The Party Edition
Welcome to SYOG
I
t has been a considerable pleasure to work as publisher for the Superyacht Owners’ Guide 2015 - 2016. When the idea for this book was conceptualised, I was in fact having my own garden party with a glass or two of prosecco and reflecting on recent ‘inspirations’ from industry leaders on how we all ‘get more fun’ and ‘inspire’ a new generation of buyers into the superyacht industry. SURPRISE! Sometimes you just need to throw a great party! There’s nothing like hosting and seeing all your friends together in the same place. But how do you do it on a superyacht scale? With adequate planning, the right food and music, a solid guest list and a few other things to do, your party is sure to be a hit and maybe even a tradition. Whether it’s a party held in honour of a person, a day, or event, such as a birthday party, one thing we all know and love is that people like to come together to celebrate. The first article in the The Party Edition is entitled, and fittingly so, ‘Get This Party Started on a Saturday Night’ and looks at your party planning; whether it’s on a gargantuan scale or a modest and intimate soirée with friends, it isn’t something that just comes together. From initial conception to full production, a team of experts stand proudly behind the scenes ensuring that every tiny detail has been thought of. We discuss
creativity and practicality and just what that ‘je ne sais quoi’ magic is which makes a party truly sparkle.
overnight, its place-to-be-reputation catapulting it into the limelight. The power of superyachts in shaping these destinations is undeniable - the yachts and their occupants not
Classic fairy tales of knights and princes, queens and heroines
merely chasing the lights, but creating the atmosphere and
might conjure fantastical images of royal balls and lavish,
dynamic that comes to define them.
Disney-esque opulence, but even they never omit the allimportant aspect of logistics and transport. Cinderella had
Food is also at the heart of any event; the decoration,
her twinkling glass carriage pulled by a team of plumed,
entertainment and venue often over-shadowed by a
prancing horses, Pocahontas opted for a more modest, classic
sumptuous feast. So, with the marrying of health and cuisine
canoe and Cruella de Vil instilled terror into the hearts of 101
in mind, we asked five very different acclaimed chefs to create
Dalmatians in her glamorous, neo-classical Panther De Ville.
decadent and nutritious menus that are simply perfect for an
Even Aladdin’s (most certainly bespoke) magic carpet exuded
elegant yacht dinner party. Whilst location, food and drink all
a stylish eccentricity that ensured he arrived on time and made
play their very important parts in creating the right experience
heads turn as he did. We look at the luxury vehicles used to
for the guests, the one aspect which must always deliver is the
get your guests to the party on time.
audio-visual system. No entertainment = no party!
As luxury vessels, superyachts’ raison d’etre is to entertain.
It must be said from the very beginning that superyachts are
Whether it’s intimacy and privacy, relaxation and rest or
quite simply that, super vessels, the very best an elite industry
flamboyance and lavish soirees, the decks, interior rooms,
can conjure. They grace the world’s oceans with power,
features and amenities have an eclectic range of functions
elegance, class and glamour, their technical prowess decades
to perform. We best examine the design elements for
ahead. So it is with great humility that we embark on an article
entertainment spaces aboard superyachts of all sizes. Where
that has ‘The Top’ in the title. But there simply are some yachts
better to swing the magnifying glass than at the world’s
that will suit one purpose better than another, and here we
largest yachts?
cast the limelight on those that are available to charter. Superyachts’ careful design twinned with high levels of crew
In today’s fast-paced world, an innocuous destination may become one of the trendiest spots on the planet almost
expertise, plus law-enforced safety protocols, mean they are inherently safe places to be.
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The greatest danger to guests and crew is a lack of preparation and a complacent or blasé attitude to safety - yet with advancements in training, support, products and design, the margin of error diminishes annually. And then there’s parties just for the boys… and for the girls… and for the children, the magic of a superyacht is far removed from the luxury trappings. The allure comes from a sense of excitement and wonderment, adventure and downright fun! Utter the name ‘The Black Pearl’ and children everywhere will shudder in excited trepidation at the famed ship from the swashbuckling fantasy movie Pirates of the Caribbean. For the eerie cursed ship plays as big a role in the movie as the flamboyant Captain Jack Sparrow, its personality as vivid as the stars it carries. Here we take a look at the practicalities of cruising with children young and old, and the wonderful experiences in store for them. The very last guest has left and a wave of quiet descends across the remnants of a truly memorable party. Yet the quiet doesn’t last for long, and the hubbub of glasses clinking, music pumping and excitable chatter is swapped for the whir of machinery and sounds of industrious cleaning crews as the post-party clean-up gets underway. When the party ends, what better way to remind your guest of a magical evening or week-long charter aboard your yacht than to gift them their very own, luxury goody bag. After all that partying where better than to lay your head and dream in luxury, under canopies and beneath the waves. Raise a glass with me and let us toast The Party Edition. My friends, I give you the Superyacht Owners’ Guide 2015 - 2016. Yours
Jules Budniak Publisher SYOG – Superyacht Owners’ Guide
“Are You With Me” I wanna dance by water ‘neath the Mexican sky Drink some Margaritas by a string of blue lights Listen to the Mariachi play at midnight Are you with me, are you with me? I wanna fall like the Carolina rain on your skin I wanna walk a little too far out on that limb Take you every place I’ve been and never been Are you with me, are you with me? We can chase the wild dreams, live like crazy Love me baby, come on, come on, come on Just throw your arms around me We can run like we won’t run out of time I wanna fly so high that I’ll never come down I wanna love so hard, it could rip my heart out I wanna get so lost that I’ll never be found Are you with me? Are you with me? We can chase the wild dreams, live like crazy Love me baby, come on, come on, come on Just throw your arms around me We can run like we won’t run out of time Are you with me? We can chase the wild dreams, live like crazy Love me baby, come on, come on, come on Just throw your arms around me We can run like we won’t run out of time Are you with me? Are you with me? Are you with me? Come on, come on, come on Just come with me Easton Corben
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Contributors
Jules Budniak
Samantha Wilson
Diane M. Byrne
Jules Budniak is an award winning and highly skilled
Samantha Wilson is a writer, author and member of
Diane M. Byrne is a leading superyacht journalist based in
marketing specialist with 26 years of experience in the
the British Guild of Travel Writers. She has authored
the U.S.A., covering the market since 1993.
field of internal and external communication, PR, brand
seven travel books and writes for top print and online
She is the founder and editor of MegayachtNews.com,
management and the full marketing mix.
publications around the world on subjects including
the only independent website devoted to luxury yachts
Julia works with business owners, brands and
travel, lifestyle, food and the superyacht industry.
featuring all-original content, with an emphasis on
organisations that need marketing expertise to
Born to yachting parents on the sunny island of
information of interest to American owners, buyers, and
establish their credibility, enhance their reputation,
Mallorca, she has spent all her life around boats and
their representatives.
position themselves as experts and want to sell more
crewed her way around the Mediterranean more
Diane is also a founding member of the United States
products and services.
than once.
Superyacht Association and a longtime member of the
What distinguishes her from others in her field of
She has travelled widely and lived in China, the
International Superyacht Society. She’s also a member of
expertise is that she always ‘steps into the shoes’ of
Middle East and the Caribbean before moving to
the New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners
any given scenario with a commercially astute outlook.
Somerset, U.K.
and on the Edward A. Walsh Scholarship committee at her
She will challenge the ‘status quo’ and ask you to be
She has joined the SYOG team to bring her enthusiasm
brave, to try new things and to get better results! Her natural passion and energy drive her whilst her
alma mater, Fordham University in New York.
of the yachting world to the 2015-2016 edition.
ability to engage with any discipline makes her a joy to work with.
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Superyacht Owners' Guide MANAGING DIRECTOR .................................................. Steve Crowe
FINANCE
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR ............................................. Dave Osborne
Interim Accountant ....................................................................... Jim Rayner Accounts Assistant...................................................................... Sandy Hagin
ADVERTISING Sales Manager .............................................................................Steven Kane Team Leader Account Manager .....................................................Dan Dean Team Leader Account Manager ............................................. James Williams Account Manager ..................................................................... Carrie Stocker Account Manager .................................................................... Claudio Cimini Account Manager .................................................................... Davide Pontini Account Manager ....................................................................... Elida Araujo Account Manager ................................................................Jeremy Meadows Account Manager ....................................................................... Jessica Pegg Account Manager .......................................................................Laura Presley Account Manager .................................................................... Niv Silberman Account Manager ..................................................................... Paolo Capitini Field Account Manager .............................................................Simon Brooks
OPERATIONS HR & Office Manager .................................................................Amy Milsted Distribution & Administration Manager..................................Carrie Plummer Operations Administrator .......................................................... Abbie Wilson Operations Administrator ..........................................................Sarah Lyddon Data Researcher ........................................................................Laura Hutton Data Research Assistant ......................................................... Mamen Merino Media Trainee ........................................................................ Eva Micheneau
PRODUCTION Production Manager ...............................................................Alison Kenehan Production Controller .............................................................Leanna Duharty Graphic Designer ....................................................................... Katie Brown Graphic Designer ......................................................................Natalie Dixon Graphic Designer ................................................................ Rebecca Spencer
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Editorial Enquiries: +44 (0)11 73 16 05 60 Advertising Enquiries: +44 (0)11 73 16 05 60 www.syog.com SYOG is published by Advertising Services Ltd who are the owners of the copyright, logos and names of the publication. No copying, by any means in any form of any part of this publication is permitted. All intellectual property rights reserved. Under no circumstances will the publisher accept liability for any errors or omissions or any loss or damage resulting in such.
