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ISSUE 10 2014

Black Toro Patented Perpetual Calendar. Self-winding movement.

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14 The bigger the better?

04 Building a new dream

he Bosarge family are T passionate sailors whose knowledge and love of sailing has translated to all of their yachts, including the most recent, 54.86-metre Marie, which launched from Vitters in 2010. With Marie newly listed for sale with Fraser Yachts, the family are now turning their attentions to another new build, a longer lifting keel yacht by the same build and design team.

08 Blood is thicker than water

Thirty-five years is a long time to wait to be reunited with your long-lost sister. Many thought it would never happen such is the rarity of a maritime event like this. But against all odds, and thanks to the enthusiasm and commitment from those involved, the unlikely took place on a warm, hazy summer’s day in August 2013.

Watch the video: 1. Download the free Aurasma App from the App Store or Google Play 2. Search for and “follow” the Fraser Yachts Channel 3. Point your device at any image marked by the video icon 4. Watch it come to life (double tap for full screen)

52 The art of design

The superyacht industry has become transfixed by size.

Ocean giants like Eclipse, Azzam and Al Mirquab steal the headlines, while regular Top 100 lists create a superyacht hierarchy that places the emphasis on only the largest of the fleet. But is this representative of the industry? Is bigger really better?

Harry Vafias is one of the most successful shipping entrepreneurs in the world, as well as a lifelong lover of boats and the sea. Don Hoyt Gorman speaks with a man who balances shrewd business acumen with a passion for yachts and the life it brings.

58 Open air theatre

23 Take me to Tahiti

Paradise is a shape-shifter.

She assumes many forms and appears in various guises.

However none is so alluring or so at ease with her natural beauty than the bountiful island of Tahiti. Diane Fraser and Patricia Codere of Fraser Yachts reminisce about their recent voyage of discovery to this beautiful island.

34 For the love of the ocean

Philanthropy and superyachts are words that were once rarely used in the same sentence. Superyachts are about personal pleasures, while philanthropy leans toward doing good for others.

However, the two words are no longer oxymorons, and a growing number of superyacht owners are finding ways to give back to the environment they enjoy: the oceans.

The greatest cars capture the imagination and excite the senses. But if you really want to be immersed in the experience there’s one simple but indisputable rule: Lose the roof. Intense and exciting or simply indulgent and luxurious, these are the top five convertibles for when the journey is the destination.

62 Just for the toy of it

Not too long ago, having a personal watercraft (let alone two) on a yacht was considered extravagant. Today, he who has the most toys wins.

40 Intelligent Acquisition

From the silk studios of Italy to the running rivers of Michigan and the ticking timepieces of Switzerland, we profile three artists who understand the real meaning of originality and that anything is possible in the world of creation.

31 Navigating (un)chartered waters With an increasing number of ultra high net worth individuals entering the superyacht charter market, it is more important than ever to understand and educate oneself before making the leap into unchartered waters.

Rebecca Curran chats with Fraser Yachts’ leading charter brokers, managers and clients to find out what you need to know before booking your dream holiday.

44 The dream team

There are many fast, beautiful and comfortable sailing yachts on the water today but achieving superior comfort levels while staying high performance is a tricky balance. The truth is that if you want to be fast, really fast, comfort will always have to take a back seat. For the owner of S/Y Firefly there was only one way to avoid the speed/ comfort compromise: buy a motoryacht as well.

70 On location –

Gulf of California Mexico

Everyone knows the Yucatan, Chicen Itza and Cancun, but on the Pacific coast of Mexico the Gulf of California – also known as the Sea of Cortez – is a land and seascape of incredible beauty. It is only possible to fully explore this remote corner of the globe by boat, and the waters of the Gulf are the best place in the world to see marine mammals – particularly whales, manta rays and hammerhead sharks.

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ISSUE 10 2014

Cover: Sands of Time.

– page 43.

Published by The Superyacht Agency Tel: +44 (0) 20 7801 1021 3-7 Northcote Road, London SW11 1NG United Kingdom www.thesuperyachtagency.com

Editor: Lauren Barker For advertising enquiries, contact hello@thesuperyachtagency.com Many thanks to our contributors: Angela Audretsch, Jethro Bovingdon, Ellie Brade, Julia Brandon, Chris Caswell, Rebecca Curran, Don Hoyt Gorman and Felix Milns.

At the time of publication, all the information contained herein is believed to be correct but cannot be guaranteed.

Great care has been taken to ensure accuracy but neither Fraser Yachts nor the publishers can accept responsibility for any errors, inaccuracies or omissions. Charter rates are quoted on a weekly basis. The rates contained herein are believed to be correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form without permission from Fraser Yachts.

Printed in the UK by Park Communications. © Copyright Fraser Yachts 2014. All rights reserved.

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The Bosarge family are passionate sailors whose knowledge and love of sailing has translated to all of their yachts, including the most recent, 54.86-metre Marie, which launched from Vitters in 2010. With Marie newly listed for sale with Fraser Yachts, the family are now turning their attentions to another new build, a longer lifting keel yacht by the same build and design team.

Words by Ellie Brade

W

see details on inside front cover

hen Dr. Ed Bosarge held the trophy for the overall victory at the St. Barth’s Bucket earlier this year, it was one of his most memorable moments in decades of sailing. Marie, beating off fierce competition from 37 yachts across four classes had fulfilled his vision for the fastest classicstyle yacht on the water. “Winning the St. Barth’s Bucket was the pinnacle of four years of sailing and developing Marie’s race programme,” says Bosarge.

The win at St. Barth’s also marked the right time for The Bosarge Family to make the decision to put Marie on the market and to hopefully build again. “We’ve accomplished our sailing objectives,” says Bosarge.

“We’ve won the Bucket, we’ve crossed the Atlantic, we’ve crossed the Pacific, so we thought it would be a good time to sell Marie while she is at her prime.”

An entrepreneur and philanthropist, Bosarge has been sailing since he was a young boy. Together with military history, it is his major passion. The success of Marie owes much to the long line of The Bosarge Family’s yachts that preceded her, with the lessons and enjoyment he took from each yacht fuelling her design.

“The short story,” as Bosarge dubs it, of how he got into sailing, is that he started out on very small boats, moving up in size over the years. It wasn’t until the 1980’s that they bought their first ketch, a 25 metre Camper & Nicholsons/Bannenberg design, naming her Natasha after the heroine of War and Peace. After many years of sailing her, during which time she became a hugely popular charter yacht, Natasha was sold in 2004 and The Bosarge Family’s next yacht purchase was a 35-metre fast sloop Tenacious (ex Teel).

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With Natasha and later Tenacious and Marie, proving to be extremely popular choices for charter guests over the years, Bosarge believes that to run a successful charter yacht, and in fact any yacht, is just as much about the crew as it is about the yacht. “You need to offer five-star crew, five-star experiences and a crafted experience on the yacht in beautiful surroundings. We think the best place for charter is the Bahamas,” he says. “Also make sure your captain has got more than average experience and check his references very carefully, because the captain is such an important part of running a successful yacht.”

Despite enjoying Tenacious, which they still own today, after so many years of sailing and ownership of a wide range of yachts it was almost inevitable for The Bosarge Family to one day undertake a new build from scratch. The idea for Marie was first born in 2007 when Bosarge sketched the initial ideas for her before signing the contract in 2008. Working with a team of Vitters, Hoek Design, David Easton, Nigel Ingram and Fraser Yachts, Marie was conceived to combine the classic lines of yachts from the 1920’s with the modern comforts of today’s superyachts. Bosarge’s experience brought the knowledge and design savvy to the build that has made Marie such a triumph.

Since her launch, The Bosarge Family have sailed and raced Marie extensively throughout the world. A key destination she has spent time in is the Bahamas, where Bosarge and his wife Marie – the yacht’s namesake – have built their sustainable island resort, Over Yonder Cay. “It is the first green resort in the world, and certainly the first green resort in the Caribbean,”

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PREVIOUS PAGE: S/Y Marie is listed for sale through Fraser Yachts.

THIS PAGE: (Top) Outdoor and indoor dining Marie style; The owner’s suite.

(Below) Ed Borsarge and his wife Marie, whom the yacht is named after; The grand piano takes pride of place in the saloon.

Building a new Dream

Having designed, built, cruised, chartered and raced Marie, Bosarge is more knowledgeable about ownership than ever and the new project will be a bigger, faster evolution of the much-loved Marie.

Marie is for sale and charter with Fraser Yachts, for further information contact jody.obrien@fraseryachts.com, charter@fraseryachts.com or call +1 954 646 4970.

said Bosarge. Built after seeing first hand the effects of humans on the cruising waters of the world, such as overfishing, and due to a desire to create a sustainable destination, Over Yonder Cay is an eco-friendly luxury destination island. “Tenacious is already based out of the resort, and the idea is that the planned new build will have a shallow draft that will allow her to be based there too,” he says.

As soon as Marie is sold Bosarge hopes to begin work on the planned new build project. Having designed, built, cruised, chartered and raced Marie, Bosarge is more knowledgeable about ownership than ever and the new project will be a bigger, faster evolution of the much-loved Marie. “I am very happy with Marie’s style, she is the ultimate classic yacht,” explains Bosarge. “I want to build a yacht with similar characteristics, but a little longer with room for a gym, and with a lifting, rather than fixed keel, to allow her access to Over Yonder Cay and other shallow anchorages.”

With The Bosarge Family having enjoyed the regatta scene on Tenacious and Marie so much, the new yacht will also be built as a fast ketch with strong racing prowess, using the same design and build team as for Marie. “We will absolutely work with the same team again, especially the yard,” he says. “They have a saying in Holland that ‘if it ain’t Dutch, it ain’t much’ and I believe their craftsmanship is the best in the world.”

Marie has been maintained in impeccable condition – “today she still looks as if she has just come out of the showroom,” – another key lesson from years of ownership. “As an owner I have learned to invest in maintenance: boats cost a lot to maintain but if you don’t look after them properly they lose their value very fast.” With the ideas formed for the next yacht, all that remains now is for Marie to find her new owner.

“Hopefully we will find the right match for her,” says Bosarge. “She’s a special yacht.”

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Thirty-five years is a long time to wait to be reunited with your long-lost sister in your hometown. Many thought it would never happen such is the rarity of a maritime event like this. But against all odds, and thanks to the enthusiasm and commitment from those involved, the unlikely took place on a warm, hazy summer’s day last year.

Words by Julia Brandon

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Now in their fifties the boats have lived through vastly different experiences since their separation, so to witness them alongside one another again was a heart-warming sight for many.

T

ug enthusiasts and spotters expectantly lined the streets of Maassluis – the sisters’ original homeport – eagerly awaiting their arrival. Camera crews and media gathered along the borders of the New Waterway ship canal to report on the unique event; the atmosphere was electric.

Poor visibility on the day threatened to spoil the arrival of helicopters, not to mention photography, but it wasn’t long before the clouds dispersed, the sun came out, and passing down the Hook of Holland Seawolf, accompanied by her sister Elbe, came into view guided in by the yellow port authority ships.

After working alongside each other for the first 18 years of their lives, sister tugs Elbe and Seawolf (formerly Clyde) were separated in 1977 when Clyde was sold to a salvage company in Greece. Now in their fifties the boats have lived through vastly different experiences since their separation, so to witness them alongside one another again was a heart-warming sight for many.

“It was a pretty big deal,” says Seawolf Captain Drarg Richards. “It was the first time the two boats had been together in Maassluis in 35 years, and the first time Seawolf had been back in the six years that I’ve been captain. We had all the old captains and engineers present – it was an emotional event for a lot of people, particularly the engineers, there may have been a tear or two shed.”

Designed by Dr. J.A.C. Hoogenbosch, Clyde was commissioned in 1957 by Smit International as a revolutionary tug boasting beauty, strength and endurance. Built in J & K Smits Shipyard in Kinderdijk, the company had a fleet of similar seagoing tugs all constructed within a few years of each other and named after well-known rivers, but Clyde only had one close sister ship, Elbe built in 1959. In order to keep costs to a similar level as Clyde’s some minor adjustments were needed. Thankfully these didn’t impede on Elbe’s looks or capabilities, and both ships set off for excellent careers as tugs. They towed flattops from the US to Japan and Belgium, freighters to scrap yards and even the first drilling platforms to numerous destinations.

Measuring 58.09m in length overall, with a beam of 11.23m and depth of 4.5m, the vessels are powered by two Smit-MAN six-cylinder, four-stroke diesel main engines generating a total of 3,000 horsepower (hp).

The engines drive a single open propeller via a reverse reduction gearbox. For a short time they were even the strongest tugs in the world until Zwarte Zee was built in 1963, but both boats still have their original engines today.

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Blood is thicker than water At the end of her Dutch towage career Clyde was renamed Smit Salvor and sold to Matsas Salvage in Greece. She served 13 years on Greek waters before being snapped up by a German towage enthusiast who changed her name to Seawolfe. That was until 1998 when again her good looks caught the eye of a Greek owner in the Caribbean who purchased her and made the radical decision to convert her into a yacht.

Five years of hard labour in a yard in Palma resulted in a stunning transformation. Her industrial tug outline was preserved, but as a boat she was enhanced with elegant details, softened design elements and a luxurious interior. She began her life as a yacht under the name Seawolfe, and subsequently became Seawolfe C, then Dolce Far Niente. Finally, six years ago when her current owner Mike Potter bought her, her name was simply shortened to Seawolf. “Mr. Potter is really into his vintage aircraft, so her age and history were definitely part of the attraction,” says Captain Drarg.

Life as a yacht suits Seawolf. She wears the transformation well and has adapted with ease, fully embracing her role as an expedition yacht. She now spends her days in slightly more relaxed circumstances cruising to exotic locations – Fiji, Tahiti, New Zealand, Panama, the Baltic and Caribbean – wherever her owner’s enthusiasm for diving takes them.

“We don’t go searching for wrecks, but we’re really active,” says Captain Drarg. “Mr. Potter is not as young as he was but he is in great shape and he has a young family and he’s extremely keen on scuba diving, free diving, swimming with whale sharks, and his girls have learnt to dive on Seawolf.

“The fact that she used to be a tug really helps with our current needs as she has a lot of deck space for our toys, tenders, jet-skis and even a sailboat. She’s also got a big fuel range – which a lot of modern boats don’t have – and she’s a really great sea boat, so when we’re crossing the ocean when the weather’s bad or travelling to out of the way places, she can still go where most yachts probably couldn’t.”

For Elbe, however, life has been somewhat different. In 1976 she was sold to the Association of Maryland Pilots of Baltimore, USA, for use as a seagoing pilot vessel.

PREVIOUS PAGE: M/Y Seawolf takes in another golden sunset.

THIS PAGE: (Top) Seawolf and Elbe are pictured during their reunion last year. (Bottom left) Seawolf was formerly M/Y Clyde, sold to a salvage company in Greece in 1977. (Bottom right) M/Y Elbe was sold in 1976 for use as a seagoing pilot vessel.

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THIS PAGE: (Clockwise from top left): Seawolf has been transformed into an expedition yacht; Seawolf is available for charter, cruising to exotic locations including Fiji, Tahiti, New Zealand, Panama, the Baltic and Caribbean.

Photography by Marc Paris.

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Blood is thicker than water In 1985 David Parrot, Founder of Titan Salvage, arranged her donation to Greenpeace where she became an action ship replacing the famous Rainbow Warrior as the organisation’s flagship. When eventually she herself was replaced for a more modern vessel she was donated to the Harbour Museum in Rotterdam – the largest open-air museum in the Netherlands. It was here that Captain Hans Hoffmann took on the challenge (and personal dream) to restore her to an old magnificent tug again. His aim was to make her fully under class, so that the ship, once restored, could sail anywhere.

Unfortunately for Elbe there were a number of fairly large setbacks during this process that resulted in her sinking twice. The first was in 2004 when she was accidentally struck by a heavy transport ship manoeuvring at an adjacent berth. The second time came down to suspected sabotage when she inexplicably sank at the Wartsila yard at Schiedam where the Smit-MAN main engines were being overhauled. By that stage much of the ship’s machinery had been completely refurbished and work was progressing on the renewal of electric cabling. The 70 volunteers working on the project were deeply disappointed, but still motivated in the face of adversity and they continued the restoration process until it was complete.

Elbe and Clyde only met four times during their towage careers, but Captain Hans felt strongly that their first proper meet after so much time should be in the port of Maassluis. As a result, negotiations with Seawolf’s owner led to an agreement for him to call on Maassluis when on his way from the Baltic to Vigo where his yacht undertakes regular maintenance.

“I pushed Mr. Potter for a long time to get Seawolf there and last year our schedules worked out. Initially it was for the people in Maassluis, but once we arrived we were all in awe of everybody there and how much it meant to everyone,” says Captain Drarg. “People back in the day were proper seamen, they were experienced captains, and I felt tremendously humbled.

“There was a whole community based in Maassluis around these boats – the engineers, captains, officers, deck hands, chefs, accountants, naval architects, family, wives, girlfriends, everyone lived there – the boats would charge off, get salvage and then come back. So everyone who lived in that area was tied in to the boats somehow, they were part of the industry, and have a really personal connection.”

On the day of the historic meet a party for a selected group of guests was held on board Seawolf where Mr. Potter presented Joop Timmermans, chairman of the Council of Advice of the National Towage Museum in Maassluis, a beautiful work of art.

Created by Canadian artist Dave O’Malley, it symbolises the unique meeting of Elbe and Seawolf. In return Mr. Potter received a glass etching of the outline of Maassluis to commemorate the momentous occasion.

Seawolf is available for charter. For further information please contact charter@fraseryachts.com.

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The

BIGGE the better?

ER

The superyacht industry has become transfixed by size. Ocean giants like Eclipse, Azzam and Al Mirquab steal the headlines, while regular Top 100 lists create a superyacht hierarchy that places the emphasis on only the largest of the fleet. But is this representative of the industry? Is bigger really better?

