A broker for Asia Yachting in Thailand, Phuket-based Jordi Esteve enjoys sharing his love of life on the water with his clients.
What was your first experience with boating? My life-long passion with the sea started when I was a baby. My family had a sailing dingy and a bowrider, so we had a lot of fun doing all kinds of watersports like waterskiing to ride up and down the coast. When I got older, I started to surf and windsurf, and eventually started to sail bigger yachts.
When and how did you start your career in yacht sales? My career in yacht sales started around 12 years ago with a charter business in the Canary Islands in Spain. When I moved back to my hometown of Denia, a coastal town in Spain, I decided to join a yacht brokerage company.
What are your favourite islands or spots when you go out?
Phang Nga Bay in Phuket is the absolute best spot for sailing. It’s great because you can enjoy countless islands, tropical forests, incredible beaches and super-clear waters.
What do you think about the yachting scene in Thailand? I’ve seen a lot of growth in the Thailand yacht scene since I moved here. The Andaman Sea is ideal for yachts around 40-50ft; it’s easy to operate with plenty of comfort for the owner and their family. A Prestige 420 would be an ideal choice, as it comes with plenty of space, an elegant finish and superb handling.
What are the differences between the yachting scene in Thailand and other parts of the world you’ve lived in? The biggest difference is that the weather here is perfect for yachting all year long, and there are still a lot of unspoiled spots waiting to be discovered as well. (If you would like to know more, please read: Around Phuket by Yacht – Asia Yachting Recommended Routes)
What do you think the next trend for yachting will be? In my opinion, the next trend will be eco-friendly yachts. The reusable technology will be developing rapidly in the coming two years and that includes new eco materials, electrical engines and also the construction process, which may change the whole industry forever.
Fountaine Pajot is a great example. Being a leading pioneer in sustainable solutions and innovations within catamaran building, it launched ODSea Lab to create low-carbon and ideally carbon-neutral cruising boats and systems for its yacht brand by 2030.
What’s your favourite spot on the yacht? When I’m cruising, my favourite spot on a yacht is the helm because I’m a skipper and I like to be on alert and look around the boat and its surroundings. When the yacht is anchored, I love to be on the bathing platform relaxing, swimming around, and savouring a nice sunset by the water.
What would be a perfect day on the water for you? Going out on yacht with a bunch of friends or family, finding the perfect spot and then some surfing or diving, followed by a great lunch afterwards with my loved ones. This is the kind of days that really makes me happy.
Any tips for newcomers to yachting? It’s absolutely worth purchasing the best boat you can afford, because the quality and facilities will turn that first experience into an ongoing passion. My second tip is to get help from an experienced yacht broker about selection, purchasing, boat care and so on, especially one with knowledge about the products you’re considering. It’s a worthy investment that will help you to create memories that last a lifetime.
Asia’s largest yacht dealer is working with Bitcashier to enable cryptocurrency payment for yachts and charters.
Simpson Marine
Simpson Marine has announced a partnership with Bitcashier, an innovative cryptocurrency payment platform that can be used for yacht sales and charters. Founded in 2019 and already working with many other yacht brokerage firms, Bitcashier leverages the benefits of digital currencies to streamline transactions with no volatility of price.
By incorporating blockchain technology and catering to the growing demand for digital transactions, Bitcashier ensures secure, efficient, user-friendly and transparent payment processing for both buyers and sellers in the yachting sector.
Richard Allen, Group General Manager at Simpson Marine, said: “We are excited to join forces with Bitcashier and embrace the future of cryptocurrency payments in the yachting industry. This collaboration allows us to offer our clients greater flexibility and convenience, expanding their options for purchasing or chartering a yacht. By being Bitcashier’s first partner in the Asia yachting scene, we are elevating the experience for our clients and staying at the forefront of innovation in our industry.”
Bitcashier’s merchant tools will allow the implementation of crypto payments on the Simpson Marine website. Once a yacht has been selected for purchase, customers will be presented with a list of cryptocurrencies from the range of options supported by Bitcashier, including Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).
Upon confirming the purchase or charter agreement, the client initiates the payment through Bitcashier’s secure platform. The platform calculates the cryptocurrency exchange rate in real-time and generates a unique payment address for the transaction. Once the payment is verified, Simpson Marine processes the transaction, finalising the sale or charter and the client can then enjoy their newly acquired yacht or charter experience.
