Ocean View Winter 2012

OCEAN VIEW Interiors, Lifestyle, Food, Sailing, Cruising and so much more...

Winter 2012

FREE

IT’S TIME TO ENJOY AN OCEAN VIEW

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Welcome

We’re taking a flight of fancy this issue at Ocean View, and exploring some of the world’s most luxurious destinations and experiences without leaving our armchairs!

Fantasy holidays don’t come much more idyllic than the Caribbean, and whether you’re planning a trip for the coming year or simply daydreaming, we help you narrow down the best of the area to find an island that suits your interests on page 15.

Whatever the destination, cruises are a popular choice with those who find themselves able to plan the holiday of a lifetime, but they’re not for everyone... or are they? River cruising offers a gentle yet feature-packed alternative for those who’d like the floating luxury of a cruise whilst experiencing the sights and sounds of some of the world’s most vibrant inland cities. It’s one of the fastest growing segments of the holiday market, and you can read all about what sets river cruising apart on page 47.

If you prefer your seaside escapes a little closer to home, perhaps investing in a beach hut is more your style? We meet the people who have done just that - and turned their little getaway into a stylish, modern retreat - on page 42. Just the place to settle down and enjoy a FLT... a seafood take on the classic bacon sandwich, which you can learn how to make on page 24... or better still, get somebody else to make it whilst you sit back and enjoy your Ocean View.

Friton Beach Hut, Page 42

Laura Knight Editor OCEAN VIEW 3

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WINTER 2012

OCEAN VIEW Interiors, Lifestyle, Food, Sailing, Cruising and so much more...

Winter 2012

FREE

IT’S TIME TO ENJOY AN OCEAN VIEW

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Cover Image: These exclusive Mediterranean-style suites offer luxury bedrooms with a spacious and welcoming living room with plush sofas, and a 42” plasma television opening to the outdoor terrace through plantation-style glass walls.

24 hour room service. Private car transfers to and from both airports. These suites offer 180-degree views of the ocean and a whirlpool and private infinity pool. www.sandals.co.uk Ocean View Magazine Managing Director/Publisher: Lee Mansfield lee@lifemediagroup.co.uk Commercial Director: Simon Skinner simon@lifemediagroup.co.uk Media Director/Advertising Sales: Linda Grace linda@lifemediagroup.co.uk Editor: Laura Knight laura@lifemediagroup.co.uk Design: Harriet Weston harriet@lifemediagroup.co.uk Accounts: Clare Fermor/ Amelia Wellings: clare@lifemediagroup.co.uk amelia@lifemediagroup.co.uk Subscriptions: Alex Weeks alex@lifemediagroup.co.uk Published by: LMG SE LTD Park View House 19 The Avenue, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 3YD 01323 411601 Printed by: Gemini Press Unit A1 Dolphin Way, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 6NZ 01273 464884 All material in this publication is strictly copyright and all rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The views expressed in Ocean View Magazine do not necessarily represent the view of Life Media Group LTD. Every care is taken in compiling the contents but the publishers of Ocean View Magazine assume no reponsibilty for any damage, loss or injury arising from the participation in any offers, competitions or advertisment contained within Ocean View Magazine. All prices featured in Ocean View Magazine are correct at the time of going to press.

Copyright Life Media Group 2012 ©

CONTENTS 3.

6.

11.

18.

23.

29.

37.

42.

47.

55.

61.

Welcome: Discover what’s inside this issue of Ocean View, which is full of inspirational ideas for a season by the water.

Marinas: We explore the harbour hotspots where the rich and famous moor their superyachts and enters a daydream world of luxury...

Spending It: Treat yourself to one of these sailing essentials that you never knew you needed.

Caribbean: Take our miniature tour of the Caribbean and sample just a few of its thousands delights Fruits of the Sea: Taste the true beauty of fresh seafood with these twists on classic recipes designed to bring out the best in fish Riva Yachts: Style, elegance and tradition united with a spirit of outstanding innovation: A classic taste for state-ofthe-art yachts.

Caribbean Property: Caribbean represents a good investment whilst other housing markets are falling Interiors: Find your perfect escape in a tiny seaside getaway River Cruising: Take the path less travelled to some of the world’s most intriguing destinations…

Book Club: In each issue, we will be searching out and offering you the cream from the latest life style relevant titles at the very best prices.

Hilary Devey: Ocean View learns the no-nonsense route to success, the Devey way.

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JaneR

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Luxuryon-Sea

Ocean View explores the harbour hotspots where the rich and famous moor their superyachts and enters a daydream world of luxury...

From the smallest cluster of bars and restaurants to the largest multiplexes and entire cities that have sprung up around their berths, there’s an undeniable air of luxury about marinas. Some of the most famously glamorous locations in the world centre around their marinas, so it’s hardly surprising that some charge the sort of prices to berth yachts that we can only dream of!

Still, we CAN dream, so here are Ocean View’s favourite destinations for daydreaming about!

The bigger the yacht, of course, the bigger the bill for berthing it, and whilst we’re daydreaming we may as well treat ourselves to a huge, fully decked out superyacht!

The most popular… and by that token, the most expensive… superyacht marinas in the world are located in the Mediterranean, with the top three most expensive, exclusive destinations all located in Italy. Contrary to popular belief, Monaco is not the world’s most expensive harbour… in fact it’s eleventh down our list! That top honour goes to Marina Grande, which is located on the Isle of Capri, Italy. Renting a berth for a 55-metre superyacht here will set you back approximately €2585* per day during the Mediterranean summer season. Completing those top three resorts are Porto Cervo, 6 OCEAN VIEW

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HOLIDAY DESTINATION : CARIBBEAN MARINAS

Marina Grande, Isle of Capri, Italy

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Sardinia and Marina di Portofino on the Amalfi coast … either will cost you in excess of €2000* a day in peak season, but with their proximity to Italy’s most sought after tourist spots, they’re never short of crowds.

Outside Italy, the most expensive place we could secure our imaginary yacht would be Puerto José Banus in Marbella on the Costa del Sol, followed by the Balearic marina of Ibiza Magna. France’s famous Port de Saint-Tropez, comes next in terms of price and would give us plenty of choice as this favourite celebrity haunt and popular holiday destination has no less than 30 superyacht mornings.

Seventh place in our top ten is also in the south of France… Port Camille Rayon in Golfe Juan – a small coastal resort between

Antibes and Cannes - will set superyacht owners back around €1000* a day.

Barcelona’s superyacht-suitable harbour is the Marina Port Vell, and is nearly a city in its own right, featuring acres of tourist-friendly leisure facilities, restaurants and things to see and do. We’d see no change from €1000* there either, and that’s before we’ve spent our moored day browsing the local shops or relaxing outside a waterfront café.

Number nine on our list may come as a surprise, as Croatia is less famous as a cruise destination than some of the aforementioned spots, but the ACI Marina in the Split is well equipped for our fantasy superyacht and gives us access to some less typical holiday sights. The second largest city on the Adriatic coastline,

“Barcelona’s superyacht-suitable harbour is the Marina Port Vell, and is nearly a city in its own right, featuring acres of tourist-friendly leisure facilities”

Porto Cervo, Sardinia

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MARINAS

Port de Saint-Tropez

Split is a vibrant and very different city with an intriguing culture and long, interesting history.

If our descriptions of the Caribbean have piqued your interest, and you have €899* a night to spare, the Yacht Haven Grande on the island of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands is the only non-European harbour to charge a sufficient amount to house our dream superyacht for a suitably extravagant amount of money. Still, with such gorgeous sights and the world-famous laid back attitude of the Caribbean, it would be hard to begrudge a penny!

So – that’s ten super luxurious, super expensive marinas before we even get to the notorious ports of Monaco. Port Hercules in Monaco receives a special honourable mention in eleventh place…a comparably budget-friendly €888* for berthing a superyacht in peak season. There are two main marinas in Monaco, and as you can see, they’re comparatively inexpensive when compared with other parts of Europe.

Marina ACI

Costs calculated by Engel & Völkers

*

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SPENDING IT

The BFD 100 features multifunction movement with day and date subdials in a 46mm case and is water resistant up to 100 meters.

Signature details include opendesign hands with luminous arrow tips that provide a quick read in any environment. Nautica, From ÂŁ96. www.nautica.com

Splashing Out

Treat yourself to one of these sailing essentials that you never knew you needed.

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The new Lifedge Waterproof Case for iPad keeps iPads safe and dry at home or away, ensuring that technology is always available when needed even when out on the water.

Constructed from the highest quality materials and designed with the latest technology - the Lifedge Waterproof Case for iPad is shockproof, waterproof and provides full functionality. The case is easy to take on and off, and compact enough to leave on permanently. Lifedge, £99. www.lifedge.co.uk

This three-quarter length men´s Skagen jacket will keep you warm and dry with its breathable, waterproof Helly Tech® performance two-layer lined construction. The extra high ocean collar is Polartec® fleece lined, and chilled hands will appreciate the Polartec® handwarmer pockets. The jacket has Solas reflective elements, and the fully adjustable hood is made of hi-vis fabric, so you´ll be more visible in even the darkest conditions.

Helly Hanson, £300. www.hellyhanson.com

The Kat G2 is a highly technical ladies deck shoe featuring specially designed channels in the sole to extract water and provide the utmost stability and comfort on deck. Available in grey and tumbled chestnut. Chatham, £89, Features Chatham’s unique two year guarantee. www.chatham-marine.co.uk

Bollé’s high performance Marine collection has been specifically designed to cope with all the harsh challenges on the water and as a result they are worn by the world’s best sailors. Combining polarised anti-glare technology, a hydrophobic treatment which repels water off the lens surface and impact resistant polycarbonate lenses, the Bollé Marine collection guarantees high performance and sharp, crisp vision giving superior visibility at all times. Bolle, £99. www.bolle.com

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SPENDING IT

The Craghoppers Kiwi PRO Stretch Trouser are stripped down, lightweight and stretchy for unrestricted performance, and offer Craghoppers’ SmartDry water-repellent finish and SolarDry UPF40+ sun-protection - an obvious choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking outstanding performance at top speed.