Words by Angela Audretsch

I

t would be easy to assume from the increasing number of dramatically large concepts and the general industry obsession with size over the last few years that we have entered the age of the megayacht. Highly anticipated deliveries of yachts like Lürssen’s 180m Azzam in 2013 and this year’s 140m Ocean Victory from Fincantieri, and big ‘pipeline’ projects like the 85m sailing yacht Vitters and Oceanco are currently collaborating on, have only served to draw more attention to this elite realm.

“Bigger is certainly an attraction,” says Ronald van Hulst, Commercial Director at Dutch shipyard Royal Huisman.

“Just as we all tend to admire someone who has climbed the highest mountain, I think it is natural that we gravitate towards larger yachts. These, after all, are marked feats of human ingenuity.”

But does the magnetism of size actually translate into an increase in large yacht purchases? “The constant focus on the top tier could give the impression to ‘outsiders’ that the megayacht market is increasing substantially,” admits Jan Jaap Minnema, a sales broker for Fraser Yachts. “However, if you look at the facts and figures you will see that the actual growth is different.” The truth is, the bulk of new-build orders still stem from the sub-50m category. In fact, only 15 yachts of 70m-plus have been signed since January 2013. Not a small figure, but still a comparatively small market share. “The number of clients who can and want to afford these types of yachts remains the same,” says Minnema, who recently sold the largest yacht ever to be built in China, the 88m Illusion. “It is a small market with a few players.”

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Clients may not all be rushing out to buy the 90m leviathan they have always wanted, but figures taken from January to June 2014 by Superyacht Intelligence do show that the average LOA of yachts may be on the rise. Where once the 30m to 40m size bracket was far and away the most popular in terms of new orders, orders for yachts in the 40m to 70m category are now almost as common, indicating that while there is a migration towards larger yachts, it is a bit less dramatic than the headlines often suggest.

Several are already committed to serving the niche market of clients at the top end. Iconic yards such as Lürssen and Blohm+Voss or designers like Terence Disdale are known for their dedication to gigantic projects. Similarly, in 2005, Alblasserdam-based yard Oceanco, whose yachts in the past have included a 42m, made the decision to focus its energy almost exclusively on creating fully custom yachts over 80m.

“Eleven out of the 25 yachts we have delivered to date are among the 100 largest yachts in the world,” says Marcel Onkenhout, Oceanco’s CEO, confirming that the yard has had steady enquiries for yachts in the 80m to 130m sector since it targeted its focus. “We have a very positive outlook for the custom-built superyacht market in the 80m-plus category.” In fact, as a direct response to market demand, Oceanco has enlarged its infrastructure by increasing its physical capacity – by the close of 2014, it will open a new facility that will be able to accommodate projects up to 140m in length.

There is absolutely no question that projects of this size carry serious sex appeal. Not only does the mystery that surrounds many of them make them even more fascinating, but their dramatic dimensions and the innovation that is at the heart of much of their design is something that is unrivalled in other luxury realms. The available space on board yachts over 80m is incomparable and as a result they can come with everything from multiple helicopter landing pads to convertible swimming pool-come-squash courts or even IMAX cinema screens.

PREVIOUS PAGE: The 147-metre M/Y Topaz by Lürssen was launched in 2012.

THIS PAGE: (Clockwise from top): The 58-metre S/Y Kokomo is for sale through Fraser Yachts; The barrier-breaking giants M/Y A is 119 metres; M/Y Illusion is the largest yacht to be built in China.

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The bigger the better

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“Of course everybody likes big boats, but I chartered big boats and I was not happy.

I was disappointed that I didn’t have the opportunity to come into port or close to the beach. I was not confident with having 16 crew; I don’t need a bell to call for a drink.”

Owner of M/Y Alexandra V, John Brendmoe

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The bigger the better

THIS PAGE: (Clockwise from top left): The 73m M/Y Laurel and the 24m M/Y Orlando L are for charter through Fraser Yachts; M/Y Madame Gu by Feadship is the biggest delivered by the yard at 99 metres; The 180m Azzam was launched in 2013 by Lürssen.

And it goes without saying that for those clients wanting something that will attract attention (and envy) from fellow owners, charterers and passers by, big is best.

When it comes to chartering as well, there are advantages to bigger yachts that come down to more than just the design, space and ego. “Bigger yachts tend to have more experienced crew, particularly in the more senior positions,” says Pierrik Devic, a charter broker with Fraser Yachts. He admits he often has more confidence placing guests on larger yachts than smaller vessels. “With a larger crew, the crewmembers will be more dedicated to their individual roles as well, and it is more likely the owner of a 60m-plus will invest more in his crew to ensure that he really has the best chef or the best chief steward/ess to look after him than what an owner of a 30m vessel might do.”

While there are clients for whom a yacht at the top end of the fleet is exactly what they want, there is a danger that this obsession with size is possibly distracting some potential clients from the smaller yachts that might actually offer a better yachting experience for them and their families. Large yachts can rarely claim to be intimate and inconspicuous.

Designer Martin Francis, instrumental in barrier-breaking giants like M/Y Eco and M/Y A, admits that although he always tries to ensure that owners do not lose a sense of intimacy even if they are cruising with a small family group on a large vessel, it can be difficult when a yacht has a large crew, for example. Designer Rob Doyle adds that most of his clients want to stay under the radar: “they value their privacy and don’t want publicity so they focus on the lower and mid-range boats, sub-45m and the 60m to 75m motoryachts.”

Owner of Alexandra V John Brendmoe is someone who, after chartering everything from 50ft catamarans

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and 37m explorers to 100m motoryachts, decided that big yachts did not offer him what he and his family wanted. “I have chartered with Fraser Yachts since 2000, and there has been a lot of charters through the years,” he says. “Of course everybody likes big boats, but I chartered big boats and I was not happy. I was disappointed that I didn’t have the opportunity to come into port or close to the beach. I was not confident with having 16 crew; I don’t need a bell to call for a drink.”

For him, a yacht should bring you closer to the ocean and the big yachts act more as a barrier. As a result, he purchased the 30m Alexandra V – a yacht that allows him to have just six crew members and access marinas, beaches and archipelagos the world over. “The bigger the boat you have, the more expensive and the more complicated it gets,” he says. “It becomes like a huge company. In my case I’m very happy with a 30m yacht right now.”

For Tamer Abdouni, a dedicated charter client with Fraser Yachts for the past six years, chartering has also helped him settle on his ideal size. “We have been upgrading [over the years] and now prefer the 50m range as its comfort levels and services suit our needs more,” he says. “I think 50m is the best size for chartering vis a vis size, comfort, toys, and most importantly port accommodation as some ports can’t berth yachts over 50m.”

For Feadship’s CEO Hank de Vries, the obsession with size is ultimately irrelevant. “Bigger is nicer to talk about, yes, but in my mind it is much more fun to look within size brackets at quality, regardless of size,” he says. Royal Huisman’s Van Hulst agrees: “In our market, our order book indicates that size does not matter, our clients order what they want and what they want is not determined by size.” And this is really the crux of it: the best size of yacht, whether for charter or purchase, comes entirely down to the client.

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ABOVE: The owner of M/Y Alexandra is happy with the size of his 30m yacht.

Many in the industry question whether in today’s market owners are jumping in at the top end too quickly.

When in the past we typically saw clients start small and then work their way up the ladder to a size they felt comfortable with, today’s owners are often going in high from the outset. Some argue that this will result in disappointed or disillusioned owners who end up with a yacht they don’t use or enjoy. However, Martin Francis offers the example of owner Larry Ellison, who through following his instincts, naturally found the best size for him, going from M/Y Katana at 73m, up to M/Y Rising Sun (138.4m) before realising that this was much too big and settling for M/Y Musashi at 88m. “The beauty of yachting is there are many mechanics at work to conceive a deal; emotion has a very strong voice in this process,” says Minnema. “Brokerage is not about talking, but rather about listening. Evaluating the client’s use of previous yachts, charter choice and changes in lifestyle. Clients grow into their yachting life and it is a dynamic process, which needs to be modified all the time.”

Fraser Yachts offers a wide range of yachts for sale and charter. For further information please contact charter@fraseryachts.com or sales@fraseryachts.com

Paradise is a shape-shifter. She assumes many forms and appears in various guises. However none is so alluring or so at ease with her natural beauty than the bountiful island of Tahiti. Diane Fraser and Patricia Codere of Fraser Yachts reminisce about their recent voyage of discovery to this beautiful island.

Words by Julia Brandon

F

or thousands of years humpback whales have migrated to this tranquil Pacific haven to mate and give birth. While original human migrants discovered this tropical gem by outrigger canoe nearly two thousand years ago. Today, travelers continue to be captivated by the isolation of these islands, and an ancient, authentic Polynesian culture that is also infused with a modern French culture.

The sea pervades everything in Polynesian life. Its oceans are a government-protected sanctuary where Polynesians and the sea live in harmony. It’s an oasis where turtles represent longevity and wisdom, fish symbolise life and dolphins are guardians.

The islands are an ideal water playground, where no other nation celebrates its marine life in this manner. And for superyacht owners and charter guests, it’s simply paradise.

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The islands are an ideal water playground, where no other nation celebrates its marine life in this manner.

And for superyacht owners and charter guests, it’s simply paradise.

Tahiti is the largest island in the Windward group of French Polynesia. Formed by volcanic activity, it is high and dramatic with surrounding coral reefs. Its capital Papeete is located on the northwest coast along with Faa’a International Airport, the only international airport in the region. Tahiti is amongst the Society Island chain, one of the most popular of the five different archipelagos within French Polynesia. Tahitian hospitality pervades the moment you debark the plane with a welcome of a fresh tiari flower lei. Its beguiling fragrance permeates the air and represents the beginning of sweet things to come. The lei also beckons you to discover Papeete, your starting point for a beautiful cruising itinerary.

Papeete is a wonderful place to shop for Tahitian pearls, sarongs and the traditional monoi oil, a very pure, natural oil extracted from the tiare flower and coconut shavings. It is also a fantastic place for dining, from the more relaxed outdoor tables at the downtown wharf, where customised catering trucks known as Roulottes prepare everything from the freshest fish to the most delicate crepe, to the more acclaimed restaurants like Le Coco. A wonderful place to rendezvous for cocktails is at Le Retro bar, located near the waterfront. Decorated like a Parisian café, this bar is a great place for a cool, tropical drink at sunset.

Take me to tahiti

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We boarded the M/Y Askari on the island of

Moorea, which lies 10 miles west of Tahiti and serves as its dramatic vista. The sweet smell of the infamous Moorea pineapple permeated the air. Riding the tender through Cooks Bay was like entering into a beautiful postcard. We wanted to pinch ourselves to see if we were dreaming. There peacefully anchored in the short distance was our home away from home.

Originally built as a fishing vessel, destiny had better things in mind for the 107-foot Askari. Before ever catching any fish, she was reconfigured into a fivestateroom yacht to include all the comforts expected by the most discerning guests. Her solid steel bones have allowed her to complete 15 ocean crossings, including a 13-month charter with guests aboard the entire time.

Especially unique is the ample full-beam galley, a large crew quarters for her full-time crew of seven and a sense of ‘wow’ as to how beautifully she fits into the Polynesian environment. The crew’s endearing smiles, the refreshingly chilled coconut welcome drink, the pristine bright shine of the yacht’s woodwork and the well-appointed wicker furniture all invited us to sink in.

After our safety briefing we were led to our respective staterooms, each with ensuite facilities. The five staterooms include the king size, full beam master

with an adjacent convertible bunk bed cabin, which by closing a hidden door can turn the bow of the yacht into a two-room master suite. Amidships is an ample queen berth stateroom. The two aft staterooms are convertible from queens to two twins as needed by the charter guests.

The lunch that followed continued our blissful introduction. We were served a delicious, traditional Poisson Cru, which is tuna ‘cooked’ in fresh lime, then enhanced with coconut milk, and a Banana Po’e for dessert.

PREVIOUS PAGE: The dramatically scenic Bora Bora.

THIS PAGE: (Left) A tall ship sails through Cook’s Bay. (Above) M/Y Askari is available to charter through Fraser Yachts.

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THIS PAGE: (Clockwise from top) The main saloon aboard Askari; Onwards to Moorea with its dramatic vista; The owner’s suite.

OPPOSITE PAGE: With its open plan, Askari allows guests to feel like they are at one with the ocean.

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Take me to tahiti Afterwards we were anxious to discover Moorea’s interior, so off we went for a quad bike or ATV exploration of the island. Leave your elegant clothing on board and don a helmet, for you’re off on steep and narrow dirt roads exploring craters, pineapple farms and learning some of the folklore of the island. Returning exhausted but happy, the cold cloth and cool drink was a welcome respite.

Askari is a heavy full-displacement yacht, so to slip anchor for a sunset cruise over cocktails and canapés outside the reef is effortless. We cruise quietly to our next destination.

Following a blissful sleep we awoke in Opunohu Bay, a breathtaking and dramatic anchorage that beckons an early morning paddleboard. It’s an island

Askari’s crew have certainly perfected the right formula to achieve a charter guest’s happiness.

This yacht and crew left an indelible mark on us all.

where watersports predominate, so today we’re in the water. Diving and snorkelling is a must. To dive anywhere in Tahiti, you must hire a professional dive guide. It can be a dive shop, or a more customised company like Tahiti Private Expeditions, which offer a tremendous experience. Their guides have unsurpassed knowledge; they specialise in private yachts and introduce the marine life in a positive way.

Before we dive, we are given an in-depth lesson about sharks and the reef by Rodolph, one of our dive guides and owner of the company. Rodolph is very passionate about life below the sea.

Rodolph’s preview of what to expect does not disappoint. The sea life is abundant, the water crystal clear and warm, 27 degrees celsius (81 degree farenheit). We see turtles, rays, sharks and an array of colorful reef fish, which only enhance the reefs’ colours. We laugh as a clown fish pokes himself out from a sea anemone at our curious sight. A visit to the turtle clinic, the dolphin encounter lagoon, paddle boarding, kayaking, water-skiing and a Jacuzzi dip all create a marvellous day in paradise. Its pièce de résistance is a sunset Tahitian dance performed by the yacht’s second stewardess Moevai. The sheer beauty and the magic of her dance transported us all into a state of enchantment.

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THIS PAGE: (Top) Water toys are in abundance, allowing charter guests to spend as much time on the water as possible. (Bottom) A seven-day charter allows for ample beautiful sunsets around the islands.

A seven-day charter will not only include Papeete and Moora, but also the islands of Huahini, Raiatea, Tahaa and Bora Bora. Huahine lies 75 miles away from Moorea, so when heading here, an overnight passage is advisable. Known as the ‘Garden of Eden’ Huahine is the lesser-developed island of the group. Once anchored, guests can take advantage of the many water toys on board. Guests can also go ashore on a private beach for a picnic hosted by a Tahitian family. This is an authentic local experience which is accompanied by traditional Tahitian music. These barbecues are not advertised in tour guides and are currently only known through ‘word of mouth’.

The yacht’s next stop is the island of Raiatea.

Fishing en route you can catch yellowfin, wahoo or mahi mahi; even marlin.

A must-do on Raiatea is the Faaroa River tour, which is the only navigable river in French Polynesia.

Its beautiful hibiscus flowers that line the shores create

a tranquil experience to kayak and or paddleboard.

Another enjoyable excursion is to snorkel or dive the wreck S/V Nordby, a 100-year old three-masted schooner.

Today it’s an open shell, but it’s the best wreck in French Polynesia, and is located just inside the reef.

Sharing the reef with Raiatea is the island of Tahaa.

A Vanilla Tour excursion in a four-wheel-drive truck is one of the island’s highlights.

Askari prefers to leave for Bora Bora late afternoon so we enter the lagoon at sunset. One of most celebrated islands in the Society chain, Bora Bora is unrivaled in her beauty. Barrier island reefs encompass two peaks, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, which form a crystal clear circular lagoon. We had the unique opportunity to spend a day on this lagoon, which didn’t disappoint; swimming, diving, snorkelling, paddling or simply floating; anything in the water is mandatory. Our tender ride in the lagoon passed exclusive resorts with over-the-water bungalows. One special spot featured pure pink-white sand, so as you jumped into the water your feet sank into the purist, powdery sand. It’s truly a spa treatment in the sea. On the northern end of the lagoon our experienced local guide jumped in the water to feed the stingrays and yellow tipped sharks, which created a feeding frenzy for any thrill seeker. The southwestern side of the lagoon offered a particularly beautiful coral garden, a unique underwater spectacle.

At the end of our swim we walked up the beach and were welcomed to a traditional beach BBQ where we were serenaded with lovely traditional songs. It was the perfect end to a perfect afternoon.

Askari’s crew have certainly perfected the right formula to achieve a charter guest’s happiness. This yacht and crew left an indelible mark on us all. We were extremely saddened to leave this pocket of paradise. We were ecstatic though to have navigated a small pocket of Askari’s wonderful world.

In a typical one-week itinerary, Askari usually ends her charters in Bora Bora after starting in Tahiti. The approximate one-hour flight to return to Tahiti is one we took with sadness, for it represented an end to a most magical trip. Tahiti’s Society Islands are a tropical destination most people only dream about. Its beauty, its welcoming hospitality, its culture and most of all, its ocean playground is all there for one’s discovery. You just need to experience it once to be hooked for life.

M/Y Askari is available for charter through Fraser Yachts. For more information please contact charter@fraseryachts.com.

4,8

12,500

320

BILLION € OF PROTECTED ASSETS

METERS OF I N S U R E D YA C H T S

SECURED S U P E R YA C H T S

VISIT US AT THE NEW YACHT CLUB DE MONACO GALLERY

YACHT CLUB DE MONACO GALLERY BOULEvARD LOUis ii 98000 - MONACO TEL.: +377 97 97 23 10 - FAx: +377 97 97 23 11 CONTACT@ONLYYACHT.COM - www.ONLYYACHT.COM

DARsE sUD / Qs77 24-27 sEpTEMBER 2014

(un)chartered waters With an increasing number of ultra high net worth individuals entering the superyacht charter market, it is more important than ever to understand and educate oneself before making the leap into unchartered waters. Rebecca Curran chats with Fraser Yachts’ leading charter brokers, managers and clients to find out what you need to know before booking your dream holiday.

