Privatsea 9 by LUKE SPRAGUE

Weaving its way through Brazil, the Amazon is a river of superlatives. The sheer scale of it is astounding: on average 28 miles wide when the water is at its highest, during the rainy season the mouth of the river can be 300 miles across and it pours almost 300,000 cubic metres of water per second into the Atlantic Ocean. Read the story, Where the wild things go, on page 62.

contents ISSUE 9 / 2013

Moving forward It was nearly a decade ago that PrivatSea created the PrivatSea Club as the world’s first private members club for luxury yachting. PrivatSea Club quickly became a respected name in the yachting industry, establishing itself amongst the top 10 charter brokers in the world. A PrivatSea membership could buy you the complete yachting lifestyle. Our Club membership filled a gap in the yacht charter market, providing an array of services to enhance the charter experience, including private jet bookings, honorary guest access to prestigious membership clubs and preferential rates with a vast network of exclusive villas and luxury properties. But following the recent economic impact on the yacht market as a whole, PrivatSea has changed its structure and its offering. Two years ago PrivatSea amalgamated all of its services (charter, management, construction, marine services) to become one central ‘Complete Yachting Company’. In addition to this, PrivatSea has taken the decision to close its Private Members Club and move forward as a Luxury Lifestyle Services Provider. All of our Club benefits, of course, stay in place and PrivatSea’s Luxury Alliance is still growing steadily, but PrivatSea no longer charges a membership or annual subscription fee. So now one-off charter guests and all other PrivatSea clients – from shipyard clients to yacht management clients – can access our fantastic array of lifestyle services without any additional charges. Another momentous decision for PrivatSea this year is the sale of the prestigious M/Y Alexander. It was with a mix of excitement and sadness that Alexander was put on the open market at the end of last year, having been in the PrivatSea group since being converted from passenger vessel into mega yacht in 1985. Over the years we have refused many offers to buy her, but with her half century birthday approaching and after many years of enjoyment, we feel it is time to let a new owner breathe fresh life into her. In impeccable condition following a refit last year, Alexander is one of the largest yachts in the world for private charter. You can read more about this magnificent mega yacht on page 22. On a more buoyant note, London 2012 certainly spurred the imaginations of some of our more intrepid clients. We have already had an enquiry for a yacht charter surrounding the next Olympics in Rio! A charter in Brazil is way off the beaten track and we’re still working on the feasibility of arranging such an extraordinary charter, but for an owner with the same lust for adventure it would be an Olympic voyage of a lifetime. Our feature on page 62 will tell you more. We hope this issue of PrivatSea magazine inspires you, and as always we welcome enquiries on any aspect of our services, so please feel free to contact us on info@privatsea.com. Lucinda Peranic Director of PrivatSea Client Services

05 06 16

Guest editor’s letter PRIVATSEA NewS greEce: ON THE CUSP OF A SUPERYACHT RENAISSANCE

Long established as a yachting paradise with thousand of kilometres of unspoiled coastline and a staggering number of beautiful islands, Greece has yet to put itself on the map as a luxury destination. Recent economic and political turmoil, antagonistic yachting laws and outdated infrastructure have all conspired against its success.

the ripening age

Design culture

land ahoy

panther 2: ready to roar this season

under the grecian sun

EDITOR’S PICK

where the wild things go

rock the boat

colour me beautiful

Passport

In a few years’ time both M/Y Alexander and I will reach our half century, a landmark age that is for many when life really begins. A yacht is often described as a ‘palace on the sea’, but, just as the Taj Mahal has little in common with Buckingham Palace, yacht owners from around the world want their interiors to reflect not only the latest design trends, but their national identities as well. If you own a yacht – or, indeed, if you merely charter one – you are likely to fall into the category of those helping to define the new global order in the property market. Whitewashed houses line the shorelines and slopes of the Greek island of Mykonos. Each looks as if it was mythically carved by the gods out of giant sugar cubes. Eleven islands in seven days. It's a dream itinerary that's worth exploring aboard one of PrivatSea's most popular charter yachts, Panther 2. His ‘n hers must-have accessories for the ultimate yachting experience. Wild, untamed and remote, the Amazon basin has to be the ultimate Brazilian attraction for the truly adventurous owner. Stepping aboard a superyacht might be all about escape, but the technological comforts of home quickly grab your attention. Featuring some of the slickest, most advanced technology available, superyacht audio-visual systems continue to compete for our attention. Glance around a marina on a sunny day and your eyes will be dazzled by the array of sleek white yachts. But as the superyacht industry grows and reaches new markets, to some eyes the ‘traditional’ European or American colourways seem, well, a little dull. Comedian, actor and producer Griff Rhys Jones came to national attention in the early 1980s for his work in the BBC television comedy sketch shows Not the Nine O’Clock News and Alas Smith and Jones. Few know him as a passionate yachtsman and the owner of the Sparkman & Stephens classic wooden yacht, Argyll. 3

guest editor’s letter

LUKE SPRAGUE

Martin H. Redmayne

GUEST EDITOR Martin H. Redmayne COMMISSIONING EDITOR & PROJECT MANAGER Lauren Barker DESIGN Danielle Taylor PICTURE EDITOR Luke Sprague KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER Donata Rotunno CONTRIBUTORS Angela Audretsch, Carol Bareuther, Olly Burn, Lisa Freedman, Don Hoyt Gorman, Kate Hubert, Kostas Karakasidis, Belinda Liversedge, Dimitria Spiropoulou and Lisa Pritchard Associates. PUBLISHED BY The Superyacht Art Agency a division of The Superyacht Group 3-7 Northcote Road, London SW11 1NG Tel: +44 (0)20 7801 1021 Email: lauren@thesuperyachtgroup.com For sales and marketing enquiries: donata@thesuperyachtgroup.com

ollowing the evolution and development of the contents in this edition of PrivatSea magazine, I thought to myself, there’s nothing more important in the world today than ‘privacy’. We live in a congested, crowded and intrusive world, where it is hard to escape from prying eyes, media attention or people trying to sell you something you don’t want or need. This social noise seems to be getting worse and with everyone tweeting, Facebook-ing or Instagram-ing, nothing is sacred, private or discreet anymore. As soon as a teenager has their first iPhone, they become a member of the paparazzi, a celebrity-hounding journalist, an expert social commentator, and someone who can innocently intrude. Today you cannot escape from a lens, no matter how small, or an ill-informed

comment on what you're doing, no matter how exclusive the restaurant or hotel is. We all need to get away and feel that we can relax and do what we want, when we want it, how we want it and with whomever. So while considering the explosion of unwanted attention and invasion of the lifestyle snatchers, it made me consider how on earth we can all seek solace and privacy from this rude awakening. Private villas, private jets and private yachts are the only route to achieving ‘absolute privacy’, so as you read this edition of PrivatSea magazine, just think about the value of time alone with loved ones, family and friends. Privacy is priceless.

Martin H. Redmayne Guest editor

HEAD OFFICE PrivatSea 9 Little St. James's Street London SW1A 1DP Tel: +44 (0)20 7396 5460 Email: info@privatsea.com PRINTED BY Park Communications 5

PRIVATSEA NEWS PEOPLE AND PARTNERSHIPS

luxury and exclusivity

sale of the century PrivatSea hosted a cocktail reception on board M/Y Alexander at the Monaco Yacht Show last September. The Alexander reception was the pinnacle of another successful show at Monaco for PrivatSea, and a rare opportunity for many friends and clients of PrivatSea to board a magnificent yacht with one

of the richest histories and guest lists in the world. The results from the Monaco Yacht Show were again testament to the quality of the show, despite slightly quieter traffic than previous years. PrivatSea was pleased to generate several charter enquiries and a keen interest in the upcoming sale of Alexander.

MAINTAINED TO PERFECTION AT SHIPYARD

PrivatSea’s Marine Services continued a busy run through the winter season with two of the world’s top yachts berthed at the shipyard facility. The impressive 117m M/Y Turama underwent routine winter and spring maintenance at the yard, together with electromechanical works and external touch-up painting. Regular visitor Al Mirqab also returned this year for winter and spring maintenance works and painting. 6

At 133m she was the largest yacht to be berthed alongside at the shipyard. Other motor yachts visited the facilities for engine, electrical and mechanical maintenance works and external painting. Similar works are scheduled at the shipyard for the first quarter of 2013. For more information on PrivatSea's Marine Services, contact info@privatsea.com

PrivatSea is delighted to welcome LaCure Villas into its Luxury Alliance. The new partnership with LaCure Villas, one of the world’s leaders in luxury villa rentals, adds more depth to PrivatSea’s excellent links with the villa and holiday home rental industry. With access to more than 1,000 of the world’s most luxurious and exclusive properties spread over 29 countries, LaCure Villas has an extensive inventory including destinations such as St Barths, Mustique, Tuscany, Lake Como and Provence to name but a few. Properties range from secluded beachfront homes on sun-drenched private islands to medieval castles in awe-inspiring European estates. More important to LaCure Villas than its many travel industry awards is its impressive level of repeat business. The volume of returning customers is testament to the talent that LaCure demonstrates in matching its clients’ desires and requirements to exactly the right destination, together with its expertise in arranging every detail of a trip to ensure that the entire journey goes as smoothly as possible. Among PrivatSea’s top picks of LaCure properties is the spectacular Roaring Pavilion, located in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. This villa has hosted many celebrity guests since its opening in 1995, which is no surprise as it’s been consistently named as the ultimate luxury hideaway. Tucked away on a secluded stretch of the fabulous James Bond Beach, Roaring Pavilion’s many terraces provide sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea, and the villa’s five state-of-the-art jet skis invite you to enjoy the clear blue waters. PrivatSea clients will benefit from special amenities when booking a LaCure property, ranging from complimentary wine and delicacies to spa and beauty treatments. www.lacurevillas.com

ROOM WITH A VIEW now available in the INDIAN OCEAN Following numerous requests for holiday properties in the Indian Ocean, PrivatSea is pleased to announce a new Luxury Alliance partnership with Villas De Maitre. Villas De Maitre is a specialist in providing tailormade luxury villa holidays in the Indian Ocean with a portfolio that consists of some of the most beautiful and exceptional villas in Mauritius, Seychelles, Zanzibar and Mozambique. The privately owned properties cater for couples, families with children and large groups of friends, and range from stunning thatched beachfront villas to secluded cliff-top properties with breathtaking views. All are set in large gardens and boast unique and beautifully designed interiors.