They feature more technical styling, including four pockets - three with zip-fastening, contrast colour heel tape, an elasticated waist at back and a removable sunglasses wipe in the side pocket. Craghoppers, £45, www.craghoppers.com

The new Thermogrid mid layer collection from Gill offers a clever layering options encapsulating extremely lightweight yet highly thermal mid layer pieces.

The interior fleece grid structure enhances compressibility, airflow and dry time whilst the smooth outer face allows non-binding layering. Gill, £75. www.gillmarine.com

The e165 multifunction display is the latest addition to the eSeries range. eSeries MFD’s are able to network up to 6 displays plus sonar, radar, thermal and other accessories. The dedicated inbuilt Wi-Fi combined with Raymarine’s new apps enables live video from the e165 to be streamed direct to tablets and smartphones. The e165 multifunction display, Raymarine, from £3895. www.raymarine.co.uk

The style conscious sailing traveller should look no further than Henri Lloyd’s new CSL Roller 30L. The CSL Roller 30L is constructed of highly durable ballistic nylon which means it’s built to last and its one of the lightest bags of its type at just 2.85kgs. The aluminum wheel carriage/roller blade-style Free Glide Wheels are lightweight and the ‘free standing base’ allows the bag to stand upright without toppling over, all help to ease the burden of travelling.

Henri Lloyd, £120. www.henrilloyd.com

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HOLIDAY DESTINATION : CARIBBEAN

A Slice of Paradise Take our miniature tour of the Caribbean and sample just a few of its thousand delights

With thousands of destinations across hundreds of islands, reefs and quays to choose from, choosing an area of the Caribbean to visit can be a challenge!

Different holidaymakers have different priorities, so here are our suggestions depending on the type of break you fancy.

Don’t count any out for budget reasons – changes to flight routes and frequency means that some Caribbean spots are lowering their prices to bring in more tourist, so there are some amazing last minute deals available, opening Carribean holidays up to all budgets.

If you want to: soak up the sun Then you might want to try Trinidad and nearby Tobago. With a lively party scene and annual carnival celebration, the air of festivity never really leaves these Trinidad, whilst Tobago offers smaller, quieter beaches but an equally uplifting atmosphere.

Anguilla could have written the book on idyllic beaches and although the island is tiny, its local culture is big on friendliness, so you’re sure of a warm welcome as well as warm sands! Also boasting rich heritage and small but perfectly formed beaches, Antigua is perfect for those looking to supplement their sunbathing with a couple of interesting daytrips.

The ultimate last word in beach holidays,

Palm Island, Grenadines

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“Hikers and ramblers are sure to enjoy Martinique, with predominantly tourist-free paths to far-flung, isolated beaches that take walkers through the island’s best natural views” Aruba is hot, dry, and populated with very little other than huge world-class resorts.

A huge variety of restaurants and bars with familiar options for those who don’t like feeling too far from home even when they’re on the other side of the world, Aruba is the place for ultimate relaxation.

If you want to: experience the motion of the ocean Tiny but packed with things to do, Bonaire is renowned with divers for spectacular sights close to the shore; the forty islands, grouped into the British Virgin Islands are excellent for yachters and divers, with a glamorous social centre in the main island of Tortola; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are a mellow network of islands dotted with rainforest and ringed by gorgeous beaches, best discovered by catching rides on tourist-friendly fishing boats or perhaps chartering your own. All are known for the beauty of their sea and the ease of exploring it, but all feature plenty of fascinating sights on land too.

Martinique

If you want to: get back to nature Hikers and ramblers are sure to enjoy Martinique, with predominantly touristfree paths to far-flung, isolated beaches that take walkers through the island’s best natural views.

The Turks and Caicos islands are the perfect secluded destination, yet almost undiscovered by the tourism trade and despite the popularity of its

dive sites, they never seem to be busy!

For the few not visiting the Caribbean for its beaches, Dominica offers the spectacular rainforest peaks and valleys, secluded waterfalls and other hidden delights.

St Lucia offers a perfect balance of lush forests, hills and valleys to explore, stunning beaches with well-populated resorts and visitors from the world over – a compromise without drawbacks for the family with varied needs or for the nature-loving walker who also wants a relaxing break.

If you want to… get a taste of local life Home to the beautiful and historical harbour city of Willemstad, Curaçao is a mid-sized island which also has pretty beaches for a day’s bathing and isn’t too focused on tourists.

The dual Dutch and French cultures of St-Martin/Sint Maarten make for a very lively island with varied experiences of all cultural and gastronomic sorts, with options to suit all tastes and budgets.

Grenada is a small ex-British colony – easily guessed from the name of the capital, St George’s – with inviting small beaches and hills covered in rainforest, plus a friendly local culture.

The French island of Guadeloupe combines the lure of beautiful tropical beaches with a reputation for incredible local food.

Those keen on learning and exploration will value a trip to Haiti, with its rich

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“Arguably the most famous Caribbean destination, Jamaica is preserved as an example of Caribbean culture”

ABOVE: Secrets Royal Beach, Dominican Republic

African culture and challenging recent history.

For the true taste of the Caribbean, where can rival Cuba? The huge island is home to fascinating urban life, a worldfamous music scene, quintessentially local cuisine and enough fascinating sights for endless exploration.

A large and predominantly Hispanic country, the Dominican Republic is home to stunning resorts and beaches which offer everything a visitor to the Caribbean could ask for. Colonial history is also laid out at tourists’ fingertips and, inland, interesting terrain makes the island a challenge for walkers too.

For those who have trouble making up their minds…

The Cayman islands are a tourist-friendly, hassle-free holiday destinations where you can laze on a beach, swim with stingrays and have your picture taken with turtles in an afternoon.

Arguably the most famous Caribbean destination, Jamaica is preserved as an example of Caribbean culture, food, drink and music. Tourists are also made welcome in Barbados, a neat and friendly island packed with resorts and particularly well suited to surfers, sunbathers and those on a budget who wish to sample as much as they can of what the Caribbean has to offer.

Those seeking peace…

A final thought: Caribbean hotel group Elite Island Resorts is said to be introducing mobile phone free zones and beaches at all of its resorts, to enforce relaxation for those who find it hard to switch off. The Grenadines play host to specific ‘digital detox’ holidays, where checking calls and emails are strictly forbidden.

With so much to do and see, though, it’s hard to imagine you’ll find time to glance at your phone in the sumptuous Carribean. www.caribbean.co.uk

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HOLIDAY DESTINATION: CARIBBEAN

10 Top Experiences

1 Hidden Coves, The Bahamas

With nearly 700 islands spread across 100,000 sq miles of ocean, the Bahamas has enough secluded beaches and tempting hidden coves for a lifetime of exploration. For ethereal rosy-hued sands, hit up Eleuthera and Harbour Island, where beaches are tinted pink by crushed coral.

The 365 Exuma Cays are a wonderland of cerulean waters and uninhabited islets, while Grand Bahama offers luscious sands just a few minutes from bustling downtown Freeport. It’s fair to say the Bahamas’ ugliest beach would still be a beauty queen in most other places in the world.

The Carenage, St George’s, 2Grenada

One of the prettiest waterfronts in the Caribbean, this buzzing little horseshoe shaped harbour is the perfect place to get a flavor of Grenada, with bobbing boats, busy cafes and a sprinkling of shady spots where you can watch the world go by or admire the lineup of gorgeous old waterside buildings. Spreading up from the bay, the hillside hodgepodge of brightly coloured rooftops and a glowering stone fort get a scenic backdrop courtesy of the green, misty peaks of the Grand Etang National Park.

3Virgin Seafarer’s Joy, British Islands

Endowed with steady trade winds, tame currents and hundreds of protected bays, the British Virgin Islands are a sailor’s fantasyland. Many visitors come expressly to hoist a jib and dawdle among the multiple

Emerald pool deep in rain forest of island of Dominica

isles, trying to determine which one serves the best rum-pineapple and coconut Painkiller. Tortola, known as the charter boat capital of the world, is the launching pad, so it’s easy to get geared up.

Don’t know how to sail? Learn on the job with a sailing school.

Fishing Villages, 4Martinique

The remedy to Martinique’s often rampant development can be found in its charming fishing villages, where life goes on much as it always has and the tourist dollar has still not made much of an impact.

Surrounded by majestic forested hillsides and framed by crescent sand beaches, there’s a particular string of these beauties on the island’s southwestern corner – don’t miss

lovely Anse d’Arlet , friendly Petite Anse or stunning Grande Anse.

5 Wild Wonder, Dominica

Before you die, spend some time in Dominica, one of the least developed and most unusual islands in the region. Covered almost entirely by thick, virgin rainforest, it has a landscape quilted with innumerable shades of green.

Stagger into beautiful scenes of misty water falls, chilly and boiling lakes, hot sulfur springs steaming through the earth, and valleys and gorges chiseled by time and the elements.

It’s a natural mosaic that will tug mightily at the hearts of artists, wanderers, romantics and anyone with an eco bent.

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HOLIDAY DESTINATION: CARIBBEAN

Islands, 6TheTiny Grenadines

It’s heard in offi ce cubicles the world over daily: ‘I’m chucking it all in and going to tramp around tropical islands!’

