, steam room, sauna and hot tub • Aft deck with indoor/outdoor bar Two Jacuzzis • Comfort of a large motor yacht but a sailing yacht at heart

19 0 • 191

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

YACHT DIREC TORY SAILING FLEET

VERTIGO S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2011 • Length 67.20m / 220’ 6” • Builder Alloy Yachts • Guests 12 in 4 Double & 1 Triple cabins • Crew 11 Cruising speed 12.5 knots • Winter rate from €245,000 /week• Summer rate from €245,000 /week Winter cruising area Caribbean • Summer cruising area Mediterranean ...

Largest sailing yacht built in the Southern Hemisphere • Deck features oversized Jacuzzi with retractable sunpads, glass screens and aircon Loft style interiors, with children’s classroom and family features • Gymnasium with direct sea access Impressive array of water toys including two tenders and one limousine tender

VERTIGO 6 7. 2 0 M E T R E S / 5 C A B I N S

PA N T H A L ASS A 56.00 METRES / 6 CABINS

PA N T H A L A SS A S P E C I F I C AT I O N ...

Year 2010 • Length 56.00m / 183’ 9” • Builder Perini Navi • Guests 12 in 4 Double & 2 Twin (2 Convertible) cabins Crew 10 • Cruising speed 12 knots • Winter rate from Please enquire • Summer rate from Please enquire Winter cruising area Please enquire • Summer cruising area Mediterranean ...

Foster & Partners interior • Perfect for families or groups of friends • On board masseuse Sound-proofed cinema room • An abundance of water toys • Two high-speed tenders • New Alen tender

19 2 • 19 3

IMPERIAL -YACHTS.COM

MONACO +377 97 98 38 80 MOSCOW +7 985 99 77 300

IMPERIAL

...

SERVICES ...

A superyacht requires a cohesive support network of experts to perform at its best. That’s why our family of professionals is equipped to take charge of every facet of the superyacht experience, from crewing and year-round operational support to finance, marketing, sale & purchase.

19 4 • 19 5

...

BLACK SHARK N O B I S K R U G 7 7. 0 0 m

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

SERVICES NEW CONSTRUCTION

01

02

03

04

05

...

NEW CONSTRUCTION ...

Unparalleled pedigree in build support & management

...

KEY CONSTRUCTION HIGHLIGHTS

FLYING FOX Lürssen 136m • PROJECT 14692 Lürssen 135m • LANA Benetti 107m • AMADEA Lürssen 106m • AMORE VERO Oceanco 87.50m RoMEA Abeking & Rasmussen 82m • PROJECT 783 Nobiskrug 73m • SUPPORT VESSEL 6711 Damen 67m • ARKLEY Lürssen 60m EVENT Amels 60m • LILI Amels 55m • ASTRA Amels 55m • APOLLO Amels 54m • GRACE Amels 52.3m • BEL ABRI Amels 52m • RUSH Overmarine 50m PUMPKIN Overmarine 50m • ELSEA CCN 50m • MANIFIQ Mondomarine 41m • OKKO Mondomarine 41m • FLYING FISH Princess Yachts 40m And many others…

IMPERIAL -YACHTS.COM

MONACO +377 97 98 38 80 MOSCOW +7 985 99 77 300

...

06

T O TA L L E N G T H O F YAC H T S B U I LT U N D E R I M P E R I A L ' S M A N AG E M E N T

2000

2 , 16 9 METRES

15 0 0

10 0 0

BURJ KHALIFA 828m

500 EIFFEL TOWER 300m

GREAT PYRAMID 139 m

0

...

...

Imperial enjoys longstanding partnerships with some of the finest luxury shipyards and the most celebrated designers of the modern age. That has enabled it to play a major role in the construction of some of the largest, most ambitious and most revered superyachts the world has ever seen.

The construction of the client’s ideal yacht is of course a very complex process but with Imperial, it is never a logistical inconvenience. On the contrary, by creating, growing and giving life to each project; by enabling the owner to be as involved as he desires; and by being clear and transparent throughout the build process, Imperial clients enjoy the benefits of our 360-degree approach right from day one.

By deploying an entire team of experienced professionals at the chosen shipyard to monitor and oversee every aspect of the construction, Imperial has generated some true landmark vessels. They include EVENT (Amels 60m) and ARKLEY (Lurssen 60m), both of which won World Superyacht Awards. They include ASTRA (Amels 55m), LILI (Amels 55m), SUPPORT VESSEL 6711 (Damen 67m) and PROJECT 783 (Nobiskrug 73.5m). They also include iconic yachts like RoMEA (Abeking & Rasmussen 81.8m) and AMORE VERO (Oceanco 87.50m), as well as LANA (Benetti 107m) and FLYING FOX (Lürssen 136m) – which is the single largest superyacht ever offered for charter.