Villas De Maitre directors personally inspect and evaluate each villa, so clients are guaranteed superior quality accommodation. This also enables the sales team to precisely evaluate which area and villa will best suit a guest’s individual needs. In addition to excellent accommodation and

SILVER SERVICE ON THE SLOPES

Finding the perfect ski chalet can be an arduous task – especially when looking for similar levels of service that you’re accustomed to on board. So PrivatSea is delighted to welcome new partner Elysian Collection into its Luxury Alliance. Elysian Collection manages a private portfolio of some of the most exclusive and luxurious ski chalets in the Alps – all with levels of service tantamount to the world’s top charter yachts. Nestled within the atmospheric Swiss villages of Zermatt and Klosters, its beautiful chalets are certain to impress. Take Grace for example, a stylish chalet with uninterrupted views of the Matterhorn and surrounding mountains. Reputed to be one of the most luxurious and spectacular chalets in Zermatt, Grace can accommodate 12 guests in stylish en suite bedrooms, many with south-facing balconies. The chalet features floor-to-ceiling windows, a dramatically vaulted and open-plan interior and generous outdoor living spaces with cosy loungers, tables and chairs. Grace also boasts a spacious wellness centre with sauna, shower and yoga room and an outdoor hot tub. As with all

destination advice, Villas De Maitre also assists with any additional requests such as chefs, nannies, catamaran trips, dining reservations and excursions. www.villasdemaitre.com

FEEL confident you're covered

Elysian Collection chalets, Grace has its own concierge and Michelin-star-trained chef as well as a team of professional and experienced staff. The Elysian Collection chalets provide a perfect retreat for private holidays or corporate stays. PrivatSea clients who wish to book with the Elysian Collection will receive a preferential rate when booking.

PrivatSea has teamed up with the award-winning insurance broker La Playa to offer its clients complete peace of mind while on board. With offices in London and New York, La Playa is committed to providing individual advice and cover based on an in-depth understanding of its clients, developed within a discreet and trusted relationship. La Playa services a large portfolio of high net worth individuals, providing cover for period, listed and modern buildings, prestige vehicles, yachts and motorboats, private jets and wine, jewellery, art and other valuable collections on a worldwide basis. Speaking of its marine insurance, Mike Taylor-West, of La Playa’s London office, says: “Life on board should be stress-free – after all, you’re there to enjoy your yacht and time afloat. You don’t want to be concerned about whether your jewellery and personal belongings are adequately protected. They are, however, at greater risk on board than in your home. Quite apart from simple loss there’s an increased risk of fire and, therefore, smoke damage. At La Playa we want our yachting clients to be confident that their personal assets are covered. A standard marine insurance policy won’t necessarily protect your most valuable belonging – it makes sense to get an all-encompassing home insurance policy – or better still to wrap up your marine and home insurance (and your vehicles) on a single portfolio policy so nothing falls through the cracks.” PrivatSea clients may take advantage of a complimentary, detailed and confidential review of their insurance needs with La Playa’s director of private clients, and as an added treat new clients to La Playa will receive a luxury Fortnum & Mason hamper.

www.elysiancollection.com

www.laplaya.co.uk 7

PRIVATSEA NEWS PEOPLE AND PARTNERSHIPS

Destined for all things oriental: Now on Hyde Park The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is one of London’s most illustrious hotels, and thanks to PrivatSea’s new partnership, clients receive special benefits when booking. PrivatSea is delighted to welcome Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park into its Luxury Alliance. The hotel offers 173 guest rooms and 25 individually decorated suites all with wonderful views over Knightsbridge or Hyde Park. The elegant Royal Suite has been extensively renovated and includes a superb terrace to host parties for up to 40 guests. Butlers are available to provide personalised services for all of the top suites. The hotel is also one of London’s premier gourmet destinations, with two outstanding restaurants and a stunning bar. With an interior design as impressive as its menu, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is one of the world’s most celebrated restaurants and Bar Boulud, a French bistro and wine bar, is the only London restaurant of Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud. The stunning spa, consistently voted one of the best spas in the world, rounds off the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park experience, with expert treatments and cutting-edge facilities in a relaxed setting. All PrivatSea clients will benefit from best available rate at the time of booking, continental breakfast for up to two guests per room, internet access for the duration of your stay, either wireless or wired, local calls and an upgrade to the next room category (subject to availability). www.mandarinoriental.com

PARTNER OF THE ART KIND Whether an avid collector or simply a fan of fine arts, PrivatSea clients will now benefit from a new collaboration with FGB Fine Arts. FGB Fine Arts is a recently launched specialist fine art advisor of contemporary and postmodern works. As part of PrivatSea’s partnership with the company, clients will benefit from FGB Fine Art’s discreet and professional consultancy for acquiring, selling and managing fine art collections. More specifically, FGB Fine Arts provides a personal and tailor-made service to address the individual collector’s fine arts needs – from providing trends and research to valuations and sourcing. Fine art enthusiasts among PrivatSea’s client base may take advantage of an initial complimentary confidential consultation with the director of FGB Fine Arts. www.fgbfinearts.com 8

ROYAL BENEFITS

The fabulous Royal Mougins Golf Club may now be enjoyed by PrivatSea clients, with honorary guest benefits. Situated in the picturesque Provencal village of Mougins and just a short drive from Cannes and Nice International Airport, this 18-hole championship golf course has a par of 71, measuring 6,004 metres from the championship tees. The course was designed by Robert von Hagge and at its opening in 1993 was acclaimed the nation’s best new course. It’s an undulating course, hilly in parts with a flatter forest area on the valley floor. The mix of holes ranges from technically challenging to relatively genteel. When you’ve worked up an appetite on the golf course, there is the popular design clubhouse to enjoy, with an elevated terrace which provides a perfect vantage point for al fresco diners.

Chef Philippe Artaud is renowned for his inventive and refined menus, with seasonal products sourced from local daily markets. The club’s colourful and Mediterranean à la carte menu is a magnet for gourmets. A stay at the Royal Mougins Hotel, located in the heart of the large private, wooded estate, is the perfect end to a day’s golfing. Soothe away any aches at the exclusive Royal Spa, incorporating sauna, Turkish bath, Jacuzzi and relaxation room, or head to the practice range to fine tune your game before the next round. PrivatSea clients will receive preferential rates when booking a stay at the Royal Mougins Hotel and complimentary access to the Royal Spa.

www.royalmougins.fr

true Jewel of the summer This summer Porto Montenegro will attract the world’s rich and famous as PrivatSea’s Luxury Alliance partner, The True Collection, hosts one of the season’s most anticipated parties. The True Collection – a travel destination club that combines a unique mix of luxury holidays with a team of professional athletes – will launch the ‘Adriatic Jewellery Collection’ for its sister company Misahara. Misahara create a handcrafted line of unique, high-end jewellery inspired by travel, life experiences and family. The Adriatic collection features fresh and exciting stones, colours and

shapes, all maintaining the Misahara standard of hand-selected semi-precious stones, 18k gold and Pava diamonds. The Porto Montenegro cocktail evening, which has already attracted an extensive VIP list flying in for the August event, will centre on a Bond theme incorporating superyachts, boats, True Collection athletes, a helicopter and jewellery heist.

www.misahara.com www.thetruecollection.com

PRIVATSEA NEWS yachts – privatsea recommends

M/Y GEMS (ex Momentum) LENGTH 32.8 METRES BEAM 7.9 METRES YEAR 2005 Builder Leight Notika Yachts Flag British Guests 9 Cabins 4 The beautiful M/Y Gems is a 2005 Leight Notika yacht, built from a Bill Dixon design. She is modern and elegant, both inside and out, and holds excellent deck space within her clean, sleek lines. Her contemporary interior is a mix of warm creams and earthy tones, pale mahogany panelling, cream leather deckheads with sumptuously soft carpeting throughout. At nearly 33m, Gems can accommodate up to nine guests in four well-appointed en suite cabins. The full-beam master suite boasts a split-level bathroom with Jacuzzi and separate shower, a comfortable seating area and a king-size bed. There are two further double cabins

and a twin cabin with a Pullman berth. The yacht’s main salon is perfect for intimate evenings or entertaining with a dining table for eight. Further dining options are offered on deck with a sociable fly-bridge area including a bar, Jacuzzi, dining table and pilot seats. There is also dining al fresco on the aft deck. A secluded sunbathing area is provided on the foredeck, and for the more active guest there is a waverunner, jet ski, windsurfer, waterskis and a swimming platform aft with ladder. Based on the Côte d’Azur, Gems provides convenient access to the Western Mediterranean, France, Italy, Sardinia and Corsica.