In a world of package tourism, huge cruise ships and megaresorts, the very idea seems lost in another, simpler time. Until, that is, you reach the Grenadines. Starting with Bequia, multiple tiny islands stretch south, still mostly linked by wooden fishing boats and poky mail boats. Hitch a ride, feel the wind in your face and head off to adventure.

Music & Culture, 7Havana, Cuba

Few come to Cuba without visiting Havana, a hauntingly romantic city, ridden with ambiguity and imbued with shabby magnifi cence. A stroll around the mildewed but atmospheric streets of Habana Vieja reveals rusting American Buicks, kids playing stickball with rolled-up balls of plastic, and a mishmash of architecture that mirrors the nation’s diverse history.

Underlying it all is the musical soundtrack.

Surfing the Soup, 8Barbados

Like a monster wave breaking, Barbados has crashed onto the world surf scene. Although long the haunt of surf-happy locals, only recently has Barbados’ east-side surf break, called the Soup Bowl, gone supernova. Sets travel thousands of miles across the rough Atlantic and form into huge waves that challenge the world’s best. From September to December, faces found in surfing magazines stare wistfully out to sea from the very mellow beach village of Bathsheba. A slight calming from January to May brings out the hopefuls.

9 Spellbinding Views, Nevis

Nevis is tailor-made for trading the beach

Cabaret Parisien in Havana

lounger for the nature trail. Hit the higher ground on a ramble through luxuriant tropical forest, colourful gardens and cane fields clinging to the slopes of volcanic Mt Nevis. Walk through air perfumed by exotic flowers and along paths shaded by fruitladen trees while keeping an eye out for the elusive vervet monkey. Panoramic views opening up between the foliage extend to other islands, including neighboring St Kitts, and will have you burning up the bytes in your digicam, fast.

Providenciales. Wander down Duke St and Front St and pass whitewashed stone walls, traditional streetlamps and creaking old buildings, some of which have miraculously survived for over two centuries in this charming backwater.

10 Historic Cockburn Town, Turks & Caicos Look no further for the old Caribbean than Cockburn Town, the tiny national capital of the Turks and Caicos islands, where brightly painted colonial buildings line the roads and life goes on at a wonderfully slow pace miles away from the resorts of

This extract is adapted from Caribbean Islands © Lonely Planet 2011. RRP: £16.99. www.lonelyplanet.com

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ESSENTIAL RECIPES

Fruits of the Sea

Taste the true beauty of fresh seafood with these twists on classic recipes designed to bring out the best in fish.

Lobster with Herb Mayonnaise Generally speaking, the less you do to the sweet, pearly flesh of a lobster, the more impressive it will be. But anointing your freshly cooked crustacean with a little homemade mayonnaise laced with fresh herbs is one of the best treatments imaginable – simple, luxurious and somehow the epitome of summer.

Serves 4 2 live lobsters, weighing about 750g each For The Herb Mayonnaise: 2 very fresh egg yolks 1 anchovy fillet, chopped 1 small garlic clove, chopped 1 teaspoon English mustard A small pinch each of salt, sugar and freshly ground black pepper Juice of ½ lemon 100ml olive oil 200ml groundnut or sunflower oil 1 tablespoon small capers, rinsed and finely chopped 2 tablespoons mixed very finely chopped parsley, chives and basil

Begin by putting the live lobsters into the freezer for around 2 hours. This is the RSPCA-sanctioned method of reducing them to a state of unconsciousness, which means they will know nothing about it when you then drop them into a large pan of well-salted boiling water. Allow them to cool completely but don’t try and speed this up by dunking them in cold water – they’ll get waterlogged. Just let them steam off naturally.

While the lobsters are cooling, make the mayonnaise. Put the egg yolks, anchovy, garlic, mustard, salt, sugar, pepper and a squeeze of lemon in a food processor or blender and blitz until smooth – 30 seconds or so will do it. (Alternatively, whisk the ingredients together in a bowl.) Combine the two oils and start adding them, trickling them in a thin stream through the hole in the lid of the processor (or by hand into your bowl). Keep whizzing (or whisking) all the time, to emulsify the oil with the egg yolks. When you have a thick, smooth mixture, you can add the oil a little faster.

Keep going until all the oil has been added and you have a thick, glossy mayonnaise.

If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of warm water to ‘let it down’ slightly.

When you’re happy with the consistency of the mayonnaise, fold in the capers and chopped herbs. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper and lemon juice, then cover and put in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Split the cooked lobsters in half, then give each person half a lobster with a good dollop of the mayonnaise. A new potato and marsh samphire salad goes well with this.

When everyone’s finished eating, don’t forget to save the lobster shells for stock.

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ESSENTIAL RECIPES

The FLT This is the ultimate fish sandwich: a fried fillet of plaice with lettuce and tomato in a bun. Make sure you use a decent bap – nothing too cotton-woolly – and good mayonnaise, and this becomes a delicious experience. You can make it for as many people as you like, of course, but somehow it’s the kind of top-notch fast food that is particularly good cooked and eaten all by yourself, after a hard day, with a cold beer to hand.

“Make sure you use a decent bap – nothing too cotton-woolly – and good mayonnaise, and this becomes a delicious experience”

Serves 1 Butter A dash of olive oil 1 small plaice fillet (about 100g), skinned if you like A little plain flour, seasoned with salt and pepper 1 large, white, floury bap A few Little Gem lettuce leaves 1–2 ripe tomatoes, thickly sliced 1 tablespoon mayonnaise Tomato ketchup (optional) Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat a knob of butter and a dash of olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat.

Dust the fish fillet with seasoned flour and fry for about 2 minutes on each side.

Alternatively, if you’re a sucker for crisp skin, fry it skin side down for about 31 ½ minutes, then give it a quick 30 seconds on the other side to finish.

Slice and generously butter the bap.

Lay the lettuce leaves on the base of the bun, followed by the sliced tomato, then the fish. Season well.

Spread a generous amount of mayonnaise on the top half, add ketchup if you feel like it, then close up the bap and eat straight away, while the fish is still warm.

Also works with: Pollack, Coley, Whiting, Pouting, Megrim, Witch, Lemon sole, Flounder, Black bream

OPPOSITE: The FLT

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ESSENTIAL RECIPES

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ESSENTIAL RECIPES

Crab Tart With its creamy, soft-set filling, this tart is very rich and very gorgeous. You could use the recipe to make individual tarts, though a large one is less fiddly and avoids the potential pitfall of a too-high pastry-to-filling ratio.

Serves 8 as a starter 1 cooked large brown crab or 2 spider crabs (or one of each), brown and white meat picked out, or 300g fresh crabmeat 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large onion, finely sliced 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped ½–1 fresh red chilli (depending on heat), deseeded and finely chopped Juice of ½ lemon 2–3 tablespoons coarsely chopped coriander 50g Parmesan cheese, grated 2 eggs 2 egg yolks 200ml whole milk 200ml double cream Salt and freshly ground black pepper For the Shortcrust Pastry: 200g plain flour A pinch of salt 100g cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes 1 egg, separated About 50ml cold milk

Start with the pastry. Put the flour, salt and butter in a food processor and pulse until the mixture has the consistency of breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolk and then, with the processor running, pour in the milk in a thin stream. Watch carefully and stop adding the milk as soon as the dough comes together. (You may not need it all.) Tip out on to a lightly floured board, knead a couple of times to make a smooth ball of dough, then wrap in cling film and chill for half an hour.

Roll the pastry out thinly on a lightly floured surface and use it to line a 25cm loosebottomed tart tin. Let the excess pastry hang over the edge of the tin – don’t trim it off.

Prick the base in several places with a fork, line it with a sheet of greaseproof paper and fill with baking beans or rice.

ABOVE: Crab Tart

Bake in an oven preheated to 160°C/Gas Mark 3 for 15 minutes, then remove the paper and beans and return the pastry case to the oven for 10 minutes, until it looks dry and cooked. Lightly beat the egg white and brush it all over the pastry.

Return the pastry case to the oven once more and bake for another 5 minutes, until golden. This helps to seal the pastry and prevent any filling leaking out.

Trim off the excess pastry using a small, sharp knife. Turn the oven up to 180°C/Gas Mark 4.

Loosely combine the brown and white meat in a bowl, taking care not to break it up too much or reduce it to a paste.

Heat a large frying pan over a medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Add the onion, sauté for 5–10 minutes, until soft and light golden, then remove from the pan and set aside.

The River Cottage Fish Book is published by Bloomsbury, £20 www.bloomsbury.com

Add another dash of olive oil to the pan and throw in the garlic and chilli. Fry until the garlic just begins to colour and gives off a nutty aroma, then immediately toss in the crabmeat. Stir to combine it with the chilli and garlic, then take the pan off the heat. Stir in the onion, along with the lemon juice, coriander and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.

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Hurry - we’re laying up for tHe winter montHs so make sure you don’t miss out

Vantage point, cowes po31 8bq

luxury coastal liVing witH a sopHisticated lifestyle

each exceptionally stylish and spacious apartment at Vantage point offers glorious views out to sea. located close to the marina and adjacent to the royal yacht squadron, Vantage point puts you right in the heart of the sailing world.

Prices from £695,000 to £795,000 Show apartment open Thursday to Monday, 10am to 5pm.

Take a closer look. Call 0845 899 0604 or visit vantagepointcowes.co.uk imagery shows plot 3 at Vantage point. prices correct at time of print. *subject to valuation, terms and conditions.

