/boatinternational @boatint @boatinternational /boatinternational @boatinternational /boatint BOAT International One of the most memorable events I attended adjacent to the Miami International Boat Show last month was in the city's booming art district. It was a kick-off event for an immersive exhibit/event/dining experience from The Bahamas and Hidden Worlds, celebrating the islands’ beauty, fragile ecosystem, and sustainability efforts. Among evocative images of healthy corals, mangroves, and sea life projected onto walls, floors, and tables, chefs dished out sustainable food (lionfish ceviche, anyone?), and bartenders made a great show of crafting cocktails in shiny shakers – all good for the oceans and maybe humans, too. Most of the seven million visitors who visited the Bahamas last year arrived by boat (5.4 million on cruise ships alone). The Bahamas last year upped the…
CHARTER SPECIAL Octopus in Antarctica The 414ft Octopus, which is widely considered the first true explorer, has been photographed in Antarctica among soaring glaciers and penguins. It was the last stop on a charter expedition that included Mexico and Brazil. The explorer's adventure-enhancing amenities include two helipads, a dive center and seven tenders. Recently updated and refreshed, she charters with Camper & Nicholsons from $2,200,000 per week. Carbon offset Ocean Independence has introduced a carbon offset program for its charter fleet, working with Swiss specialist ClimatePartner. The charter length and fuel consumption will help determine the offset contribution, which will go toward projects that help reduce emissions and benefit people around the world, for instance the installation of a new hydroelectric power plant. Eco-aware charters Outside the ozone Northrop &…
PRESENTING THE 2023 BOAT INTERNATIONAL ON BOARD Lingoing effects from the pandemic, supplychain issues, inflation and geopolitical factors beyond the control of the yachting industry continued to weigh heavily on the production of new yachts delivered between the end of 2021 and October 2022. Designers, project managers and builders, working in some cases very closely with commissioning owners, overcame challenging circumstances to produce innovative yachts that made for a fascinating fleet of finalists and winners. While the BOAT Design & Innovation Awards focus on the design concept and development rather than the final product, our judges remarked on an exceptional level of artisanship among the 2023 award finalists, which in many cases appeared at the Fort Lauderdale, Cannes and Monaco boat shows. Among motor yachts, many of them were semi-custom…
New York Bemelmans Bar Tucked away in the Carlyle Hotel on the Upper East Side and decorated with 1940s murals by Ludwig Bemelmans (the creator of the classic Madeline books), this is old-school New York at its best. Don't leave without trying one of its famous Martinis. rosewoodhotels.com London Donovan Bar What do you get when you put Salvatore Calabrese (the “Maestro” formerly of Duke's Hotel) and Federico Pavan (who previously oversaw The Connaught's Coburg Bar) in charge of the drinks? Pure magic, of course. This supremely talented Italian pairing have an expertise envied by mixologists around the world. Named after the iconic 1960s photographer Terence Donovan and decorated with his prints, the bar is nestled in the heart of Brown's Hotel near Green Park in Mayfair. roccofortehotels.com Miami Ocho,…
For more information about the Owners' Club, email stewart.campbell@boatinternationalmedia.com THIS MONTH: a family finds its sea legs on a far-flung voyage/ when a TV show charters your yacht/ the best part of owning a boat Official partner of thr Owners' Club…
Chris Bouton Yacht: Indigo Length: 112ft Year: 2019 Location: the Bahamas What is it about the Bahamas that you love so much? There are a wide range of reasons, from wonderful marinas and beautiful beaches to amazing people. We also admire their conservation efforts toward sharks and other marine life. If I had to pick just one reason, though, I'd have to say the color and clarity of the water in the Bahamas, particularly the Exumas, is like nothing I've ever seen anywhere else on my travels What makes Indigo perfect for these waters? You want to be able to sneak into those hard-to-reach spots, anchor up and be near the beach in shallow water. We've found that Indigo can do that quite well and we love that about her.…