MARKETING Head of Marketing ................................................................... Julia Budniak Marketing Product Manager.................................................... Joanna Palmer International Events Manager ................................................... Sarrah Macey Website & Digital Marketing Manager .............................................................Michelle Williams Online Marketing Assistant ......................................................Grace Hoskins Website & Digital Marketing Executive .............................................................. Michael Henson Website & Digital Marketing Executive ................................................................ Sarah Rowland Website & Digital Marketing Executive ...............................................................Simon Osborne
515-517 Stockwood Road, Bristol BS4 5LR, UK
Published by Advertising Services Ltd. Registered office: C/O Burton Sweet, Cooper House, Lower Charlton Estate, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5QE. Registered in England 04544735. VAT Number GB 862 95 89 66.
SPECIAL THANKS TO And the Oscar goes to… ‘The best team ever’ going for SYOG against all odds. You know who you are – I love you and thank you from the bottom of my heart XX
© August 2015 Advertising Services Ltd. UK +44 (0)11 73 16 05 60 | France +33 (0)4 89 73 32 82 Spain +34 963 14 04 64 | Italy +39 06 62 29 17 16 USA +1 954 63 63 46 2 | info@syog.com | www.syog.com Please see the website for terms and conditions Published in England | Printed in Italy | Distributed Worldwide
IMAGE: © Rolls-Royce
Contents Get this party started on a Saturday night .............. 14
32
IMAGE: Bonder & Co
IMAGE: Rupert Peace
IMAGE: Riviera Organsiation
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Superyacht entertainment; the pulse, personality, ambience, mood and what your guests will remember most.
128
Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a… ............................... 32 Superyacht elite modes of transport from sky to ship to shore.
Superyacht party spaces built for purpose .............. 62 SYOG examines the design elements for entertainment spaces aboard superyachts of all sizes.
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Pumpin’ up the volume, breakin’ down to the beat ................................................................... 84 Making the ordinary extraordinary for all superyacht clients with integrated technologies.
This is not just superyacht food ............................. 100 Superyacht gastronomic experiences, SYOG asks five very different chefs to create menus for elegant dinner parties.
IMAGE: Yas Marina, Yas Island – Abu Dhabi
84
Cruising through the West Side, we’ll be checking the scene ................................................. 112
112
Superyacht destinations for superyacht parties… those lazy-hazy-crazy days of summer.
The top charter yachts for entertaining ................. 128 What characteristics should you look for when selecting a charter yacht especially for entertaining?
Party precautions for the health and safety conscious ..................................................... 144 SYOG investigates ways of enhancing your yacht’s operation and safety before the party begins.
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IMAGE: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
214
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IMAGE: SLAM UK
Party mishaps and calling in the cleaning crew ..........................................................156 Cleaning and restoration experts share their tips, advice and industry insight on cleaning your superyacht.
Something for him - big game fishing machines ..................................................... 168 A long-standing yacht design dominant in American waters, the sportfisherman and the ultimate big-boy toy.
156
Dress to impress ..................................................... 180 Superyacht crew who look stylish, neat and soignĂŠ.
194
Child’s play - memories that will last a lifetime .................................................................. 194
180
For children, the magic of a superyacht is far removed from the luxury trappings. The allure comes from a sense of excitement and wonderment, adventure and downright fun!
Superyacht luxury goody bags ...............................204 What better way to remind your party guests of a magical evening or week-long charter aboard your yacht than to gift them their very own, luxury packed goody bag.
After the party ........................................................214 We do not want to sleep for fear we might miss the twinkle of the brightest star, for fear we may never know how the moon glimmers in the darkest hour.
Events ........................................................................236 From snow polo to Formula 1, an eclectic mix of must-see events for the superyacht crowd.
Shipyard chart .........................................................250 Everything you need to know about shipyards that deal with new build superyachts.
204
168 7
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Reference contents 303
Superyacht Builders & Yards
Model Makers ........................................................................ 282
Naval Architects ..................................................................... 255
Passerelles & Boarding Systems ........................................... 283
Project Management ............................................................. 256
Satellite Equipment ............................................................... 283
Shipyards - New Construction .............................................. 257
Soft Furnishings ..................................................................... 283
Shipyards - Refit ..................................................................... 260
Tableware ............................................................................... 283
Surveyors ................................................................................ 262
Telecommunication Equipment ........................................... 284
Yacht Designers ..................................................................... 263
Finance, Law & Insurance Company Formation ............................................................. 265
280
296
270
294
Corporate Services ................................................................ 265 Finance ................................................................................... 265
Crewing Your Superyacht Crew Agents........................................................................... 284 Crew Training ......................................................................... 285 Medical Services .................................................................... 285
Fractional Ownership ............................................................ 266
Security - Personal & Equipment (Including Night Vision) ......................................................... 286
Insurance ................................................................................ 266
Uniforms ................................................................................. 287
Lawyers ................................................................................... 267
281
Registration ............................................................................ 269
Owning Your Superyacht
Tax Advisors ........................................................................... 270
Aircraft & Helicopter Charter, Brokerage & Management ................................................... 287
Equipping Your Superyacht
Berths - Sales, Rental & Management ................................. 288
Bathroom Equipment & Fittings .......................................... 270
Boat Shows & Events ............................................................. 288
Carpets & Flooring ................................................................ 272
Brokers .................................................................................... 288
Doors, Windows, Hatches & Roofs ...................................... 272
Charter .................................................................................... 291
Electronics .............................................................................. 272
Charter Management ............................................................ 293
Entertainment Systems ......................................................... 274
Luxury Cars ............................................................................. 294
Environmental Services & Equipment.................................. 275
Luxury Event Organisers ....................................................... 294
Furniture ................................................................................. 275
Luxury Goods ......................................................................... 294
Galley Equipment .................................................................. 276
Management .......................................................................... 295
HVAC & Refrigeration ........................................................... 276
Marinas ................................................................................... 296
Hydraulics ............................................................................... 276
Marine Consultants ............................................................... 302
Interiors & Exterior Designers & Outfitters.......................... 277
Photographers ....................................................................... 303
Lifts & Elevators ..................................................................... 280 Lighting................................................................................... 280
Private Members’ Clubs & Exclusive Nightclubs ............................................................. 303
Linens...................................................................................... 281
Tenders & Toys ....................................................................... 303
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Blowing a good wind towards your dreams Delivering maritime, tourism and luxury services worldwide.
U
ros Med Services pride themselves on bringing fresh ideas to event formats – whether it’s corporate or cultural, private or public, inside or outdoors. From the Olympics to the latest ‘blockbuster’ film in production - their specialist team can manage every technical element of your event from extra resource to specialist expertise required. Your event becomes UROS MED’s responsibility, running safe and successful live events takes more than just hands-on technical skill. The team believe in great event planning combining creative thinking with practical project management and standards of customer service that are second to none. They support every client with an open and flexible approach that always stays true to their core company values. As a company based in Geneva and in Malta, UROS MED also has a team of specialists that cover Hong Kong and the Mediterranean, providing worldwide luxury, tourism and maritime services.
Making movies events Having serviced some of the most famous blockbusters ever produced in film history, Malta really has proved that it has what it takes to thrill the world, with films such as Troy, Munich, Gladiator, and more recently, Captain Phillips, all choosing Malta as their production destination. UROS MED also collaborate with the Malta Film Commission, offering services related to film production;
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from project evaluation, business production, location finding, catering services, marine services, leasing of equipment and facilities management.
Events on an Olympic scale Fabio Burrafato, the founder of UROS MED, recalls two or three events that were out of the ordinary. The most notable was the cocktail party and gala dinner on the night of the opening ceremony for the 2006 Olympic Games in Turin. Working with the Organising Committees for the Olympic Games (OCOGs) required Burrafato to think outside the box. He was appointed as one of the specialists within the ‘International Relations’ office, dealing with all the International dignitaries, heads of State, heads of Government, Sovereignty, Consulates, their entourages, sponsors, National Olympic Committees, as well as VIP and special guests. After choosing two of the most prestigious venues in the city to host their exclusive guest list, they then set about managing a complex and extended team to organise the event. This involved several important and key aspects which included both privacy and security issues, through to delivering high class services from concept to completion. Burrafato said, “It was a thrilling experience to be surrounded by excellent colleagues, teams, prestigious demanding clients, guests and customers. Several events had been organised for the games, which included; opening parties, ceremonies, official presentations, cocktails, sponsor related
events, gala dinners, side and collateral events and incredibly elegant parties.”