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Premier Part Exchange now available*.

bannerhomes.co.uk

OCEAN VIEW 27

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Falkland Ialnds FP AP V2

29/4/09

15:13

Page 1

PHOTO: Allan White

The Falkland Islands Take the road less travelled and discover the difference... | Over 700 islands | Unrivalled access to incredible wildlife | Enviable photo opportunities | Exclusive shore excursions available | Ideally located for cruises around South America and Antarctica | Diverse history | Friendly local hospitality |

Contact us: T: + 500 22215 F: +500 27020 E: info@visitorfalklands.com

www.falklandislands.com

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RIVA YACHTS: THE STORY BEHIND THE BRAND

Riva Aqua Rama

The Riva Legacy

Style, elegance and tradition united with a spirit of outstanding innovation: A classic taste for state-of-the-art yachts.

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R

iva: just the name conjures up a whole series of images and passions across the 160-year history of the world’s oldest and most famous boatyard for luxury craft. With a range of 10 open and fly models ranging in size from 30 to 115 feet, Riva boats are true works of art and floating capsules of Italian style and luxury.

Featuring iconic Italian design that is envied the world over, Riva designs combine the classic style which is characteristic of the boatyard’s tradition with a highly innovative, modern and artistic spirit. Carlo Riva’s traditions have been upheld by the boatyard, and the boats continue to be built to meticulous design criteria.

The perfect expression of Italian craftsmanship is carefully constructed through a blend of handpicked interiors, fixtures and fittings. Truly refined floating homes, Riva boats are kitted throughout with B&B seating, Frau and Minotti upholstery, Dedar fabrics, Richard Ginori porcelain, furniture by Scarpa and Antonio Luppi, Flexform tables, representing a compendium of styles from the finest Italian domestic traditions.

The continuity between past and future is what makes Riva boats so conveniently up-to-date but so beautifully timeless, affording them unique charm and precise, individual personality. The lines, joinery, chrome plating, lacquering, leather, fabrics and trimmings give the boat an exclusive identity and demonstrate an elegant and sophisticated taste.

A History of Elegance The history of the Riva boatyard began in 1842 on Lake Iseo in Sarnico, Italy, with Pietro Riva: a carpenter who had moved

there from Lake Como. The business was passed down to Ernesto Riva, who introduced the internal combustion engine to the boats in 1880; followed by Serafino Riva, who loved racing, and lastly Carlo, who created a style that made a name for itself all over the world as a synonym for elegance and impeccable taste. Riva’s story is one of a natural flair and passion for pleasure boating, passed down through a family, combined with the Rivas’ individual talents and interests which brought strong sports performance to the Riva craft.

During the 1930s, Sarnico was one of the most active boatyards on the international motor boating scene. Influenced by the first competitions held on 1st May 1912, Serafino Riva became the first person ever to reach a speed of 24 km/h in a racing yacht during an international race. From this point onwards, motor yacht competitions began to enjoy huge success, giving rise to the holding of important international events all over the country. Serafino won one of the most famous, the Pavia-Venice in 1931 and 1932, establishing the record of the period by racing at a speed of 52 km/h.

By this time, the reconstruction of Italy was in full swing and bridges, motorways and towns were being built all over the country; Italian society was going through an industrial revolution and the automobile became a rising star. Carlo Riva created an alter ego for this star, namely a range of wooden yachts featuring an unmistakable design. The line, interiors, steering wheel, dashboard and driving position of the Ariston, the first example of what would develop into several generations of motorboats, made it the very first luxurious water “automobile”. This brought an allnew, all-Italian dimension to an important

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RIVA YACHTS: THE STORY BEHIND THE BRAND

Riva Raduni, Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy

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Riva Aqua Rama

“The extensive use of carefully crafted mahogany throughout the boat remains true to the Riva hallmark; skilfully finished with a twenty coat varnish”

period of the year – the holidays – and Riva yachts became inviting, smart holiday destinations in themselves, wherever you were going.

In 1969, when the first fiberglass yacht appeared, it horrified lovers of traditional yacht design. The intuitive Riva boatyard, however, knew how to innovate while still respecting tradition. – key to maintaining connection with their core audience at this point. Indeed, Carlo Riva’s last contribution to a Riva was to enrich the yacht by “combining cold plastic with a touch of warm wood”, creating a successful union between mahogany and fiberglass and winning the hearts of those who were skeptical about the new materials entering the yachting world.

1994 heralded the inspiration for the current style of Riva boats, beginning in the sketches of Mauro Micheli, who that year founded Officina Italiana Design with Sergio Beretta. The studio, which works exclusively on the design of Riva boats, perceives the vessel as a fish, - in this case, the most elegant, imposing and spirited fish of all: the shark. “Working for a boatyard like Riva is a daily challenge,” says Micheli.

“It means working to the highest quality standards, both in terms of manpower and materials employed, and with extremely high expectations. Our passion is for a classic, essential, clean style of design where the key word is ‘remove’ rather than ‘add’. The aim is to achieve the essence of a unique, unmistakable style, where innovation meets and grows in harmony with a tradition that has now become legend.”

In May 2000 Riva joined the Ferretti Group, one of the world leaders in the design, construction and sale of motoryachts with a unique portfolio of some of the most exclusive, prestigious brands in the nautical world including their own brand, plus Pershing, Itama, Bertram Mochi Craft, CRN and more.

So, we sail into the present day and Riva, now the prized jewel of the Ferretti Group,

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RIVA YACHTS: THE STORY BEHIND THE BRAND

Riva Virtus

has unveiled a new 27-foot runabout - Iseo.

Linking the past, present and future, Iseo celebrates the brand’s heritage and is destined to become a ‘must-have’ for lovers of design and boating on lakes and the open sea.

Combining Riva’s heritage style with cutting edge technology, Iseo is an important advancement due to its size and design, offering an innovative option suitable for day cruising in waters with high environmental value. Iseo is the first Riva to offer the option of a hybrid engine version with a Zero Emission Mode (cruising option, and is the first hybrid boat after the launch of Ferretti’s award-winning Mochi Craft 23 Long Range Hybrid in 2008.

The Ferretti Group’s revolutionary cruising mode system is particularly suitable for lakes or where normal boating is forbidden. The ‘Hybrid Propulsion ZEM’ does not compromise speed by combining high powered diesel propulsion with an electric version.

Moreover, Iseo is the first boat of its kind to be equipped with information, entertainment and GPS charts built for the Apple platform for iPad. This software has been specifically designed for the boat and features a number of applications for browsing, including the owner’s manual, viewing the weather forecast, listening to live stream radio and customised iTunes playlists on a high quality sound system.

In just 27 feet, the owner of Iseo can enjoy the perfection and style that has made Riva a true icon of timeless glamour and elegance. Soft, clean-cut lines, thorough space-planning, careful attention to detail and the use of highly sophisticated materials are the distinctive characteristics which make her the noble heiress to heritage, excellence and meticulous craftsmanship.

The extensive use of carefully crafted mahogany throughout the boat remains true to the Riva hallmark; skilfully finished with a twenty coat varnish - ten by brushing, ten by spraying.

Iseo is the latest creation of the unique relationship between Officina Italiana Design - exclusive designer of the entire Riva range- AYT (Advanced Yacht Technology), Ferretti Group’s naval research and design centre, and the team of architects and designers at Centro Stile Ferrettigroup.

“The new Iseo revives and evolves history,” says Norberto Ferretti, Founder and Chairman of the Ferretti Group, “After the wooden classics like the Ariston and the Florida, which made the history of our shipyard in the smaller boat range, Riva today has introduced another small runabout that encompasses the values that have made Riva the legend it is today: meticulous craftsmanship, uniqueness, elegance and painstaking attention to detail.”

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Malta:

True recognition by the international property market. A whole clutch of awards for Best Marina Development was won by Portomaso in 1999, 2000, 2001 and Gold in 2005.

a cool climate that’s hot on the qualityof-life index.

It’s official - Malta has the best climate on earth.

Malta was one of two countries that were tied for first place with the title of Best Climate, according to the Quality of Life Index issued by the International Living magazine last year. Sharing top honours was Zimbabwe.

Yet a Mediterranean climate (over 5 hours of sunshine a day) isn’t all that Malta has to offer. Malta’s many other virtues in the 9 categories of the IL index combined to earn it 3rd place overall in the Index, pipped to the post by the U.S. and New Zealand.

That ranking speaks volumes for the size of Malta’s quality offering relative to the island’s land mass of just 122 square miles.

How about a stable government, economy and a modern health service? These factors carry a lot of pull for wealthy English and Europeans looking to get away from their frosty climes. In fact, frost and snow are unknown in Malta with shirt sleeve order and temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees C) in November. Flights to many European capitals are just 3 hours away. Crime is low, education levels high, the locals hospitable and English-speaking with 48 English language schools. As a result, homes and apartments here have now attracted the international set. So has the historic harbours, 5-star hotels, restaurants and summer nightlife.

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But overseas domestic buyers aren’t the only ones to recognise the reputation of the island’s property potential. Malta’s success in attracting City hedge fund managers to redomicile to the island as a result of a well regulated and cost-competitive jurisdiction has spurred more demand for high quality homes in the sun.

Back in 2000, it wasn’t like this. Sure, the island had a loyal following of repeat overseas visitors but nothing that one c ould call gold standard. Despite its geographic location and abundance of sun and sea, Malta’s lifestyle as an up-market destination had little relevance for the aspiring overseas home buyer. That was until Portomaso was built.

George Fenech, the Tumas Group’s

Chairman, pioneered the lifestyle concept in Malta. He had a €140 million dream.

He wanted to enhance the quality of life for those buyers who could make the right investment decision. His vision of the Portomaso marina would bring Malta to the attention of the international property market with an Oscar of the property world - Gold Award in the Best Marina Development Category in the 2005 International Property Awards. As a result, Portomaso was acclaimed the most exclusive address in Malta and became home to the well-heeled, international celebrities and footballers.