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ith global wealth levels returning to pre-Global Financial Crisis levels, more of the world’s wealthiest individuals are looking for the ultimate in luxury holidays.

Plus the charter fleet continues to expand with many yacht owners looking to offset some of the costs of running their vessels by offering them for charter. As the superyacht market gains popularity, so too does the draw for new clients to try something new and book a charter. However, as technology reaches new levels, charter brokers warn that it is still recommended for owners to place their yacht with a reputable manager and for clients to book with a reputable broker to ensure that they are properly looked after and receive the best advice.

“More business transactions are taking place online these days and the yacht charter industry is no exception to this,” says Tove Johnson, a charter broker based in Monaco. “Clients are beginning to treat their yacht charters as they would treat booking last-minute flights, hotels and holidays. As a result, finding an experienced and qualified charter broker who is up-to-date with the ins and outs of yacht charter and can respond quickly and accurately is more important than ever before.”

However, with the ease and comfort of selecting online comes sacrifice. “Booking a yacht charter without the assistance of a reputable yacht charter broker is like buying a home, sight unseen by just looking at photos,” says Debra Blackburn, a charter broker based in the Fort Lauderdale office. “One of the most important aspects of our job as charter brokers is to visit as many yachts as possible, spend time with the crew to get to know them and the day-to-day operations so I can be confident my clients would be well taken care of should they charter this yacht.” Johnson added that over the past few years she had seen many online companies start up offering good deals. “Most of the time these deals are false and many of these companies have no real perception of what this industry is all about and the level of service that our clients expect.”

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Booking a yacht charter without the assistance of a reputable yacht charter broker is like buying a home, sight unseen by just looking at photos.

Navigating (un)chartered waters

The influence of MYBA An added bonus of going with a larger, well-established firm is their connection and association with the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA), a global yachting association recognised worldwide. “We can always accomplish much more as a large organisation, focused on one goal and, in our case, MYBA has been instrumental in ensuring the yachts we all represent follow the international yachting laws and regulations,” says Blackburn. Daniela De Marco a charter manager in Monaco agrees: “Fraser Yachts plays a prominent role within the MYBA association, assisting whenever changes arise in the yachting industry. Subsequently, MYBA provides strong support to its members regarding the latest changes in VAT, legalities, limitations and regulations in relation to chartering worldwide. Furthermore, MYBA provides their members with the Yachtfolio website which allows managers to exclusively publish our owner’s yachts for charter globally and to promote them to reputable charter brokers only.”

“MYBA is working hard to change the way charters are booked and has recently introduced the concept of an e-contract which is a progressive step for the industry. Every e-contract comes with a unique reference number which was created as a consequence of certain less reputable brokerage houses and nonMYBA members creating a duplicate of the original contract but modifying the conditions to benefit the charterer rather than the owner, or vice-versa. This process makes it more important than ever to have an organisation such as MYBA to provide support in these sometimes confusing situations.”

Trust and reliability On a global scale, there is no shortage of information available online. Whether it be real estate, luxury holidays, or now with yacht brokerage, it is a constant fight to know which sites are trustworthy or not. With charter, De Marco recommends looking for brokerage websites that are MYBA members. “Many of the non-MYBA brokerage houses will offer a reduced commission to secure a deal with a client. However, it is not necessarily a wise move for the client or owner to collaborate with such companies if they are not thoroughly aware of all fiscal or legal implications in the country the client or owner wishes to cruise in. The consequence of failure to comply with such regulations could be severe.” While it can be beneficial to educate oneself and spend some time researching the type of yacht or holiday you’re interested in, it is strongly recommended to complete the final booking through a charter broker you can trust. “These sites are typically not maintained by the companies that enter the

information so the yacht may be several years older, no longer for charter, or at a much different price range and in a different location than noted by the website,” says Blackburn.

Ultimately, charter rates are the same across the board, the major difference is that larger brokerage houses such as Fraser Yachts provide a tailor made and more articulated service aimed at exceeding the clients’ expectations, explains Pat Codere, a charter manager in Fort Lauderdale. “Yachts represented by reputable houses are less likely to consider major reductions to the charter rate as they need to ensure they can provide the legal and fiscal advice necessary to warrant a legitimate and smooth charter operation, not to mention the higher quality of service which ensures an unforgettable and stress free experience. The charter client can be confident a yacht from a reputable fleet will meet all their expectations and is 100% capable of providing a smooth charter operation.” Johnson adds that brokers from these houses realise it is more important to find the right fit for their client than the cheapest deal. A yachting vacation should be chosen by amenities, location, crew and appeal. It is risky to cut corners on personal enjoyment and warns that some website-based companies are a dangerous trap for clients and should be avoided. “Use caution when researching online and always come back to a broker you know and trust.”

The owner and client connection For owners considering placing their yacht for charter, the owner of one of the most sought-after vessels of the Fraser Yachts charter fleet, says chartering ensures that the yacht is always kept in top condition and the crew are accustomed to offering a high level of service. Of course, many owners also see this as a convenient way to balance the costs of owning a yacht, while putting it to good use when they can’t use it. “From a financial point of view, chartering allows you to generate some income towards the costs of the maintenance of the yacht, and placing the yacht with a reputable firm leads to higher revenues from increased bookings, not to mention peace of mind for such a valuable asset” he explains.

Mr. Tamer Abdouni, a long-time charterer through Fraser Yachts, says he was hooked since his first charter six years ago and loves the diversity a yacht charter can offer. “Fraser Yachts has always been our choice for chartering, the input and yacht selection we get from Tove Johnson is what we base our decisions on. The service and follow up is truly impressive. They even book our restaurants and clubs for us in different cities, so it’s like having your own personal concierge 24/7.”

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For the love of the ocean

Words by Chris Caswell

Philanthropy and superyachts are words that were once rarely used in the same sentence.

Superyachts are about personal pleasures, while philanthropy leans toward doing good for others. However, the two words are no longer oxymorons, and a growing number of superyacht owners are finding ways to give back to the environment they enjoy: the oceans.

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n the superyacht world, philanthropy can be seen in two ways. The traditional involvement, of course, means donating to charities, and that remains much needed.

However, the newest form of philanthropy involves the yachts themselves. The biggest hurdle for scientists wanting to study the oceans is not money, not lab equipment, not staffing. It’s finding a way to get out on the oceans to do the research. But with the help of a few dedicated yacht owners that is now beginning to change.

The luxurious 141-foot expedition yacht M/Y Copasetic was designed by her owner with marine research in mind and, through the SeaKeepers Society, the owner has connected with neurobiologist Leonid Moroz of the University of Florida.

An ongoing problem for scientists had been getting fragile marine creatures to a lab on shore, but freezing the samples and shipping them often meant they were lost in transit or thawed.

“If you cannot bring the creatures to the lab, why not bring the lab to the sea?” asked Moroz.

The result is Ship-Seq, a portable lab sized to fit aboard yachts.

Ship-Seq was built at the suggestion of the captain of Copasetic, and the university found a shipping container and retrofitted it with everything from lab equipment to a gimbaled table to keep things level at sea. For Moroz and his team of graduate students aboard Copasetic, clad not in lab coats but in deck shoes and aloha shirts, the samples came straight from the water into the lab within minutes.

The goal of Ship-Seq is the sequencing of DNA and RNA from tiny multicellular marine organisms.

This sequencing provides the genome, or genetic material of each organism that is studied. Subjects so far include the ctenophore, a primordial creature with an elementary brain that is able to regenerate its own brain in just a few days. Another organism, known as hydra, is able to rebuild its organs, while the bolinopsis can heal acute wounds literally as the scientists watch. All of these have immense possibilities in the cure of human diseases ranging from spinal cord injuries to strokes to the healing of severe injuries.

In just two short trips from Florida to Bimini, Moroz and Copasetic analysed samples that would have normally taken a year to collect, sending the information via satellite to a supercomputer at the university, which analysed and returned the data within hours.

“If we could get a fleet of ships doing this, we could double our knowledge of the ocean in a year or two,” said Moroz. “There are potentially unique solutions in nature for medicine, but they are disappearing.”

An interview with the owner of Copasetic, Steven Sablotsky What were your goals when you built Copasetic?

Being an experienced yachtsman and captain of my own yachts for more than 30 years, I was determined after the sale of my last yacht to embark on building my own boat designed and developed over years to fulfill the capabilities that other yachts were lacking. I wanted a boat that would go anywhere with comfort, safety and reliability.

I built a luxurious yacht, Copasetic, that is totally self-reliant and capable of touring the world with the ability to go to the farthest remote places. This design and luxury was accomplished, as was my other passion, the expedition side of the boat. The design basis included the ability to carry a modular laboratory (modified container), and tenders on deck (thus, the boat deck), commercial machinery, walk around on all decks (safety and privacy), cockpit (water access, fishing, sampling) swim platform, proper swim platform ladder, dry exhaust (no odour or noise at anchor), floating interior with engineered sound dampening, interior engine room access (safety in inclement weather), and keel coolers for mechanical equipment.

What features did you include on Copasetic for scientific projects?

The boat deck has a Peck & Hale securing system for a standard shipping container (lab), numerous other securing sockets for an array of tenders or other exploratory equipment, such as a submarine. All necessary utilities to support the lab are readily available (power, air, water) and a commercial knuckle boom for the safe handling of tenders and other equipment.

How did you get involved with SeaKeepers?

I have been involved for many years with SeaKeepers.

We have hosted functions with them on board Copasetic.

During a function I met with neurobiologist Dr. Leonid Moroz of the University of Florida.

Do you have future scientific projects planned for Copasetic?

Above: (Clockwise from top left) Copasetic is both a luxury superyacht and lab on the water; A complementary mix of both entertainment areas and research space; The classic interiors in the main saloon; The SeaKeepers have a designated laboratory on the yacht.

Below: Ctenophores have the ability to regenerate their brains.

Planning the continuation of genome sequencing via a circumnavigation for the discovery of new pharmacological compounds, and then to further our understanding of marine biodiversity.

Would you encourage other yacht owners to join SeaKeepers?

Yes, especially with a proper vessel with the capabilities of Copasetic.

M/Y Copasetic is for sale with Fraser Yachts, please contact josh.gulbranson@fraseryachts.com for further information.

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The International SeaKeepers Society Founded in 1998, The International SeaKeepers Society inspires yacht owners to become a voice for the oceans as well as contribute directly, through the use of their yachts, to scientific and ecological projects. With more than 600 members, SeaKeepers currently has a dozen yachts in the Discovery Yacht program that are participating in research expeditions or outreach/educational activities. Another 50 yachts have the SeaKeeper 1000 ocean monitoring unit installed which, over the years, has provided valuable research and data collection wherever the yachts traveled.

A perfect example of a recent SeaKeepers project was a tiger shark tagging program using the Penny Mae, a 138 ft Richmond tri-deck motor yacht. “The Discover Yachts program marries yachts with researchers in the area,” says Capt. Mike O’Neill of the Penny Mae, who was sent a list of several research programs and, because his owners and crew were avid divers and fishermen, a tiger shark project was chosen.

If you want to observe and conserve a species, it is essential to gather data that determines where they feed, where they mate and where they are most vulnerable to fishing.

“It’s a great concept,” he says, adding, “The kicker is that it’s all tax deductible for the owners.” Vessels donate the boat’s time, fuel, and accommodations.

“When you weigh out the cost of sitting at the docks versus the cost of the expedition,” explains O’Neill, “you come out about even.”

In this case, a team of researchers from the University of Miami used a custom-made floating platform attached to the stern of Penny Mae to tag, take blood samples and conduct ultra-sound tests on tiger sharks.

“If you want to observe and conserve a species, it is essential to gather data that determines where they feed, where they mate and where they are most vulnerable to fishing,” says Dr. Neil Hammerschlag, who led the scientific team. “Answering these questions influences their conservation.”

Spending a week anchored off Grand Bahama Island, the Penny Mae team was able to monitor 16 sharks, placing acoustic tags in 13 and the other three getting satellite transmitters. Using underwater receivers planted on the seafloor on earlier expeditions, the researchers recorded more than 11,000 detections in the first months.

The data will help researchers explore the habitat, condition and residency patterns of the tiger sharks.

Other recent SeaKeepers expeditions have included coral reef research in the Dry Tortugas aboard the 62-foot Whiticar sportfisher, Miss Phebe II; the deployment of drifter buoys around the California Channel Islands from the 50-foot Sea Ray, Valkyrie; and drifter buoys in the Bahamas from the 72-foot Mangusta, Defiance.

Another initiative of SeaKeepers has been the placement of mooring buoys in ecologically sensitive areas so that yachts can visit without damaging the coral or seagrass. Initial buoys have been placed in the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary as well as in Placencia, Belize.

For more information go to www.seakeepers.org

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For the love of the ocean

BREEF

PREVIOUS PAGE: The Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

THIS PAGE: (Left) Researchers from the University of Miami utilise M/Y Penny Mae to conduct tests on tiger sharks.

(Right) The Undersea Sculpture Garden by artist Jason de Caires Taylor.

Taking a different tack, the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) is working to protect the Bahamian marine environment that not only sustains the Bahamian way of life but which provides visitors with a spectacular eco-system of coral reefs and pristine beauty.

“The Foundation was set up by my late husband, Nicholas, who was a passionate advocate of our stewardship of the seas and, in particular, of the fragile coral reefs,” says Lady Eugenie Nuttall. “This was at a time when people thought nothing of dynamiting the reefs and over-fishing the sea.” BREEF works to promote marine conservation by establishing protected areas and by promoting youth education.

One of the recent projects has been the Consumers, Corals & Climate Change Exhibition, since the Bahamas has been listed among the top 10 most vulnerable countries to climate change and sea level rise. The threat to coral reefs is degradation from ocean acidification, and this exhibition increases the awareness of the impact of climate change and encourages individuals to take personal action.

BREEF sponsors an impressive array of marine education programs, starting with K-12 classroom presentations on marine and coastal topics including coral reefs, pollution, ecosystems and life cycles of significant Bahamian species such as conch and lobster. BREEF also takes students on nature walks and snorkelling field trips to study the native plants and animals of the Bahamas.

To back up the school programs, BREEF offers Marine Conservation Teacher Training seminars for

teachers, working with schools to design specific experiences and training. When school is out, BREEF sponsors five-day Summer Sea Camps for youngsters from eight to 14, providing an immersion (literally!) experience in the ocean world. Coming later this year are the Ocean Explorer programs for both adults and families, also promoting marine conservation.

“Our work with yachts,” says Mrs. Nuttall, “has much to do with education as well.” Out of the many ways BREEF works to reach yacht owners, one of the most unusual is the Fish Rules app for smart phones.

This updates visitors to the Bahamas about fish regulations, shows marine protected areas (using the phone GPS), provides fish identification photos and information, and more (www.fishrulesapp.com).

“We are working to do everything we can to protect what we have,” says Casuarina McKinney-Lambert, executive director of BREEF. “A big part of this is to share information about marine conservation in as hands-on (and ‘fins-on’) ways as possible to build support for conservation.”

Soon to debut is the BREEF-sponsored Undersea Sculpture Garden by artist Jason de Caires Taylor.

The central piece will be the figure of a Bahamian Atlas holding up the surface of the sea. Created from materials that will entice both new coral growth and fish, it will be an attraction that reduces the visitors to other natural reefs already threatened, as well as creating an amazing diver and snorkelling experience.

For more information go to www.breef.org

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Blue Marine Foundation

THIS PAGE: Blue Marine Foundation are helping to preserve the coral reefs.

A new and ambitious charity focused on protection of the sea is the Blue Marine Foundation, which, though just four years old, has aggressive goals and has already achieved remarkable successes. Their mission is to provide active and effective protection of 10% of the world’s oceans by 2020, using a network of marine reserves and private-sector-led solutions. If achieved, that would be a huge step from the 2.8% currently protected.

Blue is a group of influential individuals, including many yacht owners as well as brands and organisations, all united to protect the seas through a network of marine reserves. Since the launch, Blue has raised more than USD$12 million in funds by expanding and establishing new private sector mechanisms.

Their list of accomplishments is truly impressive, including brokering a landmark deal between the UK government and the Bertarelli Foundation to create the largest fully protected marine reserve in the world. The Chagos Marine Reserve in the Indian Ocean is more than twice the size of the entire United Kingdom, and is home to 220 types of coral and 1,000 species of fish, as well as turtles and dolphin. While threats remain from illegal fishing, Blue is working with the British Foreign Office to develop a long-term management plan to ensure the beauty and biodiversity of Chagos.

Equally impressive, Blue has brokered a deal with the government of Belize, with support from Fauna & Flora International, to protect the largest unprotected fragment of the world’s second largest barrier reef, thus securing Turneffe Atoll for the local communities as well as tourism.

While over in Europe, Lyme Bay, between Dorset and Devon in the UK, is unique as ‘England’s coral garden’, but overfishing has damaged the coral and depleted the fishery. Blue has established a working group to bring together both fishermen and conservationists to create a blueprint for managing Britain’s marine areas without disrupting the fishing community. Called a win-win-win for fishermen, communities and conservation, the Blue Marine plan has been labeled ‘a revolutionary marine conservation model’.

Other ongoing projects range from helping a Scottish island declare its waters as a protected area to an ambitious plan to protect large areas of Antarctica.

If you have a yacht, or even if you just love the sea, you have a vested interest in protecting and preserving it for the future. Any of the above groups would welcome your participation in any way. So what are you waiting for?

For more information go to www.bluemarinefoundation.com

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INTELLIGENT ACQUISITION

From the silk studios of Italy to the running rivers of Michigan and the ticking timepieces of Switzerland, we profile three artists who understand the real meaning of originality and that anything is possible in the world of creation.