Cryptocurrency payments eliminate barriers associated with traditional banking systems, enabling international clients to engage in yacht sales and charters without the limitations of traditional currencies.
Giles Whitby-Smith, CEO of Bitcashier, said: “We are delighted to be chosen as the preferred cryptocurrency solutions partner for Simpson Marine, a highly respected, well-established company with deep roots in the marine industry in Asia Pacific.
“Bitcashier has a growing presence in Asia Pacific and is looking forward to providing the cryptocurrency transactional services to enable Simpson Marine clients to use crypto to buy and charter yachts and services.”
The Italian shipyard is staging the world premiere of the SX100 at the Cannes Yachting Festival ahead of a unit’s delivery to Southeast Asia in early 2024.
Sanlorenzo’s display at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival (September 12-17) will include the world premiere of the SX100, which joins a range including the SX76, SX88 and SX112. A unit of the SX100 was sold to Southeast Asia shortly after her announcement at the Cannes show last September and is expected to be delivered in April 2024.
In 2022, the-then entire SX range – SX76, SX88 and SX112 – was delivered to Hong Kong in early summer, while new units of the SX76 and SX88 are due in other Asian markets later this year.
Nick Stratton, Sanlorenzo Asia Sales Manager, said: “It’s rewarding to witness the remarkable growth of the SX range and its rapid expansion in Asia.
“Sanlorenzo’s low production numbers ensure unique builds and ample customisation options – this strongly appeals to owners seeking to purchase a special yacht that reflects their own tastes and living philosophy. This new SX100 is no different and is sure to be another stunning bespoke Sanlorenzo build.”
The Italian builder has launched the second hull of its flagship 140’ planing yacht at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard in Ancona.
Custom Line has launched hull two of its 140’, after hull one was used for the model’s world premiere at last year’s Cannes Yachting Festival. Built for an owner based in the AMAS region, the second unit was launched in a ceremony attended by many of the Custom Line workforce.
Featuring a sporty exterior design, an overall length of 42.6m and a beam of 8.5m, the Custom Line 140’ is a design collaboration between Francesco Paszkowski Design and Ferretti Group Engineering Department, with the Custom Line Atelier working with the client on the interior design.
The furnishings and décor were designed according to the owner’s wishes and in collaboration with renowned design brands, making use of sophisticated, high-end materials. They include the Volga Blue ultramarine flake granite, a wide variety of marbles such as polished Matt Sahara Noir, polished Orobico and Calacatta Gold, as well as carbon-finish American Walnut.
The UAE builder is displaying its new Nomad 101 and Majesty 111 at international boat shows from August through October.
Nomad 101
Gulf Craft’s new Nomad 101 will be on display at the the Sydney International Boat Show from August 3-6, having had a world premiere at this year’s Dubai International Boat Show in March.
The UAE builder has also confirmed that the new Majesty 111 – which also debuted at this year’s Dubai show – will be at the Cannes Yachting Festival (September 12-17) and Monaco Yacht Show (September 27-30). It then heads across the Atlantic for its US debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (October 27-30).
Two new units of the Majesty 100, Gulf Craft’s most popular Superyacht model, also left the UAE shipyard in July.
Majesty 111
Gulf Craft announced that its Umm Al Quwain shipyard is operating at full capacity and global order book remains full. Over the last five years, the builder has significantly expanded its global market reach with a network spanning Europe, the US, Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Pacific.
Mohammed Alshaali, co-founder and Chairman of Gulf Craft, said: “Our ongoing commitment to ‘Legacy in Motion’ and the ‘Global Expansion’ pillars have been instrumental in our exponential growth and success, which solidified Gulf Craft’s reputation as a trailblazer in the industry.
“As we projected at the beginning of this year, 2023 has proven to be a strong year, with the highest revenue of any previous year in the company’s history.”
Beauty Fanatics, Rejoice: This Luxury Skincare Range Has Finally Landed in Singapore
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Loved by celebrities like Jodie Comer and Christy Turlington, the sustainable beauty range makes its grand entrance to South East Asia.
There’s no shortage of skincare products on the market that claim to be the holy grail for anti-ageing. However, there’s only one in the world that was founded by a bonafide Noble Prize winner.
Backed by the research of chemist Sir James Fraser Stoddart — who won the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry – Noble Panacea represents a new frontier in beauty innovation. And, you don’t even have to travel all the way to Europe or the US to try their award-winning skincare in person. The range has officially made its debut in Singapore, with an exclusive pop-up event at TANGS department store.