...

01 02 03 04 05 06

The 135m PROJECT SHU, under construction with Lürssen The mighty LANA emerges from the shed at Benetti's Tuscan shipyard M/Y AMADEA, Lürssen 106m 135m secret project built at Lürssen shipyards Construction begins on the BLACK SHARK Imperial & Nobiskrug collaboration The impressive bow of AMADEA

19 6

It is easy to talk about attention to detail, but when you step aboard yachts of this calibre, the merits of Imperial’s uniquely fastidious approach are palpable.

All data is correct up to 2019 & does not include ongoing superyacht projects

ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER 546m

• 19 7

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

N S EE RWV ICCOE N S STRUCTION D OCJ ET C S N EE LWI V CE ROENDS TP RR U I OT N

07

G I V I N G T H E

L I F E

T O

B U I L D

Y O U R

D R E A M

P R O C E S S

...

...

The project’s inception At the heart of every new build project is a set of key decisions. Does the client intend to cross the Atlantic, push the frontiers among the icebergs of Antarctica or island-hop among the tightly packed archipelagos of the Mediterranean? What about the performance, the sleeping capacity and the living space priorities? Will it be used for charter or preserved for the owner himself? Once the client has worked through these central questions, his Imperial broker will select the designer and builder best suited to his needs and assemble a highly experienced team to help manage and complete his dream project.

Client collaboration While Imperial is fully content to take charge of the entire process, the client can of course be as involved as he likes. He can have full access to the technical elements and a central role in every decision-making process; or he can step back and let the Imperial team take care of the finer details.

Either way, the client will still receive regular reports to keep him abreast of key developments, including progress with build and developments with design, as well as regular financial breakdowns.

Imperial’s role Imperial protects the future owner’s interests by acting both as the Construction Manager and the Owner’s Representative. Each new project is allocated a set of designated professionals: a Project Manager, based at the chosen yard, to supervise construction on a day-to-day basis and to keep the build on schedule; a Build Engineer, Electrical & Electronics Engineer and Interior Quality Manager to implement internal design and take charge of each detail of the fit-out; a Financial Manager to keep control of finances and to compile regular budget reports for the client; and a Build Captain and Build Engineer to oversee the final stages of construction and to bring the yacht into operation. Throughout the entire process, Imperial’s teams keep a tight grip on the quality, the timeline and the expenses to ensure that all elements of the build surpass the client’s expectations.

Design and build Imperial works with some of the finest designers and shipyards of the modern age - from the celebrated minds of Espen Øino, Tim Heywood, Laura Sessa, François Zuretti, Terence Disdale and Mark Berryman to famed superyacht builders like Lürssen, Nobiskrug, Abeking & Rasmussen, Oceanco and Amels. The client’s personal ambitions will help define the most effective combination of designer and builder, but whatever kind of yachting he enjoys, he can rest assured that the people who create his dream will share Imperial’s passion for superyachts – right down to the last exquisite detail.

Full-package services Imperial offers a through-life management service encompassing everything required for enjoyable and problem-free yacht ownership. From finance, design and construction through to crew, charter, marketing and eventual sale, Imperial’s full-spectrum infrastructure is designed to take care of it.

All the owner has to do is relax and enjoy. ...

07 The impressive superstructure of PROJECT SHU – almost ready to launch 08 Secret 135m project, under construction with Lürssen

IMPERIAL -YACHTS.COM

MONACO +377 97 98 38 80 MOSCOW +7 985 99 77 300

08

19 8 â&#x20AC;¢ 19 9

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

NEW CONSTRUCTION BLACK SHARK

09

C A S E B L A C K

S T U D Y S H A R K

...

...

One of the most extraordinary projects currently underway is BLACK SHARK. With Imperial operating as the Owner’s Representative and Build Supervisor, this 77m superyacht project comes with a distinctive reverse bow, five decks and a grand beach club and Spa.

Having delivered Project 783 in 2012, BLACK SHARK is the second 70-metre plus superyacht project undertaken by Imperial and Nobiskrug - and Fadi Pataq, Director at the world-renowned yard, is understandably excited about what BLACK SHARK represents: “The build process is often cloaked in darkness and secrecy, so we are enormously happy to be able to share our innovations and processes. With two remarkable teams of designers and an experienced superyacht management company by our side, we are truly excited to welcome in the world to realise this bespoke project with us.”