S/Y VOLADOR Length 25 metres Beam 5.85 metres Year 1982 Builder Royal Huisman Flag British Guests 8 Cabins 4

Sister ship to the sailing yacht Flyer, winner of the 1982 Whitbread Round the World Race, S/Y Volador is a classic yacht refitted with the latest equipment and technologies. This 25m ketch, built in 1982 by Royal Huisman, recently underwent an extensive refit on her interior and exterior equipment and rigging. Volador boasts the charm of a bygone era with a modern twist of a yacht that offers consistently high performance. She is the perfect yacht to charter with family or friends and offers the typically informal atmosphere of a sailing charter where guests are able to sail alongside the crew and steer the boat on the vast teak deck in complete

safety. The relaxed, friendly atmosphere is a key part of the Volador experience. Eight guests can be accommodated in four double en suite cabins. The interior features a large communal living space and effuses a warm and welcoming atmosphere. There is a central kitchen and lounge, with dining space for eight guests, and cabins are located fore and aft. On deck, the central cockpit is a favourite spot for guests, with plenty of space to enjoy al fresco breakfasts or lunches while admiring the views and soaking up the Volador sailing experience. Volador typically cruises in the Western Mediterranean. 9

PRIVATSEA NEWS yachts – privatsea recommends

M/Y aqua Length 39.6 metres Beam 8.6 metres Year 2010 Builder Admiral - CNL Flag Greek Guests 11 Cabins 5 The stunning motoryacht Aqua is one of the fastest yachts of her size available for charter. At just less than 40 metres and capable of speeds of 31 knots, this yacht is seriously impressive on the water. But it’s not just her speed and performance that is remarkable, her design is noteworthy too. Built by CNL in 2010, she is a very high-quality Italian-built superyacht. Her clean and elegant lines and exceptional exterior deck space are complemented by her beautiful interior design by Luca Dini. Eleven guests can be accommodated in five well-appointed en suite cabins, with the master suite situated on the

main deck for maximum privacy. The master stateroom incorporates an impressive office featuring a commanding leather-topped desk. There are textured leather furnishings and free-standing custom-built furniture, while a central wall has glass shelving and a plasma TV. In addition to a stunning ensuite complete with twin sinks, there are also his and hers walkin closets, fashioned in white afyon Namibia marble and glazed glass. On the lower deck there are two further VIP suites, a double stateroom and a twin cabin with the addition of a Pullman bunk. The interior colour palette is a calming mix of earthy creams, whites

M/Y Dragon Length 37 metres Beam 7 metres Year 2010 Builder Guy Couach Flag Greek Guests 12 Cabins 6 At 37m in length, M/Y Dragon has packed in much of the equipment usually reserved for megayachts, to give her power, speed and a technical edge. Able to cruise comfortably at 2630 knots, and loaded with a jet ski, water toys and high-tech entertainment systems, Dragon is a popular choice among modern businessmen. But beneath the sleek exterior is a stunning and tastefully designed interior. The 2010 Guy Couach motor yacht can accommodate 12 guests in six sumptuous cabins. The generously sized master suite is decorated in creams and varnished woods and boasts a seating area and ensuite with spa bath, separate shower and twin sinks. There are three further VIP double cabins 10

and two twin cabins, both with a Pullman bunk. The open-plan main salon offers plenty of natural light and includes a large and comfortable lounging area and a formal dining space for 10 guests. There is also space to dine al fresco on both the aft deck and the fly bridge. The fly bridge is a popular area with guests, fabulously set up with a cocktail bar, sunlounging beds, dining table, informal seating and a Jacuzzi – from which you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the ocean. Dragon also features a generous swim platform to the aft – perfect for a dip in the sea or enjoying her many water toys.

and dark woods. The design is beautifully contemporary and utilises plenty of natural light. The spacious saloon and dining room leads out to further seating and al fresco dining options on the aft deck. Above, the spacious sun deck is ideal for relaxing by day or night, and is equipped with a wide-screen TV, plenty of sun beds

and a large, extendable dining table for al fresco dining. One of Aqua’s unique characteristics is the stern hatch that opens as a large platform over the sea, offering guests a beach area for sunbathing. Water toys include a sea bob, diving equipment, inflatable tubes, water skis and snorkeling gear.

PRIVATSEA NEWS

itineraries: greece and france ATHENS TO SANTORINI – 7 DAYS A Cyclades yacht charter is a Mediterranean classic. It is a sailor’s paradise, with vast open sea dividing the islands, which have all managed to maintain a pristine and idyllic state. The Cyclades comprise about 220 islands, all of which are peaks of submerged mountain ranges, with the exception of two volcanic islands, Santorini and Milos. Aboard M/Y Aqua or M/Y Dragon, you’ll discover quaint bays, stunning beaches and the charm of the beautiful Greek villages. Onshore you’ll find an abundance of ancient sites, Byzantine castles, museums, nightlife, shopping and restaurants. its fine sandy beaches by day, and dazzling nightclubs and bars by night. Head to Mykonos Town and you’ll truly appreciate the island’s beauty – rolling hills are dotted with whitewashed houses that are built along a maze of alleys, and the famous Venetian windmills and hundreds of tiny redroofed churches add a flavour of culture and custom to the Mykonos scene. Step back aboard for a 2km trip to discover the neighbouring uninhabited island of Delos, one of Greece’s most famous archaeological sites and the birthplace

Day one: Athens – Kea Join your yacht in the oldest inhabited city in the world, Athens, and cruise to the picturesque island of Kea where vines and fruit trees run right down to the sea. Step ashore to explore the unassuming port of Korissa, reputedly the safest natural harbour in the Mediterranean, which is lined with tavernas and restaurants. You’ll also find a number of exceptional beaches here and some of the best walking paths and trails of any Greek island. Avid walkers can choose from a number of routes that will take you through a variety of landscapes to remote coves and the ruins of ancient cities. North-east of Kea town you will find the famous lion, carved from the native rock in the sixth century BC. Also well worth a visit is the hamlet of Vourkari, which boasts excellent fish restaurants, small shops and friendly local bars. Day two: Kea – Syros From Kea set sail for Syros, located almost in the centre of the Cyclades. This is one of the smallest islands of the group but it also has the highest

population. Syros is the administrative centre of the Cyclades, but it is still an island that hasn’t been too touched by tourism. The rewards of visiting Syros are great – in addition to the exposure to traditional island life, there are a handful of small, pretty beaches, and the bustling harbour of Ermoupolis, or Queen of the Cyclades, has many interesting Venetian and neoclassical buildings situated in an amphitheatrical way.

of Apollo. For a romantic interlude visit Little Venice, boasting superb sunsets that can be viewed from the luxurious Venetian balconies that reach out over the sea.

Day three: Syros – Mykonos As you cruise into the cosmopolitan Greek island of Mykonos and the colourful harbour of Hora, be sure to take in its plethora of hip bars and restaurants. Mykonos is the most popular island of Cyclades group, famous for

Day four: Mykonos – Paros After a leisurely cruise, spend the morning in Naoussa Bay, Paros, a superb location for windsurfing and kiteboarding. From the busy little port town of Parikia to the pretty fishing village of Naoussa, Paros presents a very traditional picture of a Greek island – sandy beaches, blue-shuttered whitewashed houses, a hilly landscape dotted with churches, endless vineyards and stunning cliff-top views. But Paros is on the way to becoming the next Mykonos, especially among Greeks. It has fantastic nightlife and plenty of choices for dining.

Day five: Paros – Ios Cruise along the coastline of Ios, adorned with small coves, countless chapels, olive trees and vineyards. Ios is a small island in the heart of the Cyclades that has rightfully earned its place in the list of ‘party islands’ in Greece. It’s popular with the younger generation and is famous for its vivid nightlife with an uncountable number of bars, cafés, clubs and restaurants. But the island also boasts wonderful beaches with crystal clear waters as well as some fascinating churches and the monastery of St John. Our recommendations for beaches to visit are Mylopotas and Yialos, where you may even go skinnydipping if you dare! Day six: Ios – Santorini Cruise around Santorini’s satellite islands of Thirassia, Palea and Nea Kameni for superior and secluded beaches, before stepping ashore to sample some of the island’s great wines and local cuisine but most of all, to discover the little villages that are situated on cliffs offering breathtaking views over the submerged volcano. Santorini boasts extraordinary landscapes, spectacular heights and stunning sunsets. After dinner at the island’s most idyllically appointed restaurant, Ambrosia, whose balcony has the best sunset view on the island, step back on board for an overnight cruise back to Athens. Day seven: Athens Awake in Athens and enjoy a last leisurely breakfast on board before disembarking for your transfer to the international airport. 11

PRIVATSEA NEWS yachts – privatsea recommends

corsica

Mixing the South of France with Corsica is the perfect itinerary for M/Y Gems. Corsica, the famous birthplace of French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, has one of the most stunning coastlines in the world – and is, of course, best appreciated from the deck of a yacht. Corsica makes for great sailing, and Volador is the perfect sailing yacht to discover the beauty of the island. Day one: Embark, French Riviera Join your charter yacht in her home port on the French Riviera and enjoy a day of shopping, water sports or just settling in and relaxing on board. 12

Day two: St Florent Wake up in Corsica after your overnight passage from mainland France to St Florent on the north-east of the island. Often referred to as the Corsican Saint Tropez, at first sight St Florent appears to be a bustling, attractive waterfront town with boats, bars, excellent fish restaurants and an almost permanent game of boules in the square, but stroll into the old town and you discover a charming, ageless area of old houses, little shops and wine bars. We suggest you step ashore for dinner, perhaps to Le Petit Caporal, a fabulous fish restaurant on the port, or for something a little more exclusive, we recommend the beautiful beachfront restaurant of the Hotel La Roya. Day three: St Florent – Calvi Cruise a little further south to the ancient seaport of Calvi, allegedly the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. With its colourful array of buildings, cobbled streets climbing up to a beautiful Genoese Citadel, harbour-side

PRIVATSEA NEWS

cafes and restaurants and a long sandy beach fringed with palm trees, Calvi is the perfect ‘picture postcard’. The delightful promenade has an array of lively bars and restaurants and is the perfect place to stop for coffee and get a feel of the town. The Citadel is a magnificent backdrop for the red-tiled town – this 13th-century fortress has lost none of its fascination over the centuries and is a remarkable example of architecture. We strongly recommend that you don’t leave Calvi without an evening in the famous establishment Chez Tao, set in the Citadel, overlooking the harbour and the bay. During the height of the summer it’s open until dawn, but at the very least it is a wonderful place to enjoy a sunset drink on the pretty terrace. Day four: Calvi – Ajaccio Depart Calvi in the early morning and head south down the spectacular western coast of Corsica on your way to Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica and the island’s largest city. Drop anchor for lunch and enjoy some water sports in one of the many beautiful bays on offer along this spectacular crenellated coast. In the afternoon arrive in the large bay of Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. Step ashore and spend the afternoon exploring this fascinating town and perhaps visit the house in which he grew up, now a museum.