At the pop-up, you can get a complimentary skin consult and sample the brand’s four key collections. Featuring clean formulas, green chemistry and sustainable packaging, each range has been thoughtfully designed to achieve your specific skincare goals.
The Elemental line-up is all about the foundations, prepping and resurfacing the skin to get the most out of your other skincare. Meanwhile, The Brilliant range features hero products like the Prime Radiance Serum to achieve a radiant, dewy glow.
The Absolute range targets anti-ageing concerns like wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and moisture loss for a youthful complexion, while The Exceptional line brings in the big guns (including their best-selling Chronobiology Sleep Mask) for total transformation.
Each of the brand’s products is crafted with its breakthrough Organic Super Molecular Vessel (OSMV™) technology to create unparalleled anti-ageing results. Delivering active ingredients precisely into skin cells, it’s been found to improve their potency by up to tenfold.
Beyond its clinically-proven products, one of the things that sets Noble Panacea apart is their convenient packaging. After all, there’s nothing more disappointing than realising you’ve quickly burnt through all of your luxury skincare because you were too overzealous with your dosage.
With the brand’s single-use, Active Daily Dose packaging, you can get the precise dosage of your chosen product for optimal results. Not only does it protect the potency of your skincare over time, it also makes it super easy to travel with — no unfortunate luggage spills here!
If you’re conscious of the environmental impact of single-used packaging, rest assured that Noble Panacea has thought of that, too. The brand has partnered with TerraCycle to ensure that the Active Daily Doses are developed with materials that are 100 percent recyclable. So, not only will Noble Panacea’s revolutionary products make you look like you’ve had a professional facial from home, they’re also kind to the planet.
If you’re ready to experience the future of skincare with Noble Panacea, pop into TANGS at Tang Plaza or shop the range online today. The pop-up is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30am-9:30pm and on Sundays from 11am-9pm.
The Polish builder extends its hard top coupe line with the 450 HTC, which features a full-beam hydraulic platform, drop-down sides, two retractable roofs and two or three cabins.
Galeon, whose dealers in Asia include Asiamarine, has launched the 450 HTC sports cruiser, which is set to premiere at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show from October 25-29 through MarineMax, the Polish builder’s US distributor. The yacht has an overall length of 45ft 9in (14m), a beam of 13ft 8in (4.2m) and a draft of 4ft 3in (1.3m).
Bob Burke, Galeon’s Brand Manager for the Americas, said: “We’re ecstatic for the highly anticipated launch of the Galeon 450 HTC. Working in collaboration with designer Tony Castro, we’ve once again shattered conventions with this exhilarating and innovative new model.
“Building upon the success of the 410 HTC, the 450 HTC represents the pinnacle of our design expertise, a true testament to the fusion of customer feedback and our commitment to continuous innovation.”
Transformer features include a hydraulic full-beam aft platform that can be lowered into the water while remaining accessible by integrated starboard steps, while the platform can also be used for sunbathing or for the chef to cook at the flip-up, stern-facing grill aft of the cockpit.
The cockpit is covered by a retractable sunroof and features an L-shaped sofa to starboard and fold-down bulwarks on both sides, which expand the yacht’s beam by 7ft to 20ft 8in (6.35m). Accessed by two side decks, the foredeck offers an integrated sun pad with a fold-up backrest and small convertible sofa forward.
Inside, the saloon includes storage and a fixed sofa to port and a C-shaped dinette to starboard, where the aft backrest can fold forward to allow guests to face the cockpit when the sliding doors are open.
Forward and up two steps are the galley to port and bench-seat helm station with a door to the starboard side deck, while the sunroof can slide aft to create an open-air atmosphere. Below is an en-suite cabin in the bow with scissor berths, while midships is either a full-beam master suite or two guest cabins sharing a day head to port. A third option is a full-beam master, VIP in the bow and a bunk cabin to port.
“This remarkable vessel can be configured as a two or three cabin version, boasting our ever-popular Beach Mode innovation, a summer kitchen, retractable cockpit shade, sunroof over the lower helm, and a helm door, all while carrying the sporty yacht profile of a much larger cruiser,” Burke said.
“At Galeon, we continue to set new benchmarks in our size category with fresh and exciting models each year, and the 450 HTC is no exception.”