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The silk route

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Words by Angela Audretsch

nce a key maritime hub on the silk route thanks to Marco Polo, Venice has always had an entrenched link to textiles, particularly to silk weaving, and few Venetian companies are as synonymous with this craft as Rubelli.

From the day Lorenzo Rubelli purchased the already 200-year-old company 125 years ago, Rubelli has evolved from creating elaborate textiles for 19th century royalty to furnishing some of the world’s most luxurious superyachts, residences and hotels, with 76 showrooms around the world presenting 910 different fabrics.

In an age where cheap and cheerful fabrics are readily available from the Far East, the realm of luxury textiles is very much a niche market, so being a handson, family business is integral to what makes Rubelli special. “Silk is in Venice’s DNA,” says Nicolò Favaretto Rubelli, the company’s CEO. “It has always been our aim to build on and renew our Venetian heritage of silk weaving but also to move the company forward.”

Headquartered on Venice’s Grand Canal in Palazzo Corner Spinelli, a striking Renaissance mansion built in 1490, staying current and reinventing itself is not a straightforward task for a company with such a strong heritage like Rubelli.

“There is always a danger when trying to appeal to a wider audience that you will water down your identity,” says Nicolò, who admits that many young Italians may associate Rubelli with their dowager grandmother’s living room. “We want to connect to a more contemporary audience but the reality is that with Rubelli, our history is inherent – we are always connected to the past and a large part of what makes us luxurious is our past.” As a result, in order to explore more contemporary textile

design, over the years the company has carefully invested in new brands and distinct collaborations.

The quest has led Rubelli to collaborate with luxury shoemaker Santoni on capsule collections and even link itself to conceptual art projects that celebrate Venetian culture. In 2001 it also acquired the French textile house Dominique Kieffer, a company that allowed it to branch out into a more modern aesthetic, and established a partnership with Armani/Casa. “Giorgio [Armani] brings a fashion point of view and in fashion, brands have a brilliant way of reinterpreting rather than reproducing the past-something we can all learn from,” says Nicolò.

Reinterpreting rather than reproducing the past is something Rubelli strived for with its latest collection, A Stiller Life; a collection that turns some iconic textile designs on their head and includes everything from sumptuous velvets and silks to modern Treviras and manmade synthetics ready for high-end hospitality projects.

Many of the pieces in the collection have evolved directly from the matchless Rubelli historical archive. Containing 6,000 textile records that date from the 12th century, the collection is housed in their Palazzo headquarters and attracts scholars and historians from around Europe.

Rubelli even has its own in-house curator, Isabella Campagnol, who has been looking after the treasures since 2006.

Campagnol explains that Rubelli is regularly requested to help with high-profile restoration projects.

Along with the San Carlo in Naples, the Fenice opera house in Venice and Moscow’s historic Bolshoi theatre, Rubelli has helped restore and recreate textiles for several Venetian institutions like the Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo Mocenigo. “Sometimes we are asked to reproduce the original fabrics that are usually too worn out to be restored,” says Campagnol. “In these cases we need to be extremely careful to meticulously reproduce their patterns and recreate the original colour. Often we have to look underneath door or window frames to find unfaded fragments of fabrics. I’m always surprised to see how bold the ancient colours were.”

For a company that has traditionally been so intrinsically linked to the concept of luxury, Nicolò is interestingly convinced that luxury is, on the surface, not a desirable word any more. “At the heart of the word these days though, luxury really means exclusivity – something that is bespoke, unique and custom,” he says. “People want things that are made just for them.”

With this in mind, Rubelli quite often works on bespoke projects for high-profile clients on bespoke textiles.

Nicolò strongly feels that superyacht designers are one of the few groups to really understand true luxury.

Rubelli works a lot with Benetti and other Italian yards, but also with yards outside of Italy like Palmer Johnson, for example. “The budgets also mean that we can supply some of our most special textiles to private owners,” adds Nicolò. “Our hand-woven velvets, our top-production fabric range costing thousands of dollars per metre, tends to be only requested for yachts now. In many ways, superyachts are keeping real luxury alive.”

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Couture casting Words by Julia Brandon

B

ack and forth, back and forth goes the slow, rhythmic movement of a fly whooshing through the air, floating, unrolling, seemingly weightless – it’s the only audible sound for miles as the seasoned fisherman stands waist-deep in the cold running river, basking in the warm glow of the early morning sunrise, silently waiting for a bite. Fly fishing, a sport for the contemplative and patient. Far from proffering immediate results it’s the unwearied angler who reaps rewards in this game. So it’s a fitting match that for one so in tune with the beauty of nature he should have in his possession a fishing reel that is itself a labour of love.

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Precision-designed and individually handcrafted, Willow Classic Reels are beautiful in both function and form.

Hand-turned, chemically etched and constructed from lightweight aircraft anodised aluminium (save for one retro brass frame), each reel is a one-of-a-kind work of art. Conceived by passionate fly fisherman Chris Reister, it can take over one year for a new reel to pass from concept to final design, with months of scrutiny in between – “we take a close look at what is truly unique, and what will catch the eye of the consumer, as well as catch fish,” he says.

Specialising in classic reels with hardwood inlays, the materials used range from maple burl to ebony, black lacquer to white parchment with real handpressed flowers. Starting at a cost of around £400 a reel, each inlay is precision cut to fit the circumference of the face, and each component of the reel including the screws made by hand by a master-certified machinist. “I work closely with several different custom rod makers so we can coordinate components from the rod and reel to make them flow together seamlessly,” says Reister. “What you get with a Willow is something unique, made by hand, with love by a fellow fly fisherman.”

A self-confessed addict, Michigan-born Reister’s love for the sport first started one Christmas morning when his brother-in-law handed him an empty fly box.

“He taught me how to tie flies, cast and eventually to fly fish,” he says. “That was over 20 years ago and I learn something new every time I am on the water.”

A seasoned traveller privileged enough to have fished in many of the best locations the world over, it’s the tranquil setting of the misty Korean mountains to the East of Seoul that offer up something a little different in his opinion: “You wouldn’t think about this as a destination for fly fishing, but the streams are simply beautiful. However my true love is here in Michigan.

It’s where I learned to fly fish so it holds a very special place in my heart. The Au Sable River in the middle of Michigan is one of the premiere trout streams in the country and it’s right here only two hours from my home.

It has everything from salmon and steelhead to brook trout, browns and rainbows.”

Designed specifically for trout fishing, as opposed to catching grayling or salmon, each Willow reel is based on the click and pawl design, which means there are no additional drag features. Reels for bigger quarry, for example wahoo, tuna or marlin, require much more stopping power and are designed entirely differently.

“We are always looking for ways to make our reels more durable while retaining their beauty,” says Reister.

“Everything is unique to the customer. We had one we made recently for a customer’s husband whose nickname is ‘silver fox’. She specifically wanted an English fox, so we sketched a reel up with a couple of foxes on it and her husband’s initials. She loved it and it is now travelling the world! I personally love the reel we made for a friend of mine who is a major league baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers – it’s a very simple ebony inlay with his initial in sterling silver.”

Intelligent Aquisition

Sands of time Words by Julia Brandon

M

iki Eleta is a fantasist, in every sense of the word.

Fully absorbed in a world of cogwheels and levers he is an artist chasing the untouchable, an illusionist reaching for an alternative reality. His masterful creations flash through his mind as sparks of inspiration, ideas not yet realised, until gradually over the course of three to six months they manifest themselves in the form of mind-blowing clocks.

“My goal is always to create something new,” he says. “I approach my work mainly with curiosity. The first idea for a new clock is only a rough starting point, and the outcome is only known when the work is completed.”

Born in Visegard, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Eleta has lived in Switzerland since 1973. Originating as a kinetic artist (art that contains movement or depends on motion for its effect) he now spends most of his time creating private orders for his magnificent clocks. But these are no ordinary timepieces. Working mainly with brass, steel and precious stones he produces all the components himself by hand. He is a skilled artisan at the very least, but the magic lies within the unexpected and his insatiable desire to surprise, delight and inspire.

Eleta’s clocks do not look or perform like clocks.

Take, for example, La Luna – one of his personal favourites – made from gold, chrome, lapis lazuli, blue glass, mother-of-pearl and horn, it has a double pendulum that completes one revolution about its axis in one hour indicating the seconds and minutes.

Weekday, date and month are also displayed, as are the phases of the moon, signs of the zodiac, the longest and shortest days of the year and the seasons. And

then there’s the Hippocampus, which stands over nine feet tall and chimes on the hour, however, this particular movement plays a unique melody each time it chimes and won’t repeat itself for over a hundred years. Named after the part of the brain that is involved in memory forming, organising and storing, this clock never forgets a melody, only so it won’t ever duplicate itself.

“For me, constructing a clock is a playful and fascinating experiment. In order to give the as yet undiscovered element a chance to come to life, I try to surprise myself without worrying about failure,” says Eleta. “I follow no specific goal, but let myself be guided by the creative process and see where it takes me. There are always opportunities to incorporate new experiences and improve on my work.”

Now a father and grandfather, Eleta is acutely aware of the “inexorable passing of time” and for this reason vows never to duplicate or repeat his work – “Who wouldn’t like to exhaust as many possibilities and discover as much as possible?” he asks.

His starting point when designing a new creation is an array of loosely connected thoughts, which are transformed into sketches on paper, before he plays around with shapes, form and mechanical relationships to see what evolves organically. But it’s his drive to produce something exquisite and aesthetically rousing that keeps his work fresh, innovative and completely one-of-a-kind.

“On this creative journey nothing is fixed,” he says.

“Sometimes a painstakingly produced gearwheel breaks, a construction does not work as expected, or a detour is necessary to learn a new technique. But in many hitches and obstacles there is a hidden hint. An idea can sparkle and reveal an unknown path.”

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There are many fast, beautiful and comfortable sailing yachts on the water today but achieving superior comfort levels while achieving high performance is a tricky balance. The truth is that if you want to be fast, really fast, comfort will always have to take a back seat. For the owner of S/Y Firefly there was only one way to avoid the speed/comfort compromise: buy a motoryacht as well.

Words by Angela Audretsch

S

ailing yacht Firefly is a purebred racing machine. Launched by Claasen Shipyards in May 2011, she was the world’s first F-class, a new class conceived by her owner and the yard to merge the spirit of the J-class with the performance of a maxi racer. Her owner came to Claasen and Hoek Design wanting a yacht that would be faster than the Js in light and heavy winds, look like a J above the waterline, but have a modern keel. “Speed was very important,” says Joachim Kieft, Managing Director at Claasen Shipyards. “He came up with an extremely lightweight interior, basically with hardly any interior fittings at all; just the essentials. For example there were only bunk beds on delivery.” It was clear to the owner from the offset that for practicality and comfort sake, he would need to make another yacht purchase.

Meanwhile in Turkey, 36.4m Bartender (ex Nomade) was being spec built at Tansu Yachts. The third yacht to come from Tansu, Bartender, with her solid military lines, round portholes and an impressive amount of outdoor space, made the industry sit up and take notice when she was presented at the Monaco Yacht Show that year. Breaking the shiny, white superyacht mould, she introduced an entirely new concept; the Mothership series. “The Mothership series is an open type explorer yacht series,” explains Riza Tansu, the Turkish yacht designer, builder and owner. Describing how unlike on traditional motor yachts where interior spaces are maximised, the series favours wide, open spaces outside and more enclosed, comfortable interiors.

“The yacht favours exterior areas, meaning there is a maximum amount of space outside for entertaining but also for storage of tenders.” Just 15 days after being listed as for sale, Bartender was purchased by the owner of Firefly.

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see details on inside front cover

“Firefly is a pure racing yacht and the owner really wanted a comfortable yacht to go with her,” explains David Legrand, a sales broker at Fraser Yachts. “Bartender fit the bill.” Finding a motor yacht for a true sailing yacht owner is not always a straightforward task. Typically, motor yachts do not cater to what attracts sailing yacht owners; a sense of adventure and connection to the sea. “The beauty of the Mothership series is that it is a paradoxical design,” says Legrand. “Bartender is a motor yacht for a non-motor yacht owner.”

Since her launch and racing debut at the Superyacht Cup in Palma in 2011, Firefly has gone on to become the one to beat on the regatta circuit, most recently winning the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta in Sardinia in June this year. Bartender comes along as a comfortable refuge for guests and race teams to stay on during the regattas, but the owner also regularly cruises with his family on board.

Now, after three years dominating the racing circuit on his F-class, he has a new project in the pipeline.

PREVIOUS PAGE: S/Y Firefly (left) and M/Y Bartender (right) are the perfect yachting combination.

THIS PAGE: Firefly is a purebred racing machine and the world’s first F-class yacht.

OPPOSITE PAGE: M/Y Bartender’s wide open deck spaces are perfect for entertaining.

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The dream team

Set to be launched later this year, 39m Cutlass will be an evolution of Bartender, with an added sky-lounge, redesigned captain and crew areas, and central interior stairs.

“The owner is in the process of building a J-class with us,” reveals Claasen’s Kieft. “Firefly is like a start-up J. But the owner now wants to join the world of the Js.” This is no small undertaking; Keift explains that to be a true J-class, the yacht must be built based on existing designs and line plans from the 1930s. As a result, a J-class yacht can be up to a third more expensive than a yacht like Firefly. The 40m new build is set to be completed in Spring 2015 and in order to make way for it, Firefly has been put up for sale with Fraser Yachts, ready for a new owner to lead her to victory on the racing circuit. Bartender, however, will stay where she is; ready to become part of a new dream team with the newest J-class.

The future owner of Firefly may not be able to keep the original motor and sail duo together but Tansu Yachts is offering a new member of the Mothership series to the market. Set to be launched later this year, the 39m Cutlass will be an evolution of Bartender, with an added sky-lounge, redesigned captain and crew areas, and central interior stairs. “We want to encourage more people to do what the owner of Bartender is doing,” says Legrand. “The Mothership concept offers the comfort while the sailing yacht offers the speed and excitement. That combination allows owners to cruise and race anywhere in the world, even if it is really remote.” As with Bartender, Cutlass’ aesthetic is the perfect foil for a boat like Firefly. Both yachts are extremely high tech but with wildly different approaches to design; one very classic, the other very modern. However, central to both boats is a connection to the ocean.

THIS PAGE: M/Y Bartender, the sister ship to M/Y Cutlass, is extremely high tech with both yachts having wildly different approaches to design.

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see details on inside front cover

TOP The profile of M/Y Cutlass, due to be launched in early 2015.

Right The deck aboard M/Y Bartender.

“Spending your time inside on a yacht is a let down and disconnects you from the most important thing: the sea,” Tansu says. “Mediterranean living for us is defined by being outside and close to the sea.

Cutlass, like the other Mothership vessels, favours open spaces to enclosed spaces, kind of like having a nice house with a huge garden, rather than a condo in a skyscraper.”

Tansu stresses that race-oriented sailing yachts like Firefly are beautifully purpose built for the specific needs of racing but as a result are not designed for cruising. “It is usually impractical for the whole team or guests to live on board a true racing yacht,” says Tansu. “And in order to enter beautiful, secluded

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bays, a yacht needs good tenders. In the Mothership series, we have large rooms and space for up to 10 guests to enjoy being on board together or privately, as well as tenders that are easily launched and retrieved, without the need of a malfunction-prone garage door.”

Legrand observes that as cars get faster, planes get bigger and boats get longer, it becomes more crucial to find the right balance. “The client who buys Cutlass is different to the standard motor yacht owner,” says Legrand. “They will be someone very close to the sea and to the sailing boat feeling. Just think, for less than 15 million euros you can have a superyacht playground that is normally only accessible on a 70-metre boat.

This is a very attractive opportunity.”

S/Y Firefly and M/Y Cutlass are for sale with Fraser Yachts, contact david. legrand@fraseryachts.com

The art of design

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THIS PAGE: 55 Nishii Bannenberg is the dream boat of Greek shipping entrepreneur Harry Vafias.

W Harry Vafias is one of the most successful shipping entrepreneurs in the world, as well as a lifelong lover of boats and the sea. Don Hoyt Gorman speaks with a man who balances shrewd business acumen with a passion for yachts and the life it brings.

hile other young men might have coveted the lines and power of an Enzo Ferrari, Harry Vafias had his heart set on the futuristic beauty of a Jon Bannenberg design:

Southern Cross III. “For years, Southern Cross III was my favourite yacht: Whenever I saw her in a magazine or at anchor or in ports wherever I travelled, I was impressed by her design and lines,” Vafias, 36, explained from the offices of Stealth Gas, just outside of Athens, Greece. “In 2012 the time was right and I was able to purchase her.”

Vafias is a trader at heart. So of course, even as he cherishes his dreamboat, he has her up for sale with Fraser Yachts under her new name of 55 Nishii Bannenberg. “I don’t think it’s clever to fall in love with your assets,” he says. “If someone comes along and makes a good offer for her, and I think it’s worth selling, I will.”

The story of Vafias’ course from student in London to multiple yacht owner is shockingly brief. After studies in shipping trade and transport at Guildhall University in London and working for Braemar and Seascope (prior to their merger), Vafias set up his own company. “I asked my father for an initial personal loan to start an oil tanker business. He gave me four million and I raised another four million in debt and I was able to buy my first two oil tankers.”

Almost as soon as he started operations in 1999, an old single-hulled tanker called Erica sank off Brittany, and charterers, especially the oil majors, became very picky with the vessels they used to transport their oil. With his two old tankers, Harry should have been finished. But the market rebounded in his favour. Demand for space on new double-hulled ships sent the day rates up 500%. “After a couple of months, the rates were so high customers started

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A LIFE ON BOATS

As a group, we control a fleet of about 90 ships all fully owned, making us the third largest group by number of owned ships. The total fleet value is USD$2.1 billion and total debt is USD$1.1 billion. coming back to chartering single-hulled ships, but at a much higher day rate than before the accident,” Vafias says. “Within months we were making triple what we’d projected, so we paid down our debts and injected cash back into the business.”