Superyacht parties Another event that Burrafato spoke about was the party organised with Marie Claire, entitled “La Notte delle Stelle’’ on-board La Signora del Vento, an 85m sailyacht moored in Sicily and hosting 250 very special guests. Guests entered on a red carpet, with dinner served on the upper deck. Working with the client brief, the theme was dedicated to the sea and to mermaids. Champagne and oysters were served and an amazing live music event had the guests dancing the night away.
Organisation is key in terms of general event planning, from the management office, research sponsors, hostesses and interpreters, artists, models, catering and banqueting, to cameramen and photographers. Nothing happens without brilliant communication, covering everything from designing a promotional plan, integrated advertising, media relations, press conferences, event promotion. If models, presenters, photographers, hairstylists and make-up artists are required, they are carefully chosen and trained by UROS MED’s partner agency Charme & Fashion. For ‘performances’, the direction is entrusted to experienced professionals, who support with choreography, sound tracks, scenography and technical services.
Party themes When UROS MED receive an enquiry, they start by spending quality time talking with the client in order to fully understand their needs, budget and number of guests. Their service is a fully 360o bespoke offering, which is uniquely shaped around the client. A theme often leads you down a very specific path which drives you directly to the team of specialist people that need to be involved in order to achieve the best results for the client. Each event is designed and based on a client’s individual needs and what they are aiming to achieve. Special attention is given to logistics in terms of the research involved to identify the right location for hosting the event, as well as the equipment hire, technical sound and lighting, construction and high-quality technical support.
Event spaces and places Although challenging, superyachts are always one of the best venues to host a prestigious event. Burrafato places his first priority in the total control of privacy and security. He also considers a superyacht as a great venue because of its versatility. A yacht can provide different types of spaces for different types of events on-board. An event can be hosted in the main salon through to many decks, at the same time the yacht can offer spaces to dance, talk, swim, or quiet areas can be created for more privacy. Whether it is an elegant dinner, finger food-buffet, wine tasting, or a more complex event where the host can entertain
their guests, there is an element of freedom to create an event from concept and freedom to be anywhere in the world without being bound by geographical limits.
UROS MED also host events for yachts moored at the Monaco Grand Prix, Tao Film Festival and Cannes Film Festival. No matter how large or small, the team can handle with care; corporate events, team building, honeymoons, brand launches, photography and video shoots, public relations events, cultural events, fashion shows, night parties through to food and wine experiences. They also host events for exclusive clients away from the spotlight.
Sailing regattas and corporate events Sailing regattas can provide fantastic and inclusive team building experiences. It is possible to create incredible team dynamics simply because the yacht creates an environment for all people with no gender, age or training limitations to work together - no one feels excluded. Sailing activities can captivate everyone, they create a sense of expectation from the environment obligating people to know themselves. The dynamic provides every one with an important role asking for a high sense of responsibility, engagement and produces concrete and quantifiable results.
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Every moment leaves the individual with unforgettable emotions; creating a series of ‘life tests’. This type of event improves team work, motivation, leadership and mutual respect amongst participants, as well as improving overall team spirit. UROS MED has organised team building experiences and sailing regattas in Italy and beyond; to entertain, as an incentive and training means, for up to 500 people with catamarans and sailing boats from seven to 30m. The most exciting experience mentioned by of UROS MED’s managers is a corporate event for Vodafone Italia. Ten catamarans were brought to sail and race for 120 people, sailing through the route that Ulysses took discovering the beauty of the bay of Cyclops, in Acitrezza. An evening party was organised for the 120 managers to come together to share their experiences.
bringing together every element to ensure the experience is exceptional. The best memories of an event is always linked to good taste and impeccable presentation. Certainly the meetings and conference calls with the client help the team to understand their needs and what the client likes the most, considering also that they are selecting and supplying the best organic food and drinks in the market and UROS MED will deliver it directly on-board, for smaller and larger events. UROS MED takes the responsibility of their clients very seriously and will work with each one to ensure that care and consideration and respect is given to different cultures and religion. They actively aim to support and lead their client towards the
Menu planning for a superyacht party
best solution possible to ensure the best gourmet offerings
When UROS MED are required to provide exquisite catering and banqueting for an event, their passionate experienced chefs and staff go above and beyond to ensure that this most delectable topic is delivered to the highest standards. Dining is about far more than food. The team specialise in
form the basis of their service sharing the ability to create
Dining is about far more than food. The team specialise in bringing together every element to ensure the experience is exceptional. 12
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flavour combinations that linger in your mind long after the meal is over. ■ For further information visit www.urosmed.com
Always blowing a good wind towards your dreams...
Delivering tailor made, luxury event management and luxury services worldwide and in the Mediterranean. • Opening Ceremonies • Gala Dinners • Cocktail Parties • Red Carpet Events • Weddings & Honeymoons • PR Events • Food & Wine Experiences • Themed Parties Malta +356 79 02 94 23
Head Office - Geneva +41 22 73 16257 / +41 78 72 90218
mgm@urosmed.com | www.urosmed.com
Hong Kong +852 2914 1866
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IMAGE: © Talents & Productions
party
Get this started on a Saturday night Superyacht entertainment: the pulse, personality, ambience, mood and what your guests will remember most.
W
iihen The Atlantis Hotel opened in Dubai in 2008, iiit was the most lavish, opulent and purportedly iiexpensive launch party ever thrown. At an iiestimated cost of £15 million the extravaganza
was spectacular. More than 2,000 guests - amongst them royalty, business moguls and megastar celebrities from around the globe - attended the event on the Palm Jumeirah island.
A sumptuous Middle Eastern mezze was served, along with Veuve Clicquot champagne, and the security involved a two-mile seclusion zone. Kylie Minogue might have given a dynamite performance on stage, but the true bang was the one million fireworks which lit up the night sky - almost ten times the scale of the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony. Organisers claim the pyrotechnic show was visible from space.
Putting together a party, whether it’s on the gargantuan scale of The Atlantis, or a modest and intimate soiree with friends, isn’t something that just comes together. From initial conception to full production, a team of experts stand proudly behind the scenes ensuring that every tiny detail has been
From initial conception to full production, a team of experts stand proudly behind the scenes ensuring that every tiny detail has been thought of.
thought of. They exude creativity and flair, are tenacious, adaptable and come armed with years of experience. SYOG sat down with some of the top experts in their fields to discuss creativity, practicality and just what that ‘je ne sais quoi’ magic is which makes a party truly sparkle.
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Party planning Riviera Organisation - Peter Mackley Peter Mackley is the managing director of luxury event planning company Riviera Organisation. From their base in the South of France, they have crafted hundreds of events and, while their not-so-little black book of contacts, tricks and megastar performers is full-service, they specialise in lavish entertainment and event design. We asked Peter to share with us some of their most memorable acts and what really is the key to a good party. SYOG: Everyone likes to sway their hips to music, but just how important are music and entertainment to the overall enjoyment of a party? Peter: We all know that entertainment can make or break the party. No matter how much time you spend researching, planning (and paying) for an event, if it doesn’t result in generating a sense of excitement and exhilaration then it will just be another average party. On the other hand, no matter how mediocre everything else is, if guests have an amazing time it could still be considered a success. SYOG: So what are some of the most extraordinary or incredible entertainment acts you have organised? Peter: One of the most memorable is a giant helium-filled balloon appearing from the sky with an acrobat on a trapeze underneath. The balloon flew towards a wedding celebration and the acrobat delivered a sword to cut the wedding cake. Perhaps the most unusual however, was in 2005 when we arranged for Star Wars to take over the Monaco Grand Prix. A week earlier, we had launched the latest Star Wars film at the Cannes Film Festival, but then, in association with Red Bull, we took it one step further. There were Star Wars characters all over Monaco. We even had Darth Vader at the starting grid and all the pit stops were conducted by engineers dressed as storm-troopers. George Lucas himself congratulated us afterwards.
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SYOG: A theme is obviously very important when planning an event. What are some of your all-time favourites? Peter: There are several recurrent themes that fit perfectly in this region, like James Bond’s Casino Royale, The Golden Age of Cinema, and ‘Glitz & Glamour’, when we make people feel like celebrities. One summer, we created a Moulin Rouge party on a superyacht in Ibiza, with over 20 dancers, singers, musicians, visual artists and technicians. We had a Moulin Rouge windmill spinning on the stage, red and black feather boas everywhere and a classy French menu. The whole party was for just two guests, the yacht owner and his wife. This year, a client has booked an ‘enchanted wonderland’ theme event, with hostesses dressed as fairies, singers disguised as story-book characters, brightly coloured drinks, vintage sweet stalls and ice cream stands. The toilets are in a gingerbread house and there’s a photo booth in a giant oak tree. SYOG: What special considerations do you need to take into account when planning an event on a yacht? Peter: There is so much to take into account. Space is usually limited, delivery and access can be awkward, and every now and then we have to transport huge amounts of technical material by tender. Bearing all this in mind, sometimes it’s easier just to have an amazing acoustic band that can set the mood perfectly. They can start upbeat yet discreet, then later they can take requests, singing the guest’s favourite songs and getting everyone in the mood for a party. Occasionally though, the client will want something extra special and we can arrange for some of the world’s biggest stars to turn up and perform. In the past, we have worked with superstars like Elton John, Bono, Lenny Kravitz and Roger Daltrey to name but a few. Through our personal contacts, we can arrange for just about any well-known artist to perform.