In February this year, Galeon staged the global debuts of the 440 Fly and 560 Fly at the Miami International Boat Show, while new models launched last year included the 375 GTO and flagship 800 Fly. Galeon’s ranges comprise GTO (grand touring outboards), HTS (hard top sedan), HTC (hard top coupe), Sky (skydeck) and Fly (flybridge).
The British builder announces two yachts for Sydney and nine for Southampton, plus three superyachts for Monaco.
Sunseeker 76 Yacht
Sunseeker East Coast Australia will showcase newly delivered Manhattan 55 and 76 Yacht models at this year’s 54th Sydney International Boat Show from August 3-6. The two flybridge motor yachts are located at Marina M 157.
Brad Rodgers, Director at Sunseeker East Coast Australia, said: “We’re excited to showcase two exceptional Sunseeker yachts, built to a specification with the Australia market in mind. At this year’s Sydney International Boat Show, our guests can enjoy a luxury floating VIP lounge to relax and discuss their yachting requirements with our expert team.”
Sunseeker Superhawk 55
Sunseeker then has a busy September, starting with the Cannes Yachting Festival (September 12-17), where it will exhibit nine yachts (click for article) including a ‘Midnight Grey’ edition of the 100 Yacht along with the Superhawk 55 and 75 Sport Yacht that debuted at Boot Dusseldorf in January.
The Poole shipyard will have a similar nine-model showcase at the 54th Southampton International Boat Show (September 15-24), where it will stage the show debuts of the Superhawk 55 and 75 Sport Yacht. Traditionally one of the biggest exhibitors at Mayflower Park, Sunseeker will also display a Manhattan 55, Predator 65, 65 Sport Yacht, Manhattan 68, 76 Yacht, 88 Yacht and 90 Ocean.
Sunseeker 75 Sport Yacht
Sean Robertson, Sales and Marketing Director at Sunseeker International, said: “We return this September to Southampton for the 54th edition of the show with a fantastic line-up including two of our most recent launches – the spectacular Superhawk 55 and 75 Sport Yacht. We have models from across our range on display across the 10-day event, offering a fantastic showcase for our guests.”
Sunseeker has also announced that it will exhibit the 90 Ocean, 95 Yacht and 100 Yacht at the superyacht-focused Monaco Yacht Show (September 27-30), where the shipyard will be represented by its distributor, Sunseeker London Group.
Sunseeker 100 Yacht
“We’re delighted to welcome our clients, once again, to Monaco to see our luxury range of yachts and superyachts,” Robertson said. “Sunseeker’s presence at this first-rate event is incredibly exciting. It’s important for us to not only showcase the larger models in our range but meet clientele in the heart of Monaco for what promises to be another world-class superyacht exhibition.”
Tried & Tested in Thailand: iAqua Sea Scooters, Part 2
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Concluding a two-part article on iAqua’s sea scooters, Yachting Pages’ Tried & Tested series evaluates the AquaDart Pro models in Phuket and declares the brand’s overall winner.
Note: To read Part 1 (AquaDart Nano range), click here.
Range: AquaDart Pro
AquaDart Pro is a cutting-edge, easy-to-use series of water scooters that has been created by iAqua’s design experts with swimmers, divers, adrenaline junkies and water sport lovers in mind. Priced from US$7,490-15,490, the models include the 680 Light, 680 Explorer, 720 Quest, 720 Max and 770 Xtreme, each available in a range of stylish colours.
Collectively, the Pro range meets a variety of different needs and abilities. Reaching powerful speeds of up to 23kmh overwater and 25kmh underwater, with thrust up to a whopping 770 Newtons (depending on the model), the performance is unrivalled.
The speed and endurance in this range means users can go further for longer, taking advantage of all the features it has to offer while using only one tank of air (if used when scuba diving). When used for scuba diving, weight belts can be added to counteract the buoyancy.
This powerful aqua scooter is also packed with safety features and can be set to a maximum depth and maximum speed, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride for all abilities.
Bright underwater lights are also a feature of the Pro range, allowing users to explore the depths of the ocean (up to 45m deep depending on the model) and the exciting sea life within it. The underwater lights are easy to toggle on/off and allow for a deeper exploration, no matter how dark it may appear.