Four-and-a-half years after starting Stealth Maritime with four million in debt, Vafias sold the company for close to USD$400 million. “I gave two thirds back to the family for helping me start – I couldn’t have made it without them. And I kept about USD$100 million for myself, and spent the summer of 2004 analysing the different shipping segments to decide which one I wanted to invest in. I bought nine gas ships, listed on NASDAQ and raised USD$160 million.” At 27, Vafias was the youngest CEO of a listed entity on NASDAQ. Today, Stealth Gas has USD$1.1 billion in assets, including 60 ships with 17 under construction in Japan and Korea. Vafias rebuilt his original tanker company, now with 22 new double-hulled ships, and has just started a new dry-bulk company. “As a group, we control a fleet of about 90 ships, all fully owned, making us the third largest group by number of owned ships. The total fleet value is USD$2.1 billion and total debt is USD$1.1 billion.”

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Since he was a young boy, Vafias’ family has had boats.

“When I was young, we had a small rib which we used every summer around our summer house in Sounio, south-east of Athens,” he says. “Our first yacht, a 47-foot Technema Posillipo, was bought when I was six or seven years old. Every summer we toured the different islands of the Greek archipelago and saw lots of small bays and islands that you simply can’t get to unless you have a boat. For most people, only the major islands can be visited, but we were really able to explore. That’s how I came to love the sea.”

Later, the family bought a 60-foot Hatteras sportfisher, then a 22-metre wooden Ghibli, and then a 31-metre aluminium Baglietto, which was larger and faster than anything they’d owned previously and required a Captain and three crew. “She is very luxurious and beautiful, and in fact we still have her,” he says.

When Vafias found himself with proceeds from his business successes, he first bought a Cigarette: a very stylish, if somewhat impractical boat for his part of the world. “I haven’t used her too much because of the weather and winds in the Aegean Sea. She’s not really suited to the local waters.”

Finally, in 2009, Vafias was able to purchase a fulldisplacement yacht: the 47m Feadship X. It was just after the Lehman Brothers meltdown, and the yacht market was in free fall. “I was able to find a high-quality pedigree yacht 20-30% cheaper than two years prior. She had been built to the highest specifications possible without any expense spared, so it was heavily accessorised with the best possible parts and components,” says Vafias.

“From Easter to October, we took her out nearly every weekend to the nearby Greek islands.”

The art of design

OPPOSITE PAGE: The owner’s suite aboard M/Y 55 Nishii Bannenberg.

THIS PAGE: (Top) The main saloon is impressive with its vast open space. (Middle) The upper deck was created for relaxation. (Below) A grand piano takes residence in the saloon near the bar for easy entertaining.

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55 Nishii Bannenberg In 2012, with fortune still shining on his businesses, Vafias bought his dream boat: Southern Cross III. “For me, she is an iconic yacht designed by John Bannenberg who was a genius,” says Vafias.

Vafias says, beyond her remarkable design status, she presents three unique advantages. “She has a deep draft which makes her extremely steady, even in side winds,” he says. “The disadvantage is that you can’t get her into very shallow locations, but with the winds in Greece and the surrounding seas of the Adriatic and Eastern Med, natural stability is an advantage.”

Secondly, Vafias points to Bannenberg’s remarkable beamy design. “She has a tremendous beam of 12m for her length of 56m,” Vafias points out.

“The actual feeling of spaciousness aboard comes from beam, not from length. So that’s a huge advantage.

When you’re aboard, you feel it’s a much larger boat than it is.”

Thirdly, he points to her interior volume: she’s over 800GT, which is rare in a 56-metre yacht.

THIS PAGE: (Clockwise from top left) Individual sun chairs line the upper deck; Sculptures of the female form continue to the yacht’s exterior; 55 Nishii Bannenberg in profile.

55 Nishii Bannenberg is for sale with Fraser Yachts, please contact vassilis.fotilas@fraseryachts.com

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As one would expect from a ship owner and operator, Vafias’ company handles the management of the yachts.

“If you understand yachts, have good engineers and buy yachts from good yards that have been well maintained, it’s not that difficult,” he says.

Speaking to him, it’s eminently clear, Vafias is a man who just loves boats and the markets in which they trade. “I follow naval architecture and design as part of my work in shipping, so I’m up to speed with the latest ideas and concepts in hull design, engines and fuel efficiency,” he says. But he has yet to build his own; commission a design as iconic as that of his beloved 55 Nishii Bannenberg.

“I’ve commissioned dozens of ships around the world, but I haven’t built a yacht,” he says. “I’m of the opinion that if you have a pedigree yacht from a very good yard, you can get great value and immediate delivery, which is better than waiting two or three years to build one from scratch. But, I’ll never say never.”

Representing and advising clients in the purchase, sale, construction, and operation of yachts worldwide for over 30 years Maritime Attorneys Robb R. Maass

Robb.Maass@amrl.com

David H. Baker

David.Baker@amrl.com

Warren D. Hayes

WHayes@amrl.com

Carol S. Waxler

CWaxler@amrl.com

Paul Erickson

Paul.Erickson@amrl.com

Bruce McAllister

Bruce.McAllister@amrl.com

Catherine Kent

Catherine.Kent@amrl.com

Palm Beach, Florida, USA: +1 561 659 1770 Stuart, Florida, USA: +1 772 287 4404 Maritime • Aviation Corporate • Real Estate • Trusts and Estates www.amrl.com

OPEN AIR THEATRE Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse

The greatest cars capture the imagination and excite the senses.

But if you really want to be immersed in the experience there’s one simple but indisputable rule: Lose the roof. Intense and exciting or simply indulgent and luxurious, these are the top five convertibles for when the journey is the destination.

Words by Jethro Bovingdon

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Ettore Bugatti came from a family of artists and sculptors and he brought a level of artistry to creating his racing and road cars that has never been matched.

Light, innovative and created from the most exotic materials, the Bugattis of the 1920s and ‘30s were simply breathtaking. Ettore died in 1947 and his company faded away, but when the Bugatti marque was relaunched in 2005 by the VW Group his family name once again set light to imaginations the world over.

The new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 was in some ways the polar opposite of those intricate, elegant ancestors.

Simple ingenuity was replaced by complexity, weight and brute force. The new Veyron was the fastest car in the world and by some margin but the purists decried its bloated mass, which necessitated an eight-litre W16 engine with four turbochargers to meet its performance targets. They had a point. But to drive the Veyron confounds expectations and feels incredibly agile. The latest Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse has a faintly ridiculous 1183bhp and is officially the world’s fastest convertible with a Guinness-verified 254.04mph top speed. It’s madness, but of the very best sort.

Eagle Speedster Eagle has been restoring, upgrading and honing the iconic Jaguar E-Type for more than 30 years. Each Eagle is a work of art and the labour of an extraordinary love. It takes 4,000 man hours to dismantle, strip and meticulously restore every part of the donor E-Type, upgrading many items to higher performance parts, increasing safety and treating the chassis and bodywork to protect against corrosion. The end result is perhaps the E-Type that Jaguar engineers could only dream about: Fast, responsive, reliable and completely bespoke.

A classic recipe perfected through dedication and new technology. The Speedster is, in turn, the E-Type that Eagle has always dreamt about; a unique vision of what this British sportscar might one day have become.

The project started when customer Dr Rick Velaj requested that Eagle make him something “a bit special”.

In collaboration with Paul Brace of Eagle the idea of a roofless Speedster was hit upon and Dr Velaj loved the initial design sketch enough to commission the car. So while the Speedster is unmistakably E-Type the cutdown

windscreen and startlingly unadorned lines are unique.

Eagle’s success with this re-imagined form can be judged

by Ian Callum’s (Jaguar’s current design boss) comment that, “If I were to have an E-type, it would have to be the Eagle Speedster – I just love that car. It takes the E-type Jaguar’s purity to a whole new level.’’

The Speedster benefits from Eagle’s enlarged 4.7-litre version of the classic Jaguar straight-six (4.2-litre in period), their five-speed gearbox and modern wider track suspension and high performance braking system. Power is around 330bhp and the hand-beaten aluminium-bodied Speedster weighs just 1066kg, so while the noises and sensations are pure nostalgia, the driving experience is as exhilarating and taut as the very best modern sportscars. Since Dr Vejal’s car was completed Eagle has built another Speedster and no doubt many more will follow as people whom appreciate quality and timeless style come looking for something completely unexpected.

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Ferrari F12 TRS Nothing is quite as evocative as the image of a blood-red Ferrari sweeping up an Alpine pass, its engine screaming into the cool air and the thunderous noise echoing off rock faces for miles around. It’s boy’s own stuff and at one time or another most of us have probably played out a similar sequence in our mind’s eye. Now imagine that the red car – open topped, of course – was designed and built exactly to your specification, unique and perfectly tailored to your tastes and aligned to your dreams. For one very lucky individual the Ferrari F12 TRS is that car, his car now and forever.

It was created by Ferrari’s ‘Special Projects’ department which offers a bespoke service to create unique cars for the company’s most loyal clients.

Underneath the stunningly aggressive lines is a standard F12 chassis and drivetrain, which means a 6.3-litre V12 engine producing 730bhp married to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission for savage performance. In fact, the anonymous owner of the TRS wanted to ramp up the F12’s aggression, performance and create a driving experience ‘stripped back to the essentials’. Ferrari say that he’s pretty happy with the F12 TRS. We can see why.

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Open air theatre

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé Rolls-Royce is another famous marque reinvigorated by new ownership but still inspired by the ideals that have always defined its very being. Rolls-Royce care little for absolute performance and instead embrace complete luxury, effortless progress and silken refinement. The vast Phantom Drophead Coupé, over 5.5 metres in length, takes those ingredients and adds a twist of opulent glamour for good measure. Open-top motoring comes no more serene.

Of course, true luxury is the freedom to express oneself and Rolls-Royce understands this implicitly. The Phantom Drophead Coupé is available in 44,000 colours through the Rolls-Royce Bespoke programme and there are a dizzying array of tactile materials to complement each and every one. The five-layer hood offers hushed refinement and sweeps away underneath an oiled teak panel at the touch of a button, leaving a clean, elegant profile inspired by a subject close to our hearts.

“We wanted to create a car that is a shared experience,” explains Charles Coldham, Chief Stylist Interior Design. “The occupants are surrounded by the finest natural materials, evoking the experience of being on board a yacht.” Rolls-Royce cite the America’s Cup J-class racing yachts of the 1930s and Riva motor launches of the 1950s as inspiration and sitting behind the Phantom’s potent but near-silent 6.75-litre V8 engine it’s easy to be transported away to those imaginary days of endless summer.

McLaren 650S Spider Compromise. It’s an ugly word but it’s usually inevitable when discussing convertible cars. By removing a permanent roof the car’s structure is compromised.

That means it flexes more and that alterations to the suspension must be made in order to make allowances for that inconsistency. Then you have to live with less accurate steering, an erosion of the car’s control of its mass. It’s basically a downward spiral. So for all the advantages to visceral, wind-in-the-hair motoring it necessitates the sorts of compromises that engineers lose sleep over at night.

McLaren is a company that doesn’t do compromise.

With roots in F1, where precision and outright performance are all that matters, it’s just an alien concept. Which is why their 650S Spider supercar is built around a carbon fibre ‘tub’ of immense strength. This light and incredibly rigid material means that the 650S Spider drives with exactly the same fluency, control and accuracy of the Coupé version. Now, we’ve heard this sort of thing before but the 650S Spider makes good on its promise. The steering is so clean, the ride supple but with amazing control and the performance from the 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 (with 650bhp) has an otherworldly force to it that leaves its Italian rivals from Lamborghini and Ferrari outmanoeuvred.

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Not too long ago, having a personal watercraft (let alone two) on a yacht was considered extravagant.

Today, he who has the most toys wins.

Words by Chris Caswell

Part of the ‘more is more’ mentality of yacht owners and their water toys stems from the addition of ‘garages’ to carry water toys and, of course, you are required to fill your garage. There is also a trend towards ‘doing things’ as relaxation, and today’s owners and guests want active vacations that involve an assortment of water toys. Some yachts even have a ‘watersports officer’ to oversee their various toys. Here’s a look at the latest offerings.

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Blow-ups Inflatable water toys are hardly new, but how about a challenge, like a rock climbing wall standing three decks high from FunAir? Slip and you’ll fall safely with a ker-splash!

It’s perfect to keep the kids busy, and it’s good exercise for adults, too. FunAir also offers their Party Lounger for up to 10 people to sprawl on couches under a shaded float behind your yacht.

The SeaDoo Aqua Lounge is for six people, but it ups the ante with built-in drinks coolers and a waterproof MP3 audio system for music. Want the thrill of launching into the air and then back into the water? The Water Blob From Springfield is an air-filled floating ‘blob’. When one person jumps onto one end, it catapults another person into the air from the other. How high can you fly?

Be a dolphin You know how dolphins cavort in your wake and always look like they’re having fun?

Well, they are! And so can you with the Seabreacher from Innerspace. Powered like a personal watercraft with a 260-hp engine and jet nozzle, the porpoise-shaped Seabreacher X can carry two (up to 6’4” heights) at speeds up to 50mph on the surface and 25mph underwater. Make the ride as mild or wild as you want, leap out of the water, and play like a dolphin. It’s a submarine and Jet Ski all in one.

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Ultimate boarding Imagine a wakeboard topped with a pedestal seat with seatbelt and with a sturdy hydrofoil underneath. Voila! You have an Air Chair, which combines the best of wakeboarding with sitting down. Even at low speed, the Air Chair lifts above the water, which greatly reduces the strength needed to hold the towrope. Even better, you don’t rely on your leg muscles, so it’s perfect for all ages and abilities. Skim across the water, jump the wake and do big-air flips.

Flying under water Hold on to the fiberglass Subwing behind a tender as it tows you at 2-3mph, angle it down and suddenly you’re swooping and turning with the grace of a dolphin. Go deep, and then zoom back to blast above the surface.

Land and sea Want to explore both on the water and ashore? Then the SeaLegs amphibious craft is your answer. Afloat, it looks like a typical center console rigid inflatable outboard-powered tender, albeit with rather unusual wheel-shaped fenders at the bow and stern. They are wheels! Steer your SeaLegs tender toward shore at speeds of up to 35 knots and, as you near the beach, push a button to start the air-cooled Honda motor and lower the wheels. Drive your SeaLegs out of the water (just like James Bond’s Lotus), cruise on dry land at five knots, and then return to the sea just as easily. Powered on land by the Honda motor, the SeaLegs can climb a slope and cross a sandy beach.

Street legal, it also doubles as an emergency craft to get to shore quickly, and SeaLegs are available in several sizes and styles, including a cuddy cabin.

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Surfing without waves The idea of powered surfboards has long been a dream, but JetSurf has perfected the powered board that combines a powerful two-stroke motor and a nimble surfboard capable of speeds up to 35mph. With adjustable foot straps and a hand-throttle for speed control, you don’t need waves to show off your skills on a JetSurf.

And if you fall off, the JetSurf just waits for you to climb aboard for more fun.

No more standing The stand-up paddleboard (SUP) may be a hot new sport but you have to stand up all the time and that can get pretty old, pretty fast. The CruiserBoard is the solution, offering an ergonomically designed seat that converts into a leaning post for comfort and versatility.

Mounted on tracks, it’s adjustable so you can use it for leisurely cruising, fishing, or just good exercise. Use it with a single paddle like a board or choose a doubleended paddle like a kayak. A perfect yacht toy for guests of all ages.

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Just for the ‘Toy’ of it

Up, up and away Seaplanes have been around for more than a century, but the ICON is the first designed for yachts. A two seater, the wings fold to make the ICON just 28-feet long by 8.5feet wide, or about the size of many yacht tenders. Requiring only the new easier and less-expensive Sport Pilot license to fly it, the ICON makes recreational flying more accessible than ever. With a top speed of 105 knots and a range of 300nm, the ICON can land and take off in just 750 feet. With platforms on each side for easy boarding in the water, the ICON uses a carbon-fiber airframe for easy maintenance in the marine environment. And it comes with a central lift point for easy hoisting aboard. Want to see your anchorage by air? Fly to a lake for fishing? Find a deserted beach for a picnic?

The ICON is for you.

Rocket man Remember those sci-fi movies from your childhood, where the rocketman hero could fly using jet blasters on his feet? Well, now you can. The Flyboard from Zapata Racing is basically a pair of boots joined on a small platform, with huge waterjets underneath. Using a long hose hooked to a personal watercraft, the Flyboarder uses the water jets to zoom to heights of 30 feet and stay there on a pillar of water, or you can choose to do loops and spins and aerial tricks.

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Private jets management 24/7 Sale & Acquisitions Management Commercial utilization Audit and consulting

+7 (495) 966-41-82 sales@jet24.ru

www.jet24.ru

on location GULF OF CALIFORNIA MEXICO Words by Felix Milns

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Everyone knows the Yucatan, Chicen Itza and Cancun, but on the Pacific coast of Mexico the Gulf of California – also known as the Sea of Cortez – is a land and seascape of incredible beauty.

It is only possible to fully explore this remote corner of the globe by boat, and the waters of the Gulf are the best place in the world to see marine mammals – particularly whales, manta rays and hammerhead sharks.

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F

ormed by volcanic activity a youthful five million years ago, the combination of volcanic islands, mountainous desert scapes and sunburnt ochre limestone cliffs set against a sea of emphatic turquoise blue make it one of the most stunningly characterful and surprising charter destinations in the Americas. Forget classic Caribbean cruises; here lies a true voyage of discovery above and below the tranquil waters and rugged landscapes of this remote corner of Mexico, far from the tourist trail.

PREVIOUS PAGE: The Fin Whale – the second-largest whale in the world – is a regular resident in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez.

THIS PAGE: (Clockwise from top left): Boats anchor at Isla San Francisco, in the Sea of Cortez off the coast of Baja; Hammerhead sharks are among the creatures of the deep you may see during a dive; A popular beach resort San Carlos on the Sea of Cortez; An elephant tree on the Sea of Cortez.