Those that bought in 2000 have seen the value of their property rise by over 300%. Rental returns, too, have risen by 06% to 10%.

ADVERTORIAL

The value of Portomaso property has risen by 400%.

Might this reflect property expectations by overseas buyers for Tas Sellum and Ta’ Monita residences, too?

Out of the Portomaso mould have been cast two more luxury developments in the north and south of the island, both a stone’s throw from the Med. They are already reaching completion, thanks to Tumas Developments, the Group’s property arm. As both properties websites rather prosaically state, these two new residencies ‘offer lifestyle choices of the highest standards’. More to the point, poured into these two moulds are all the expectations of luxury, safety, tranquility and, you’ve guessed it, lifestyle.

Tas Sellum and Ta’ Monita have been designed to suit most pockets. Tas-Sellum offers a one-bedroom apartment of 68 square meters starting at €158,000 going up to a million plus for larger apartments whilst Ta’ Monita offers apartments starting at €98,000 going up to a million plus. Both residences are termed Specially Designated Area*, allowing the buyer to purchase more than one property in Malta and Gozo for private use or for business. Perhaps we should create a Portomaso Quality Index.

Zimbabwe wouldn’t stand a chance.

Portomaso Residence telephone : (+356) 2138 6802 ; (+356) 7949 7504.

Email : info@tumasdevelopments.com Web : www.tumasdevelopments.com

City fund managers and international footballers also recognise the value of good property standards in Malta.

The benefits of buying property in Malta.

• An SDA designated site* • No tax on capital gains arising out of or into Malta • Relief through 58 double taxation treaties ratified • No duty on importing household goods or furniture • Free repatriation of funds • No inheritance tax but duty of 5 % is payable on the transfer or transmission of immovable property • Reduced registration on importing a motor vehicle, subject to certain conditions • You can take a mortgage to purchase a property as a non-resident of Malta • You can rent it out to third parties if bought in an SDA.

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PROPERTY

A Place in the Sun

Despite a worldwide slowdown, the property market in the Caribbean continues to grow, with property prices on most Caribbean islands continuing to rise. This means that if you have your heart set on retiring to palm trees and crystal seas, it’s prudent to buy now as property in the Caribbean represents a good investment whilst other housing markets are falling.

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PROPERTY

W

hilst buying existing property outright in the Caribbean is comparatively expensive, building prices are cheap and development companies are always looking for investors.

Established holiday destinations, such as Barbados, command the highest property prices but those looking to grow their property investments are looking at ‘up and coming” destinations where new resorts are being built, such as the beautiful island of St. Lucia.

Already popular with clued-up tourists, it’s predicted that visitor numbers to such islands are going to rapidly increase, so hotels and holiday rentals are bound to be in demand.

UK investors looking to buy property overseas have tended to stick to European developments during the recession, as financial insecurity urges them to stick to destinations they can visit quickly and cheaply, so that they can see and even touch their investment.

However, rewards on our continent aren’t what they were before the

recession, and with recovery still in the distance, it may take a long time for European investments to pay off. Choosing to invest in sunnier climes may well represent a brighter future for your funds.

How you should invest also depends on whether you’re buying a property you intend to visit or perhaps live in yourself, or are buying purely for financial gain: Certain developments within the Caribbean islands are SIPP compliant, meaning you can invest in commercial property with a Self Invested Pension Plan. If you see your potential Caribbean property as a pure monetary investment and not as a potential holiday home, (SIPPS only allow for the purchase of commercial property) then this is your investment, as though you won’t be able to use the property yourself, the money you make from it will be exempt from Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax.

Guaranteed Returns

For most properties bought through SIPPs, there is a guaranteed rental return and profit on exit strategy.

Investors can choose between a number of options, with varying guaranteed yields and terms, and depending on the type of property invested in. For example, on a hotel development, a high return might be guaranteed for the first two years, at which point there would be a 50/50 split with the hotel operator, offering the investor a rate of return which could be predicted but not guaranteed. Or, another option might offer a lower guaranteed rate per annum, but be available for five to ten years.

Most SIPP-friendly schemes also offer some sort of guaranteed buyback: at some point after the development has been completed - the amount of time varies – the investor is guaranteed the money they invested plus a large percentage interest on top, if the investor decides to part with their ownership of the property. The investor can either take up this offer at the allotted time, or decide to continue owning their share in the property and making money from rental.

“The Best Investment on the Market.”

“Those looking to grow their property investments are looking at ‘up and coming” destinations where new resorts are being built, such as the beautiful island of St. Lucia”

Coming from a background of investing in personal properties abroad, Derek Blaney, partner at MAK Property Partnership, has seen the potential these investments can offer.

“People are disillusioned with their pensions. They’re just not earning the money people hoped they would. Investing through a SIPP offers great opportunities – look at it this way: you can’t touch the money anyway, so why not have it working for you? The best thing is it’s not dependent on your day to day finances, so you can take this up even if you’re unemployed at the moment and not paying into your pension anymore – if enough money is there in the SIPP to make the investment, then you can. You can also split up your SIPP and just invest part of it. It’s completely flexible.

“Even if you’re investing through a SIPP and don’t intend to go

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PROPERTY

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PROPERTY

“The appeal of the destination is what gives the resort such great potential, because it’s what’s going to attract visitors and bring that rent in. On top of that, some SIPP investment programmes offer up to a guaranteed 80% profit” and stay there yourself, the appeal of the destination is what gives the resort such great potential, because it’s what’s going to attract visitors and bring that rent in. On top of that, some SIPP investment programmes offer up to a guaranteed 80% profit if you sell the property back, and that’s got to be the best investment on the market at the moment.”

To make investments more appealing, there is even a return of interest on your deposit, meaning that your invested funds are never ‘just sitting there’. The funds you part with immediately will be earning you 5% interest all the time they are invested, off-setting any finance payments or legal fees you might need to pay.

“If you’re not sure if you have any money tucked away but think this might be the option for you if you have,” explains Derek, “then we can help you track down any pension funds from previous jobs which may just be gathering dust. Some people who haven’t been keeping track are pleasantly surprised and find out they have thousands they didn’t know about, which they can’t spend but perhaps could invest more efficiently.”

With pensions under performing for many investors who are counting on them, perhaps it is time to look further afield for a good return on our money. www.makproperty.com OCEAN VIEW 41

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COASTAL LIVING

Home from Home Find your perfect escape in a tiny seaside getaway.

“A beach hut’s appeal is timeless and idyllic, transcending generations and transporting us back in time to a quieter way of life”

OPPOSITE: Frinton Beach Hut

Frinton Beach Hut: The instant allure of a row of gaily-painted beach huts isn’t difficult to see, but for Johanna, buying her own hut has proved life changing. Only 30 minutes’ away from where she lives, she has turned it into a cheerful daytime getaway – the perfect place for her children to play and embrace a healthy, outdoor life. One day, while out driving, she decided to chill out and enjoy the crisp, clear light and sandy beach at this old-fashioned, traditional seaside town.

And, on an impulse, after peering in a local estate agent’s window, beach hut number 345 was purchased, and within three weeks the property was hers.

However, the river of life does not always run smoothly and there were some initial setbacks. Unhappily, the beach hut was burnt down in an arson attack and Johanna had to start rebuilding it from scratch. In some ways, this may have been a blessing in disguise because it gave her the

opportunity to recreate the hut and restore it to its former glory. She spent the next three years hunting down and gathering nostalgic objects and decorative pieces to give it back its original vintage feel. A beach hut’s appeal is timeless and idyllic, transcending generations and transporting us back in time to a quieter way of life that has long since vanished. As Johanna says: ‘It’s the ideal way to spend your childhood. My children love going to the beach, they’ve got loads of freedom, and the little one especially likes to build sandcastles and scooter up and down.’ Whatever the weather and season, there is always something to do, whether it’s minus five degrees and a biting cold wind or a still, baking hot summer’s day.

Style Notes Johanna has decorated and furnished the hut in a fresh and breezy seaside style.

This can be difficult to achieve and many people fall into the trap of buying too

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Manhattan 73

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COASTAL LIVING

“It provides a fabulous space for the whole family to take a break from their normal domestic life and routine”

many co-ordinating seaside or nautical themed items, which rarely creates a space that feels authentic. However, Johanna has successfully mixed old pieces of everyday family furniture, such as the lovely 1950s kitchen dresser and classic dining chairs, which she and her husband inherited, and has added some quirky individual pieces from junk shops, like the mugs. She has customised the dining chairs, painting the frames and recovering the seats with a modern child-friendly spotty fabric.

This engaging eclectic mix of vintage and domestic family items has created the perfect retro style. Embracing the challenge to decorate something other than your home empowers you to cut loose and have some fun experimenting with new ideas and styles. You can enjoy stepping outside your usual decorating spectrum. In this colourful beach hut, notice how the gorgeous sunny yellow of the 1960s formica kitchen table punctuates the blue-and-white colour scheme with a sharp freshness. Bold colour contrasts can be really effective and prove that it is best to be adventurous and not to restrain your colour palette too tightly. Also, adding some quirky touches, such as the vintage storage tins and royal memorabilia and souvenirs, provides interest and texture.

This beach hut works on so many different levels: it provides a fabulous space for the whole family to take a break from their normal domestic life and routine; it gives Johanna the opportunity to express her creativity; it has a nostalgic, vintage feel in a simple, fresh yet modern way – and it’s all genuine and not contrived. This is truly an inspiration to us all.

Photography by Tina Hillier.