Scheduled for delivery in Spring 2021 with a world premiere planned for the Monaco Yacht Show in September of the same year, she uses dramatic external design from Andrew Winch alongside internal work from the creative mind of Sander Sinot. And with design cues drawn from the predator after which she takes her name, BLACK SHARK is an unmistakably arresting yacht. As Imperial CEO, Evgeniy Kochman, points out: “It’s as if you were a diver. If you see a shark, you are just paralysed. You will have the same feeling here.”

Andrew Winch describes this aesthetic impact as ‘Beach Appeal’ – a means by which you can immediately identify your vessel when standing on the beach overlooking a crowded bay filled with yachts. And according to Sander Sinot, the shark has served not only as the inspiration for her exterior design, but also for much of the interior: “It’s a very sophisticated, contemporary and light interior designed in contrast to the yacht’s dark exterior, with much of it based around the BLACK SHARK theme. We analysed the texture of a shark’s skin, for example, and enlarged this incredible pattern from it. For the texture, we used a special marble floor which has a ripple effect, much like you would see when underwater.”

Transparency on a fresh level While superyacht projects are generally very secretive, BLACK SHARK represents a first for the construction of a superyacht project in Northern Europe, as the entire build process can be witnessed by the public.

With unprecedented behind-the-scenes access, Imperial and Nobiskrug believe the project might enable people to get a better understanding of the patience, the passion and the sheer commitment required to build a world-class superyacht.

As the project continues, Nick Flashman, Imperial Project Manager, is equally excited to be in a position to pull back the curtain and reveal more of what goes on in the creation of a superyacht like BLACK SHARK: “Superyachts are not merely toys for billionaires as many people imagine.

There is a story behind them that involves very hard, detailed and passionate work to give life to a vision. At Imperial, we take tremendous pride in the work we do so we are delighted to be able to give the world a more lucid insight into the birth of a special, one-off superyacht.”

To stay up to speed with progress as the BLACK SHARK project continues to develop, visit www.imperial-yachts.com. ...

09 10 11 12 13 14

Inspirational sketch of the BLACK SHARK silhouette The fixing of the keel laying commemorative plaque Mr Evgeniy Kochman, Imperial CEO The Imperial & Nobiskrug teams at the keel laying ceremony The BLACK SHARK keel in position at the Nobiskrug shipyard Laying down of the keel

MONACO +377 97 98 38 80 MOSCOW +7 985 99 77 300

IMPERIAL -YACHTS.COM

10

11

13

12

14

200 â&#x20AC;¢ 2 01

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

01

SERVICES SALE & PURCHASE

02

03

03

04

...

SALE + PURCHASE ...

A powerful portfolio of superyacht transactions

IMPERIAL SALES HIGHLIGHTS ...

AMADEA Lürssen 106.1m • AMORE VERO Oceanco 87.5m • RoMEA Abeking & Rasmussen 81.8m • PROJECT 783 Nobiskrug 73.5m SUPPORT VESSEL 6711 Damen 67m • EVENT Amels 60m • ARKLEY Lürssen 60m • ASTRA Amels 55m • LILI Amels 55m BEL ABRI Amels 52m • ARIADNA Heesen 47m • ELSEA Italyachts 43m • OKKO Mondomarine 41m • MANIFIQ Mondomarine 40.5m And many others…

IMPERIAL -YACHTS.COM

05

MONACO +377 97 98 38 80 MOSCOW +7 985 99 77 300

06

...

...

Empowering Imperial for the purchase, sale or charter of your superyacht, is above all, a matter of confidence and trust. Our 360° vision, impressive sales track record and high standard selection of charter and sales listings, has allowed our company to build an exclusive portfolio supervised, delivered and managed by us through the entire process.

Long term business relationships must be driven by facts and achieved milestones and we understand that perfectly. Our superyacht Management Department combined with our dedicated Market Analysts Team, give Imperial the opportunity to provide accurate information to complete the most certain overview before taking your decision.

We are leveraging the perfect combination between cost, time and profitability to build our best profit : your entire Satisfaction.

Words are important to us. Certainty, Creativity and Confidentiality are the ones we are using the most. Our experienced Team has developed a strong appetite for success, and we are committed to assist you to forge the best path onto your yachting life.