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On location: GULF OF CALIFORNIA, MEXICO

explore

Bajan biodiversity

The Gulf of California is one of the most bio-diverse seas on the planet. The sea separates the west coast of mainland Mexico from the Bajan Penisular, 1,400km of mountainous volcanic desert that stretches its myriad spiny fingers into the vermillion waters of the Gulf.

Baja California is the name of the peninsular which separates the gulf from the Pacific Ocean – second only to the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia in terms of length. The area was first discovered by Spanish sailors under Hernán Cortés in 1519, when small groups of native Indians were scattered along the coast. However, it was not until Jesuit missionaries established a permanent settlement in 1697 that Europeans were able to settle the rugged landscape of the peninsula. After the Mexican war in the mid-1800s the land comprising the state of California was assigned to the United States and Baja (lower) California was given to Mexico. There was not even a highway along the Penisular until the mid-1970s.

The remoteness of these dramatically sparse and arid lands are in complete contrast with the incredible biodiversity and unique and rich ecosystem of the narrow sea between the peninsula and the mainland,

which are the primary breeding, feeding and nursing grounds for many migratory mammals and resident fish species. Home to more than 900 species of fish and 5,000 macro-invertebrates, it is sometimes called the ‘Galapagos of North America’ and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005. The waters team with dolphins, sea turtles and, of course, whales; humpbacks, California greys, killer whales and the world’s largest animal, the blue whale, all pass through this section of ocean, along with vast numbers of manta rays and leatherback sea turtles.

Some of the most remarkable bays to drop anchor are the estuaries, where the volcanic fresh waters mix with the salt of the sea, perfect for kayaking amongst the mangroves in the company of thousands of boobies and frigate birds. Head inland to hike through forests of towering cardón cacti, the tallest in the world, or gaze up at 10,000 foot peaks and awe-inspiring mountain vistas, with a ruggedness that seems both untamed and untouched.

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explore

THIS PAGE: A Blue Whale frolics off the Sea of Cortez.

OPPOSITE PAGE: (Top) Striped burritos swim in the sea of Cabo Pulmo National Park, in Los Cabos, Baja California. (Bottom) Pacific manta are frequently seen by scuba divers in the Socorro Islands

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sights

dive

Island hopping

Whale watching

The life aquatic

Many of the gulf’s 37 islands were formed from volcanic explosions during the formation of Baja California. Most are found off the Peninsula coast and are ripe for exploration. Espiritu Santo has perhaps the most stunning views of all the islands so should definitely be a port of call. Trek up to the volcanic peak through desert scrub past sculpted sand dunes and striking desert canyons of Ayers Rock red.

Nearby Los Islotes has stunning rock formations and a vast sea lion colony, perfect for snorkelling or shallow dives. Isla San Ildefonso is a small, rugged island home to blueand brown-footed boobies, as well as many other nesting seabirds, and Isla Coronado is one of a few islands that is still home to active volcanos.

Stand alone on one of these remote inhabited islands and savour the experience of true isolation.

Humpbacks, killer whales and the blue whale – the world’s largest animal at over 100 feet long and weighing in at a mighty 150 tons – are all regular visitors. One of the most magical whale-watching experiences is a trip across to the Pacific side of the peninsula to Scammon’s lagoon, where seldom-seen grey whales come to feed, mate and give birth to their young. They migrate over 5,000 miles each year, from the warm waters of the gulf up to the frozen straits of the Bering Sea, the longest migration of any mammal. Whale season runs from the beginning of October to the end of March, which by way of happy coincidence is also the best time of year for clement cruising weather.

In diving circles the Sea of Cortez is akin to the likes of the Blue Hole in Belize and the White Wall in Fiji.

There are thousands of dive sites where you can see everything from hammerhead sharks, leatherback turtles, porpoises and whale sharks.

Cabo Pulmo is one of a few different national marine parks and home to some incredibly vivacious reef life.

The numbers and diversity of the marine life is quite astounding, with vast shoals of jack, butterfly fish and snapper hugging the reefs in great curtains of technicolour.

The Revillagigedos Islands are renowned as the greatest manta cleaning station and encounter in the world, and the wall dives off the Sand Falls were made famous by Jacques Cousteau. It is perhaps no surprise the underwater topography is so spectacular, given the tectonic collision of the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of California; coupled with the richness and intensity of the marine life these waters are an incredibly dramatic diving destination.

On location: GULF OF CALIFORNIA, MEXICO

The Revillagigedos Islands are renowned as the greatest manta cleaning station and encounter in the world, and the wall dives off the Sand Falls were made famous by Jacques Cousteau.

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Sport

Master the Marlin The first wave of sea-borne tourists to the Gulf was the sport fishermen, drawn here by tales of incredible abundance of striped marlin, sailfish, rooster fish and mahi-mahi. More striped marlin are caught recreationally off the coast of Cabo San Lucas than anywhere else in the world. Despite serious issues with commercial overfishing, the fish stocks for sports fishermen remain incredibly bountiful. Magdalena Bay and the local waters to the bay of La Paz are the prime hunting grounds for Marlin.

Reeling in a marlin is an exhausting but exhilarating experience, they are a powerful, aggressive fighter, they run hard and long and leap high into the air in a seemingly inexhaustible display of strength. Similarly the spectacular aerial acrobatics of the mohawked sailfish mean you need to bring your A-game to the fishing chair.

THIS PAGE: (Top) A striped marlin feeds on a bait ball of sardines off Baja. (Right) Fishing is a popular past time off the coast of California.

OPPOSITE PAGE: (Top): Homemade salsa preparation at Sierra La Laguna, near Los Cabos. (Bottom) Time for tequila at Cabo San Lucas.

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On location: GULF OF CALIFORNIA, MEXICO eat

The flavours of Mexico Yes, Mexicans eat tacos and refried beans, but the complexity and variety of Mexican cuisine goes far deeper than simple Tex-Mex. Mole is an intricate sauce that can contain more than 100 ingredients and take up to three days to prepare, and you can tell a restaurant’s credentials by one dab of its salsa. Pico de Gallo is the classic; a salsa of fresh cilantro, tomatoes, jalapeños and onions. Swab it up with a fresh flour tortilla or lather it on to a rare flame-grilled steak. Tacos translates as anything rolled into a tortilla, be it flying fish, beerbattered prawns or spit-grilled meats. Fresh citrus fruits are used as an additional seasoning, and the fresh fish and seafood along the coast is mainly served simply grilled with an incredible salsa on the side.

Tequila may be Mexico’s most famous mass export, but over the past few years the top end of the market has developed much more sophisticated products based around geographically identifiable areas and regions, without the go-to sidecar of lemon and salt. In fact, most tequila lovers in Mexico would look upon you in horror as you knocked back a shot of Cuervo. It is the tequila equivalent of Blue Nun in the ‘70s, and you won’t find it on the shelf of any self-respecting bar here. Aficionados prefer to drink tequila as a digestive, one that is drank straight with salt and lemon while talking and enjoying the time after dinner.

Tequila is a specific variety of agave (Agave Tequilana Weber, blue variety to be precise). The spirit is distilled from the heart of a cactus and the drink’s forefather, Mescal, which is more commonly sipped throughout the evening like wine, despite it being 45% proof, is similarly developing into a niche spirit with specialist bars opening up from London and Paris to NYC.

Over the past few years the top end of the tequila market has developed a sophisticated singleestate product similar to a cognac. explore

Hotel California “On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair…” – It is often claimed the Hotel California in Todos Santos, on the Pacific side of the peninsular, was the inspiration for the Classic Eagles Hit. In fact, the song was an elegy on the loss of innocence and American excess, something the Eagles knew all too well. However, with its remote desert location, sophisticated reworking of faded glamour and colourfully hedonistic history, the Hotel California is about as good an incarnation of that idea as any. It also makes for a fascinating road trip across the Peninsular – the drive across miles and miles of cactus plains is food for the soul. Combine it with a hike or explore the Pacific coast for a perfect day trip on land.

Ultimately, the Sea of Cortez is a place full of adventure, rich in culture and a stunning cuisine. Each of its islands shows us a small part of the history of Mexico, starting with its marine life, up to its geographic design. It is a place that expects you to be discovered and that ensures a completely unique experience.

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The perfect eight-day itinerary

Day 1

Sea of Cortez

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Isla Espiritu Santo

Los Muertos Bay

Bahia de Las Palmas

Fly into La Paz airport, a small, easily accessible airport. Travel 20 minutes to Marina Palmira or Marina de La Paz. Both marinas are fully equipped and offer a clean and friendly service.

After boarding the yacht, head north for a slow cruise along the north coast. It is here you will get your first taste of the beauty and tranquility of the Sea of Cortez. Anchor for the night at Bahia Pichilingue.

Travel to Isla Espiritu Santo, 20 miles north of La Paz. Isla Espiritu Santo is the closest island to the bay of La Paz and possesses the most stunning views of all the islands in the Sea of Cortez. Its contrasting desert landscapes of reddish limestone cliffs juxtaposed with turquoise blue sea are an exquisite example of the breathtaking vistas. Discover the crystal clear waters with a day of kayaking and snorkelling. Later in the day take a tender ride over to Los Islotes, a rock formation that keeps a sea lion colony. Anchor for the night at Isla Parida, on the north side of Espiritu Santo, which offers magnificent sea life and stunning sunsets.

Travel to Los Muertos Bay located 40 miles south of Isla Espiritu Santo. Here you can step ashore to experience the white sandy beach or a hike among a forest of the world’s tallest cactus, the cardón.

This is a great spot for a beach BBQ or a sunset cocktail. This East Cape location of Baja has long been world renowned as a premier location for windsurfers and kite boarders. The relaxed, easy pace of life on the Baja Peninsula along with its clear, warm waters and perfect wind conditions, draws hundreds of wind sport enthusiasts to the East Cape every winter. Anchor for the night in this splendid cove.

Make way to Bahia de Las Palmas located just 10 miles south of Los Muertos Bay. This can be a great day for snorkelling and playing with the jet-skis. Here you will find the most spectacular clear water that is warmed by the sun and then coloured pink by the sun’s setting.

You might consider a slow tender ride, supplemented with wine and cheese, into the evening sunset.

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On location: GULF OF CALIFORNIA, MEXICO

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Los Frailes

RESTAURANTS AT Cabo San Lucas

Fishing Excursion

Cabo’s famous spas

Travel to Los Frailes, 35 miles south along the coast of Baja. Los Frailes has some interesting dive spots for experienced divers, with deep crevices and canyons and fabulous marine life. The less adventurous will want to spend the day exploring the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, or do nothing but relax on pristine white sand beaches, or walk along the surf and collect seashells. Fishing is world class in Los Frailes – some of the best in Baja. The closest town to Los Frailes is Cabo Pulma, which is 10 minutes to the north.

Travel to Cabo San Lucas, 40 miles along the coast. Enjoy the shopping and exciting nightlife of Cabo San Lucas, along with its large marina and beautiful bay. Cabo is famous for its casual atmosphere and incredible restaurants. Like to golf? Several world-class courses will provide fun, challenging and breathtaking scenery for beginner and experienced players alike. The desert mountain terrain combined with the ocean vistas and course designers like Tom Weiskopf and Robert Trent Jones II guarantee an experience you won’t forget.

Several excursions are available in Cabo San Lucas. Fishing is at its best off the coast of Cabo San Lucas.

Local fish include Marlin, Sailfish, Swordfish, Dorado, Yellow Tuna, and several other varieties. A hired sports fishing boat can be your guide or you can throw some lines from the back of the yacht. If whale watching is on your agenda then you might consider a short flight from Cabo to Scammon’s Lagoon. The site, which was chosen by the gray whale to mate and give birth to their calves, is protected by the Mexican government. A limited number of pangas (small motor boats) are allowed in the bay where you can get close enough to pet a gray whale calf. For an excursion inland of the Baja Peninsula, consider an escorted tour through the countryside, to the artist pueblo of Todos Santos. It is here that the famous Hotel California resides. The area was recently granted the status of Pueblo Magico!

After pampering yourself in one of Cabo’s famous spas or doing some last-minute shopping, let the crew escort you to Cabo Airport, about 30 minutes from town.

THIS PAGE: A chilled pace is the norm at Cabo San Lucas, where there are dozens of beach bars to relax and take in the views.

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FRASER YACHTS NEWS Spring boat show round up

The season kicked off well in the Med, with several boat shows taking place in a short period of time. The first was The Antibes Yacht Show in April where we had the stunning 31-metre sailing yacht Shadow on display.

Soon after, The Genoa Charter Show started where Heliad II, Lady Dia, Latitude, Rima II and L’Albatros from the Fraser Yachts’ charter fleet were exhibited. At the same time, The Palma Yacht Show and several yachts from the sales fleet were on display at Marina Moll Vell, including the 38m motoryacht Babylon and sailing yachts Drumfire, Garuda, Imagine B, Jupiter and Kavenga.

Then in the US on the West Coast, Fraser Yachts attended The Newport Beach Boat Show in April where Endless Summer and Reel Pain II were displayed, and in June we had in impressive display of five yachts at The San Diego Boat show including Moana, Mindy, Delia, Miss Molly and Catch One. 80

Focus on crew Vilanova Grand Marina-Barcelona, a long-term partner of the Fraser Yachts’ Captains Dinner, is strongly focused on taking care of crew and captains as they believe they are key to the success of the industry.

The Marina has organised the annual Vilanova October Crew Party, which has been sponsored by a number of companies from the superyacht industry.

More than 300 people from the industry (crew based at the Marina and at other marinas and harbours along the Spanish coast) will gather to enjoy a delicious dinner, live music, a wide selection of refreshments and a wonderful atmosphere.

The Hospitality Desk is always preparing interesting activities for crew and the team takes care of everything they need for their daily routine at the Marina. The team will organise activities to show them first-hand the Mediterranean gastronomy and culture and provide the opportunity to discover the Marina’s amazing surroundings.

The Marina is proud to celebrate its sixth year of partnership with Fraser Yachts at the prestigious Captains’ Dinner and Awards gala and will award the Best Captain and Crews of the Year with fantastic prizes in an unforgettable atmosphere.

Vilanova Grand Marina-Barcelona is the crew and captains’ home port in the Med and does its utmost to ensure they feel at home during their stay.

Moving over to the East Coast, Fraser Yachts had a beautiful stand and four yachts on display at The Miami Yacht and Brokerage Boat Show with Morning Star, HP4, That’s Amore and On a Roll attending. Last but not least, Fraser Yachts’ stunning 115-foot charter yacht, Siete, was the hit of The Newport Charter Yacht Show, which took place late June in gorgeous Newport, Rhode Island.

Four awards in one year The magnificent 33-metre S/Y Inukshuk by Baltic Yachts is setting new records after winning four prestigious design awards in just one year. At the Boat International World Superyacht Awards she won the Sailing Yacht of the Year award, and also best sailing yacht in the 30-40-metre category. At the Showboats Design Awards she won the Exterior Design and Styling category as well as the Interior Design award for sailing yachts. Her success is believed to be due to the optimal balance she provides between sailing performance and the comfort created by her unique interior, designed by Adam Lay. Inukshuk is available for charter with Fraser Yachts and will be cruising the Caribbean this winter. For more information contact charter@fraseryachts.com.

The numbers speak for themselves

SingaporE Yacht Show This spring saw Fraser Yachts take part in The Singapore Yacht Show for the first time. Following on from the partnership formed with Julian Chang in Singapore, Fraser Yachts teamed up with the Robb Report to create an exclusive ‘Lounge on the Water’ for their guests at the show.

The Lounge was supported by other luxury brands including Bell & Ross that displayed some of their most recent watches, Janus and Cie that exhibited their furniture and Dom Beluga & Caviar De Duc that treated guests to their exquisite caviar.

Guests were welcomed into the air-conditioned Lounge next to the magnificent Exuma, a 50-metre motoryacht currently cruising South-East Asia and available for charter with Fraser Yachts.

Chairman of Fraser Yachts, Fabio Ermetto, said: “We are now focussing our growth in this region and with the appointment of Julian Chang and the possibility to exhibit Exuma it was the perfect time to attend the show.”

The show was a great success and more good news followed shortly afterwards with the sale of M/Y Paraffin with Julian working in close collaboration with Monaco broker Jan Jaap Minnema to represent the buyer.

Fraser Yachts continues to sell more yachts than any other brokerage house and is on course to do so for the fifth year running, according to data published in Boat International’s ‘Market Intelligence’ report.

The statistics also show the total number of yachts sold in 2013 increased by more than 30% compared to the number of yachts sold in 2012. This is by far the largest year on year increase since the recession hit and a good sign for the industry.

In the first six months of 2014, Fraser Yachts closed 25% more deals than its closest competitor, sold one third of all yachts over 60m and sold 100% more yachts through in-house deals than its closest competitor.

Coupled with the news that Fraser Yachts also recently sold the largest yacht ever to be built in China (the 88.8-metre Illusion), the numbers really do speak for themselves.

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Fraser Yachts targets South Pacific Fraser Yachts has continued its expansion into new markets with the opening of new offices in Sydney and Singapore earlier this year.

The office in Sydney will provide and coordinate the full range of Fraser Yachts’ services across Australia and the Pacific region. It will be overseen and managed by Peter and Domenica Redford and their team from 5 Star Motor Cruisers who have great experience in selling yachts in the region. The office has already added a number of new yachts to the sales fleet.

Australia is an important and growing market for Fraser Yachts and this new

partnership will allow the company to deal with the growing demand of superyacht owners in Australasia.

As well as attending Singapore Yacht Show for the first time in 2014, a partnership was also formed with Julian Chang to open a Fraser Yachts office in the city. “As we are now focused on increasing our growth in this region, Julian’s experience, vast knowledge and contacts in the area will help us to realise the potential of this growing market,” said Chairman of Fraser Yachts, Fabio Ermetto.