A competition to design a national flagship for the UK came to a screeching halt in late 2022, but not before a few of the country's top designers had developed ready-to-build projects. We bring you their concepts on the following pages, and for fun, a design for what an American flagship could look like. But first, here is some background on the competition and the national flagship's goals. UK secretary of defence Ben Wallace envisaged the national flagship as the “jewel in the crown” of the UK government's new shipbuilding strategy. It wasn't intended to be a replacement for the Royal Yacht Britannia, decommissioned in 1997 and now a floating tourist attraction in Edinburgh, Scotland. Instead, its main function would be to boost trade and drive investments by hosting exhibitions…
Boats have historically had a front-row seat to witnessing natural phenomena. Christopher Columbus was one of the sea aboard the santa maria in 1492. Captain Cook's crew first reported a “phenomenon in the heacens,” the Southern Lights, from HMS Endeavour in 1770. St Elmo's fire, an electrostatic discharge caused by certain weather conditions, is named after the patron saint of sailors. Astronomical events, spectacular sceneries, inexplicable animal behavior, and wild weather have throughout time presented themselves in full splendor to seafareres. Today's explorer-capable superyachts, and the flexibility and state-of-the-art technology that comes with them, offer the best views of these natural wonders. And it's a trend that's catching on, with an increasing number of owners investing in superyachts that can take them to the far-flung destinations where such phenomena occur…
VOYAGE Perhaps unsurprisingly due to the rising numbers of superyachts, quiet anchorages are becoming an increasingly rare find these days. Idyllic bays in the Mediterranean and Caribbean are commonly teeming with vessels, all battling for the optimum spot. But some of the world' most beautiful locales are seldom visited by much of the superyacht fleet. Fortunately, several charter vessels are primed to whisk you away to these far-flung corners of the earth. For a charter that offers pure escapism, rather than the buzzing of jet skis from neighboring yachts, go against the grain and head to one of the superyacht world's best-kept secrets. Greenland A continent-sized island between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, this misunderstood land mass is seldom considered a prime destination With swathes of icy tundra, midnight sun,…
THE BITTER END Do you have a tale from the high seas? Send your story to thebitterend@boatinternational media.com Years ago, I had an appointment to tour a yacht that was being managed by a charter broker. The broker called me beforehand to tell me that the owner would be on board but his wife wouldn't be. OK, I said, and just assumed this meant his wife didn't want to feature on the tour. Fair enough. When I arrived at the boat, the broker repeated that the owner was on board without his wife, and he emphasized the bit about his wife. But when I arrived on the sundeck I saw the owner sitting at the dinner table with a woman, who I quickly understood not to be his wife. In…
Olivia Michel Olivia is a freelance journalist based on the Malaysian island of Penang. She continues to write for the yachting and luxury industry, with her work featured in Yachting World, Suitcase and Yacht Style magazines. For this issue, she discovers the most compelling natural phenomena to be seen from a superyacht (page 114). The most remarkable natural wonder you've ever witnessed? The Northern Lights in the Finnish Arctic were mesmerizing. Watching the green and purple colors in the snowy wilderness, I almost forgot how cold I was! And the one you would most love to witness? The glow of bioluminescent plankton ana clear night. An owner who had cruised in the South Pacific once described seeing the phenomenon from on board as akin to sailing through a galaxy –I'd…
Sailers G2 This high-performance 128ft sailing yacht was reborn after a 2018 refit at Pendennis. Her interior by Nauta Design features an open-plan layout and plenty of natural light. She can be sailed in the lightest of airs, handled by a crew of five. From €90,000 per week; superyachtpartners.com Vela This 164ft custom phinisi-style sailing yacht launched in 2022 combines a traditional Indonesian exterior with a modern interior outfitted with a blend of high-end brands from Dedar to Hermès. Her crew includes qualified scuba instructors and she has dive gear for 17 guests, making her an ideal platform for diving trips. From $94,500 per week; camperandnicholsons.com Oceanus Launched in 2022 by Fontaine Pajot, 70ft Oceanus hosts eight guests in four cabins. Her bow lounge, complete with a Jacuzzi, is an…