Eric Lepeingle, Head of Sales & Charter

Imperial has been involved in some of the most notable superyacht sales of the last ten years. Particular highlights include MANIFIQ (Mondomarine 40.5m), OKKO (Mondomarine 41m), ELSEA (Italyachts 43m), ARIADNA (Heesen 47m), BEL ABRI (Amels 52m), KISS THE SKY (Amels 55m), ASTRA (Amels 55m), LILI (Amels 55m), ARKLEY (Lürssen 60m), EVENT (Amels 60m), SUPPORT VESSEL 6711 (Damen 67m), PROJECT 783 (Nobiskrug 73.5m), RoMEA (Abeking & Rasmussen 81.8m), AMORE V ERO (Oceanco 87.5m) and AMADEA (Lürssen 106m).

WHY CHOOSE IMPERIAL?

• Imperial’s network includes close partnerships with some of the

superyacht industry’s most influential players, as well as high-value buyers and sellers throughout the globe.

• Imperial has a proven track record in buying and selling both new build and brokerage craft, from as little as 30 metres to well beyond 80 metres.

• A team of surveyors investigates every aspect of a yacht’s condition, ensuring that each Imperial client is fully acquainted with a vessel’s true state and market value.

• Imperial uses highly experienced brokers with real-time knowledge of the global fleet, ensuring that the client’s brief is satisfied with the utmost speed and efficiency.

• An extensive marketing network, allied to coverage in magazines, on targeted websites and at prestigious yachting events, guarantees worldwide exposure for the seller and extensive choice for the buyer.

• With its exclusive range of locations and its ability to negotiate the best deal, Imperial is well equipped to source the perfect mooring, as well as the perfect yacht.

• A full set of financial, advisory and legal services helps ensure the completion of a deal without error, discrepancy or delay.

• Imperial’s full-spectrum service also encompasses design, construction, finance, crew, charter, marketing and management. That enables us to provide a full superyacht support package, however elevated your ambitions become. ...

01 02 03 04 05 06

AMADEA, Lürssen 106.1m SUPPORT VESSEL 6711, Damen 67m EVENT, Amels 60m AMADEA, the breathtaking collaboration of Lürssen, Espen Øino & Francois Zuretti Eric Lepeingle, Imperial's Head of Sales & Charter RoMEA, Abeking & Rasmussen 81.8m

The reason for success on this scale is Imperial’s recognition that buying and selling yachts is about much more than just business transactions. For brokerage craft, just as for new builds, sourcing, inspecting, promoting and finalising a deal on a major luxury item like a yacht is a highly personal matter. It requires a clear understanding of the client’s wishes, a rigorous grasp of market realities and the utmost discretion. Only with these things in place can you be assured of the right yacht, the best deal and the most positive experience.

With a global reach, encompassing every one of the world’s most vital superyacht heartlands, Imperial is well placed to represent buyers and sellers from any country in the world. Whether you are looking to secure your first yacht, sell your existing vessel or upgrade to something larger, you can trust that Imperial has the professionals in place to handle the job.

202 • 203

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

01

SERVICES YACHT MANAGEMENT

03

02

04

...

YAC H T MANAGEMENT ...

Integrated through-life solutions for the care & operation of your superyacht

THE IMPERIAL DIFFERENCE ...

Imperial’s in-house ‘Operational Manual’ puts stringent safety standards at the very heart of the superyacht experience • The online administration programme keeps the superyacht owner firmly in control • All yacht-related expenses are carefully coordinated and controlled by a dedicated Financial Manager.

All technical and practical issues are addressed directly by the yacht’s Operational Manager • Imperial’s crew are highly experienced professionals, primed with year-round internal training programmes • All yachts are rigorously maintained and kept in a state of perpetual readiness • Imperial backup is on hand 24 hours a day, every day, all year round and in all parts of the world.

IMPERIAL -YACHTS.COM

MONACO +377 97 98 38 80 MOSCOW +7 985 99 77 300

05

...

...

With six specialist teams allocated to each and every yacht, Imperial’s 360-degree Global Superyacht Management Service is perfectly set up to help you relax and enjoy your investment. In addition to worldwide, 24-hour, year-round support, every technical, practical and logistical issue is covered. From expense control to crew recruitment and training; from yacht maintenance to compliance and safety; and from marketing to charter, finance and insurance, Imperial takes charge of every element with patience, expertise and discretion.