Day five: Ajaccio – Bonifacio No yacht charter to Corsica is quite complete without entering the dramatic port of Bonifacio. Situated on the extreme southern tip of Corsica, Bonifacio is a breathtaking sight for any first-time visitor. The old town is perched on the precipice of dramatic limestone cliffs and Bonifacio harbour has the

reputation of being one of the most beautiful in the Western Med. Below the town is a lively harbour and it’s a steep, invigorating walk up into the picturesque streets. A visit to see the breathtaking views from the Cathedral and famous Bastion de l’Etendard is a must. Maybe enjoy dinner at the Club Nautique on the harbour, a popular local restaurant with a pleasant view over the port and offering excellent pasta and fish dishes. For golf enthusiasts the Golfe of Sperone is a magnificent course set in a wild and unspoilt location. Day six: Bonifacio – Porto Cervo The waters around Bonifacio make for great sailing, so we recommend

spending the morning exploring the sandy bays that nestle at the base of the impressive cliff faces. In the afternoon, cruise over to Porto Cervo, the yachting hub of the Costa Smeralda and the most prestigious holiday destination in Sardinia. Take time en route to stop at the Maddalena Archipelago, a National Park composed of seven islands of extraordinary beauty, which is wonderful to explore. On arrival at Porto Cervo, a summer favourite of the jet set since the 1970s, a stroll along

the quay is an absolute must. You’ll discover great shopping with many designer boutiques, fine dining and some of the most fashionable nightclubs in the world. A hot favourite of our yacht charter guests is Cipriani restaurant at the world-renowned Billionaire Club. Day seven: Disembark, Porto Cervo After a leisurely breakfast on board, it is a short drive to the international airport of Olbia for your scheduled or private flight home.

the ripening age

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ON THE CUSP OF A SUPERYACHT RENAISSANCE

Long established as a yachting paradise with thousands of kilometres of unspoiled coastline and a staggering number of beautiful islands, Greece has yet to put itself on the map as a luxury destination. Recent economic and political turmoil, antagonistic yachting laws and outdated infrastructure have all conspired against its success. But a new government body and a strong network of Greek-based industry are busy planning its rebirth. Words by Belinda Liversedge

"Once the political and legislative pathway is cleared for Greeceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s superyachting rebirth, there is every reason the country will be a fast-track case for luxury destination."

greece: on the cusp of a superyacht renaissance

“Y

achting has been in distress in Greece over the past three years due to imprudent tax policies and absence of a strategic development plan. Now the scenery is already changing,” says Giannis Markogiannis, legal advisor to Greece’s newly formed Ministry of Merchant Marine. Greece, though rich in yachting raw materials, including around 1,400 islands, a year-round warm climate and hugely hospitable culture, lacks the luxury infrastructure and regulations it needs to flourish as a superyacht destination. But a revolution is slowly under way. Markogiannis has, this year, made significant progress to improve Greece’s legal framework to make it simpler to homeport or charter a yacht. A complex tax structure for private owners has been replaced with a single vignette, easily purchased online, while a second, hugely important piece of legislation is fiercely awaited for ratification by parliament in time for the summer 2013 charter season. This is the ‘cabotage’ law, which currently forbids EU flagged yachts to pick up or drop off passengers in Greece, unless they meet stringent, almost impossible requirements. It has meant huge tracts of Greek coastline have missed out on business, and cruising seasons are not as enjoyable or maximised. Captain Jules Cope of 75m Leander, who has made such countless Greek water charters over his 30 years of captaining, illustrates: “To sail from Montenegro to a Greek port involves

twelve hours of fairly pointless passage. This could be construed as a waste of money and time for the guests when you consider they lose a whole day of their charter to passage making. “On the other hand, releasing restrictions would easily unlock Greece’s potential and contribute to its economy. “The itineraries for superyachts that find themselves in a situation where they have free reign to go wherever the wind takes them in Greek waters enables a very varied voyage adapted to the wind patterns of the islands. This is a situation that should be welcomed by Greece to aid it in reviving its flagging economy.” The legislation, named the New Yachting Law, is just one essential component of Greece’s path to establishing itself as a luxury destination. “There is almost total absence of real five-star marinas,” says Athens-based yacht broker Thanos G. Skliris. “I am sure no one doubts the fact that Greece is a yachting paradise and all it takes is to allow interesting investors to act and realise planned projects.” Ironically, it is Greece’s lack of luxury marinas that presents the attraction for some yachtsmen, who prefer the laid-back charm of secluded bays for anchoring in. But Greek yacht industry stakeholders and the many charterers and yacht owners who do want glamour, service and appropriate infrastructure argue differently. “No natural paradise can be attractive enough to produce tourist product growth automatically,” says Stavros Katsikadis, managing director at Flisvos Marina. “Sea tourism requires well19

organised services with quality standards, modern infrastructure and stability in the social and political environment.” Flisvos Marina was acquired in a 50/50 agreement by international developers D-Marin Marinas Group together with Lamda Development SA, an Athens stock exchange-listed real-estate business, in 2012. This investment is part of the broader Greek government economic recovery plan to lease out prime assets for redevelopment to international corporations. It is also the main hope for establishing luxury infrastructure in Greece and small steps have been taken. Besides D-Marin, another international company has been appointed operator of Ermioni Marina, near the fashionable Porto Heli, south of Athens, known as the ‘Cap Ferrat of Greece’. Plans are in place to add a pool, restaurant and bars to the marina by 2014. “We’re really excited about the location, its potential,” says the operator. “Ermioni is right in the 20

heart of one of the oldest, most beautiful cruising destinations in the Greek islands.” But the new investors, broadly speaking – Greece has attracted investors in mines, tobacco factories, airports and luxury villas, for example – have suffered setbacks and opposition from a still substantial portion of the Left-supporting Greek people and their representation in a three-wayruled government who see takeovers of stateowned assets as a threat. “We have agreements of investors and they don’t even allow them to enter the premises,” says Markogiannis. The example he cites is of a Canadian gold mine investor, Eldorado Gold, which was blocked from entering its (already acquired) gold mine site by protesters in March. The very next week, however, the streets of Greece’s second-largest town saw thousands flocking to support the development, which was recognised for its economic contribution to a country in desperate need of growth. Though

“Everyone is standing by right now, yacht owners and investors of the marinas, they are not willing to do the next big thing unless it’s [finally stable].” – yannis stratis, hellenic LLoyd's

greece: on the cusp of a superyacht renaissance

THIS PAGE Left: Dusk can be a magical experience when cruising the Greek islands. Below: Flisvos Marina was acquired in a 50/50 agreement by international developers D-Marin Marinas Group and Lamda Development SA in 2012. PREVIOUS PAGE Left: Greece's Flisvos Marina is a solid investment, however, the country lacks the luxury infrastructure it needs to flourish as a superyacht destination.

outside the realm of marina specific, the scene illustrates the realities of the climate that developers are operating in. Indeed, marina developers are keeping plans largely under wraps, illustrative of the ‘waiting and watching’ climate of doing business in Greece. “Everyone is standing by right now, yacht owners and investors of the marinas, they are not willing to do the next big thing unless it’s [finally stable],” says Yannis Stratis, yachting business development manager at Hellenic Lloyd’s. But, “there is some understanding now, how yachting really works [amongst the people],” he adds. Once the political and legislative pathway is cleared for Greece’s superyachting rebirth, there is every reason the country will be a fast-track case for luxury destination, however. This February, the first ‘Superyachts Open Day’, a convocation of Greek captains, lawyers and other Greek yachting professionals, and organised by Hellenic Lloyd’s, took place in Piraeus. Ostensibly it was a chance to update Greek-based industry on various changes affecting yachting generally, but it was also the first time the group realised Greece as an industry has all the local expertise it needs to be a roaring, global success. “Greece’s yachting industry, from head chef all the way to chief engineer, to the lawyers and advisors, has a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and we need to share that, which we never used to. It can only benefit us,” says Stratis. He explains that up to now, knowledge has been exported out of Greece to grow the burgeoning superyachting destinations in nearby Croatia and Turkey. “We, the industry, have been more active on the coast of Turkey than in Greece,” he adds. “The Turkish have the money and they have yachts thee, and are building marinas. But they don’t have the knowledge” The tide is turning for Greece, but it still has obstacles to overcome before it can emerge as the fantastic luxury destination it has the potential to offer visiting owners and charterers. But the will, the talent and the natural beauty is all there. As Skliris says, in the romantic and visionary terms that most people who come into contact with the famously warm and welcoming nation will understand as typical: “Fair winds are blowing for yachting in Greece. We only have to see if our captains and the crew can sail our beautiful unique boat to safe havens.”

peter seyfferth

ripening age The

the ripening age

hen I recently stepped on board this majestic ship (you can never call her a yacht at 122m) I could sense the magnificence of her past few decades of cruising the Mediterranean, entertaining a myriad of incredible and demanding guests. Royal families, film stars, heads of state and world music icons are amongst the many VIPs who have graced her decks. Over the years a constant stream of care and attention has been focused on this grand old dame of the seas by teams of crew that have kept her moving from port to port, allowing her to do her job of providing a vast playground for relaxation and down time. However, she has recently been placed on the market and it is now time for someone new to take the baton and run with this unique and historic vessel. Owned for decades by a Greek shipping family. she will now be handed over to a potential new owner to take her through her next phase of life. Whoever picks up the

mantle and carries her into the next decade will need to understand the true potential of this incredible woman, her pedigree, her capacity to deliver fun and her ability to turn heads wherever she goes. The ship, the vessel, the home, the floating island has become a legend on the yachting stage. Today she can arrive in port and people know her name, recognise her lines and understand some of the amazing stories of who has enjoyed her hospitality, the royalty, heads of state and infamous characters who want to escape from the limelight. She has seen it all. However, the time has come for someone new to enjoy her, keep her beautiful and let her live the rest of her life hosting incredible parties and delivering experiences that only the fortunate can enjoy. Following a refit last year, Alexander approaches her 50th year in excellent condition, but with the stamp of a new, enthusiastic owner she could become even more beautiful and immensely profitable.