My Cool Shed by Jane Field-Lewis is published by Pavilion £14.99 www.anovabooks.com/my-cool-shed

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OceanViewFull page aw:Layout 1

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0800 22 18 217 OCEAN VIEW or46visit insurancechoice.co.uk/oceanview

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RIVER CRUISING

The Inside Track

Take the path less travelled to some of the world’s most intriguing destinations…

The word cruise is inherently associated with the sea, and conjures images of languid days sailing aboard vast ships, spying land on the horizon and slowly taking in a tour of a region’s ports.

But what about those who prefer a faster pace?

Imagine waking up in the heart of Amsterdam, Barcelona or Johannesburg.

Imagine a holiday that took you to a dozen varied destinations, whilst requiring you to unpack your luggage only once. When you take a river cruise, your hotel travels with you, allowing you to unpack and relax as each destination comes to you.

By choosing a river cruise, you can enjoy the excitement of waking up just a few steps from markets, museums and landmarks, in the very heart of a new town or city. With no time-consuming port transfers, you can instantly absorb yourself in local culture from the moment you step off the ship.

Not all of the best cities are built on ports, but most of them ARE accessibly by river.

Boat was once the easiest, most effective means of transporting people and goods from city to city, so many early settlements sprang up around river systems which still provide important links between the cities today. This allows river cruise operators to offer an extensive itinerary of varied cruises, taking in different countries, cultures and themes.

The world’s most scenic waterways

Amacello river cruise ship in Bucharest

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UK CRUISE TRANSFERS

Cruise transfer specialists Ports Direct are geared to offer CRUISE LINES passengers a nationwide cruise transfer service to/from Dover, Portsmouth, Harwich and Southampton ports.

Ports Direct offer the following:

• • • • • •

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A range of vehicles from a saloon car to a fleet of executive coaches Our drivers handle your luggage from your chosen pick up location and ensure a porter is at hand to check your luggage in at the port terminal We will meet you at the arrivals terminal holding a name board clearly displaying your name, ready for your return Transfers are guaranteed to operate even when passenger numbers are low Shared door to door and private door to door service Transfers to/from other ports (ask for details)

Call for a quote on 0843 0843 or visit www.portsdirect.co.uk

003

Proud to be members of

01/11/2012 13:34 16/11/2012 09:30

RIVER CRUISING

of

were the original highways between great cities built along the water’s edge, which means that between cities on a river cruise, you could find yourself amidst vineyards, farmland, ancient castles and vibrant cross-sections of local life that would take hours to reach by road. Travelling by river allows you to view hidden gems that even local people rarely see, whilst sampling the delights of a cruising holiday on a small scale.

Although river cruises are more compact – the average vessel takes around 150 passengers – they do not skimp on the luxury afforded on ocean cruises. The more intimate nature of the cruise assures excellent service, and you will never have to face queues to board or disembark. From the moment you step on board, you’re treated to five-star service which matches a river cruise liner’s contemporary and lavish interior. Cabins may be more compact than on an ocean liner, but with clever spacesaving designs and high quality furnishings, they still offer word-class comfort and luxury. Some cabins have French balconies, which allow cruisegoers to take in the scenery sailing past their floating hotel room at any time. And on a river cruise, there’s something different to see at all hours of the day and night, so you won’t want to miss out.

In line with the experiences offered by ocean cruises, river cruise providers aim for the ultimate in luxury every moment of the day. Champagne breakfasts and fine dining in warm, personal surroundings with good wine and good company are as much a standard in the river cruising world, and daily city stops allows river cruise chefs to work with seasonal local ingredients, wherever you might be visiting, so keep an eye out for the specials board. Many include any shoreside excursions within the price, and AMA waterways even offer their customers the free use of bicycles to roam the cities they stop at. Top-of-the-range amenities assosciated with hotels such as free wireless internet for instantly sharing

Melk Abbey, Austria

“In line with the experiences offered by ocean cruises, river cruise providers aim for the ultimate in luxury every moment of the day”

Manhattan 73

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CLASSIC NILE CRUISE

Step back in time and discover Egypt’s ancient treasures along the banks of the legendary Nile as you travel from Luxor to Aswan. Accompanied by a qualified guide, you will enjoy ten fascinating excursions on board the five-star Viking Princess cruise boat.

SAVE UP TO £400 PER COUPLE Pay the full price for one person and the second person gets up to £400 off on selected departures up to December 2013 NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT SAVE UP TO £299 No single cabin supplement on selected departures up to April 2013 CRUISE AND STAY Extend your holiday for one week in Luxor from £139 per person or on the Red Sea from £179 per person

7 NIGHTS FROM

£749

PRICE INCLUDES

• All meals and transfers • Flights from Gatwick • 10 escorted excursions and a qualified guide • Manchester and Heathrow departures available at supplement. Call for details DEPARTURES 2013 1ST PERSON PRICE Jan 7,14 £799 Jan 21,28 £849 Feb 4 £849 Feb 25, Mar 4,11,18 £899 Apr 8,15,22,29 £899 May 1,8,15,22,29 £849 Jun 5,12,19,26 £799 Jul 3,10 £799 Sep 11,16 £899 Sep 18,23,25 £949 Oct 2,7,9,14,16,21,23,28,30 £949 Nov 4,6,11,13 £899 Nov 18,20 £849 Nov 25,27 £799 Dec 2,4,9 £749

2ND PERSON PRICE £499 £499 £549 £599 £599 £699 £599 £599 £649 £699 £699 £499 £499 £499 £499

Visit www.discoveregypt.co.uk 50 OCEAN VIEW

or call 0844 880 0989

Second Person Discount Offer – Pay the full Nile Cruise price for one person and the second person receives up to £400 off on selected dates. Prices are pere person for two people sharing departing from Gatwick (including flights, transfer to resort and UK airport taxes) on selected dates see website for details. Extra week prices can only be used in conjunction with a Nile Cruise. Supplements apply for departures from Heathrow and Manchester please call us for details and availability. Offers subject to availability and can be withdrawn at any time. See Discover Egypt’s website for full terms & conditions. ABTA W0302 & ATOL 3897 protected.

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RIVER CRUISING

Viking River Cruise

ubelievable holiday snaps with friends, libraries and dry cleaning services are also available on many river cruise vessels.

The river cruise manages a clever balancing act: in some ways, it provides more to do than an ocean cruise with more frequent dockings and excursions; yet it manages to offer more relaxation as time is saved on the transfers between ports and destinations. Don’t waste time on a coach into a grand capital from the nearest sea port… arrive in its very heart and spend several days exploring at your leisure, reuniting with the ship just a short while before sailing off to the next destination.

River cruising is a peaceful experience, due to the lack of wave movement – an excellent option for those who suffer from seasickness. The calm, soft flow of inland rivers gently guides the cruise vessel through the local scenery, with plenty to look at for the restless traveller, and none of the rocking of the sea. Those who aren’t fans of the wide open ocean needn’t miss out on the luxurious experience of a cruise.

And you won’t miss out on any traditional cruise entertainment. Despite their petite

Cruise ship dining area

proportions, river cruising vessels are fully equipped, often including panoramic fore or aft lounges, hairdressers, gyms, massage and beauty salons and of course, pools and Jacuzzis. Onboard entertainment varies, often by region, but promises a variety with

something to delight and entertain any cruisegoer.

By taking a river cruise, you don’t only visit a destination – you experience it, seeing cities from new angles and gaining a whole new perspective on cruising.

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RIVER CRUISING

River Cruising: The Plus and Minus Points Whether you want to cruise down the Nile, along the mighty Amazon or the lesser Orinoco, the stately Volga or the magnificent Rhine or the ‘blue’ Danube, along the mystical Ayeyarwady (formerly the Irrawaddy) or the ‘yellow’ Yangtze – to say nothing of the Don and the Dnieper, the Elbe, or Australia’s Murray – there are more than 1,000 rivercruise vessels to choose from.

What sort of person enjoys cruising aboard these vessels? Well, anyone who survives well without formal dinners, bingo, casinos, discos, or lavish entertainment, and those who want a totally unstructured lifestyle.

The Plus Points • You need to pack and unpack only once.

• Rivercruise vessels to enable you to enjoy the ever-changing scenery (the ‘riverscape’), all at eye level.

• You’ll wake up in a different place each day, often in the very heart of a city or town.

• You never have to take a tender ashore – you simply step off the vessel when it ties up.

• The atmosphere on board is friendly and informal, never stuffy or pretentious.

• Cruising along one of the world’s rivers is a delightful way to unwind at a slow pace.

• The ride is typically silky smooth – there’s no rolling like aboard many of the oceangoing cruise ships, so you won’t suffer from seasickness.

• Good food and service are essential elements of a successful rivercruise operation.

• All meals are provided, typically in a selfserve buffet arrangement for breakfast and lunch, with sit-down service for dinner. On European river cruises, basic table wines may also be included with lunch and dinner.

• Almost all cabins have outside views; there are virtually no interior (no-view) cabins, as aboard most of the ocean-going cruise ships.

• A whole range of optional, extra-cost excursions is available, while some excursions may be included.

You will typically sail by day, and dock at night (exceptions: Danube and Russian river cruises, where most vessels sail at night), so you can get a restful sleep without engine noise. However, bear in mind that, if your cabin is toward the aft, there may well be the soft humming of a generator, which supplies power for air-conditioning, heating, water supply, lighting, and cooking.

• You can, if you wish, leave the vessel in the evening to go out to dinner, or to the cinema, theater, or a concert (exceptions: Danube and Russian river cruises).

most rivercruise vessels are less than 6ft (1.8m) long.

• Don’t wear white. Rivercruise vessels are long and low, which means that their funnels are also low. Soot, created by the emissions from diesel engines and generators, can be a problem, particularly at the stern of a vessel, and on the upper (open) deck.