Project management Imperial is able to provide support and assistance at every step of a project, from global management to complete vessel refit. Whether a yacht was built under Imperial supervision or not, the company’s extensive construction portfolio, allied to its specialist shipyard-based teams, ensures a bespoke service, rigorously in line with briefs, schedules and budgets.

First-class crew In addition to appointing only the most experienced Captains and crew, Imperial conducts year-round training programmes to keep all personnel at prime capability. Contracts and confidentiality agreements are drawn up and a dynamic Crew Management Service encompassing a network of proven candidates ensures that Imperial can act with immediate effect to any urgent demands. With a 98% satisfaction rate for all crew placed on board yachts under our management, it is one of the industry’s most effective systems.

Day-to-day operations Whether for charter, for sale or for a fastidious owner who needs to know that his yacht is in a full state of readiness, Imperial’s operational management expertise is a vital asset. The Technical Manager provides support and assistance to the engineers, Captains and deck crew in order to coordinate and supervise maintenance, as well as undertake refit work and class and flag surveys; the Interior Manager helps keep housekeeping, crew training, safety drills and service standards up to scratch; and the Operational Manager takes charge of all maintenance schedules and technical tasks, as well as provisioning, berthing, fuelling and passagemaking. With responsibility for the yacht’s daily operations, including quality control, shoreside support and all logistical considerations, this seasoned marine professional can resolve any yacht-related issue, at any time of year and in any part of the world.

Internal training All Imperial crew is trained to meet the company’s stringent internal standards. Rigorous safety procedures lie at the very heart of that – and as well as extensive instruction on the proper use of all marine and watersports equipment, training programs include regular drills for practical safety, emergency response and first-aid.

Finance & registration Maritime regulations vary throughout the world, according to yacht size, homeport, ownership and registration, so compliance requires expert knowledge. Imperial is meticulous in ensuring that yachts under its care are properly registered, with appropriate VAT status and the correct documents, so you will always pass customs inspections, whatever the jurisdiction.

Imperial also enjoys established relationships with companies and brokers who specialise in superyacht insurance, so it is well placed to source the best provider, negotiate the right rate and ensure that, in the event of damage or loss, all elements of your contract are properly observed.

Financial management While some owners are keen to generate charter income from their yachts, others prefer to reserve them for private entertainment. Either way, Imperial puts precise protocols in place to govern how your vessel operates on a day-to-day basis and a designated Financial Manager is a key part of that.

In addition to organising budgets and accounts, checking component orders and paying invoices, the Financial Manager prepares regular financial reports for the owner, providing a clear picture of a yacht’s running costs and avoiding any unnecessary expenses. Payroll, compliance and safety issues are taken care of and Imperial can also organise export finance and yacht leasing in association with leading financial institutions like BNP Paribas, ING or UBS. ...

01 02 03 04 05

Imperial employs only the most experienced personnel Crew training is among the most stringent in the world Specialist teams operate at the cutting edge of industry trends FLYING FOX is one of the world’s largest and most iconic superyachts Imperial tailors the yachting experience precisely to the client’s ambitions

204 • 205

IMPERIAL CHARTER DIRECTORY 2020

SERVICES YACHT MARKETING

01

...

YAC H T MARKETING ...

Targeted promotion & tailor-made plans

IMPERIAL -YACHTS.COM

02

MONACO +377 97 98 38 80 MOSCOW +7 985 99 77 300

boatinternational.com

ElEmEnts of stylE Cascading geometric shapes and palatial interior design details define Lürssen’s 348-foot Amadea.

story Jill Bobrow photos Guillaume Plisson

yachtsinternational.com

Yachts International / 35 / Summer 2019

...

Selling your yacht and offering it for charter require two very different skillsets – but whichever you have in mind, Imperial has the experience, the contacts, the personnel and the approach to present it in the best way to the best audience.

Sales marketing Imperial’s ingrained flexibility ensures that each client and each vessel is treated to a carefully tailored marketing campaign. For instance, if a yacht sale requires blanket discretion, publicity can be entirely avoided, with all marketing activities conducted on a private, one-to-one basis. But with its multi-platform resources, Imperial is also able to call upon an enviable range of high-profile assets – from a presence at the key international yacht shows to advertising and press articles in targeted magazines and direct communications via a global network of industry contacts and international clients.

Charter marketing Imperial’s Charter Marketing Service is designed to achieve maximum charter income for yacht owners. In addition to extensive coverage in relevant print and online platforms, including Imperial’s own interactive website, the company’s Charter Directory is also distributed through some very powerful, high-yield channels. Again, however, Imperial’s approach remains flexible. If a client wants to pursue end-to-end bookings throughout the year, that can be done, but if he prefers to set aside specific periods for personal use, the charter schedule can be arranged to encompass his preferences.