Every new owner wants to change their pre-loved yacht, no matter how attractive they already are, so Alexander could enjoy some therapy and rest, while being indulged in some cosmetic surgery and perhaps a technical facelift and upgrade. However, the one thing that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need touching is her heart and soul. So to add to this tale of Alexander, a woman of distinction, I thought long and hard about the next phase of her life and what would make sense for this wonderful old girl with amazing assets. She may have been built in 1965, but as things get older, as long as they are looked after and treated well they can be more beautiful than modern versions, plus they have those rare tales to tell. At 122m long, she has the capacity for many admirers and without the limitations of the younger, more modern, higher maintenance and expensive yachts that shipyards are delivering today. If you looked to build a new 122m yacht 23

As a floating six-star resort, Alexander could be one of the biggest success stories in yachting. One hundred and fifty days of guest use at 90,000 euros per day, for up to 80 guests at a time, would make an interesting business venture for the right buyer. THIS PAGE Above and below left: The outdoor lounge and spa are just two of the yacht's magnificent features, available for viewing in Athens over the coming months. Right: M/Y Alexander is hugely affordable for the more visionary individual at 35 million euros, and renders of a proposed exterior styling concept.

the ripening age

now, fresh out of the yard, the price tag would be astronomical and take forever to consider the return on your investment. My best estimate would range from 100 million to 350 million euros to go through the process of acquiring an untouched asset. Alexander is hugely affordable for the more visionary individual at a mere 35 million euros, with offers encouraged, as at 10 per cent of the price of a new project you can build a relationship with this wonderful maritime muse. Obviously when you have her, there will be immediate expenses as every new woman expects. But I am sure you can satisfy her needs with a budget of 15-20 per cent of the asking price; less if you take her to the right places. So for less than 45 million euros you could end up with a 122m private ship that can take you and your 80 best friends around the world and back. Now that would be an incredible 50th birthday present for her and for whoever buys her.

To add to the business case and perhaps to add a commercial slant on the future of Alexander, having been kept private for the past few years, she is now perfectly happy to offer her services in return for a serious revenue stream. So we have this mature, beautiful and experienced woman of the world, ready to be owned by the right partner and taken on a journey of discovery. The price is definitely attractive, but consider the concept of one of the world’s luxury resort groups taking control of her. The W Hotels group, Four Seasons, Six Senses or other well-known resort brands that have a spare credit position and healthy balance sheet to put down the 35 million euros, and then bring into the mix their

The business case PrivatSea presents a candid and transparent business case for the asset purchase and management of M/Y Alexander.

identity and personality to make this incredible yacht an asset that can be enjoyed by anyone who loves rare style and quality. Their interior contractors could add a new flavour to the internal arrangements, the machinery and exterior could go through a style overhaul to make her functional and more efficient and then the marketing and sales machine of one of these groups could turn on the revenue tap and make her an incredible investment for the right partner. As a floating six-star resort, Alexander could be one of the biggest success stories in yachting. One hundred and fifty days of guest use at 90,000 euros per day, for up to 80 guests at a time, would make an interesting business venture for the right buyer. With this business scenario, to charge 1,125 euros per guest per day for the ultimate floating private island, with the most incredible history and the ability to go anywhere, compares well with the cost of some of the world's most luxurious resorts. This translates into 13,500,000 million euros of potential annual revenue from approximately 12 days of charter per month, delivering cruise ship style fixed itineraries anywhere in the world and the unique superyacht standard of impeccable service and luxury. With such attractive figures, you can see why Alexander would make any man with 50 million euro plus burning a hole in his pocket, exceedingly happy. The time has come for this graceful woman to start her new life and for someone to see her potential for what it could be with the right amount of love, affection and business acumen. If I had the money, I would.

Current asking price: 35 million euro. All serious offers will be considered. Current charter rate per week: 45,000 euros for 36 pax; 90,000 euro for 80 pax Typical operating budget: 2.2 to 2.5 million euro The cost of pre-purchase full condition survey: 20,000 euro What upgrades are suggested: A health care facility and gym Cost for exterior styling concepts: 24 million euros Is the yacht fully available for inspection over the coming months? Yes, in Athens, Greece Projected charter rate post upgrade and refit: 90,000 – 120,000 euros day charter rate

Specifications Type of vessel: Full displacement Length overall: 122m Beam: 16.9m Maximum speed: 18.5 knots Range: 4100 at a cruising speed of 16.5 knots Classification: Lloyds Register of Shipping Owner: 1 master suite with 1 double bed; 1 suite with 1 double bed at Lower Deck aft Family: 4 suites with 1 double bed each Guests: 20 suites (17 with double bed – 3 with twin beds) Staff: 10 cabins (2 with single bed – 8 with twin beds) Crew: 30 cabins (1 double bed – 10 single bed – 18 twin beds – 1 triple) Features: Helipad at aft, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, massage and hair salon facilities and owner’s piano bar.

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intarya

"Clients increasingly see their yachts as an extension of their other property. In this case, the owner wanted to move right away from traditional naval design to the feeling of a weekend beach house in the Hamptons." â&#x20AC;&#x201C; daniel kostiuc, intarya

intarya

design culture

candy & candy

"We created a chic, timeless look, with punches of strong colour in petrol blues and lots of stripes, and used fabric you might not expect on a boat, such as cashmeres and menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suiting from Savile Row." â&#x20AC;&#x201C; matthew carlisle, candy & candy

candy & candy

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candy & candy

“Tastes will always vary, but we tend to attract the type of client who shares our concept that a yacht is a relaxation zone. The look should be ‘beach house’ not ‘penthouse’.” – Terence Disdale 32

intarya

design culture

Above: When it came to the design of Candyscape and Candyscape II intended for their personal use, founders Nick and Christian Candy have maintained the same high standards as evidenced in their residential developments. Right: Every detail, including the staircase for Celestial Hope, involved the finest craftsmanship.

billy black

section

he term ‘safe haven’ has historically been a high priority for those setting out to sea, but in recent years it’s also moved up the check list for those with money to invest in a second, third or fourth home. “What the very wealthy really value,” says Charles Douglas, a London-based property lawyer specialising in transactions for high net worth buyers, “is the lifestyle that comes with an open cosmopolitan environment and both personal and property security.”

Last year, for instance, when many markets fell dramatically, the traditional Mediterranean yachting resorts stayed on an even keel and, while property prices in St Tropez, Sardinia and Monaco may have received some minor bruising, these eternally chic and sunny destinations remain in remarkably robust health. Many of the wealthiest purchasers of property round the world now come from China, India, the Middle East, Russia and Latin America, and it is their enthusiasm that has helped sustain the top end of the market in the face of the recent financial storms. These buyers, too, are likely to influence the long-term outlook for many locations over the next five years. “As wealth creation and luxury property markets become ever more global,” says Liam Bailey, head of residential research at leading international estate agents Knight Frank, “so the issues of exchange-rate volatility, political risk and security concerns rise in importance for high net worth individuals.” Which is why certain locations remain remarkably seaworthy. One of these is, undoubtedly, Miami. Last year, for example, prime property prices here rose by 19 per cent, and it certainly wasn’t local buyers defining the new status quo on the ‘American Riviera’. “All my transactions in the past year have been from out of state,” says Miami Beach estate agent Kelly Charles. “Eighty per cent are cash buyers. South Americans, in particular, have always regarded Miami as a safe haven. Nowadays, they also see it as a bargain.” With an increasing offering of world-class residential development sitting cosily alongside superb beaches, outstanding restaurants and a contemporary art scene virtually unrivalled outside Europe, Miami is now viewed as one of the world’s most important cities by Latin Americans with money to invest. 36

Elsewhere, particularly in Europe, it’s primarily established destinations that have continued to attract the greatest interest. “What we’ve found,” says James Lawson of Ledbury Research, “is that the newly rich from all the emerging economies tend to want to travel, especially outside their own region, and where they want to travel to is Europe and North America. It feels as though there should be a wider distribution of locations, but, in fact, where the super rich choose to invest and spend time is still concentrated on historic wealth hubs.” Last year, for instance, when many markets fell dramatically, the traditional Mediterranean yachting resorts stayed on an even keel and, while property prices in St Tropez, Sardinia and Monaco may have received some minor bruising, these eternally chic and sunny destinations remain in remarkably robust health. Monaco can still comfortably claim the most expensive real estate in the world. “The prime residential market covers the top one or two per cent of the world’s homes,” says Paddy Dring, head of international residential property at Knight Frank, “but within this group is an elite super prime that attracts the world’s wealthiest buyers. When you’re trying to identify markets where this group concentrates its activity, you have to consider locations where there is a sustainable number of $20m-plus transactions each year, at least a quarter of which are going to foreign buyers. The wider prime market has outposts in most countries, but the super prime is still fairly limited.” The aquamarine expanses of the Caribbean, of course, fall into this magic circle, but some islands – notably the Bahamas, Mustique, Barbados and the British Virgin Islands – have undoubtedly weathered choppy seas rather better than others.