• Aboard some of the vessels that have an aft, open but sheltered deck area, or an open upper deck – almost all rivercruise vessels have one – smokers may be seated next to you. Few vessels distinguish between smoking and non-smoking areas outdoors, though almost none allow smoking in the public rooms.

• Depending on the vessel, river, the operating company, and tour operators that send passengers to the vessels, there could be passengers of several nationalities.

• Communication could be a problem if you don’t speak the same language.

• Rivers provide a sense of continuity – difficult to achieve from a coach tour, where you may change lodgings each night, and encounter border crossings. Also, while on board, you deal in a single currency.

• The dress code is completely casual.

The Minus Points The flow of water in almost all rivers can’t always be controlled, so there will be times when the water level is so low that even a specially constructed rivercruise vessel, with its shallow draft, cannot travel.

• If you are tall, note that the beds aboard

Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2013 is published by Berlitz, £17.99 www.berlitzbooks.com

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ABOVE: Red Silk/Linen Pocket Jacket Cream Crepe Short Sleeved Top Cream Crepe Trousers

£149.95 £99.95 £99.95

LEFT: Jersey Zig-Zag Jacket Black/Grey Cream Crepe Short Sleeved Top Cream Crepe Trousers

£99.95 £99.95 £99.95

RIGHT: Voile Waterfall Jacket Red/Black Ruby Crepe and Chiffon Vest Ruby Crepe Skirt

£89.95 £89.95 £99.95

16 to 30

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16/11/2012 09:31 29/10/2012 11:08

Round trip

FROM

18 49

£

per person 23-29 nights

No Flying Cruises

BONUS $50 PER STATEROOM ONBOARD SPEND ■ CHOOSE FROM 3 DIFFERENT ITINERARIES ■ 2 SHIPS - 1 HOLIDAY - NO FLYING

T

ake this incredible opportunity to visit the USA without having to fly. These offers incorporate three holidays in one, on two ships and no flights. Sail on ships that are the most well known and popular ships to the British cruiser, and BONUS on board spending money is included to help you enjoy your experience on board.

The first leg of these brand new and exclusive itineraries incorporates more than just a transatlantic crossing from the UK with ports of call to some top destinations on the way such as Iceland, the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Once you reach the USA you will be in tune with local time and the experience continues when you step off your first ship. Our autumn offer takes you to the heart of New England and a tour of the 3 biggest cities on the East coast of the USA; whilst our November offers include a wonderful east coast train journey through Florida, the Carolinas, Virginia and Philadelphia, in time to reach New York for some Christmas shopping.

The last leg of your 3 in one holiday experience enables you to avoid trans-Atlantic jet-lag, with a classic and elegant 7 night return voyage on the world famous Cunard Queen Mary 2 back to Southampton. As there will be no flight luggage restrictions, take advantage of the shopping in New York!

ICELAND - BOSTON - WASHINGTON - NEW YORK ABOARD ROYAL CARIBBEAN BRILLIANCE OF THE SEAS®

CARIBBEAN - FORT LAUDERDALE - NEW YORK ABOARD ROYAL CARIBBEAN INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS®

29 Nights NO FLYING: Cruise from Harwich for 15 nights to Le Havre (for Paris) - Portland (Dorset) - Cork - Dublin Klaksvik (Faroe Islands) - Reykjavik (Iceland - overnight in Port) - Boston. Then stay for 2 nights in a 4* hotel close to Boston Common. A morning train connection in business class takes you to the heart of Washington DC for a 2 night hotel stay. A further morning train connection in business class takes you to the heart of Manhattan for a 3 night hotel stay before joining the impressive Cunard Queen Mary 2 for a luxury 7 night voyage to Southampton.

CARIBBEAN - BAHAMAS NEW YORK ABOARD CELEBRITY ECLIPSE®

24 Nights NO FLYING: Cruise from Southampton for 13 nights to St Maarten - San Juan - Coco Cay (Beach BBQ Day) - Fort Lauderdale. Then stay for 2 nights in a hotel close to the beach. Then board an overnight East Coast train via the Carolinas, Virginia & Washington DC to New York. On board the train you will enjoy the comfort of a private roomette with all meals included. Stay for 1 night in Manhattan before joining the impressive Cunard Queen Mary 2 for a luxury 7 night voyage to Southampton.

23 Nights NO FLYING: Cruise from Southampton for 13 nights to St Maarten - St Thomas - Nassau (Bahamas) - Fort Lauderdale. Then board an overnight East Coast train via the Carolinas, Virginia & Washington DC to New York. On board the train you will enjoy the comfort of a private roomette with all meals included. Stay for 2 nights in Manhattan before joining the impressive Cunard Queen Mary 2 for a luxury 7 night voyage to Southampton.

2013 31 Aug

Nights 29

Inside £2969

Outside £3299

Balcony £3369

JetlineCruise

54 OCEAN VIEW

2013 2 Nov

Nights 24

Inside £1849

Outside £2149

Balcony £2199

0800 082 2153

2013 3 Nov

Nights 23

Inside £2159

Outside £2449

Balcony £2449

www.jetlinecruise.com

Open 7 days a week 9am - 9pm

Prices are per person based on 2 adults sharing and are subject to availability. *Onboard spend is per stateroom and varies according to the date booked. Transfers, tips, drinks, excursions & selected personal activities onboard are extra. Credit card charge 2.5%. ABTA J1693, agent for ATOL 6153. Terms & Conditions apply.

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OCEAN VIEW RECOMMENDS

Book Club

Welcome to the brand new Ocean View Bookclub. In each issue, we will be searching out and offering you the cream from the latest life style relevant titles at the very best prices. Choose from a host of titles, including our featured books from any issue and join us online at www.hive.co.uk/ocean-view to view more Ocean View recommendations at your leisure. You can order these to be delivered to your door or, alternatively, select your favourite bookshop and pick up from there. Enjoy...

21st Century Architecture: Beach Houses Australians and New Zealanders are drawn to the coast. Whether it’s a permanent abode or a simple fibro shack, the sound of the surf and the feel of sand beneath one’s feet are perennially appealing. This latest beach house book by Stephen Crafti features 50 architect-designed homes along the coast. From the simple to the monumental, these homes leave a lasting impression.

Publisher: Images Publishing Group Pty. Ltd Publication Date: 01 November 2011 ISBN: 9781864704464 Price: £22.50

Yachtmaster For Sail And Power: The Complete Course For The Rya Coastal And Offshore Yachtmaster Certificate This major reference book has proved invaluable for the many sailors following the RYA Coastal Skipper/ Yachtmaster Offshore course. This highly respected and refreshingly practical study guide covers the whole syllabus in detail, all illustrated with colour photographs, charts and worked examples throughout.

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Publication Date: 13 September 2012 ISBN: 9781408178119 Price: £20.00

Time Out Devon & Cornwall “Time Out Devon & Cornwall” takes you straight to the most inspiring destinations, from spectacular beaches to grand gardens and stately homes; the best places to stay, eat and drink, and the most compelling sights, villages and landscapes. This title is full of local recommendations, hidden places and at-a-glance seasonal events alongside all the best-known attractions, such as the Eden Project and Dartmoor.

Publisher: Ebury Press Publication Date: 19 April 2012 ISBN: 9781846702433 Price: £10.39

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OCEAN VIEW RECOMMENDS

Dream Islands: The World’s Most Breathtaking Places Whether your idea of island heaven is relaxing on a warm, sandy beach, or a cool and invigorating mountain hike, this beautifully illustrated survey has it all. Part travel guide, part reference, Dream Islands combines spectacular photography with insightful narrative descriptions, providing the perfect way to discover some of the most beautiful and unique corners of the world.

Publisher: Quercus Publishing Plc Publication Date: 25 October 2012 ISBN: 9781780871561 Price: £11.99

Amazing Surfing Stories An eclectic mix of exciting stories every surfer will love This eclectic mix of surfing tales offers something for everyone, from classic tales of monster waves and epic battles to hilarious anecdotes of what goes on among the breakers. There are stories of death and disaster as well as bravery and triumph. Bizarre and extreme occurrences share space with accounts of perfect breaks and beautiful beaches.

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc Publication Date: 28 September 2012 ISBN: 9781119942542 Price: £11.99

The World’s Greatest Cruises This lavishly illustrated book features a refined selection of 18 carefully researched cruises to dream destinations.

It is aimed at the 1.7 million Britons (700,000 of which were first-time cruisers) who took a record number of ocean cruises in 2011 (PSA March 2012). The book includes classic routes such as the Northwest Passage, exotic cruises in the Caribbean, river cruises on the Nile and island hopping in the Aegean Sea. Publisher: Monaco Books Publication Date: 25 September 2012 ISBN: 9783899448856 Price: £11.00

Bear Grylls: Facing The Frozen Ocean Shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2004, this is the compelling account of the most recent adventure of the bestselling author of “Facing Up”. It started out as a carefully calculated attempt to complete the first unassisted crossing of the frozen north Atlantic in an open rigid inflatable boat, but it became a terrifying battle against storm-force winds, crashing waves and icebergs as large as cathedrals.

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Publication Date: 30 April 2005 ISBN: 9780330427074 Price: £5.79 56 OCEAN VIEW

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Share the moment Use your phone like at home

• Phone family and friends • SMS - Short, sweet and yet in touch • Share, tweet, surf or email

OCEAN VIEW 57

MCP brings you the world at sea.

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Every day’s a cruise at a Richmond Retirement Village

Richmond Villages is all about enhancing your lifestyle and quality of life, allowing you to enjoy the comforts of your own beautifully appointed apartment within our award-winning retirement village. Here you can enjoy life to the full, while the Richmond team takes care of your day-to-day chores.