With thanks to our event partners Oceanco, Benetti, Oliveri Home, Videoworks, KMF Kreative Metallform, Sleipner, Sanlorenzo, Viraver, Technogym, Lürssen, The Rug Company, Lumishore, Nautor Swan, Triton, Persico and Lasvit…
BOAT LIFE The Hamptons has its waterfront cottages, Venice its historic palazzi and Manhattan its brownstones. In Singapore, the most aspirational luxury properties are the more prosaically named Good Class Bungalows (GCBs). By global prime property standards, they're not particularly large or especially fancy. But GCBs change hands for tens of millions of dollars, can rent for close to $900,000 per year, and are defying global economic headwinds by increasing in value. “GCBs are the pinnacle of the Singapore property market,” says Nicholas Keong, head of private office at Knight Frank Singapore. “They're aspirational, multigenerational homes.” What sets Singapore's GCBs apart is their exclusivity. There are only around 2,800 of them, mostly built during the first half of the last century for high-ranking colonial officers and, later, rich local merchants.…
OWNERS’ CLUB Ihad a desire for my kids to be inspired by the world and not just be stuck within four walls for their education,” Maya Talit says. “Today the world is changing at such a fast pace, so we wanted them to see the beauty now.” Meanwhile, her husband, Liran, was passionate about sailing. So they forged a plan to take their four daughters on a far-flung sailing voyage that would bring both of their dreams to fruition. Over the course of nearly four years, the family ventured halfway around the world on their 115ft Alloy Yachts MyStar, from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, the US to the Galápagos, across the South Pacific and finally back across the ocean to Alaska. MyStar is the first boat the couple has…
Where I grew up in North Carolina, my friends were not into boating, and you do what your friends do. My wife, Rosemary, and I had a small boat at our house on Hilton Head Island but nothing like a yacht until I was in my late 30s. I was out with friends in Fort Lauderdale at the Marriott (now Hilton), where one of the guys kept his 70ft Hatteras. I started hanging out on the boat, then chartered it a couple of times, and when he moved up to an 8oft Hatteras, I chartered that boat too. Then I was hooked. I said, “You know, I kinda like this, maybe I'll get one.” So, in 1997 I went to FLIBS with my son. We looked at about 40 boats…
David Weiss of Designova Creative worked with industrial designer Discommon to create Aquila (Latin for eagle) as their vision for a mid-21st-century American Presidential flagship. As they imagined it, the vessel would be “a timeless beacon for future presidents, reminding them of what has come before, while acting as a platform to drive waves of innovation, discovery and new friendship with the planet and those in it,” Weiss says. The adventurous spirit of US Coast Guard's icebreakers of the early- and mid-20th century inspired the design, which adds modem touches to traditional lines. Powered by diesel-electric generators and protected pods, Aquila can cruise toward the storm and even through icy waters. “This vessel is meant more for power than speed,” Weiss says but it could reach 18 knots. Battery packs…
Fata Morgana This mirage is caused by light rays bending as they pass through air layers of different temperatures. It appears as a distant floating city or ship, hovering above the horizon. The green flash When the air is stable and dear during sunrise or sunset, the earth's atmosphere can cause sunlight to refract into different frequencies, creating a momentary green light at the horizon. Waterspouts Common in tropical climates, this tornado-like column of fast-moving wind that spins over bodies of water descends from cumulus clouds when the air is much warmer than the water below. Ice eggs Wind and currents rolling over small pieces of sea ice in open water can create almost perfect spheres. In rare occurrences, these ice eggs accumulate on beaches.…