17 IMAGE: Riviera Organsiation
IMAGE: Riviera Organsiation
Bonder & Co - Paloma Bonder Paloma Bonder is founder and director of Ibiza-based Bonder & Co, an haut de gamme villa rental, concierge and event planning company. Having expertly orchestrated every detail of beautiful weddings, lavish children’s parties and private and corporate events, there is little that Paloma and her team don’t know about the intricacies of event-planning. SYOG sat down with her to get some insider tips. SYOG: How important is it to have a theme for a party? Paloma: A well-chosen and designed theme stimulates your imagination and inspires. It really gets you and your guests into the party spirit. By connecting every detail, from clothing to set-up, catering to entertainment, the party will be a truly exclusive one. A concept is extremely important so there is a common thread that ties everything together. SYOG: So tell us, what are some of your favourite themes?
IMAGE: Riviera Organsiation
Paloma: I love to transport clients to a bubble, a moment of childhood, romance or to a dream that we can manifest. I like to surprise our clients and bring them into our Bonder & Co universe of perfected, wow-factor excitement and curiosity. Because of my previous experience in jewellery and embroidery design, costumes are really something I go crazy about. The more special, creative and elaborate the better! SYOG: You have planned parties in so many different locations. Why do superyachts make good venues for hosting events?
IMAGE: Bonder & Co
Paloma: Yachts offer exclusive and private entertainment possibilities, mixing business and networking with pleasure. So having the opportunity to create floating experiences is a privilege to us. One of the most impressive and memorable events happens when you are on a yacht accompanied by five-star catering, a super attentive crew and a mixture of wild nature and our creative colour flow. It is absolutely mind-blowing.
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IMAGE: Bonder & Co / Raquel Martinez
IMAGE: Bonder & Co
Of course you have to bear in mind you won’t be on land anymore and different rules and logistics apply, but for our guests it’s very exciting because once the yacht departs, the fun and magic happens. And as everyone knows, that what happens at sea, stays at sea. SYOG: Can you tell us a little about how you plan all the different elements of an event?
Secondly, people, people, people. We get into our client´s lives and understand how they live and what’s important to them. The whole event is based on their feedback and our know-how. Understanding our clients, the way they live, their culture and their priorities in life are keys to a successful event.
SYOG: Tell us about some of your absolute favourite events that Bonder & Co have organised.
Paloma: I start with beauty - colours, textures, picture-perfect places and venues. This is very similar to when I used to work in fashion for brands like Armani, Lacroix and Dior. We had a vision, which was to make people look and feel beautiful. It could start from any inspiration; a painting or antique brooch found in a store, or someone that inspired you.
Paloma: Every event is special for us! We pride ourselves on our creativity and unique approach. Every event should dazzle and amaze. Some of my favourites include acrobats in spectacular costumes flying and swinging above the crowd, a deluxe cliff-top engagement dinner with an orchestra, a
You can then use them to create a theme. It’s all about moments and making people feel unique and special. I think that is one of my missions in life.
40th birthday party with 3D projections of angels and flames amongst the guests, and a three-day anniversary celebration with 24-hour Bonder & Co concierge for 250 guests.
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Entertainment Talents & Productions - Alexandre Hourdequin Alexandre Hourdequin is the general manager and brains behind the Monte Carlo-based Talents & Productions, one of the world’s leading agencies in original visual performers. They represent more than 3,000 artists - from magicians to illusionists, circus acts to shows. They have produced the French President Christmas Show, collaborated with Cirque du Soleil and created some of the most spell-binding acts imaginable. We asked Alexandre to share his passion for the entertainment world with us. SYOG: You have arranged some truly astounding entertainment performances and artists. What are some of the most extraordinary or incredible ones that come to mind? Alexandre: Each year, our agency works on more than 1,000 events around the world, with requests coming from event planners and private clients as well as brands and entertainment professionals.
consists of creating a live portrait using only glue and glitters and the Pixisme show, which also creates portraits in minutes, but this time with Rubik’s cubes.
SYOG: I’m sure there are some limitations to arranging entertainment on board yachts. Tell us about some of the incredible performances you have arranged at sea.
Alexandre: Providing entertainment on a yacht is not an easy task for many different reasons. First of all, even if a yacht is gigantic, the main deck generally doesn’t have enough ground or floor-to-ceiling space to create a show with several performers. Another difficulty is movement! Many acts which bring a wow factor have to deal with balance. Jugglers or a hand balance acts for example, really need a dead sea to be able to perform.
Nevertheless we have had a mentalist doing some magic tricks, a band playing on the main deck, a true mermaid in the jacuzzi on the upper deck and a painter realising a live
In 2014, we took part in some incredible events such as the Sochi Olympic Games and the Airbus A350 certification ceremony. Each time we had to come up with some amazing and never-before-seen entertainment.
IMAGE: Talents & Productions
From our catalogue of 5,000 acts and shows, Talents & Productions is particularly proud of two housemade acts: the Glue and Glitter painter - a performance which
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painting of the evening.
However, the best yacht entertainment that we have provided was for the launch of a superyacht. Since we couldn’t get on the yacht, all the entertainment happened around it in the port. A complete 30 minute show was created especially for the occasion with Cirque du Soleil type performers on the shore, as well as on jet skis and small boats.
IMAGE: Talents & Productions
Based On a True Story - Niel Fox Based On A True Story (BOATS) is the brainchild of Niel Fox. So much more than a VIP luxury travel service, they craft bespoke adventures that take their clients on magical, spell-binding journeys around the world in utterly exclusive luxury. They often achieve the seemingly impossible, the team’s wild and creative imaginations knowing no bounds. We asked Niel to share some of the wildest and most aweinspiring adventures they have conjured up. SYOG: Where does the inspiration come from to arrange such magical experiences for your clients? Niel: We are a creative business rather than a traditional travel or events company. I was the owner/founder of a creative agency before founding BOATS - our service has always been a creative one. I personally get my ideas when running in the mountains that’s where I go when I need inspiration for strategic thinking. Our adventures and events are shaped and get highly creative during reconnaissance where we are all able to imagine a world of experiences through a particular client’s eyes. I also think a very good brief and clear understanding of a client’s needs and wishes provides the catalysts for creativity and imagination. After that it’s second nature, we have never repeated a single project, holiday, adventure, honeymoon, party or event. And we never will. SYOG: How do you begin to make that inspiration into a reality? There must be some huge obstacles to overcome for each event. Niel: I think it’s called ‘blind belief’! If you can think it and believe in it, you can make it happen - but there’s also a lot of strategic thinking and structure, of course. BOATS is such a strong team of inspirational people it’s incredible what can be done between us. Paramount to success is working with highly capable individuals who are passionate about what they do and committed to what we are trying to achieve. SYOG: Right, we’re waiting with baited breath to hear about some of these truly astonishing experiences. Tell us about some of your personal favourites.
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IMAGE: Based On A True Story
Niel: Hand on heart, there are too many to mention. Everything we do is in some way extraordinary and it just keeps getting better and better. A few stories that perhaps stand out include a superyacht-based adventure, where a family who were invited by the Gods of Greece to help save them from mortality and crisis by finding a massive hoard of gold - which they did by overcoming many monsters (like Jason and the Argonauts). Another family saved mythological beings from dying out across Scandinavia because they were able to truly believe in their imagination, doing good, magic and magical things. These days, children mostly live through a technological world that is defined and too structured for imagination - which was the premise for our strategy. Their adventure, also based from a superyacht, included encounters with mermaids, trolls, dwarfs, a witch, vikings and elves, and concluded in Tallinn, where they saved a whole town (a cast of hundreds of people) trapped in a spell and in turn restored magic to the lands.
Everything we do is in some way extraordinary and it just keeps getting better and better. 22
IMAGE: Based On A True Story
Another group found a calling card for a ‘Tailor Extraordinaire’ who made ‘magical clothes’ to take you on ‘magical journeys’. They eventually found the shop in the labyrinthine streets of Marrakech’s souks, changing into fantastical silk garments, then stepping back outside the shop and into a world that had completely changed. It was like 2,000 years before - we had cleared the streets and brought hundreds of actors and extras dressed all in white sack cloth with camel trains, donkeys, fires, people chanting. It was surreal! Honeymoons and many exploratory adventures all over the world - too many to mention - when the farewell at the door of a private jet has been a very emotional one and the guests know they are about to close the door on what was an extraordinary chapter in their lives. Many adventures where we have been able to leave something positive behind… We often donate a percentage of profits to those in need whom we have met as a consequence of where we work - we have a grassroots policy that ensures as many people as possible get a few dollars for
IMAGE: Based On A True Story
IMAGE: Based On A True Story
being involved in a project helping out.