The British Virgin Islands, which has emerged as a thriving financial centre, remains of particular interest to British and American buyers – and to yachtsmen. This is, of course, partly due to its favourable tax jurisdiction (residents pay no death duties, income, corporation, capital gains or wealth tax), but this is certainly not its only attraction. It remain a sailor’s paradise with 50 unspoilt islands and islets to explore. “For years, the BVI, with its constant trade winds and numerous sheltered anchorages, has

land ahoy

this page Left: The most sought-after property around the world is becoming more accessible to superyacht owners. Top: In Miami last year, property prices rose by 19 per cent. Right: Buyers have turned away from residential resorts and are favouring the type of independent villa which characterises the majority of the housing stock in the British Virgin Islands, such as Katitche Point.

luke sprague

land ahoy

this page Left: For years, the British Virgin Islands, including hot spots such as Gun Point, Tortola, have been known as the sailing capital of the world. Above: Viaduct Harbour in New Zealand. Right: Prime property prices in Auckland – ‘the city of sails’ – rose by five per cent in 2012, such as St Heliers Bay Road.

been known as the sailing capital of the world,” says James Burdess, head of Savills’ Caribbean desk. “What has changed is that it now has the infrastructure to support yachtsmen, and the new YCCS Virgin Gorda superyacht marina and restaurant in North Sound is a great example.” In much of the Caribbean, too, the wealthiest buyers have turned away from residential resorts and are once again favouring the type of independent villa which characterises the majority of the housing stock in the BVI. Here waterfront properties, particularly those with private moorings, have continued to attract competitive bidding. Travelling south of the equator, there are perhaps some more unexpected opportunities. Brazil isn’t a customary spot for megayachts making their seasonal round, but Brazil’s profile among the superyacht set is about to get significantly higher, particularly as an international marina developer have signed up to help grow luxury marinas in the country. The Brazilian Development Bank is now richer

than the World Bank and its economic power is large and growing, and Rio, fringed by endless miles of sandy beaches and the South Atlantic, will also, of course, be host to the next Olympic Games, as well as to the final of the 2014 World Cup. It’s not difficult to see why it looks a likely candidate to join the list of potential super-prime destinations over the next 10 years. On the other side of the map, New Zealand’s isolation from the world’s conflicts has helped make it possibly the ultimate of safe havens and, as an island nation, New Zealand’s maritime traditions run deep. It’s frequently claimed there are more boats per capita here than anywhere else in the world, while New Zealand yachtsmen have won more than 60 world titles. This may not have been the primary consideration for the recent influx of investment from Asian buyers, particularly from China and Singapore, who drove up prime property prices in Auckland – ‘the city of sails’ – by five per cent in 2012, but it certainly shouldn’t be a deterrent for yachting enthusiasts either. “The Viaduct Marina in Auckland, where the America’s Cup is based, is located in the heart of Auckland,” says Peter Thompson, managing director of Barfoot & Thompson in New Zealand. “It’s surrounded by superb restaurants, bars and hotels, as well as by some wonderful apartments.” If you’re going to seek a port in a storm, you might as well make it one where the yachting – and the living – are equally good. 39

Panther 2

ready to roar this season Words by Carol Bareuther

luke sprague

Whitewashed houses line the shorelines and slopes of the Greek island of Mykonos. Each looks as if it was mythically carved by the gods out of giant sugar cubes.

Panther 2: ready to roar this season

Slight splashes of colour on brightly painted wooden windows and doors donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t detract from the incredible way these seemingly sun-bleached buildings contrast against the rich blue hues of the surrounding Aegean Sea.

“It is the ultimate experience. It’s the best vacation in the world on your own private seven-star floating hotel.” – the owner of panther 2

Panther 2: ready to roar this season

this page Above: Panther 2â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s upper deck is a feature allowing the whole party of be together irrespective of what they are doing. Top and bottom left: The clean and modern interiors use hot pink touches to set off the white furnishings.

UNDER THE

sun Eleven islands in seven days. It's a dream itinerary that's worth exploring aboard one of PrivatSea's most popular charter yachts, Panther 2. Under the Grecian sun and with your closest friends, cruise from Mykonos to Santorini, Ios to Serifos, taking in the birthplace of Greek God Apollo and his twin sister Artemis, and soaking up the whitewashed shorelines and slopes as you relax with cocktails on the upper deck. From the decks of your floating private seven-star hotel to exploring the sights onshore, invest in a wardrobe that exudes both casual comfort and glamour. To provide inspiration, stylist Dimitrias Spiropoulou brings you some of this season's hottest trends including key pieces from Greek and international designers.

Panther 2 cruises off the coast of Athens.

BELOW

Dress by Pepe from www.pepejeans.com, Baccarat necklace from www.baccarat.com and sunglasses by Tiffany from www.tiffany.co.uk.

OPPOSITE

Dress by Christos Costarellos from www.costarellos.gr, watch by Raymond-Weil from www.raymond-weil.com, necklace and earrings by Mappin & Webb from www.mappinandwebb.com and bracelet by Rebecca from www.rebecca.it.

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LEFT

Dress by Rare from www.rarelondon.com, accessories by Achilleas Accessories from www.achilleasaccessories.gr.

above

Swimwear by Seafolly from www.seafolly.co.uk, sunglasses by Tiffany from www.tiffany.co.uk and earrings by Baccarat from www.baccarat.com.

OPPOSITE

Jumpsuit by Stelios Koudounaris from www.stelioskoudounaris.com and jewellery by Folli Follie from www.follifollie.co.uk.

section

BELOW

Swimsuit by Diva by Rachel Pappo from www.divaswimusa.com, skirt by Achilleas Accessories from www.achilleasaccessories.gr and bracelet by Folli Follie from www.follifollie.co.uk.

LEFT

Maxi dress by Stelios Koudounaris from www.stelioskoudounaris.com, necklace by Rebecca from www.rebecca.it and ring by Baccarat from www.baccarat.com.

RIGHT

Swimsuit by Diva by Rachel Pappo from www.divaswimusa.com, bracelet by Achilleas Accessories from www.achilleasaccessories.gr, sunglasses model's own.

PHOTOGRAPHER Olly Burn STYLIST Dimitrias Spiropoulou HAIR AND MAKE-UP Christina Agatha ASSISTANT Hanna Rose MODELS Sylvie Papadaki from Ace Models LOCATION Aboard Panther 2, off the coast of Athens

EDITOR’S PICK

FOR HER

1. Golden toast A unique champagne cooler handcrafted in solid silver. The cooler is made for LINLEY by one of the world’s leading silversmiths, a family business with a long heritage of traditional silversmithing. The business was founded in 1860 and they employ a very special spinning technique to create each cooler. Metal spinning demands a huge amount of specialist technique. The lathe, the tool which rotates the silver on its axis to shape it, requires smooth, delicate and extremely precise movements. The silversmiths operate these tools by hand and the perfection of each piece is owed to the technical and creative skills of these craftsmen. RRP £5,000 www.davidlinley.com

A contemporary mix of elegant sailing necessities for the lady that likes to impress at home and at sea 1

2. Sea-spiration Resembling the unique colours of our aquamarine ocean comes a jewel so unique it’s worth its weight in gold. The freeform, hand cut and polished Brazilian Aventurine is surrounded by 105 white diamonds, micro prong-set around a triangular accent diamond. Inspired by travel and life experiences as part of Misahara Jewelry’s Adriatic Collection, the total weight of the piece is 1-3/4 carats, captured on an 18-inch link chain. RRP £19,300 www.misahara.com 3. Vogue inspired Designer Alexandra Llewellyn is in hot demand for her bespoke backgammon boards and now, inspired by Vogue and looking back to her favourite childhood pastime on holidays in Tangier, she’s creating draught boards. This design, originally commissioned by Vogue USA for their March 2012 issue, was inspired by bright colours and the spring, hence butterflies. The playing pieces are made from polished brass faced with Lapis and Turquoise, one side engraved for chess and the other left blank for draughts. The surface is digitally printed and lacquered and the leather frame is made by the team who make the peerage boxes for the House of Lords. RRP £2,600 www.giftlab.com 4. Vintage love Connoisseurs of vintage couture will love these ocean-inspired pieces available through luxury online marketplace, 1stdibs. The Versace coral silk chiffon dress with oversized plastic pailettes by Donatella Versace is from the Fall 2007 collection and is offered by Rare Vintage exclusively for £1,850. Fans of Hermes will drool over this sought-after and sophisticated Hermes Kelly Cut bleu marine croco from First Luxury Broker. Price on request. www.1stdibs.com

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1. Solid penmanship Graf von Faber-Castell's symbolic Pen of the Year combines precious oak, the symbol of eternity, with gold, the symbol of wealth and fortune. Limited to 1,500 pieces, the exclusive writing instrument is created using a 4,000-year-old technique dating back to the ancient Egyptians and mastered by a select few craftsman today. Art restorer Ernst D.Feldman handcrafted each pen moulding layers of 24 carat gold leaf to the graining of the oak barrel to reveal a unique pattern. RRP £3,400 www.stonemarketing.com

FOR Him

With the making of Skyfall, the 23rd James Bond film to ever be created, comes a collection of secret agent themed gadgetry and skills courses that allow every gentleman to release his inner spy

2. Mission possible Part of the enduring appeal of James Bond is said to be that he is the man that women want and men want to be. Now you have the chance to live that dream with Secret Me’s invitation-only programme, designed to teach you the skills to become a master of espionage. Created by Special Forces agents the course is designed to give a unique and enjoyable insight into the world of spy craft, covering everything from combat shooting and threat elimination to cyber skills and seduction, taking place in glamorous surroundings around the world. If you prove Bond material, the programme has three phases operating globally with individuals completing each one successfully before being offered the chance to progress to the next phase. Contact Sara Fazlali at sara@s.ecret.me 3. Safe journey Designed by Andrew Winch Designs, and built in collaboration with Linley, the Classis by Thomas Mercer has been decorated with historical references that celebrate the significance of the chronometer and its part in ensuring safe navigation. Divided by strips of Satinwood into 12 sections, each column of the Macassar Ebony body has the name of a ship made famous by the locations it discovered. The pedestal base has been engraved with the image and name of each ship along with the year of discovery. On the floor of the pedestal are the latitude and longitude coordinates of the significant point reached. Price on request www.linley.com 4. En-armoured For the man who has everything comes the beautifully handcrafted Evade – the first unarmoured SUV by renowned US creators Conquest Vehicles Inc. The ultra sophisticated design is defined by its headlights and taillights which sleekly wrap around its sides. The car is built around the popular Ford F550 Super Duty Chassis and its massive unarmoured skin is made from an aluminum-mild steel blend combining form and function. The luxurious interior cabin space provides more than 400 cubic feet and carefully blends militaryinspired design cues with elegant and rich finishes. Touch screen? Tick. Joystick-controlled searchlights. Tick. Night vision cameras. Tick. Retractable flat-screen television. Big tick. Now all you need do is find the right adventure. RRP £388,500 www.conquestvehicles.com

Unleash yo inner spy ur 3

r u o y e s o Cnhqo uest co

Where the wild things go words By Angela Audretsch

Wild, untamed and remote, the Amazon basin has to be the ultimate Brazilian attraction for the truly adventurous owner. As a superyacht destination, Brazil is very much still in its infancy and as a result it can be a demanding place to visit to say the least. However, with adequate research, preparation and flexibility, it is possible to make a trip to the Amazon, the adventure of a lifetime.