With up to two hours of run time at cruising speed, the Pro can be fully charged and ready to enjoy again in no more than two hours. So, what did the testers say about the Pro range? “Very strong, sturdy and durable” … “Extremely fun” … “Very manoeuvrable for its size”… “An underwater Tesla!” … “Quite heavy” – child tester.
AquaDart Pro 680 Light
Despite being the entry-level water scooter of the AquaDart Pro range, the Pro 680 Light still has a lot of bang for its buck. Perfect for those starting to explore water toys and dive scooters, this model still reaches top speeds of up to 15kmh and has a thrust of up to 680 Newtons. Available in Artic White and Baltic Gray, it’s suitable for both first-time users and scuba divers.
Fun to ride and reaching depths of up to 40m, our testers thought the Pro 680 Light had just the right amount of speed. As the cheapest of the AquaDart Pro range, this model is an excellent choice for rental companies for onboard use.
AquaDart Pro 680 Explorer
Also available in Artic White and Baltic Gray, the Pro 680 Explorer delivers a similar performance to the Pro 680 Light, but packs a bigger punch with its endurance. It boasts a maximum operating time of 140 minutes and is great for those wanting to explore a little further and for a little longer.
Rating highly for its battery and impressive operating time, the Pro 680 Explorer delivered a fun experience for testers both with and without scuba diving equipment. Awarded ‘Best for Scuba Diving’, it has the right balance for slow scuba diving exploration, yet can still thrill the free-divers. It’s recommended that an iAqua buoyancy belt is used as it contains a knife, torch and pouches that add weight and counteract the toy’s positive buoyancy.
It proved stable and secure for users enjoying the scooter without equipment, regardless of experience. However, one trained scuba diving tester noted that it may not be suitable for beginner divers without a few lessons first.
Once mastered, it adds a whole new dimension to diving and offers a range of advantages for users, such as being able to go against the current without getting tired and being able to swim alongside mantas, dolphins and shoals of fish.
AquaDart Pro 720 Quest
The AquaDart Pro 720 Quest is also a strong contender, and rightly so. Available in a large selection of stylish colours, such as Flame Red and Bahamas Blue, this model can reach a top speed of 21kmh and boasts six power levels of up to 4.5kW.
With an operating time of up to 130 minutes and a thrust of 720 Newtons, it is a powerful and impressive dive scooter. This model also comes with the AquaDart Fast Charger.
Although it received mixed reviews about its weight, the testers (including the child tester) still found it to be sturdy and easy to control. With more power than other AquaDart Pro models, it proved to be great fun for zooming around.
AquaDart Pro 720 Max
For those wanting to explore the ocean a little deeper, the AquaDart Pro 720 Max is more than equipped. It can reach depths of up to a whopping 45m, allowing for a thorough exploration of the ocean and all it has to offer.
With highly powered 1700 Lumen Twin LED lights, even the darkest areas can be discovered. This model comes with the AquaDart Fast Charger and is available in a larger variety of colours, with nine options ranging from Lightening Yellow to Lizard Green.
Rating highly for speed and performance, the Pro 720 Max proved to be a hit with our testers. Although heavier than the Nano models, testers found that the Pro 720 Max was still easy to manoeuvre and quick through the water.
Awarded ‘Best for Yacht Charters’, it delivers just the right amount of speed for an adrenaline pumping experience, but is still easy enough for beginners to control. The addition of the AquaDart Fast Charger allows for quick charging in between uses.
AquaDart Pro 770 Xtreme
The AquaDart Pro 770 Xtreme was created with both thrill seekers and explorers in mind. As the world’s fastest and most powerful sea scooter, it can deliver an impressive thrust of up to 770 Newtons and speeds of up to 25kmh.
Made of carbon-fibre, reducing its weight and increasing the speed, this model can deliver an unforgettable, high-speed experience, as well as meet the needs of those looking to explore the deeper depths of the ocean. This model comes with the AquaDart Fast Charger.
Being the fastest underwater scooter on the market, the Pro 770 Xtreme ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to thrills and performance. Although our testers found it a little overwhelming at first, the strength and sturdiness of the model meant non-athletic users could also enjoy it.
Our testers found the top speed to be incredibly exhilarating, but they did discover that water gets into the nose if not covered when going at full throttle.
According to one of our experienced scuba diving testers, this model should only be used between 10-20 per cent of its maximum power when used for deeper exploration. If used at top speeds, the water pressure could force the mask off and press the purge button on the regulator.