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IMAGE: Veevers Carter / veeverscarter.com
Floral Design
Lifelike Flowers - Berta Strobl
Veevers Carter - Ming Veevers Carter
Berta Strobl is the managing director of luxury British artificial flower boutique Lifelike Flowers. Their hand-made, high-end, premium-quality silk flowers are so delicate and detailed that the most common question they get asked is, “Are they real?” Berta agreed to share her thoughts on floral design with us.
The hugely talented designer Ming Veevers Carter has been dreaming up vibrant and innovative designs since 1984, and has earned the reputation as one of London’s top floral designers. She has designed lavish arrangements for everything from weddings to corporate parties, fashion shows to state banquets. Ming kindly agreed to share some of her creative thoughts on the importance of flowers at parties. SYOG: How do flowers bring life to an event? Ming: Flowers are the last thing everybody thinks about when organising an event, yet they are the first thing everybody sees when they walk into a room. They set the tone for the entire evening - is it fun, wild, intoxicating or sophisticated, elegant and serious? Flowers give an instant impression about the host and the value that they are placing on the guests that they have invited. Let’s face it, if you’re sitting at a table with a dead hydrangea in a fish bowl in front of you, you’re not going to feel that special. SYOG: What floral trends are we going to see heading into 2015/16? Ming: Increasingly people are beginning to understand floristry as an art form in its own right. Major brands are increasingly commissioning floral artistry and there is something amazing about the ephemeral nature of the design. At the same time, some are more focused on the sustainability of the design and we have created some stunning works of art from freeze-dried and silk flowers that will stand the test of time, along with the revival of the terrarium. SYOG: How do yachts make unique venues with regards to floral designs? Ming: Every yacht is unique and they have that wonderful mix of spaces that range from formal staterooms, to informal al fresco dining areas, allowing a huge range of designs to be incorporated. There is often interesting structure on board as well which can be tied into the design. In fact, it is often advisable to weigh down or tie the florals into the structure, as wind and weather have a nasty habit of upsetting the best of plans at sea.
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SYOG: In short, what do flowers bring to a party? Berta: We believe floral design can add an unspoken message to an event. They can tell a story, invoke memories and touch our hearts. A breath-taking visual display delights our senses and reflects the host’s personality. Spectacular flower arrangements can imitate art, create a talking point and ease conversation flow to bring people together. SYOG: What are some of your all-time favourite styles? Berta: Soft Channel, also called the Parisian theme. Using the Channel colours black and white, and occasionally soft pinks. Faux flowers offer the unique opportunity to use equivalent black flowers of white stems, which are near impossible to find in fresh flowers. The parties are elegantly styled with timeless chic. A contrast to black and whites, our second all-time favourite is the 1920s - be it Great Gatsby or more seductive Moulin Rouge. They’re all about glitz, glamour, rich colours and sheer decadence. Our flower arrangements are accessorised with crystals, feathers and pearls to really set the scene for a night in the roaring twenties with lavish over-the-top style. SYOG: What has 2015/16 got in store for us with floral design? Berta: Wonder Wild is the trend for 2015/16. It’s raw and sophisticated, timeless and refined, highlighting the awareness of climate change, recycling and looking after our planet.
These natural-looking trends will transition into using more bold, vibrant colours and a bohemian artist’s atelier theme constructed around a base of dark tones, but illuminated with light and bright colours. Floral trends will of course keep up with fashion and interior design trends - the upcoming colours being marsala, deep rich burgundy, brown-tinted maroon and copper. SYOG: Tell us, what works fabulously on board a yacht? Berta: Yachts embody exclusivity and luxury, so the flowers must add to this and reflect the beauty of nature. White
Multiple decks offer the option for different themes, creating parties within a party. Flowers can be used with interior design and sounds to create the desired ambience and give illusion of extra space - interior flower walls of roses, or parasols decorated with hydrangea on deck, or orchid sculptures, for example. A party is the perfect excuse to go a little over the top with flowers.
Floriture - Alex Whitfield Alex Whitfield is the managing director of Floriture who specialise in high-quality, artificial or silk flowers. They have created bespoke sculptures for everyone from Radisson Blu to Audi. We asked Alex what he thinks about designing on superyachts and upcoming trends. SYOG: What does a well-planned, beautiful floral design evoke in party guests? Alex: To create impact you need to stimulate all the
senses, the visual being one of the most important. Creating statement pieces is a great way to set the tone of a party and we bring a space to life with faux flowers. We are more indulgent with the use of blooms, there is no water to restrict what containers we use. It allows us to pull a scheme together, creating floral sculptures that give the wow factor. SYOG: What’s new on the floral design trend horizon? IMAGES (LEFT): Lifelike Flowers / www.lifelikeflowers.com
Creating mini-gardens in pretty little glass bottles or mason jars, and wooden accessories filled with wild flowers, foliage and twigs are bang on trend. You will also see a great variety of green plants, shrubs, succulents and even herbs such as rosemary, sage and thyme.
tends to be the colour of many yachts, so simple colours are most effective, like whites to compliment with reds and pinks to contrast. For the über chic look, black flowers make a statement against the white surroundings.
IMAGE: Lifelike Flowers / www.lifelikeflowers.com
IMAGE: Lifelike Flowers / www.lifelikeflowers.com Events and parties shall bring together a more natural, organic, rustic chic look with a touch of luxury. The flower to watch for will be gypsophila (or baby’s breath). It reminds us of our grandmother’s house mixed up with some carnations. Today you can use this delicate, elegant white flower by tightly bunching them together in a copper, floor-standing flute vase for a modern show stopper.
Alex: Greenery is a big part of the trend for 2015, with loose, relaxed arrangements of wild and romantic flowers. We tend not to follow a trend as we design for a space to match, compliment or enhance an interior. SYOG: Do you design differently when working with spaces on board superyachts? Alex: Our clients are superyacht owners who have high standards, exceptional taste and will only accept the very best. Working with such extreme luxury means you have to create unique designs to enhance a space. Then you have the climate to contend with too. The quality of our floral sculptures needs to be the best to stand up to some very harsh environments, but that said, it is our favoured sector - it is like no other to work in.
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Worldwide Yacht Photography - Jocelyn Passeron Jocelyn Passeron of Worldwide Yacht Photography and Video has spent fifteen years photographing yachts around the world. He has climbed to the top of masts, soared past yachts in a helicopter and captured special moments on board. His images have been commissioned by top charter companies, shipbuilders and yacht brochures - indeed, it seems there are few yachts Jocelyn hasn’t photographed. We asked him to reveal the secrets behind capturing a yacht party. SYOG: When photographing a yacht event, what do you try to capture that will give the hosts and their guests the best memories? Jocelyn: The most important thing about photographing a party is to be able to recreate the ambiance with your shots. You want guests to feel thrown back in time through your photos… And you want the ones who couldn’t attend to wish they had! It’s important to have a balance. You need to make creative shots - the décor and food, for example - as well as more traditional photo-call shots with special guests and VIP’s. In order to recreate the feel of a party, you need to show the place, the food and the people. If you’re a good photographer your clients should almost be able to hear the music when looking at your work. SYOG: So how do you go about planning an artistic approach for an event? Jocelyn: Firstly, the client’s brief is always the most important. If the client chose you, they have probably seen some of your work and will likely be happy to let you go freestyle. Even if I get a ‘white card’, I find out what the client wants to emphasise most during the party. Is it a party to launch a new business project? Or is it a family gathering? SYOG: Can you tell us about some different photography styles you have used in the past? Jocelyn: The approach will be totally different for a launch party in Holland, or for a Christmas family gathering in the
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IMAGE: www.yacht-brochure.com
Photography
IMAGE: SecaBlue Photography
Caribbean. For example, during corporate events I would organise a photo-call shoot as guests arrive, but for a family party I’d rather use a zoom lens (my 70-200mm is my favourite) so that I can capture the emotions in people’s faces, eyes and smiles. It allows me to shoot without being noticed and get more natural poses. SYOG: Apart from being an artistic whizz with a camera, what do you feel are the key attributes of an event photographer? Jocelyn: Availability is the first key in event photography. The second is adaptability. I have been involved with setting up unusual parties all around the world. From a New Year’s Eve fireworks display on a Burmese beach, to a giant BBQ with a reggae band on a private island, to a private beach party on PhiPhi Island, and all I can say is that they never go according to plan. The key is to be able to adapt and find solutions. Ultimately, what makes a good party is guests leaving with good memories and as a photographer. It’s always easier to take good shots when people are having fun - big smiles make for the best photos.