All eyes will soon look to Brazil for the World Cup 2014 and the 2016 Olympics. It will be the first time the games have been held in South America and while the energy, performances and atmosphere that characterised the London event are still fresh in the memory, the proceedings in Rio certainly have the potential to be every bit as exciting. These events will be as good an excuse as any to explore the region by superyacht, with some of the world’s most spectacular cruising destinations right on your doorstep. Weaving its way through Brazil, the Amazon is a river of superlatives. The sheer scale of it is astounding: on average 28 miles wide when the water is at its highest, during the rainy season the mouth of the river can be 300 miles across and it pours almost 300,000 cubic metres of water per second into the Atlantic Ocean – 60 times that of the Nile. The surrounding rainforest is equally extraordinary. Acting as the lungs of the world, it is a region of immense diversity, sheltering more than 30,000 plant species, 1,300 bird species, 311 mammals and 165 types of amphibian. Only a handful of superyachts have ever made the journey up the river and with mixed experiences, but all agree that it is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. “Brazil has so much to offer and is so off the beaten track that it makes for wonderful cruising,”

where the wild things go

says Captain Christoph Schlaefer, who helped plan and research the passage of a 60m motoryacht in 2011. “And to be fair, the logistical hassle is not any worse than in many other destinations.” Speak to any captain or owner who has completed the challenging journey up the Amazon and they will tell you that research is absolutely key to the success of any trip. Abraham Rosemberg, a yacht agent at Superyachts Brazil, an organisation that has helped many superyachts in the past two years plan and execute their Brazilian odysseys, recommends sending your captain on a pre-trip six months to one year in advance. This will enable them to start making the right connections and get the ball rolling on obtaining the correct documentation – a process that can often take a significant amount of time. Patience is certainly a virtue when cruising Brazil and the Amazon. In terms of regulation, the country can be a minefield for superyachts. Getting a local agent, such as Rosemberg, is probably the best way to ease the logistical nightmare of planning a trip here. “The rules and regulations in Brazil are pretty onerous and restrictive,” says the former Captain of Lauren L, David Laird, who went up the Amazon in 2009. Captain Laird says Lauren L’s trip was made significantly smoother by working with an agent. He says not only can a local agent provide an extensive list of what is going to be required, but their connections and knowledge of the language, region and potential obstacles will be invaluable when in the country. “Being an ex-Brazilian naval officer, Abraham, who acted as our agent, had connections that meant he was able to get us clearances to be anchored very close in to some spectacular beaches,” says Captain Laird. Captain Jürgen Mais, who captained the 60m motoryacht that Captain Schlaefer researched the trip for, discovered that the naval connection can be extremely beneficial on the river.

“Brazil has so much to offer and is so off the beaten track that it makes for wonderful cruising.” – Captain christoph schlaefer

From wildlife to fascinating and friendly local indigenous people, cruising up the Amazon is one of the most memorable experiences an owner can have.

“Having an ex-navy commander on board was really useful,” he says. “The navy has a police mandate on the river and it is very popular with the river people since it runs hospital ships and has also constructed and built around 150 school boats to collect children for the schools along the river at no cost to the locals.” Overcome all the red tape and legislative hurdles and you will be generously rewarded. From wildlife to fascinating and friendly local indigenous people, cruising up the Amazon is one of the most memorable experiences an owner can have. “Anyone who really wants to take full advantage of their yacht and do the exceptional things that only yacht owners are privileged to experience should have Brazil and the Amazon very high on their list of places to go and visit,” says Captain Schlaefer. “The Amazon is an amazingly beautiful and unique cruising ground,” says the captain of a 71m motoryacht who recently undertook the journey. “The wildlife and scenery are absolutely breathtaking.” While you would imagine that

the endless shades of green slowly rolling past might become monotonous, in reality the walls of vegetation hold much to look for and enjoy. According to those who have sat on deck watching the banks as their superyacht slips past, you spend the day dreamily watching for striking exotic birds, animated monkeys and slow-moving sloths to emerge from the mysterious emerald darkness. The tiny tributaries that break the jungle walls offer guests an opportunity to venture away from the river into the green depths. “I arranged to have two local-style boats follow us up river,” says the captain of the 71m motoryacht. “They are the only vessels that are able to get into the tributaries where the real wildlife and jungle adventure is. A proper yacht tender would not be able to do it.” Captain Mais says that exploring these small rivers by night was a highlight for his guests. Planning the route of the tours during the day, the group would then track the planned route by GPS at night, giving them a unique

opportunity to view the nocturnal activities of the jungle’s creatures. They also did trips with rented boats and guides during the day through Alter do Chão and the Mamirauá nature reserve. Another breathtaking spot awaiting intrepid travellers is the Anavilhanas Archipelago. One of the Amazon’s most spectacular sights, it is an emerald green maze of more than 300 islands in the black waters of the Rio Negro. “Wildlife is everywhere,” says Captain Mais. “There are some special spots in Novo Airão on the Rio Negro where guests can watch the pink dolphins, which is extraordinary.” Sometimes the wildlife gets too close though and a four-metre anaconda once visited the foredeck of the yacht at night. According to Captain Schlaefer, who was also on board at the time, anacondas live in the floating islands and when the islands drift against the anchor chain, the snakes can mistake the chain for a tree. “It took some gentle persuasion to get the anaconda down the hawsepipe and a bit more to get the second officer down from the foremast back

Villa Paraiso

jim raycroft

Located two hours north of Rio de Janeiro in the stunning coastal town of Buzios is Villa Paraiso, a majestic five-bedroom, 10,000 square foot villa. Capturing spectacular views from its vantage point overlooking the best beach in Buzios, with each of its bedroom suites commanding breathtaking ocean views, the villa is ideal for families, corporate events and retreats, weddings and honeymoons – South American style. A spacious interior includes a bar and home theatre, and the garden boasts a beautiful infinity pool above the bay, often framed by Brazil’s beautiful beach sunsets. The villa is a fiveminute drive from the highly sophisticated and opulent restaurants and shops of Buzio and an eight-minute walk from Ferradura Beach. LaCure Villas is part of the PrivatSea Luxury Alliance. £2,120 – £2,828 per night www.lacurevillas.com

Opening page Acting as the lungs of the world, the Amazon shelters more than 30,000 plant species. Previous page During the rainy season the Amazon pours almost 300,000 cubic metres of water per second into the Atlantic Ocean. This page The indigenous people of the rainforest are something special.

jim roycroft

Next page Left: Guests can watch the pink dolphins frolic near Rio Negro. Right: The passage of a superyacht along the river need not be a logistical hassle with the help of a captain who has completed the adventure.

“there is no better way to experience the Amazon than on your own yacht. With the Olympics and the World Cup coming up, a trip down south to Rio and points beyond is even more attractive.” – captain jurgen mais

where the wild things go

on to the deck.” The indigenous people of the rainforest are something special too. Guests can visit the local ‘Indio’ villages with their colourful buildings and experience the unique and beguiling culture of the friendly people. Overcrowded river ferries, barges laden with provisions and small canoes with families travel down the river, and, according to Captain Mais, as you pass by curious locals will stop to investigate. “From every little settlement there were women of all ages and kids coming out in small boats and nut shells, trying to get close to us, sometimes trying to stop us,” he says. Taking a superyacht to Brazil does seem logistically exhausting and it would be easy to be deterred from taking on the Amazon, but get past the bureaucratic hurdles and your efforts will be rewarded tenfold. “It might appear a bit daunting at the beginning but it is a rewarding experience,” says Captain Schlaefer. “There is no doubt that any trip to far-flung places is challenging and that to a degree you put your boat in harm’s way. But at the same time there is no better way to experience the Amazon than on your own yacht. With the Olympics and the World Cup coming up, a trip down south to Rio and points beyond is even more attractive.”

rock the boat

hink back to the first hand-held remote control you used for your television. If you weren’t a child at the time, you would have been facing an entirely novel experience of selecting channels from across the room using only your thumb on tiny rubber buttons embedded like candies in a plastic wand. It was a totally new way to engage with TV, and we learned it almost instantly. Today, with every new yacht – and indeed home, car, even refrigerator – owners encounter software that requires some amount of learning, and ever more, audio-visual (A/V) designers and integrators are working to customise these interfaces to each client. The ideal situation is simplicity, ease of use and reliability. While it remains a very real challenge, some of yachting’s top minds have been working on the issue for years and have some interesting solutions. Superyachts today deliver to their owners and charter clients A/V solutions that can vary widely from yacht to yacht – so if you or your guests care about music, movies and gaming, it’s good to ask what kind of system the yacht has. The engineers who install these systems aboard yachts, who are collectively known as ‘integrators’, often work to a master plan that’s been designed in part with the interior designer, or in some cases with a specific A/V designer. In the past few years, tablets have overtaken older dedicated models as the preferred mode of control. But while it might seem obvious, these devices have actually presented significant challenges to the designers and integrators. The problem that most integrators have is that to run their control systems on an iPad, for instance, you have to develop an Apple-approved