DAY ONE Meet Lamima in Labuan Bajo and set sail for the sheltered bay of uninhabited Gili Lawa Darat island, 18 nautical miles west. Try your hand at some of the water toys or simply relax until the early evening before a hike to a spectacular vantage point. DAY TWO In the morning Lamima will sail 30 nautical miles north-east for Sangeang, home to the magnificent active volcano of Sangeang Api. Among the dramatic black-sand beaches and vivid coral reefs, take a dive and explore Sangeang's kaleidoscopic underwater world. In the afternoon, visit the local Wera village to learn about traditional boatbuilding techniques. DAY THREE After hosting a relaxing breakfast on board, the yacht will relocate 14 nautical miles south-east to the pristine beaches of Gili Banta. Spend the morning…
VOYAGE Alex Dilling is a name of growing familiarity in the gastronomic world. He and his team earned Adour in New York two Michelin stars in 2012 and one at Caviar Russe in 2013. He then went on to open his first standalone restaurant at London's Café Royal in 2022. Dilling's career began under Alain Ducasse at Adour, before he worked alongside Hélène Darroze at London's The Connaught Today, however, his artful cuisine continues to light up Malta at the Michelin-starred ION Harbour, where he is executive chef. The food at ION Harbour is precise, aesthetically immaculate and, most importantly, completely delicious. What do you regard as the quintessential ingredient in Malta? Being in the heart of the Mediterranean is a dream as a chef, and the quality of the…
TREASURE SHIP Six years after her launch, one of the world's most famous sailing yachts has joined the charter fleet The 350ft Oceanco sailing yacht Black Pearl is now available for charter. One of the most recognizable yachts on the ocean despite the secrecy that surrounded her 2018 delivery, she boasts three 230ft carbon masts and the world's largest DynaRig, which deploys 30,968 square feet of sail. An all-star team came together for her build, including Dykstra Naval Architects, Nuvolari Lenard, Ken Freivokh and Villate Design. She is available to charter with Superyacht Connections for an undisclosed amount. superyachtconnections.co.uk…
What mistakes do first-time charterers make? This depends on what type of charter they are taking. But I often hear guests later state that they have overpacked. First-time charterers should ask the most questions and their broker must offer a detailed education on expectations, expenses and itinerary. Fuel and gratuity should not be surprises and should be discussed in advance. What conversations should you have with your captain? The broker and captain should offer a plan B itinerary to ensure that charterers can still have an enjoyable time if conditions require a change in plans. Where is popular this year? Costa Rica, for late spring bookings, perhaps due to extra exposure provided by its tourism authority and the clear updates to its charter regulations and taxes. Have you seen a…
SOARING This 224ft Abeking & Rasmussen stands out with her graceful exterior lines, while inside Focus Yacht Design has created an opulent home at sea with an upper deck owner's terrace and all guest cabins on the main deck. She has a sauna, gym and toys such as a driving range. From $747,000 per week, oceanindependence.com VICTORIOUS Built for exploration and entertainment, the 279ft Akyacht Victorious, launched in 2021, boasts unusual living spaces: take the lofty upper salon with a baby grand piano, or the “gentleman's lounge” with a real working fireplace and cigar humidor. With a kids’ playroom and swimming pool in the massive beach club, she's the perfect base for family charters as well. From $866,400 per week, fraseryachts.com AHPO The newest and biggest yacht by far to…
LIMASSOL LIMASSOL GREENS Limassol Greens offers luxury townhouses, villas and apartments in this little slice of paradise, located on a lush citrus farm with an 18-hole championship golf course set within the natural landscape. Snap up a piece of the action now – the property will be ready for completion in winter 2024. Tserkez Tsifliki, 4652; limassolgreens.com LIMASSOL BOAT SHOW Back for another season, the Limassol Boat show promises sailing races, demos from the latest in tech and toys, plus a VIP lounge and charity fashion show. May 18 to 21; Limassol Marina Street 3601; limassolboatshow.com LIMASSOL MARINA COLUMBIA SUN Serving up the best of local Cypriot fare, alongside sushi, champagne and cocktails, Columbia Sun is the beachside restaurant to be seen at this year. Located at Lady's Mile Oceanside,…