Award-winning photographer Andrew Clelland of SecaBlue Photography has been travelling the world for the past decade photographing superyachts. Now based in Southern Sweden, Andrew specialises in all facets of the maritime industry, and his clients include port logistics, yacht shows and VIP events. We asked him to share his thoughts and inspirations on photographing luxury yacht events. SYOG: What do you try to capture in your photographs of a party? Andrew: Naturally I am always trying to capture the smiles and positive energy surrounding an event. Of course, serious conversation still exists at parties, but photographically that is best left to formal PR and marketing events. SYOG: Can you give us some examples of different styles you utilise when photographing a yacht event? Andrew: Using natural light is nice if there is enough of it but, after sunset, high ISO settings will degrade any high resolution
images too much when trying to retain good exposure. Turning to fill flash, I have worked parties with the same principles I use in my outdoor portrait work: filling the light without making it obvious to the viewer. I therefore change from bouncing light from ceilings for example, to direct flash in a compact soft-box diffuser. This reduces the harsh shadows flashes can produce, creates a more natural feel to the atmosphere and a very smooth finish. SYOG: What advice would you give to a yacht owner planning an event with regards the best location, lighting or time of day for taking beautiful photos? Andrew: Parties are spectacular from sunset though to dusk. One of my favourite times of the day is during the ‘blue hour’, which can return spectacular ambient colours mixed with fill flash or not. This is perfect for photography and videography, and through the right photographic execution can return beautiful results at an event, especially on a yacht in Monaco’s Port Hercules. If the weather allows, an outdoor event on the sundeck of a yacht is magical and much more atmospheric than inside a saloon or on the lower aft deck. ■
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SecaBlue Photography - Andrew Clelland
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The Gama Way In a world of almost ubiquitous, high quality service, just how do you stay at the very top of your game at 41,000ft?
I
t all started for the company way back in 1983 with a single aim: deliver an aviation service that surpasses a client’s expectations. “This was a simple ambition when we first started but as service levels have increased around us we have had to look hard at where we can go beyond ‘good’”, says Marwan Kahlek, co-founder and CEO of Gama Aviation. “However, I’m pleased to say that with more than 900 employees, 45 countries and 145+ aircraft later, we still employ that same basic philosophy as we started with,” he continues.
Personal service at every level Unlike some of its competitors, Gama Aviation works hard to create a deep relationship with its clients. The key to this has been the use of ‘Client Guardians’. Duncan Daines, Group CMO, explains, “Each Guardian knows the Principle’s representatives well so they can confer directly, changing the service detail to take into account changes in everything from diet to trip type to time of day. Ours is an environment that requires detailed preparation. Rarely can we alter a dining occasion in the air, therefore everything has to be planned in detail on the ground. If the party is sailing or is staying at a residence then there is ample time for change – we just don’t have that luxury at 41,000ft.” Clients, using private aviation for the first time, despite best efforts, can forget this. “We have had requests for a number of items mid-flight which we have had to politely decline. I guess that is to our crew’s credit that our guests feel so at home they quite literally forget where they are.”
Creating an experience in the air Daines continues, “Anything will become pedestrian if it is done enough times and some of our clients are very
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regular travellers. Whilst we cannot change the overall cabin ambience, we can look to add subtle touches that allow us to go beyond ‘good’. “Just the other day we had a high-profile client who has a brand extension in fragrances and personal care products. For that particular charter flight, we removed all the usual amenities and replaced them with items from the clients range. This level of detail is second nature to our air and ground crews. They have an interest and passion for making this happen - it’s a trait that is almost impossible to train; you either have it or you don’t.” says Daines. Another essential part of any flight experience is dining. Under cabin conditions, produce - however high quality - changes. Pressure and relative humidity act to literally alter tastes. This is where specialists, such as On Air Dining, come into their own. Daniel Hulme, CEO and himself a previous yacht chef explains, “In the air, even in private aircraft cabins, your ability to taste is lost; the galley environment is often small and more
often than not you’re not being served by a trained chef.” He continues, “Using our own experience and working with the likes of Gama Aviation, we have overcome those parameters, using our passion for food to create dishes that work.” And we can testify the dishes are amazing, perfectly delivered with complex flavours that survive the environment. The Miso cod and deconstructed tuna Nicoise (using Sashimi grade tuna and delicate quail’s eggs) are a delight. Look a little further and exotic deserts and fine wines are similarly curated to meet the parameters of the operating environment and the demands of the client. Hulme continues, “A restaurant will balance wines with produce, selecting from a large cellar. Onboard, we don’t have that luxury. Therefore, planning at an extremely detailed level is a priority.” The dish of the moment is the lengthily named Kopi Luwak coffee coconut gold dessert, made of coffee beans that cost between £1,000 and £20,000 per kilogram. For the
This level of detail is second nature to our air and ground crews. They have an interest and passion for making this happen – it’s a trait that is almost impossible to train; you either have it or you don’t.
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Emerald grade, the cost is £360 per serving. “It’s not your everyday dessert and really it is part of a much broader coffee experience. It has much more affinity with the ritual of drinking fine single malt than having a latte,” says Daines. A major part of the attraction is ‘the story’ that surrounds the produce. “Buy into the story, and the dining experience automatically becomes richer. Not many will experience Kopi Luwak coffee; not many will appreciate the complexity of flavour; the effort taken to harvest the beans, the skill of roasting them to perfection or the art of creating the dessert. Those that do become part of the story as they in turn discuss the experience with others,” concludes Hulme.
Continuing the experience on the ground Being a global company and flying over 17,500 private and charter flights from 900+ departure points places a high premium on making sure that clients are transitioned from the air to the ground quickly and efficiently, so the experience doesn’t ‘break’. While third parties have to be relied upon, they are regularly audited and fully briefed by one of three 24/7/52 week operations centres worldwide, prior to departure or arrival. However, with a growing company comes a growing network of bases and facilities; the newest of which are in Glasgow and Sharjah. “Our Fixed-base operator facility in Sharjah, has been a strategic investment in UAE infrastructure, together with Sharjah Airport. Being 30 minutes from Downtown Dubai provides our clients a location advantage that others simply
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don’t have.” The speed of transition is important to Daines. “It’s part of the experience. The other day we cleared European clients from a Gulfstream G450 in 12 minutes. That’s just not possible without a seamless transition.” Even if they are not operating from one of their own facilities, the same attention to detail is delivered. “We had a recent charter client travelling through Europe. We met him and his family at each stop, to ensure continuity and make sure the transition from air to ground is seamless,” says Paul Cremer, part of Gama Aviation’s new client experience team. “As they were travelling with a small family, we dropped off a few small gifts to keep the client’s children entertained on the next leg of the journey. It’s the small things that make the difference.”
Where next? Marwan finishes as he began; “We have an ambition to go beyond ‘good’ - we want to surpass expectations in all that we do. To achieve this we need to work hard - we cannot simply afford to stand still and become complacent. I’ve heard this described as being akin to walking up an escalator going down. Stop and you reach the bottom quickly, walk and you only ever stay where you are. The moral is simple. The more energy you put in, the further you’ll start to move ahead.” So does that mean you refer to benchmarks in private or commercial aviation? “Not entirely,” comments Daines, picking up on the theme. “We are looking beyond sectors, understanding instead how our clients experience the world of say, superyachts, private residences, cars, art, entertainment,
etc. in order that we can design our service to better reflect their lifestyle.” Surely that list misses one item; technology? Daines agrees: “You’re correct - and actually this is where our own software (delivered by Gama Aviation’s sister company Airops Software) comes into play. Already we are looking at how wearable tech such as the Apple Watch will affect ground operations, pre-trip planning and booking flights. We see a bright future as this technology becomes mainstream and less dependent on proximity to a traditional desktop or mobile. Technology has fundamentally changed our world view and it would be arrogant to think its effects will not be felt in private aviation.”
An exciting future With continued fleet additions from the growth of its aircraft management business and Wheels Up (the US membership service), the business is transformed from its start-up days in 1983. “We have a great fleet working with clients on a variety of aircraft, from the ACJ and BBJ series of aircraft to the G650 to G450 range, most, if not all, of the Bombardier range and our first love the Beechcraft King Air,” concludes Daines. “This offers us a great global platform from which to build. That growth will come in part from discerning clients who want exceptional service across geographies and our capabilities.” Despite the years, the acquisitions, the mergers, and its size, one thing will remain constant; Gama Aviation’s purpose – to deliver a service that surpasses their client’s expectations. ■ For further information visit www.gamaaviation.com
Travel. It can be frustrating; time consuming; or effortless. I chose effortless.
Charter. Management. Maintenance. gamaaviation.com ++44 1252 553020
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Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a ...
IMAGE: Š Rolls-Royce
Superyacht elite modes of transport, from sky to ship to shore. The vehicle used to get to the party on time is a statement that is made long before passengers have stepped out of their luxury interiors.
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Rolls-Royce Motor Cars knew they could, in the words of Sir Henry Royce, “Take the best that exists and make it better.”