Today, with every new yacht – and indeed home, car, even refrigerator – owners encounter software that requires some amount of learning, and ever more, audio-visual (A/V) designers and integrators are working to customise these interfaces to each client. app, which still needs to be launched within the device’s iOS – which, when you think about it, isn’t the most elegant way to change a television channel. Many integrators are now developing custom systems that run on Android so they can wipe the underlying operating software and have essentially a totally dedicated tablet for A/V and other control use. One such business is Sound Ideas. Headed by Kevin Andrews, the firm’s new MeSh product takes as its starting point the notion that an iPad is not good at being a remote control. According to Andrews, it saw a gap in the market for a product that was as convenient as a traditional remote, but as cool as an iPad. “So with plenty of research and development, and only 36 thousand lines of code, we developed what we think is the perfect solution,” he says. With dozens of residential installations of MeSh, Sound Ideas is also bidding on a number of superyacht projects at the moment. The question of physical controls versus highly complex (yet ‘seamlessly integrated’ or ‘intuitively simple’) systems seems always to spark a fun debate, with plenty of examples of what happens when the complex systems go wrong. Still, the drive to innovate must be applauded if in the end the superyacht A/V business continues to

improve and impress its clients. As part of my ongoing campaign to delve deep into the market subsectors that drive innovation and business across the superyacht market, I recently spoke with John Reimer of Techno Gurus, a Boca Raton, Florida-based specialist who designs and installs custom A/V technology on superyachts. His latest project is a spectacular video lobby, featuring two enormous facing video walls that will both set calm moods and serve as corporate branding opportunities for the owner’s business concerns. “Right now, we’re working on two video walls, using Planar displays, to go on a 90m Lurssen (codenamed ‘Project Global’) being built for the new owner of an American NFL team,” says Reimer. Reimer says the content will be custom produced to meet the very high resolution the walls will be able to display. Four video servers will drive the walls, displaying content in real time. “As far as we know, no one has done anything to this scale and quality on a yacht before,” he says. “It is certain to be the central showpiece on an already spectacular vessel.” As the prices for displays drop, and bezels get thinner and thinner, video walls of varying configurations are becoming more popular on superyachts. “We can

now take an entire hallway – including the floor – and transform it into a digital aquarium or an open field of heather,” Reimer explains. “We can even turn the entire bottom of a pool into a video wall. The effect is quite impressive.” Other innovations are afoot behind the scenes, which make the owner and guest experience seamless. Companies such as AMX, Crestron, and Kaleidescape are constantly upgrading their yacht offerings,

while hot new products such as the Sim2 3D projector or The Jetstream, which gives users access to their complete home TV channels, are upping the ante for state-ofthe-art A/V experiences once everyone’s back aboard from the day’s adventures. Yachting is fundamentally about escape. And perhaps in some ideal world, yachting should be a return to a simpler, less technological life. As an integrator recently told me, technology should be enabling.

As soon as technology gets in the way of normal everyday activities, or makes anything more difficult and time-consuming, it has become disabling. But for those who consider A/V technology, when beautifully designed and fully functional, to be an enlivening part of their holiday experience, life aboard a superyacht can be utter bliss.

There’s a new superyacht media offering from Bight Media in the UK, the stylish BOYD iPad app, which provides a gorgeous portal into the global yachting life. 'Most yacht owners, designers and brokers use iPads - it's also now a device used extensively to control yachts,' says Sam Laurie, Publisher and co-founder of BOYD. 'BOYD is an interactive communication platform that naturally fits the yachting environment'. Bentley Motors, WildAid, The Royal Ocean Racing Club and other supporting organisations, which include an array of prestigious yacht clubs, distribute BOYD (free from Apple App Store). 'The first two editions re-invent the way yachting is displayed and communicated. You interact with information straight from the horse's mouth', explains Laurie. And with upcoming features on surfing legend Laird Hamilton, Lord Laidlaw and more partners lining up, BOYD is set to become the benchmark communication channel for the next decade in yachting worldwide.

JUSTIN RATCLIFFE

colour me beautiful

JUSTIN RATCLIFFE PREVIOUS PAGE Bannenberg and Rowell worked with Nakhimov Yachts on one of the boldest colour schemes in recent years, the 37-metre Aurelia by Heesen Yachts. TOP The exterior scheme of metallic turquoise, black and orange was driven and created by Aurelia’s owner and his representatives. Above The colour scheme is continued inside Aurelia for her furnishings. right Wild Group is renowned for its vinyl decals for superyachts, including the 3D effect grey and blue artwork on Dardanella.

MARTIN MORRELL

The traditional view that white paint is more efficient on air conditioning loads and easier to repair is still valid but, as in any industry, new players and new thinking are gradually changing perceptions and more unusual colours are now viewed as one of the options that can enhance or bring individuality to a yacht.

s white really as boring as we think? Simon Rowell from Bannenberg & Rowell Design is not so sure. “Even among the ‘standard’ yacht paint colours from the leading manufacturers there are many different shades of white, and the impact of a slightly warmer or cooler white can be seen on a trip around a busy bay in the Med,” he says. And of course, white is still incredibly practical, it reflects light and hence heat, doesn’t show the salt and is resistant to ultraviolet damage. Advances in coating technology mean that the other colours can now be used successfully, but the ‘default settings’ are well entrenched. “New thinking takes some time to be absorbed into such a refined marketplace,” explains Rowell. “The traditional view that white paint is more efficient on air conditioning loads and easier to repair is still valid but, as in any industry, new players and new thinking are gradually changing perceptions and more unusual colours are now viewed as one of the options that can enhance or bring individuality to a yacht.” Bannenberg & Rowell worked with Nakhimov Yachts on one of the boldest schemes in recent years – Heesen’s 37m Aurelia. Rowell was initially unsure. “The yacht had an extraordinary Gulf Oil-style livery applied to the exterior: all metallic turquoise, black and orange,” he says. “Although this exterior proposal was driven and created by the owner and his representatives, I have to say I was pretty nervous at such a risky exterior scheme applied to a valuable asset, even though we came up with the initial Grand Tourer automotive theme and name. In retrospect I think it worked fantastically well, reinforcing a strong theme and instantly finding success as both a private and a charter yacht.”

As well as being inspired by the car industry, Aurelia’s colour scheme also points to the direction in which yacht colours may be going. Petter Michelsen, from DuPont Performance Coatings, draws an interesting automotive parallel in support of colour. “Finding the suitable durable pigments combined with the correct resin system and UV protection will, on a yacht with normal maintenance, maintain its colourfastness and gloss over years,” he says. “Have you ever thought that your car would lose its gloss or colour? No, not if you wash the car now and then, and maybe use some wax to enhance and further protect the surface. Especially from the Far East and the BRIC countries, owners would like to have something different, and when you know you have more than 90,000 colours to choose from, it becomes fun.” Henry Ford famously said that you could have your car painted in any colour so long as it was black, but that’s certainly not true nowadays and Michelsen thinks this trend will continue on the water too. “I personally think that the evolution in the design of yachts, as in the automotive business, is that they start looking like each other and the only way to make the design stand out or look different is by using colour design on the exterior,” he says. Of course, what seems like a good idea on a colour chart may not always suit a 50m yacht – rather like an overly flamboyant dress ‘wearing’ a woman rather than flattering her, colours needs to be incorporated rather than superimposed on a design. Sergei Dobroserdov, director at Nakhimov Yachts, has had experience with melding colour and design. “I never consider colour scheme independently from the whole exterior or even interior concept. It

PENDENNIS

colour me beautiful

should all be combined by one idea, one goal,” he says. “For example, we initially presented Aurelia as a ‘sports car’ yacht. Once this approach was approved the whole yacht was styled accordingly, interior and exterior wise. Another example is Quinta Essentia, where the whole yacht was dedicated to the main owner’s passion – Italian wines. The red we used in the exterior colour scheme represents the colour of his favourite merlot.” It’s hard to chart a distinct ‘trend’ in terms of colour development; designers use colour to capture an owner’s dreams and reflect his or her personality – so we’re unlikely to see a run on a particular shade. And perhaps many play it safe as they wish to charter their yachts, or are not keen to be ‘stuck’ with an expensively bold colour scheme for many years. However, there is a way of changing the appearance of a hull swiftly and cost effectively – for the fashionista you could swap colours every season – by wrapping it in vinyl. Unlike time-consuming spray painting, vinyl can be applied in a just a few days, in all manner of colours, designs and digital 78

prints. Wild Group, based in the Solent in southern England, started out adding vinyl decals for events such as regattas, but now its business has grown and it is beginning to work with superyachts. Vinyl can produce stunning effects, such as the 3D-looking grey and blue ‘artwork’ on Dardanella, and can last around six to eight years in the marine environment. (The elaborate designs it has wrapped on the Clipper Round the World Race yachts are testimony to its durability.) In fact, when it comes to finishes in either the exterior or interior of superyachts, the story doesn’t seem to be about a certain shade, rather the nature of the coating itself. Yacht colour used to always equate to paint, but as we’ve seen from Wild Group, this is changing. This is reflected in the attention being paid by of one of the more famous exterior yacht paint companies, Awlgrip, on interior design. Chris Toole, Awlgrip’s global brand manager, has noticed that “it’s not so much trends in specific colours that are emerging, rather the addition of finishes and effects using fluoropolymer

above Another impressive decal for Black Dragon, lasting the test of time during the Clipper Round the World Race. right Quinta Essentia’s colour scheme is dedicated to the main owner’s passion for Italian wines.

colour me beautiful

Colour may be the ultimate expression of creativity, of highlighting a yacht’s design and making her unique, but it has its roots in the less glamorous worlds of chemistry and technology. films”. Chrome, metallic and pearl finishes have long been popular, but the ability to digitally print any image on to the films means that photographic and other images can be used to add colour and depth to interiors. The clothes industry has embraced this technology; now interior designers and owners can give free range to their imaginations. Instead of a painted feature wall one could have an image of a vast coral reef, landscape or favourite family photo. (Even better, these films won’t burn in normal atmospheres and are SOLAS certified to meet LY2 and PYC.) Colour may be the ultimate expression of creativity, of highlighting a yacht’s design and making her unique, but it has its roots in the less glamorous worlds of chemistry and technology. It’s inspiring to think that owners and designers are now free to match any colour and finish of paint – perhaps to their favourite wine or the colour of their beloved car, and that new coatings and vinyls can now wrap interiors and exteriors in anything you wish; from matching wood grain to disguise metal safety doors to ‘projecting’ a photograph on to the hull or interior panel. And one thing is certain, the future of yachting is going to be a lot more colourful. 79