Your yacht: our priority As true experts of the superyacht industry with an extensive sales portfolio, numerous award-winning vessels and a varied global charter fleet, Imperial follows precise protocols to maximise visibility of your vessel and obtain the most productive leads possible. Whatever kind of approach your yacht demands, the modus operandi of Imperial’s marketing department is not the brushstroke guesswork of a bulk operator. It is the targeted, vessel-specific strategy of a team well versed in the nuances of the international superyacht market.

...

What makes Imperial’s marketing team so effective?

• A powerful presence at international boat shows, including Monaco,

Cannes, Barcelona, Dubai, Singapore, Fort Lauderdale and Antigua.

• Ads and editorial in prestigious yachting magazines, including

Boat International, Yachts International, The Superyacht Report, Superyacht Times, Forbes, Robb Report, Centurion Magazine, Departures; and in Russian publications such as Motor Boat and Yachting Russia, Yachting Russia, Sea Trial, Forbes Russia and Aeroflot Premium.

• Exposure through high-end online platforms, including Superyachts.com, Boatinternational.com, Superyachts.com, Superyachtnews.com, Superyachttimes.com, RobbReport.com, Forbes.ru, RBC.ru and social media promotions, as well as through Imperial’s own website.

• Imperial’s Charter Directory, delivered to a targeted readership, either directly on board a client’s vessel or via select, high-end outlets in Russia, London, Switzerland, Sardinia and the French Riviera.

• A flexible approach, offering everything from full-scale, multi-platform exposure to discrete one-to-one negotiations.

• Experienced charter and sales brokers, who can formulate bespoke campaigns, answer questions and conduct tours on your behalf.

• Imperial’s cutting-edge website: not an inflexible template but a bespoke marketing solution with customisable research tools and high-value, vessel-specific content.

• A first-class headquarters in the heart of Monaco, which ably reflects the calibre of Imperial’s work and its impeccable industry stature.

...

01 Imperial retains a commending presence at yacht shows, holding exclusive events aboard some of the worlds biggest yachts 02 Imperial projects and proposals recieve regular coverage within the worlds media both online and offline

206 • 207

IMPERIAL C H A R T E R D I R E C TO RY 2017

NEW CONSTRUCTION DELIVERED PROJECTS

...

A S U P E RYAC H T E X P E R I E N C E B U I LT F O R YO U

At Imperial, it might appear that our reputation for world-beating charter is built on the basis of spectacular yachts, outstanding crew and seductive destinations.

But while these things do of course form the bedrock for each charter package, what really sets us apart is the scope and integrity of our service.

Our 24-hour concierge service is available to charter guests seven days a week, at any time of year and in any part of the world - and our multilingual in-house charter team has first-hand knowledge of even the most remote destinations, allied to an intimate understanding of each and every yacht.

That doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just guarantee a memorable charter. Whether on a 20m cruiser or a 130m-plus superyacht, it guarantees a bespoke and rewarding experience,tailored precisely to your tastes, ambitions and personality.

If you are thinking about chartering a yacht, tell us what you need and let us show you how your personal charter package might look. ...

C O N TAC T U S Imperial Ermanno Palace, 27 Boulevard Albert 1er, Mc 98000 Monaco Monaco +377 97 98 38 80 Moscow +7 985 99 77 300 Email monaco@imperial-yachts.com Website imperial-yachts.com

...

F LY I N G FOX L Ă&#x153; R S S E N 136 .0 0 m

LUXURY

YACHTING

360°

Published by Imperial Yachts. Copyright Imperial Yachts 2020. All rights reserved. No unauthorised reproduction is permitted. All information contained in this publication is provided on an “as is” basis and Imperial Yachts makes no representations or warranties of any kind with respect to this publication or the accuracy, completeness or suitability for any purpose of the information published herein.

Imperial Yachts gives no guarantee or warranty as to the condition of any vessel and/or its possible operation or seaworthiness, and any prospective buyer should instruct his agents and/or surveyors to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. All liability of Imperial Yachts howsoever arising for any such inaccuracies or errors is expressly excluded to the fullest extent permitted by law.

CALIBER RM 63-02 WORLD TIMER

BOUTIQUE RICHARD MILLE MONACO ALLÃ&#x2030;E FRANCOIS BLANC, 98000 +37 7 97 77 56 14 www.richardmille.com