C
lassic fairy tales of knights and princes, queens and heroines might conjure fantastical images of royal balls and lavish, Disney-esque opulence, but even they never omit the all-important aspect of logistics and transport. Cinderella had her twinkling glass carriage pulled by a team of plumed, prancing horses, Pocahontas opted for a more modest, classic canoe and Cruella de Vil instilled terror into the hearts of 101 Dalmatians in her glamorous, neo-classical Panther De Ville. Even Aladdin’s (most certainly bespoke) magic carpet exuded a stylish eccentricity that ensured he arrived on time and made heads turn as he did.
them to prepare, relax and arrive for their moment in the limelight in consummate Rolls-Royce luxury. “In creating the Rolls-Royce Phantom Limelight collection, our designers have delivered authentic luxury by thinking deeply about the lifestyles of the powerful people who operate in the public eye and move swiftly
e yc -Ro olls :©R IMAGE
In real life the story is no different and getting to a superyacht is not simply a functional activity of manoeuvring from A to B. It is an adventure in its own right, a luxurious anticipation of what is to come and an expression of character and style. Whether it’s a quick tender zip across a flat calm harbour, a limousine saunter across town, a sunset helicopter journey, a private jet flight to the other side of the world, or a perfectly harmonised combination of all four, the vehicle used to get to the party on time is a statement that is made long before its passengers have stepped out of their plush interiors.
from engagement to engagement as part of their daily life,” explained Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of
Prepare, relax, arrive
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “The result
Thinking about the lifestyles of many of their clients, who spend considerable amounts of time travelling in the rear compartment of their Phantoms, the bespoke design team at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars knew they could, in the words of Sir Henry Royce, “Take the best that exists and make it better.”
is a beautiful, discreet motor car in which
The Rolls-Royce Phantom Limelight collection has been conceived as the ultimate travelling companion as its owner moves from major event to momentous occasion, helping
benchmark by delighting the most demanding and exacting
those for whom the world is waiting can prepare, relax and arrive in the finest luxury and style.” Limelight’s wholly new approach to luxury once again sets the people in the world - Rolls-Royce customers. Once again bespoke, is Rolls-Royce.
Authentic luxury on the move Authentic luxury is only achieved through ultimately understanding the needs and desires of the most discerning patrons in the world Rolls-Royce customers. From their deep understanding of this specific group of superluxury clients, the bespoke design team behind Limelight understood that a number of very human emotions and needs mattered; easy access to one’s favourite, personal possessions in order to prepare for the coming engagement; the opportunity to relax in ultimate luxury once ready; and an impactful arrival. For these select people, Phantom Limelight is their very personal concept of authentic luxury. The Phantom Limelight Collection of 25 cars are available to order immediately from Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers around the world.
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IMAGE: Š Rolls-Royce
Authentic luxury is only achieved through ultimately understanding the needs and desires of the most discerning patrons in the world Rolls-Royce customers.
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IMAGE: © Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. IMAGE: © Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.
Automotive works of art If you have a cool €1.85 million to spend on a vehicle, one of an ultimate in luxury purchases has to be the buying extravaganza that starts in the French town of Molsheim. The Bugatti headquarters and atelier (workshops) are based at the luxury Chateau Saint Jean. 80% of Bugatti purchasers actually visit Molsheim as part of their purchasing experience. All are offered a tour of the atelier, which is a striking exhibition space rather than an oil splattered workshop. Every aspect of the Bugatti is customisable; the colour and trim manager can offer a 17,000 colour palette to make the vehicle truly personal. The paint finish is flawless after three days of hand finishing and a light tunnel inspection, just as you would expect at this end of the market.
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IMAGE: Noble Automotive - GFWilliams (Blue Carbon)
The driver in the driving seat
Home, James
it’s hard to miss gliding up to the venue doors. As with most
The ethos behind the Noble M600 has developed from a
While just the name Rolls-Royce manages to evoke a sense
of the chauffeur-driven vehicles in this class, much of the
small team passionate about driving.
of timeless elegance and sumptuous luxury, they are far from
emphasis has been placed on the rear seats, and there is an
alone on the pedestal of terrestrial transport and the streets
unmistakable homage to the modern transatlantic airliner
This incredibly rare, low volume, bespoke supercar is
are paved with gold including choices of everything from
complete with pivoting leg rests, a rising desk and the
hand-built in England and evolved from their research of the
stretch limousines, to stately sedans, to super-fast supercars.
option to fully recline. With a hand-stitched Nappa leather interior that seemingly spreads to every conceivable surface,
available ‘supercars’, most of which lean heavily on computer assistance. It is their ethos that a supercar should be exciting,
When the event calls for a ‘Home, James’ approach, then
this relative of the S Class offers the opportunity for true
rewarding and challenging.
long-wheel bases and lounge-like comfort are provided by the industry’s elite manufacturers. The hybrid LS 600h L is not only the largest in the Lexus repertoire, but also the most powerful (reaching 100km/h in 5.6 seconds). The electric-drive motor and noise-reduction wheels make the ride oh-so-very-quiet, and its timeless exterior design eschews ostentation - perfect for those wanting to make a more modest entrance.
expression of style and taste.
The Noble M600 is a car produced not in competition to the current supercar establishment but one, they believe, that offers those serious about their driving an alternative philosophy and a more rewarding driving experience. Designed and engineered with a purity that rewards driver
in the driving seat.
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SUV’s such as the Range Rover Autobiography Black LWB combine a sleek yet robust and outdoorsy exterior with an executive interior complete with multimedia and climate solutions, generous legroom and a myriad of features. The Cadillac Escalade is even meatier externally, while the
skill, the M600 is neither dictated to nor hindered by unnecessary computer assistance, putting the driver back
It’s not only stately sedans that are extending that wheelbase.
While the Mercedes-Benz Maybach S600 has also opted for the sleek and sophisticated look, its imposing size means
armoured Jaguar XJ Long provides peace of mind to the more safety conscious passengers. Even Rolls-Royce has finally
IMAGE: Buehler Turbocraft® Copyrighted Designs confirmed rumours that it plans to produce a “high-bodied” vehicle capable of crossing “any terrain.” From long wheel-bases we enter the world of limousines, and nothing oozes party glamour like a stretch limo. Whether dazzling in eye-popping white or suave black, they ensure a VIP entrance is made and current trends are modelled on the sedan, SUV or roadster versions. Take the whopping Cadillac Escalade 130” Dubai Edition for example, or the sporty Porsche Cayenne S 54” Pullman Premier Edition, and it’s clear that accents and styling reflect their heritage, combined with the extreme interior space which only a limousine can offer. Supercars could easily yield their very own editorial, the sheer range of high-powered engines, unique styling and luxury accents both limitless and ever-changing. Yet, with
the marrying of superyachts and supercars in mind, mention must be made of the bespoke Phantom Drophead Coupé Waterspeed Collection by Rolls-Royce. It was constructed in honour of Sir Malcolm Campbell who, in 1973, claimed his first world water speed record in a Bluebird K3 hydroplane boat, powered by none other than a V12 Rolls-Royce R Engine. The entire design of the car takes inspiration from the water, from its brushed Maggiore steel exterior (inspired by Lake Maggiore on which the record was set) to the Abachi wood veneer, which evokes the feel of a boat soaring through the water.
Dock of the bay
open sea, the change barely perceptible to those lounging in their interior. At the forefront of elite amphibious tenders are Nouvoyage, who have gone one step further than the popular recreational and novelty models and launched the Limousine Tender 33, a sleek and elegant luxury amphibious yacht. “Nouvoyage has created a platform… with a patented design combining mechanical simplicity with state-of-the-art technologies drawn from leading commercial, military and racing industry advancements,” explained Martin Bodley, CEO of Nouvoyage. Indeed, for those wanting to make the ultimate party entrance, what better way than with cutting edge technology enveloped by a beautiful and classic exterior; a yacht to make James Bond green with envy.
There are cars that evoke the aura of boats, and then there are cars that are, in fact, boats. With the elegance of a swan, they glide down slipways and without hesitation launch across the
Talking about James Bond-esque brands, Turbocraft is unique. 007 used one in the movie “Thunderball” while the Secret
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Service used a 35ft jet boat to keep up with the First Family on the water. Turbocraft was also the first ever brand to introduce the waterjet propulsion system in the 1950s.
raf-b IMAGE: info@g
The legendary and pioneering brand is now back with Thunderclap 38, a luxury day boat and superyacht tender. Conceived by talented designers of superyachts, the Thunderclap 38 is a new icon of luxury lifestyle on the waters. The boat epitomises what yachting is about: elegance, comfort and performance. With its counter-stern, ‘fashion plate’ and wraparound windscreen. Thunderclap has an unmistakable and elegant silhouette. The ‘fashion plate’ can be in any colour so the owners can have unique colour combinations. Everything has been conceived around the idea of ‘the best day on the water’: a central cabinet for the bar and summer kitchen, large sunbed plus a beautifully designed cabin with a queen berth and a small dayhead with shower. Talking about innovation, Thunderclap boasts the biggest swim stair for a boat of its size. Thunderclap uses waterjets (a legacy to its pioneering heritage) propulsion and has only 60cm of draft, making it the perfect tender for superyachts. Turbocraft is the choice for those who seek more than a boat: heritage and stunning design.