Stunning locations | First-class dining | Activities programme Bowling green* | Wellness spa and gym*

Find out how you can get more out of life‌ Call 0845 125 5868 or visit www.richmond-villages.com Villages in Oxfordshire, the Cotswolds, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire and Cheshire *Not available at all villages 58 OCEAN VIEW

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WIN!

Competition

DV1

WIN!

The rugged, pocket-sized waterproof, shock and dustproof GE DV1 features full HD 1080p movie recording on the fly and photos at the touch of a button.

Optical zoom for up-close videos, a convenient, built-in flip-out USB plug to share videos and photos on the go make the DV1 an irresistible choice.

Add the flexibility of charging via USB on the go and cords, cables and connectivity are a thing of the past!

To be in with a chance of winning one of these fantastic lifestyle cameras from GE, just answer this simple question!

Which Caribbean Isle is famous for its natural beauty?

Is it: a) St. Ives b) St. Lucia c) St. Nicholas Send your answer in an email to linda@lifemediagroup.co.uk with the subject Caribbean Competition. Answers can also be sent by post to Linda Grace, Life Media Group, 19 The Avenue, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 3YD Closing Date: 31st January 2013 Winners will be drawn from correct answers a week after the closing date.

E1450W

Share and Share alike, with the all new Power series from GE digital cameras. An ultra-slim, modern aluminum design, house the powerful features and functions that make the E1450W so appealing. More power - More full with HD video at the click of a button with the added convenience of all the intuitive features and functions that couldn’t be easier!

OCEAN VIEW 59

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16/11/2012 10:28

43490 Bimuno Travelaid Thai CruiseMag 258x190 AW_AW 11/03/2011 13:14 pm Page 1

NEW 43490 Bimuno Travelaid Thai CruiseMag 258x190 AW_AW 11/03/2011 13:14 pm Page 1

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Supportyour your Tummy Support Tummy while abroad! while abroad!

When travelling abroad, the local food, drink and climate can all have an effect on the balance of bacteria in your digestive system.

is a unique andand convenient formulation When travellingBimuno abroad,TRAVELAID the local food, drink climatenewcan all havethat an has effect on been specially developed for business and holiday travellers, to be taken in the balance of bacteria digestive system. preparationinforyour and during your time abroad. ®

Published scientific studies* shown thatnew someformulation prebiotic Bimuno® TRAVELAID is a unique andhave convenient that has Galacto-oligosaccharides, such as provided by Bimuno TRAVELAID, can help been specially encourage developed for business and holiday travellers, to be taken in and sustain a healthy level of your ‘good’ gut bacteria, helping to preparation forkeep andyour during tummyyour happytime on itsabroad. travels.

Next time you’re going away try Bimuno soft Published scientific studies* have shown that TRAVELAID some prebiotic chewy pastilles to experience the benefits for yourself.

TESTED IN PUBLISHED Galacto-oligosaccharides, such as provided by Bimuno TRAVELAID, can help SCIENTIFIC STUDIES encourage and sustain a healthy level of your ‘good’ gut bacteria, helping to keep your tummy happy on its travels.

60 time OCEAN VIEW Next you’re going away try Bimuno TRAVELAID softavailable from Now chewy pastilles to experience the benefits for yourself.

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*Studies on file. Bimuno TRAVELAID is the result of nine years of intensive scientific research with the University of Reading. Bimuno is a food supplement. Food supplements are intended to supplement a registered trademark which is the property of Clasado Inc for a Prebiotic Transgalactooligosaccharide. your diet and should not be regarded as a substitute for a varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Bimuno® is SCIENTIFIC STUDIES

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THE SECRETS OF MY SUCCESS

Hilary Devey

Straight-talking star of Dragon’s Den, Business Inspector and Secret Millionairess Hilary Devey has weathered the recession with focus, realism and the confidence in her business to invest. Ocean View learns the no-nonsense route to success, the Devey way.

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aving the confidence to reinvest like this for the future – as well as making necessary cutbacks – was what helped me to steer my business forward during tough economic times. I can safely say that the negotiations to expand into Europe were the most testing I’ve ever known. As well as the sheer mechanics involved in setting up a new pallet network and finding the right partner to work with, there are cultural, social, economic and demographic factors to take into account – as well as different legal systems. But today, despite all the problems in the Eurozone in late 2011, the European arm of Pall-Ex is performing outstandingly well. Our Romanian network launched in November 2011 and France followed in January 2012.

While 2009 was a challenging year, it was also the one in which I was recognised with my industry’s biggest honour – the Sir Robert Lawrence Award from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. By then I’d been invited to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen after being recognised for special achievements in industry, and received many awards for what I’d done in business.

I’d also started to speak about my life and work to everyone from charities to business leaders in the UK and abroad. The Sir Robert Lawrence Award meant so much because I was the only woman to have ever won it. It was a true honour to be recognised by my peers.

I never thought for a second that I’d end up having a second career in television when I was approached by Channel 5 to do a series called The Business Inspector. I just thought it would be another one-off project – this time a four-part series – and it interested me OCEAN VIEW 61

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THE SECRETS OF MY SUCCESS

because the producers wanted me to go into small businesses and turn them around. I knew filming would be tiring, but I was keen to give it a go because more than 99 per cent of the British economy is made up of SMEs – small- and medium-size enterprises – which turn over £3,100 billion a year. They’re vital to our economy and I’d always felt passionately that any business of any size should be professionally run. That’s why I wanted to do The Business Inspector, and I’d enjoyed Secret Millionaire, so why not?

Just how haphazardly some companies are administrated was a shock even for me, though, when we started filming in January 2010. Donna Coventry and Ann Scott, who ran Leaf It Out florists in Milton Keynes, had such a loose grip on their costings that they were in line to lose £14,500 that year.

‘Who’s funding these losses?’ I asked.

Donna and Ann were. And so were other relatives, including one of their mums. The pair of them got short shrift from me. What right did they have to play with their loved ones’ money like that?

The bank of Mum and Dad should be insolvent by the time a child reaches eighteen as far as I’m concerned, unless there’s a very good reason for it not to be. Losing money doing flowers isn’t one of them.

After going to see the mum in question, I gave Donna and Ann some straight talking: it was time for them to factor in fixed costs like rent, heat and light into their prices and get a lot more proactive about finding new business. I’ve said before that if you can market and sell then you can run a business, and the girls at Leaf It Out weren’t being nearly creative enough in their approach to finding new customers. By the time I left, they were well on their way to getting them.

It was the same story with many of the businesses I inspected: at Premier Karting in Reading, I advised owner Derek Halpin to get out and start sourcing new clients by leafleting the town centre to advertise an open evening for local people, because bookings for corporate events had dived off a cliff. When I met with Jass Patel, who ran a cocktail bar called Mokoko in St Albans, I told him to get off his high horse and stop buying such expensive spirits because he was throwing away his profits. I even made him do a taste test in the street to prove to him that no one would know the difference, and they didn’t.

‘Are you selling sex or keep-fit?’ I asked Lou Gardiner, who ran Affinity Pole Fitness from an exercise studio just outside Canterbury.

What fifty-something woman was going to swing off a pole to try and get fit? I believed that Lou was making her product too niche – and the same went for Noeline Stevens’ dog grooming business, because hardly anyone knew about it given that it was hidden in the garage at the side of her house in Bournemouth. None of these people were maximising their chances for new customers and being proactive about finding them.

“While 2009 was a challenging year, it was also the one in which I was recognised with my industry’s biggest honour – the Sir Robert Lawrence Award from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport” Then there were all the other basics to running a small business: proper accounting and financial procedures; marketing and selling your product; thinking creatively about how to maximize your customer base – and never, ever forgetting your bottom line. Noeline soon stopped putting her cash takings into a tin that she and her husband dipped in and out of after meeting me. Donna and Ann were under no illusions that they had to get their gross profit margin of 11 per cent far closer to the 32 per cent that most florists work on by the time I left. Jass Patel, who was paying himself £15,000 when I went to see him so might as well have been working far less hours on a Tesco check-out, had forgotten that the core of any business is its costings versus profit – not its brand of vodka.

Passion alone doesn’t create profit. It’s all about your bottom line.

And business isn’t rocket science, whatever some people might say.

Of course, the bigger your business gets, the more scientific you have to be about financial projections and logistics. But if you’re starting out then it’s about knowing your product and keeping your costings tight. Remember that ink I used to syringe into the photocopier back at Pall-Ex? I’ve often been asked what makes the ideal entrepreneur, and I’d say it’s a mix of creativity and commercialism. You have to have a sound grasp of business essentials, but if you have creativity then you have intellect, which means you can nurture it to learn new things like basic business sense. Innate good business sense is not enough on its own. Trust me: accountants make lousy entrepreneurs.

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Bold as Brass: My Story by Hilary Devey is published by Macmillan at £16.99

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Don’t let life pass you by!

PROPERTY

Utilising a 14.4MP CMOS sensor that captures every detail, the GE G100 and the E1410SW give you some great features including: C

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• Multi-Exposure - shoot up to 6 images on one frame; great for analysing the action.

• Object Tracking - follow a moving subject ensuring pin sharp pictures.

• High Dynamic Range + blends 3 images to give you that perfectly exposed shot.

• Pan-Capture Panorama - create impressive panoramic photographs.

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E1410SW 10X Zoom 14.4 MP CMOS Sensor 28mm - 280mm Full HD - 1080p Video 3” LCD

G100 15X Zoom 14.4 MP CMOS Sensor 28mm - 420mm Full HD - 1080p Video 3” Hi-Res LCD

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For more information about GE digital cameras, please contact uksales@general-imaging.com

15/11/2012 14:05

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