A tribute to Rita Watkins Earlier this year one of Fraser Yachts’ longestworking employees passed away peacefully at her home. Rita Watkins was born in 1942 in Newbridge, South Wales, and after an early teaching career in England and Spain, her adventurous spirit led her through Europe, the Caribbean and Bahamas, eventually settling in Fort Lauderdale.

Rita joined Fraser Yachts in 1978, never knowing that she would be the backbone of the company for almost 30 years as Executive Assistant and Office Manager. Everyone who knew Rita understood she was a no-nonsense woman who did not suffer fools. She also had a great sense of humour and a wonderful laugh.

As all good things come to a close, Rita decided to retire in 2007 to spend time 82

gardening at her home on the Indian River with her beloved companion, her dog Allie. She was lucky enough to be at peace watching the river, with Allie at her side, when she passed away.

Fraser Yachts would like to publicly thank Rita for everything she did during her time with the company; she will be sorely missed.

NEW FACES Fraser Yachts continues to grow with several new additions to its offices both in Europe and the US. In January Davide Silvello joined the sales brokers in Palma. He has worked as a Commercial Director and Independent Broker for both shipyards and other brokerages in the past. He has an extensive knowledge of superyachts and speaks 4 languages.

In Monaco Alex Krykanyuk and Filippo Rossi have joined as Sales Brokers. Alex has previously worked as a yacht consultant, project manager and broker for Russian clients around the world for many years, representing clients in projects ranging from 24m to 105m for design, refit and new builds of both power and sailing yachts. Alex speaks fluent Ukrainian, Russian, English and Spanish.

While Filippo started his career as a designer working for a number of Italian shipyards as well as his own company doing both interior and exterior design of sailing and motor yachts. More recently he has been a Director at Floatinglife C&B and Arzana Navi.

Frances Edgeworth and Eleonora Pitasso have joined the Charter Management department in Monaco. Frances joined the yachting industry in 2008 and worked for Primo Yacht Charter and subsequently Ocean Independence for five years. She managed an extensive portfolio of yachts for charter and worked closely with a selection of clients developing her skills in both charter brokerage & management. Eleonora has long had a passion for yachting and worked for a brokerage company in America for 6 years before returning to Europe and working for a leading marine components company in France. Eleonora speaks 7 languages, 4 of them fluently.

In the Management department Harald van Exem has also joined the Monaco team. Harald started his seagoing career with Exmar Group and sailed on tankers for 10 years until he became Captain. He later took up a shore position for the same Antwerp based company in the Marine Risk Management division. In 2008, Harald became Director of Operations with the sailing cruise line Star Clippers based in Monaco, Harald will now manage the Yacht Services division in Monaco.

Over in the States, Craig Erickson has recently joined the sales team in Fort Lauderdale. Craig initially started his career as a professional NFL footballer, playing for the Miami Dolpins and Chicago Bears during the 1990’s. In 2001 he moved into yacht brokerage and worked for Allied Richard Bertram Marine Group and then Camper & Nicholsons.

Craig has sold numerous brokerage and new build yachts throughout his career and across a range of sizes.

And in the San Diego office, Joaquin Genrich has joined as a Sales broker. Joaquin has worked in the Executive Management field for the last 16 years and most recently as a broker for Ensign Yachts. Joaquin has also spent time in Palma selling yachts, charters and exotic cars as well as being fluent in the German and Spanish language.

CSES Charity event in Cannes On the 31st of May, Fraser Yachts sponsored a charity night that was organised in Cannes by the Owner of Fraser Yachts’ charter yacht COCA VI for the association ‘Des Cantines Scolaires pour les Enfants du Sahel’ (CSES).

This association built a canteen in a Nigerian village called Bir-Tiddeye that provides each child attending the school with food with the aim of encouraging school attendance. Women from the village are also receiving

training in nutrition, to enable them to prepare wellbalanced, healthy and nourishing meals.

A number of French celebrities attended the event and funds were raised through sponsorship of the tables and an auction. The CSES will use these funds to build more school buildings at the site.

For more information about CSES please visit: www.cses.fr

NEW ARRIVALS IN 2014 The Fraser Yachts charter fleet continues to grow with some of the latest arrivals including: Askari, Aurelia, Cyrus One, Diamond A, Heliad Ii, Lady Dia, Lady Soul, L’albatros, Latiko, Lumiere, North Star Of Newport, Paraffin, Rima, San Bernardo, Serque, Siete, Swan, and Tiger Lily of London.

ASKARI, 32.89m

AURELIA, 37m

CYRUS ONE, 34m

DIAMOND A, 57.3m

HELIAD II, 33m

LADY DIA, 38m

LADY SOUL, 31m

L’ALBATROS, 44m

LATIKO, 44m

LUMIERE, 49.91m

NORTH STAR OF NEWPORT, 25m

PARAFFIN, 60m

RIMA, 50m

SAN BERNARDO, 45m

SERQUE, 39.62m

SIETE, 35.05m

SWAN, 60.00m

TIGER LILY OF LONDON, 27m

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Dockside Soirèe Fraser Yachts held its annual Dockside Soirèe event during the 2013 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show at their impressive display surrounded by an incredible line-up of stunning superyachts.

The Dockside Soirèe is an annual invitation-only event hosted by Fraser Yachts for their clients who are in town for the show.

Fraser Yachts’ luxury brand partners, Bentley and Hublot, also participated in this year’s event and Hublot hosted a VIP lounge on board the gorgeous 100-foot Ferretti Custom Line motoryacht, Morning Star.

A number of other key luxury brands also sponsored the event, such as Moet Hennessy, Arturo Fuente, Remy Cointreau, Orianne Collins Jewelry and Robb Report, enhancing the overall experience for guests throughout the evening.

Jose Arana and Jose Zambrano

Brian Holland (far left) with clients

Above: Orianne Collins Jewellery Top right: Joe Barra, Jodi O’Brien and Chuck Leavitt Far right top: Ernie Vidal, Kari Vidal, Lou Wolfson, Alia Dia, Nicole Wolf, Tom Wolf and C.J. Webber Far right bottom: Arturo Fuente cigars

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Event guests enjoying the party

Guests make a fashionable entry

Event guests

A stunning Bentley Continental GT

Moet Ice Imperial showcase

Fabio Ermetto, Mike Busacca and Kari Vidal

Nicole and Tom Wolf

Guests enjoying the party

Representatives from Robb Report and Arturo Fuente

Marva Bradshaw and Kari Vidal

Above: Guests mingle Left: Fabio Ermetto (centre) entertains guests Far left: The Remy Cointreau Bar

85

Annual Captains’ Dinner 2013 saw a spectacular Captains’ Dinner take place once again at the Monaco Yacht Club, it is one of the largest events to take place during the Monaco Yacht Show and sees hundreds of captains and industry professionals join together to celebrate the end of another long season.

The Captains and crew are rewarded for all their hard work, this time Captain Watson da Silva from motor yacht Paraffin won Charter Captain of the Year, with the crew of motor yacht Ulysses winning the over 50m category and the crew of Kai winning the under 50m category.

After the Awards and a sumptuous feast guests partied the night away before departing with a bulging goodie bag filled with treats from the sponsors of the event including: Ulysse Nardin, Mercedes Benz, Pride shipyard, Vins Sans Frontieres, Vilanova Grand Marina, Smart Technical Management, VBH, Global Marine Travel, MHG Insurance, Boutsen Design, Sound Purpose and Deco-Flamme.

Captain Anthony of Rima II and friends

Roberto Giorgi, Honorary President of V.Ships and friends

Event guests

Ignacio Cruz from VGM and friends

Pierre Garcia of GIS Advisers, Celine Bavafa and Pierrik Devic

Lisa Peck, Georgina Lucy, Sarah Tucker, Caroline Hillier and Katrina Arens

James Galea Testaferata and the team from Malta: Ken Camilleri, Keith Cutajar, Matthew Gusman and Gino Cutajar.

Julia Fedorova and Kirill Anissimov

86

The team from Pride Megayachts

The GMT sponsors

Guests leaving with their goodie bags

Fran Liu and Itay Simhony from Pride Megayachts with Kayleigh Yang

Watson da Silva with Susanne Hurni from Ulysse Nardin

The team from Mercedes Benz

Event guests

Watches on display from Ulysse Nardin

Guests testing out the Mercedes

The Mercedes display

The Yacht Club de Monaco

Greg Bonin de Pissarro, Delphine Lignieres and friends

Kayleigh Yang, Valeria Alekhina and Florence Xing

87

Superyacht Gallery

motor yachts for sale

SWAN price eur €37,000,000

also available for charter

59.99m 196´10“

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

12 6 15 15 knots

builder built beam draft

benetti 2011 10.41m / 34´02“ 3.40m / 11´02“

“ S HE IS A GO-ANYWHERE YACHT WITH A 6,000NM RANGE.”

not for sale or charter to us residents while in us waters.

motor yachts for sale

Lady Petra price eur €27,500,000

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

46.71m 153´03”

12 6 9 12 knots

builder built beam draft

heesen 2012 8.83m / 29’00” 2.85m / 9’04”

see details on inside front cover

Proteksan-Turquoise NB 57 price eur €32,500,000

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

12 6 15 14 knots

builder

built beam draft

62.00m

203’05“

proteksan turquoise 2017 10.59m / 34’09“ 3.30m / 10’10“ 91

motor yachts for sale

Ulysses price poa also available for charter

56.01m

183´09“

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

12 6 14 15 knots

builder built beam draft

benetti 2012 10.39m / 34’01“ 3.81m / 12’06“

Atmosphere price eur €9,950,000

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

45.40m

148´11”

28 14 32 11 knots

builder built beam draft

asenav 2006 10.01m / 32’10” 3.81m / 12’06”

motor yachts for sale

Noble House price usd $14,000,000

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

12 6 12 14 knots

53.90m 176´10“

builder

built / refit beam draft

sensation yachts 2005 / 2011 9.75m / 32’00“ 3.38m / 11’01”

not for sale or charter to us residents while in us waters.

Columbus Classic 65 price eur €44,500,000

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

14 7 20 14 knots

builder built beam draft

67.69m 222´01”

palumbo s.p.a.

2016 12.80m / 42’00” 3.50m / 11’06”

motor yachts for sale

Never Say Never price usd $15,500,000

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

10 5 7 16 knots

38.04m 126´00“

builder built / refit beam draft

sunseeker 2011 / 2013 8.00m / 26’03“ 2.67m / 8’09“

not for sale or charter to us residents while in us waters.

MANDARIN PROJECT price poa

Copasetic price usd $14,500,000

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

43.00m

141´01”

12 5 7 13 knots

builder

built beam draft

hike metal prod. & ship build. ltd 2006 9.45m / 31´00“ 2.31m / 7´07“

12 6 9 14 knots

builder built beam draft

46.58m

151´00“

feadship 2015 9.00m / 29´06“ 2.25m / 7´05“

motor yachts for sale

“ O FFERS A GREAT SENSE OF SPACE.”

Sai Ram price eur €19,500,000 also available for charter

51.80m

169´11”

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

12 6 13 13 knots

builder built / refit beam draft

benetti 2004 / 2014 10.40m / 34’01” 3.20m / 10’06”

motor yachts for sale

Seven J’s price usd $27,000,000

47.55m 156´00“

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

12 5 8 14 knots

builder built beam draft

delta marine 2008 8.71m / 28´07“ 2.39m / 7´10“

Shu She II price eur €9,900,000

Four Wishes price usd $15,500,000 also available for charter

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

12 5 10 14 knots

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

43.89m

144´00“

builder built / refit beam draft

palmer johnson 2004 / 2014 8.38m / 27’06“ 2.20m / 7’03“

49.75m

163´03”

10 5 11 16 knots

builder built / refit beam draft

crn ancona 1998 / 2013 9.30m / 30’06” 3.20m / 10’06”

motor yachts for sale

Ileria

35.50m

116´06”

price eur €4,900,000

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

Calliope price poa

10 5 5 23 knots

builder built beam draft

azimut 2007 7.40m / 24´03“ 2.10m / 6´11“

42.29m 138´09”

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

10 5 9 14 knots

builder

built beam draft

holland jachtbouw 2010 8.40m / 27’07“ 2.63m / 8’08“

see details on inside front cover

not for sale or charter to us residents while in us waters.

Cutlass price eur €11,000,000

39.29m

128´11”

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

10 5 7 13 knots

builder built beam draft

tansu yachts 2015 7.60m / 24’11” 2.60m / 8’06“

see details on inside front cover

sistership image

sistership image

sistership image

motor yachts for sale

CRESCENT 144 price usd $23,900,000

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

10 5 9 18 knots

43.89m

144´00“

builder

built beam draft

crescent custom yachts 2015 8.69m / 28’06“ 2.13m / 7’00“

Ophelia price eur €9,650,000

Charisma price usd $3,500,000

see details on inside front cover

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

120´04”

builder

built beam draft

120´00”

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

36.58m 8 4 6 16 knots

36.57m

danube marine consulting 2005 7.32m / 24’00” 2.11m / 6’11”

19 8 5 12 knots

builder built / refit beam draft

n.q.e.a.

2004 / 2013 8.10m / 26’07” 2.80m / 9’02“

motor yachts for sale

Endless Summer price usd $8,495,000

Latiko price eur €4,750,000

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

10 5 6 18 knots

builder built / refit beam draft

39.62m

130´00“

westport 2001 / 2014 7.92m / 26’00“ 1.96m / 6’05“

35.05m 115´00“

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

8 4 7 14 knots

builder built / refit beam draft

benetti 2003 / 2013 7.20m / 23’07“ 2.00m / 6’07“

On A Roll price usd $3,300,000

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

25.60m

84´00”

8 4 2 17 knots

builder built / refit beam draft

hargrave 2009 / 2013 6.40m / 21’00“ 1.70m / 5’07“

sailing yachts for sale

Firefly price eur €3,850,000

32.20m

105´08“

specifications crew 12 cruising speed 12 knots

builder

built beam draft

see details on inside front cover

claasen jachtbouw 2011 5.57m / 18’03“ 5.25m / 17’03“

Silver Lining price eur €3,900,000

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

31.40m

103´00”

8 4 6 10 knots

builder

built beam draft

phithak shipyard 2011 7.20m / 23´07” 3.50m / 11´06”

sailing yachts for sale

Marie price eur €34,000,000 also available for charter

see details on inside front cover

54.86m 180´00“

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

8 4 8 12 / 17 knots

builder built beam draft

vitters 2010 9.45m / 31’00“ 4.88m / 16’00”

orld-renowned W Hoek Design.

not for sale or charter to us residents while in us waters.

motor yachts for charter

all prices listed are low rates for that season

Diamond A price summer

winter

west med eur €250,000 / week caribbean usd $270,000 / week

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

57.30m 188´00“

12 9 15 14 knots

builder

built / refit beam draft

abeking & rasmus 1998 / 2013 10.30m / 33’10“ 3.50m / 11’06“

not for sale or charter to us residents while in us waters.

motor yachts for charter

all prices listed are low rates for that season

LAUREL price summer

winter

west med eur €525,000 / week please enquire usd $525,000 / week

73.15m

240´00“

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

12 6 22 15 knots

builder built / refit beam draft

delta marine 2006 / 2014 12.24m / 40’02“ 3.66m / 12’00“

Force Blue price summer

winter

see details on inside front cover

med eur €235,000 / week med eur €235,000 / week

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

63.30m

207´08“

12 6 19 14 knots

builder built / refit beam draft

royal denship 2002 / 2009 11.38m / 37’04“ 2.95m / 9’08“

motor yachts for charter

all prices listed are low rates for that season

LUMIERE price summer

winter

west med eur €150,000 / week caribbean usd $150,000 / week

49.91m

163´09”

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

12 6 11 15 knots

builder built / refit beam draft

benetti 1999 / 2014 8.90m / 29’02” 2.60m / 8’06”

see details on inside front cover

not for sale or charter to us residents while in us waters.

AURELIA price summer

winter

med eur €105,000 / week west med eur €105,000 / week

37.30m 122´05“

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

8 4 6 15 knots

builder built / refit beam draft

heesen 2011 / 2013 7.50m / 24’07“ 2.20m / 7’03“

motor yachts for charter

all prices listed are low rates for that season

not for sale or charter to us residents while in us waters.

Paraffin price summer

winter

west med eur €285,000 / week caribbean usd $360,000 / week

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

60.10m

197´02”

12 6 17 15 knots

builder built / refit beam draft

feadship 2001 / 2013 10.50m / 34’05” 3.25m / 10’08”

motor yachts for charter

all prices listed are low rates for that season

IMAGINE price summer

winter

med eur €465,000 / week west med eur €465,000 / week

65.51m 214´11“

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

12 7 16 14 knots

builder built beam draft

amels 2011 11.88m / 39’00“ 3.85m / 12’08“

see details on inside front cover

Jaguar price summer

winter

west med eur €250,000 / week west med usd $295,000 / week

56.01m

183´09“

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

12 6 11 15 knots

builder built / refit beam draft

benetti 2005 / 2010 10.40m / 34’01“ 3.57m / 11’09“

see details on inside front cover

not for sale or charter to us residents while in us waters.