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Speaking of classic and beautiful there are some tenders that simply take the breath away. Yet the word tender doesn’t do justice to this generation of ancillary yachts, often conjuring images of small cruisers that can be easily hoisted on board. Works of art in their own right, this breed of yacht offers unparalleled luxury, bespoke styling and state-of-the-art engineering. Of Nedship’s extensive portfolio, the Cavalla 45 Classic is the epitome of understated class, transporting passengers to a bygone age of romantic boat travel (although the two MAN R 6- 800 engines are most
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certainly cutting-edge). Then there is the Graf Bootsbau Ipanema, a sporty wooden motor boat whose entire design ethos is derived from the standards of classic boat-building and craftsmanship, from her sculptured wooden hull to the intricate detailing of her brass chroming and stainless steel fittings. While Nouvoyage might be steaming ahead in the amphibious limousine tender class, the competition is heating up for limo tender manufacturers, and they are responding with alacrity, imagination and technical perfection. This year will see the 150th superyacht tender delivered by Pascoe International. The Southampton-based tender builder describe their collection of limousines as ‘purposeful, yet supremely stylish’, a phrase that perhaps captures the true demand for this type of tender. Their flagship SL Range includes four brand new models of open and closed cabin limousines ranging from 8m to 10.6m. Horseshoe seating on the larger enclosed limousines allow guests to travel to and from the yacht irrespective of weather conditions. The first 9.6m SL Limousine was awarded the coveted Gold Neptune Award for Tender Design at the 2015 Showboats Design Awards held in Austria. It was judged best in class and impressed the judges with full standing headroom within the beautifully designed cabin, full joystick control for ease of manoeuvring and the option to invite guests to board from either the stern or via the bow boarding steps. Following on from the five SL Limousines and Landaus already in service, Pascoe International currently have a further five enclosed limousines on order. The SL Limousines complete Pascoe’s ability to deliver a package of tenders to meet any
IMAGE: 3D Visualization Service
There are some tenders that simply take the breath away.
and all of a yachts needs; from crew and watersports craft, fully compliant SOLAS Rescue Tenders, landing craft with hydraulic ramps which enable direct guest access to the shore, high performance owner’s power boats and finally the luxury range of limousines. As an extension of the yacht to which they tender, custom-built limousines are also making a debut and Hodgdon has the same meticulous detail which they have been putting into their bespoke tenders and applied it to create one-of-a-kind limousines; whether it’s one of the Michael Peters Yacht Designs from their portfolio, or an original design from another designer to suit the aesthetics of the mother-ship. From one bespoke manufacturer to another, Scandinavian boat builder Windy has stepped foot into the arena with the very first Custom 8 Metre Windy Espen Oeino Limo Tender. She boasts seating for up to ten guests, a bespoke Hermes interior and two 220h Volvo sterndrives - and she can slide perfectly into the garage of a superyacht in the 70m class. British-based tender specialist Wahoo Ribs has also released plans to launch two new high-end limousines with closed and cabrio versions of their successful Shadow. She will bring additional low speed manoeuvrability and directional stability which, coupled with an ultra-modern, tear-drop design and twin 270HP Yanmars and Hamilton jet drives means the Shadow will exceed 35 knots.
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IMAGE: Wahoo Ribs Industry voices share with SYOG the need for more practical ways to transport guests in all weather conditions or with total under-the-radar privacy. It is not just sleek design and elegant aesthetics that are in demand, but functionality too. In response to this, Acronautic has launched the world’s first Limousine RIB Tender - a unique fusion between an open style RIB and luxury superyacht limousine tender. Fun and practical, it manages to maintain its fundamental RIB function as a mutli-purpose, utility vessel with a limousine style cabin ideal for transporting guests. Mr Crone, managing director of Acronautic commented, “Rigid Inflatable Boats have always been popular as superyacht tenders, however transporting a large number of guests in protected comfort has continually been a challenge. This vessel is designed to complement the yachting experience and offer a safe, dry and luxurious experience.”
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Answering the call of the superyacht cognoscenti’s demand for green vessels are hybrid tenders such as Nedship’s futuristic-looking SWATH Electra Glide Limousine Tender. Eschewing the classic profile of a gentleman’s cruiser, the SWATH’s (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull) catamaran profile is sturdy and angular, providing a spacious guest cabin, increased stability and, with a roof comprised of solar panels and a pair of 300hp Regen Electric outboards, an incredibly quiet experience. For 60m+ class superyachts, finding a garage or tender well to house a large tender is an important but feasible design element, so wonderfully exemplified by M/Y J’ade by Ferretti group company CRN whose drive-in, hydraulic-operated hatch can be emptied in three minutes and doubles as an indoor swimming pool. For yachts in smaller classes however,
or whose owners, charterers or guests prefer the al fresco ambience of boating, there is a plethora of tenders to choose from to suit functionality, design or personal taste. Whether it’s Pascoe International’s savvy Beach-Lander, perfect for flying up the sand to the hippest beach party, or Hodgdon’s racy MPYD Sport Tender which can reach speeds of 44 knots, there is an ocean of choice. There are classes of catamarans, trimarans and mono hulls. Then there is the revolutionary Kormaran. With the abilities of a Transformer it can switch from one form to another whilst under way, thus creating a completely new class of boat tender. The Austrian-made design is inspired by supercars and has retractable hydrofoils, which allow it to drive in shallow waters and land on shore, plus the option to unravel an enormous swim platform.
Yacht Projects Custom Tenders
•
Custom Chase Boats
•
Custom Limousine Tenders
•
Custom Bespoke Interiors
Windy Yacht Projects present a unique collaboration between our skilled Scandinavian engineers and some of the yacht industry’s most reputable designers and naval architects. Our mutual philosophy is to build and deliver, what many believe, are simply the best built boats in the world.
Windy Scandinavia AB • Södra Varvsgt. 27 • SE-593 50 Västervik • Sweden • Tel.: +46 490 258 850 project@windyscandinavia.se • www.windyboats.com
GET THE PARTY STARTED SUN AWNING SYSTEM
When ‘night fever’ on board starts even before the day is out, you don’t want to be dazzled by torrid glaring sunlight. This is where our cool shading system comes in. With the genius of simplicity, it can also be used as a cinema screen – and with the help of the awning supports, it even comes in handy for lighting or as a PA system. An indispensable party accessory!
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IMAGE: Gama Aviation IMAGE : ©LISA Airplanes
As a leading tender manufacturer, Novurania’s range exemplifies the varied needs of the industry and their collection includes everything from their Deluxe Series of smaller RIBs through to their sporty Catamaran series and their plush powerhorses in the Chase series. “Innovation is apparent in every model of our comprehensive line of boats,” they explained. “[We] continue to introduce new models based on the needs of our direct clientele.”
Leaving on a jet plane It is the wonderful nature of yacht parties that they tend to be held in equally wonderful, exotic and often far-flung destinations. Whilst clinking glasses under the setting sun of Tahiti or swaying to the rhythm of panpipes in Samoa is utterly alluring, the question of getting there is one that private aviation charter companies have been mastering for years. Aviation charter and management companies such as the British-based Gama Aviation or the Swiss-based Comlux Aviation Group offer an arsenal of planes, from short-haul light jets designed to carry six to nine passengers, to ‘heavy’ jets which can transport up to 14 passengers across continents.
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IMAGE: ©LISA Airplanes Perhaps surprisingly, despite a four-year downturn, which
“Twenty years ago many aircraft interiors were ostentatious; a show
stabilised in 2013, trends within the private aviation industry
of wealth rather than a business too. Today, most aircraft interiors
are pointing towards increased purchase and use of the
are functional and conservative with clean lines and elegant
larger and more long-range aircraft. “Aircraft such as the
features,” Kamradt explained, although he pointed out that,
Bombardier Global or Gulfstream family of aircraft were less
“Conservative does not mean boring by any stretch of
affected by the downturn and there has been a clear trend
the imagination.”
over the last several years towards larger cabin aircraft,” explained Duncan Daines, chief marketing officer at Gama Aviation.
In contrast to their more modest interiors, aircraft paint schemes
“In fact, the newest aircraft on our fleet is a late
are becoming increasingly bold and creative. Kamradt told SYOG,
2014 Gulfstream G550, an exceptional aircraft that is
“What was once three stripes on a white aircraft can now be
showing strong charter demand for Caribbean destinations.”
anything from a cityscape to a portrait of a person to a zebra. In fact, in 2014, we presented the world’s largest and most expensive
Boeing Business Jets echoes this sentiment, reporting high
birthday card when we turned a Challenger aircraft into a happy
2014 sales of their 777-300ERs, a model that when used by
birthday card for Prince George on his first birthday.”
commercial airlines carries 400 passengers and has a range of 6,550 nautical miles. Flying the only VIP widebody aircraft available
Jets might get you pretty close to your final superyacht destination,
for charter, a Boeing 767BBJ, Fly Comlux has also reported
but for a door-to-door service LISA Airplanes has come up with
successes with their largest aircraft; “Since we started operating
something revolutionary. The ability to touch down on land, sea and snow without any prior modifications, the AKOYA Light Sport Aircraft uses seafoil technology - wing-like structures under the fuselage, or retractable landing gear complete with skis. With a range of 1,250 miles and ergonomics that include folding
our 767BBJ two years ago, it has proven to be one of our most successful VIP aircraft available for charter,” explained Andrea Zanetto, CEO of Fly Comlux. As with similar trends in superyacht design, aircraft interior design is seeing a change in direction.
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Jets might get you pretty close to your final superyacht destination, but for a door-to door service, LISA Airplanes has come up with something revolutionary.