CHOOSE THE RIGHT PROGRAM “We opted for Laurel Springs. The school is fully accredited, offering Advanced Placement classes and even a model UN club, and graduates have gone on to Yale, Harvard and Princeton universities. It was also user-friendly for the girls to do self-study.” HAVE ACCESS TO TUTORS “It's always helpful to have some extra support. The girls had some back home in London before we left, so whenever we wanted we could connect with them.” LEARN ACTIVELY EVERYWHERE- “Wherever you go, be active and seek out people who are interesting in the community. Keep your kids engaged. In Corsica we learned about Napoleon. In Mexico we met a shark scientist and helped her research baby sharks. In French Polynesia we went for a hike and encountered archaeologists digging…
“I drew inspiration from the luxury sports cars of the 1920s and 1930s,” says designer Igor Lobanov of the exterior of the new Mangusta 165 REV, a reinvention of the yard's successful 165 model. Look for the line that drops beneath the top window right after the long foredeck: it mirrors the line in an old-fashioned car with a long hood. “People used to sit down low behind huge engines and the line used to drop immediately after. That is how this idea came to me,” Lobanov says. “But the reason we needed to do that was that the shipyard required [us] to place the owner's suite on the main deck. A key difference between the two Mangustas (the 165 REV and the original 165) is here, in the front…
The gleaming white yacht tied to Monaco's Quai Rainier III looked like it was delivered if not yesterday, then very shortly before that. And, technically, that's not far from the truth. Even though her keel was laid in 2010, she was completed and handed over by Golden Yachts in mid-2022. Ken Freivokh began the design process on the yacht in 2007 and, while showing us around the boat, often looked as surprised as he was proud to be enjoying her decks in bright sunshine. “We were appointed overall designers by the owner for a 74-meter (243ft) yacht and once the design reached the approval stage, we received quotes from some yards that were [high],” Freivokh recalls. “Plus, this was happening at a time when there seemed to be a mad…
BEST BY BOAT LE GRAND JARDIN, ÎLE SAINTE-MARGUERITE, FRANCE A sliver of sea less than one nautical mile wide separates Île Sainte-Marguerite (the largest of the Lérins Islands) from the French mainland, but it feels light years away from the bright lights and boutique-lined streets of Cannes. Most visitors (who tend to be in-the-know locals) come to hike the UNESCO-protected island's scenic paths that criss-cross its shores, and as you step onto the jetty you are greeted by wafts of pine and eucalyptus. When the sun sets, everyone is forced to return to mainland Côte d'Azur – apart from, that is, anyone fortunate enough to be staying within the grand walls of Le Grand Jardin. Dating back to the 13th century, the estate was once home to nobility and royalty…
SWEET STYLE It's almost time to head back to the Med, and renowned Positano hotel Le Sirenuse has both you and your other half covered with a seriously smart resortwear collection for days and evenings. Crafted from linens, silks and Indian cottons, the pieces are perfect for living la dolce vita. We love the Stella Abstract dress (right). $865, emporiasirenuse.com BEACH-BOUND Luxury European hotel brand Kempinski has hopped across the pond and opened its first property in North America. Perched on the powder-white sands of Mexico, the new Kempinski Hotel Cancún is not just a beach paradise, but a culinary one too, having opened with six bars and restaurants, including the fine-dining restaurant Fantino. kempinski.com ALOHA Wellness-orientated brand 1 Hotels has opened the doors of its latest property at Hanalai…
THE BRANDO, FRENCH POLYNESIA Widely considered one of the world's most luxurious resorts, The Brando is set on Tetiaroa, a French Polynesian atoll comprising a dozen small islands that surround a lagoon. It may be slightly more complex to access by commercial airline and boat, but you can arrive swiftly by chopper and step out directly onto the immaculate sands in this secluded spot, thebrando.com GLENAPP CASTLE, SCOTLAND The saw-toothed Scottish coastline is primed for superyacht discovery, with breathtaking hikes, Michelinstarred restaurants and properties that give the world's best hotels a run for their money. The turreted Glenapp Castle is just that. Perched on the Ayrshire coast, it's the perfect spot to live out regal fantasies in true Victorian splendor. glenappcastle.com THANDA ISLAND, TANZANIA Cast 22 nautical miles off the…