Crowned Eagle price summer

winter

west med eur €140,000 / week caribbean usd $140,000 / week

see details on inside front cover

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

12 6 8 12 knots

builder built beam draft

43.28m

142´00“

richmond yachts 2007 8.50m / 27’11“ 2.26m / 7’05“

motor yachts for charter

all prices listed are low rates for that season

San bernardo price summer

winter

west med eur €150,000 / week west med eur €150,000 / week

L’albatros price summer

winter

west med eur €75,000 / week caribbean usd $99,000 / week

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

10 5 9 18 knots

44.77m

146´11”

builder built beam draft

heesen 2010 9.00m / 29’06” 2.70m / 8’10”

43.59m

143´00“

12 6 8 12 knots

builder built / refit beam draft

sterling 1985 / 2014 8.70m / 28’07“ 2.50m / 8’02“

Lady Dia price summer

winter

west med eur €110,000 / week west med eur €110,000 / week

37.80m

124´00“

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

10 / 12 5 7 15 knots

builder

built beam draft

ferretti custom line 2011 7.40m / 24’03“ 2.40m / 7’10“

motor yachts for charter

all prices listed are low rates for that season

SIETE price summer

winter

new england usd $75,000 / week caribbean usd $75,000 / week

35.05m 115´00“

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

9 5 5 11 knots

builder built / refit beam draft

benetti 2002 / 2013 7.80m / 25’07“ 2.29m / 7’06“

Heliad II price summer

winter

west med eur €75,000 / week west med eur €75,000 / week

CYRUS ONE price summer

winter

east med eur €70,000 / week east med eur €60,000 / week

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

34.30m 112´06“

8 4 5 13 knots

builder built / refit beam draft

cyrus yachts 2008 / 2014 7.10m / 23’04“ 1.65m / 5’05“

33.50m

109´11”

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

10 5 6 11 knots

builder built beam draft

lynx yachts 2013 8.00m / 26’03” 2.30m / 7’07”

motor yachts for charter

all prices listed are low rates for that season

Lady soul price summer

winter

east & west med eur €49,000 / week east med eur €49,000 / week

west med eur €44,800 / week west med eur €44,800 / week

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

7 3 4 37 knots

101´07“

10 5 5 13 knots

builder

built beam draft

ferretti custom line 2006 7.00m / 23’00“ 2.37m / 7’09“

27.42m

tiger lily of london price summer

winter

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

30.95m

90´00“

builder built / refit beam draft

pershing 2009 / 2014 6.23m / 20’05“ 1.80m / 5’11“

north star of newport price summer

winter

west med eur €36,000 / week west med eur €36,000 / week

specifications guests cabins crew cruising speed

8 4 3 22 knots

builder built beam draft

25.20m

82´08“

azimut 2014 6.23m / 20’05” 1.80m / 5’11”

St Moritz Polo World Cup

THE DIARY

What: The world’s most prestigious winter polo tournament. Four high-goal teams with handicaps between 15 and 18 goals battle for the coveted trophy on the frozen surface of Lake St. Moritz; a combination of strength, elegance, speed, pride and the traditional British love of fair play.

Where: St Moritz, CH When: January 29-1 February www.stmoritz.ch

Carnival of Venice Cresta Run What: A legendary ice run, three quarters of a mile long, that winds its way from above the ‘Leaning Tower’ in St Moritz down a steep gully through 10 testing corners, past the tiny hamlet of Cresta, to the village of Celerina. Racers lie head first on small skeleton toboggans and hurtle down a dangerous track, reaching speeds of 90mph.

When: December 23 Where: St Moritz, Switzerland www.cresta-run.com

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

Frieze Art Fair

Global Superyacht Forum

What: A glamorous event attracting a sparkling array of high rollers, movers and shakers. One of the world’s leading contemporary art fairs it features more than 170 of the most exciting contemporary art galleries, including specially commissioned artists’ projects, a prestigious talks programme and an artist-led education schedule.

When: October 15-18 Where: Regent’s Park, London, UK www.friezeartfair.com

What: The industry’s longest-serving and most professional conference for the world of large yachts. With the tried-andtested formula of breakout sessions, the Superyacht Events team organises smaller group discussions, introducing superyacht owners and knowledgeable personalities in the industry to bring to light those niggling ownership and industry issues that need to be confronted.

When: November 17-19 Where: Amsterdam RAI Convention Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands www.superyachtevents.com

The 39th Cattle Baron’s Ball What: The annual event is known as the largest fundraiser for cancer research in America, raising nearly $60 million in just under 40 years.

The ball attracts up to 4,000 people who gather to dance the night away to raise money for the American Cancer Society. This year’s theme is Country Rocks!

When: October 18 Where: Southfork Ranch, Parker, Texas www.cattlebaronsball.com

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show What: Florida, the ‘Yachting Capital of the World’ will host the 55th annual event, which will exhibit a range from yacht builders and designers to exotic cars and superyachts.

When: October 30-Nov 3 Where: Fort Lauderdale, USA www.showmanagement.com

DECEMBER Art Basel What: The favourite winter meeting place for the international art world, the show presents premier artwork from across the globe. With miles of sandy beaches dotted with classic Art Deco architecture, world-class art museums and a glittering nightlife, Miami Beach ranks among America’s most iconic cities. During Art Basel, over 250 of the world’s leading galleries participate, drawing over 70,000 visitors to the dynamic, cultural city.

When: December 4-7 Where: Miami Beach, Florida, US www.artbaselmiamibeach.com

JANUARY 72nd Golden Globe Awards What: : The Golden Globe Awards, produced

by Dick Clark Productions in association with the HFPA, is viewed in more than 160 countries worldwide and is one of the few awards ceremonies to include both motion picture and television achievements.

When: January 11 Where: The Beverly Hilton Hotel, Los Angeles, CA www.goldenglobes.org

Sundance Film Festival What: Presenting dramatic and documentary feature-length films from emerging and established artists, innovative short films, film-maker forums and panels, live music performances ranging from solo acts to film composer events, cutting-edge media installations and engaging community and student programmes, the Sundance Film Festival brings together the most original storytellers of our time.

When: January 22-February 1 Where: Park City, Utah, USA www.sundance.org

Pebble Beach Team Championship What: Join in the 12th annual Pebble Beach Team Championship, a two-person team event in best-ball format. Play one round on legendary Pebble Beach Golf Links and one round on The Links at Spanish Bay. Where: Pebble Beach, California, US When: December 19-21 www.pebblebeach.com

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Carnival of Venice

What: There is no better time for lovers of romance to discover this enchanting, watery city than during this world-famous carnival.

Just as they have for hundreds of years, Venetians throw a 10-day party celebrating the end of winter and the onset of spring. Italian aristocrats and international jet-setters throw modesty aside and get dressed up in the full regalia.

When: January 31-February 17 www.carnevale.venezia.it

FEBRUARY American Express World Luxury Expo What: Hosted in the spectacular Ritz-Carlton, the American Express World Luxury Expo, Riyadh will showcase the world’s leading luxury brands including fine dining, furniture, travel, art, gems, automobiles and entertainment to an ultraaffluent and highly discerning target audience.

When: February 3-5 Where: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Riyadh www.worldluxuryexpo-riyadh.com

The 87th Academy Awards What: The Kodak Theatre in Hollywood will once again be the place where the prestigious Oscar trophies will be handed out. To be broadcast live in the US on the ABC network.

When: February 22 Where: Kodak Theatre, Hollywood www.oscars.com

New York Fashion Week What: A whirlwind of style and glamour over eight champagne-fuelled days. Expect to see autumn/winter collections from the renowned and emerging designers. As you would expect from a 24-hour city like New York, the parties are extravagant and endless. www.nycfashioninfo.com

MARCH

APRIL

The Cheltenham Festival

The 8th Annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine

What: Four days of magic, magnificence and madness, played out by the best horses, jockeys and trainers, on a stage framed by the Cotswold Hills, to a crowd of 230,000 people having the time of their lives. Gold Cup Day is the climax of the festival. Some 20,000 bottles of champagne are served during the festival.

Around 20,000 people will sit down each day to a four-course lunch, while the rest tuck into burgers and hot dogs.

When: March 10-13 Where: Cheltenham, Essex, UK www.cheltenham.co.uk

Sony Ericsson Open What: A two-week annual event showcasing one of the deepest fields of the year, the Sony Ericsson Open has reached the next echelon in presenting an international sports extravaganza. With $6.9 million in prize money, equally distributed to the men and women, and all the top players and media from all corners of the world covering the action every day, the event has earned its place in the world as the fifth largest tennis tournament.

When: March 23 – April 5 Where: Miami Beach, Florida, USA www.sonyericssonopen.com

What: The premier epicurean lifestyle event on the West Coast featuring worldrenowned celebrity chefs creating decadent culinary delights paired with exceptional wines.In addition to cooking demonstrations led by the most talented chefs and vertical tastings from the world’s top wine producers, unique experiences are added each year making this a must-see annual event for culinary enthusiasts and wine aficionados the world over.

When: April 9-12 Where: Pebble Beach, California, US www.pbfw.com

The 20th China (Shanghai) International Boat Show What: The doors to The 20th China (Shanghai) International Boat Show will open with participants from 52 countries and, despite the economic downturn, an expected 60 per cent increase in overseas visitors.

When: April 9-12 Where: Shanghai, China www.boatshowchina.com

Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters What: The Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters is the first of three ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments played on clay. The tournament is a player and fan favourite due to its magnificent location and long tradition of champions.

When: April 11-19 Where: Monte-Carlo, Monaco www.monte-carlorolexmasters.com

Top Marques Monaco

Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous What: Bringing together sail and motoryachts during a four-day event for owners, their families and friends. Organised by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda When: March 11-14 Where: Yacht Club Costa Smeralda www.loropianasuperyacht regattaandrendezvous.com

Dubai World Cup What: The Dubai International Racing Carnival consists of nine race nights and attracts more than 450 of the finest thoroughbred horses from more than 20 countries. The pinnacle of Dubai’s racing calendar is the Dubai World Cup. Join the best of the international racing fraternity and enjoy the electrifying atmosphere of the world’s richest horse race.

When: March 28 Where: Dubai, Meydan Racecourse, United Arab Emirates www.dubairacingclub.com

What: The most exclusive car show in the world, where you’ll also find private jets, private yachts, luxury real estate, private banking, watches, rare wines and unique products of excellence from luxury brands.

When: April 16-19 Where: Grimaldi Forum, 10 Avenue Princesse Grace, Monaco www.topmarquesmonaco.com

The London Yacht, Jet & Prestige Car Show What: Held in the heart of the City of London, in one of the wealthiest districts in the world, The London Yacht, Jet & Prestige Car Show will present the finest things in life, all at a single, fabulous Thames-side location with majestic views over London.

Visitors to this exclusive event will be treated to displays from the world’s leading luxury yacht builders & brokers, yacht & interior designers, private jet manufacturers, jet charter agents, luxury car manufacturers and a whole host of luxury goods and service companies.

When: April 8-10 Where: Old Billingsgate, London, UK www.lyjapcs.com

Royal Ascot

June 16-20 Singapore Yacht Show

The Cartier Queen’s Cup

What: The Singapore Yacht Show is your opportunity to discover some of the world’s finest superyacht and international yacht brands in an elite and highly social setting, giving you a chance to enjoy luxury yachting at its finest.

When: April 23-26 Where: Sentosa Cove, Singapore www.singaporeyachtshow.com

What: Cartier will once again bring their unique blend of glamour, style and elegance to this world-famous, high-goal polo competition.

Attracting the sport’s leading players from across the globe, the team sheet reads like a who’s who of polo and each game is so important that if the players are not in action on the field, they can be found watching the games intensely, keeping a close eye on their rivals’ tactics.

When: May 19 – June 14 Where: London, UK www.guardspoloclub.com

Antigua Sailing Week What: A chance to see yachts racing in some of the best sailing conditions in the world, while soaking up the party atmosphere in the historic English Harbour.

When: April 25 – May 1 Where: Antigua www.sailingweek.com

MAY 19th Annual Nantucket Wine Festival What: The festival has become one of the best wine events in the US, with some of the finest global wine talent on hand every year.

When: May 13-17 Where: Massachusetts, US www.nantucketwinefestival.com

Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix What: The Monaco F1 Grand Prix is widely considered to be one of the most significant and famous automobile races in the world.

From Casino Square to the world’s most famous hairpin, through the tunnel and past the luxurious yachts, Monte Carlo is a circuit of legendary corners seeped in history.

When: May 21-24 Where: Monte Carlo, Monaco www.formula1.com

JUNE Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic

Cannes Film Festival What: Movie fans might think the Cannes Film Festival is all about cinema. But most would agree it is the parties that steal the show. For 12 days, the seaside resort of Cannes on the south coast of France will transform into a razzle-dazzle party town to mark the 68th anniversary of the festival.

When: May 13-24 Where: Cannes, France www.festival-cannes.fr

International Contemporary Furniture Fair

What: One of the highlights of the US social season, the event takes place on Governors Island; one of the most historic and iconic locations in New York. The charity match has since become a major draw for the hip crowd and UK royals too. Madonna, Kate Hudson, Marc Jacobs, Chloe Sevigny and Prince Harry are just a few of the celebrities who have attended in recent years. Money raised from the match goes towards the American Friends Sentebale, which supports at-risk children in Lesotho, Africa.

Where: Manhattan, New York www.thepoloclassic.com

What: The 27th annual fair is set to turn New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Centre into a global summit for what is best and what is next in design. The event will host more than 500 exhibitors from more than 30 countries in categories from accessories to wall coverings.

When: May 16-19 Where: New York, US www.icff.com

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Royal Ascot What: With a rich heritage of more than 300 years, Royal Ascot has established itself as a national institution and the centrepiece of the British social calendar, as well as being the ultimate stage for the best racehorses in the world.

When: June 16-20 Where: Ascot, UK www.ascot.co.uk

Art Basel What: The world’s premier international art show for modern and contemporary works, Art Basel features nearly 300 leading galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa showcasing the highest-quality paintings, sculptures, drawings, installations, photographs, video and editioned works.

When: June 18-21 Where: Basel, Switzerland www.artbasel.com

JULY 107th Race to Mackinac What: Since 1921, the Veuve Clicquotsponsored Race to Mackinac has run every year, remaining the longest annual freshwater distance race and recognised as one of the most prestigious sailing races in the world.

When: July 11 Where: Chicago, US www.cycracetomackinac.com

Audi International Polo What: Known in polo circles as the ‘world’s greatest spectator polo day’, the highlight is definitely the afternoon Coronation Cup match featuring the best English players.

Where: Surrey, UK www.guardspoloclub.com

Cowes Week August 8-15

Cowes Week What: A fusion of exciting competitive sailing and social events, Cowes Week now stages up to 40 daily races for more than 1,000 boats and is the largest sailing regatta of its kind in the world. The 8,500 competitors range from Olympic and world-class professionals to weekend sailors.

When: August 8-15 Where: Cowes, Isle of Wight www.aamcowesweek.co.uk

Aspen Food and Wine Classic What: Experience a pleasure-packed weekend of cooking demonstrations, food samplings and wine tasting.

When: June 19-21 Where: Aspen, Colorado, US www.foodandwine.com

J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race What: The annual one-day yacht race, a 50nm course around the Isle of Wight, an island situated off the south coast of England, attracts more than 1,700 boats and around 16,000 sailors, making it one of the largest yacht races in the world.

When: June 27 Where: Isle of Wight, UK www.roundtheisland.org.uk

Masterpiece London What: Perfectly situated at the peak of the capital’s summer season, Masterpiece London brings together exhibitors from across the world renowned for specialising in art, antiques, and design of the highest calibre.

Where: Royal Hospital Chelsea, London When: June 26–July 2 www.masterpiecefair.com

Wimbledon Championships What: Dating back to 1880 Wimbledon is the most prestigious tennis event on the UK calendar where the sporting elite come to battle it out for first place under the canopy of British weather, on the tricky grass courts.

When: June 29–July 12 Where: All England Club, London www.wimbledon.com

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Salon Privé Concours D’elegance What: A celebration of some of the world’s most exclusive brands for a grand threeday event in celebration of everything that epitomises luxury. Browse the finest brands from designer clothing to exclusive properties, jewellery, yachts and aviation, as well as vintage, classic and super cars.

Where: London, UK www.salonprivelondon.com

Monte Carlo Red Cross Gala Ball What: The Sporting d’Eté Club is the prestigious venue for this important fundraiser, which attracts ball gown-clad celebrities in their droves.

When: July 25 Where: Monte-Carlo, Monaco www.monte-carlo.world-guides.com

AUGUST Polo Open de St Tropez What: The tournaments of the Saint-Tropez Polo Club, sponsored by the two Gracida brothers, have attracted the world’s best players since 1998.

Among the crowds cheering you may be lucky enough to spot The Queen of Sweden, Princess Anni-Frid Reuss, or Prince Talal of Jordan.

Where: St Tropez, France www.polo-st-tropez.com

SEPTEMBER Cannes Boat Show What: The first gathering of the autumn season, the show brings together the key players in pleasure boating and international luxury yachting between two ports – Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto in Cannes in the heart of the French Riviera. This year the show promises more than 500 boats, 450 exhibitors, 150 vessels on show for the first time and 130 boats more than 20m in length.

Where: Cannes, France www.salonnautiquecannes.com

Goodwood Revival What: For those who love the romance of the fifties and sixties, this event is a must.

The Goodwood Revival is the world’s most popular historic car race meeting, recreating the golden era of motor sport, in the heart of the English countryside Where: West Sussex, UK www.goodwood.co.uk

63rd annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance What: Tyre meets turf and transformation each year as 200 of the most prized collector cars and motorcycles in the world roll on to what is often called the best finishing hole in golf – the 18th Fairway at Pebble Beach.

When: August 16 Where: Pebble Beach, US www.pebblebeachconcours.net

Newport Bucket Regatta What: An annual regatta where the emphasis is more upon wholesome fun than about winning.

When: August 28-30 Where: Newport, Rhode Island, US www.bucketregattas.com

65th Venice Film Festival What: An event that raises the awareness and promotes international cinema in all its forms: as art, entertainment and as an industry, in a spirit of freedom and tolerance.

When: August 26 – September 5 Where: Venice, Italy www.labiennale.org

Monaco Yacht Show What: With over 30,000 professional and private visitors expected over four days, the event is considered the most prestigious pleasure boat show in the world with the exhibition of 500 major companies from the luxury yachting industry and over 100 superyachts afloat.

When: September 23-26 Where: Port Hercules, Monaco www.monacoyachtshow.com

Monaco London Palma Malta Bodrum Mumbai Ft. Lauderdale San Diego Seattle Mexico Casa de Campo Sydney Singapore

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