For scuba diving use, a lower power model, such as the AquaDart Pro 680 Explorer, would be more suited and economical. For sheer exhilaration, however, the 770 Extreme is unbeatable.
Recommended Retail Prices*
AquaDart Pro 680 Light US$7,490
AquaDart Pro 680 Explorer US$7,990
AquaDart Pro 720 Quest US$9,490
AquaDart Pro 720 Max US$10,990
AquaDart Pro 770 Xtreme US$15,490
* RRP excludes local sales tax/VAT
Overall Winner: AquaDart Nano 620 Max
Each toy in both the AquaDart Nano (click for article) and AquaDart Pro series rated well with our testers. However, there was one standout product and that was the AquaDart Nano 620 Max. Cheaper than similar underwater scooters on the market, this toy is great value for money. While it’s light and easy to transport, the Nano 620 Max still reaches the same top speeds as the Pro 720 Max, which is impressive for a toy that weighs in at just 22kg. It can also be fully charged in just 50 minutes with the AquaDart Fast Charger.
The Nano 620 Max is unlike anything else currently on the market. With significant speeds and its advantageous size, it’s no surprise this sea scooter has taken the crown. So, what did the testers say about the AquaDart Nano 620 Max? “The battery life is super impressive” … “It was amazing, I felt like a fish!” … “Very easy to use as it’s much lighter and smaller” … “It’s super agile and easy to manoeuvre. I went really close to the rocks without touching them”. www.iaquawatercraft.com
Rare European Classics to Grace 2023 Pebble Beach Auctions, Including A 1933 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster
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Delightfully rare and heritage-rich vintage marques from Bugatti, Bentley, Alfa Romeo and Peugeot will be on offer at Pebble Beach this coming August.
Photo: Gooding & Company
Internationally acclaimed automotive auction house, Gooding & Company, has announced its newest consignments to the annual Pebble Beach Auctions taking place this August, including a highly sought-after 1933 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster. This marks the American auction house’s 19th year collaborating with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the premier car show of the motoring world.
Live auctions run from 18 to 19 August, though hopeful buyers outside Pebble Beach, California can now make their bids online as well.
Photo: Gooding & Company
“Collectors are always in search of exceptional classics to enter into the most prestigious international concours d’elegance, and these outstanding, stylish and prewar European cars are all tickets to the very best events in the world,” said David Brynan, Gooding & Company senior specialist. “These exclusive, limited production and one-off cars are candidates for top awards at events like Pebble Beach, Hampton Court, Amelia Island, and Villa d’Este. The Type 55 Roadster, in particular, is especially desirable as it is among the best examples of an extremely exclusive Bugatti suitable for both concours d’elegance and driving events like the 1000 Miglia for which it has been accepted for 2024. This upcoming event is quite fitting for the car which served as both a motor show display and a competition car in-period.”
1933 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster
The1933 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster (Estimate: US$8,000,000 – US$10,000,000). Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 1931, Jean Bugatti’s Type 55 was an ultra-high-performance machine capable of reaching a top speed in excess of 177 km/h. The Type 55 Roadster is considered the spiritual successor to the Type 43 Grand Sport, a road-going Grand Prix car integrating the mechanics of the Type 35B with sporting coachwork.
Between 1931 and 1936, Bugatti built 38 Type 55 units, of which 14 were originally fashioned with Jean Bugatti’s sublime roadster bodywork, including the unit to be auctioned come August. Of the 13 other surviving roadsters, just seven are understood to have retained their original coachwork and matching-numbers mechanical components, making them the precious few original Jean Bugatti Roadsters around today.
Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
Factory records state that the Type 55 to be on auction was completed in March 1933 with chassis number 55231. It was first exhibited on Henri Sagnier’s Bugatti and Talbot stand at the inaugural Foire d’Alger, a major national trade fair held in Algiers, Algeria. The roadster was eventually sold to its first private owner, Juvénal Emile Jarron, the son of prominent Algerian doctor, Juvénal Constant Jarron. Its racing debut came shortly after in the 1935 Bouzaréa Hill Climb where it was driven to an overwhelming victory.
Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
55231 would remain in Algeria throughout WWII, passed around several local owners before eventually coming under the ownership of Bernard Viallo who recommissioned the roadster in the late 1950s much by himself. Viallon sourced parts directly from the Bugatti factory in Molsheim, driving the Type 55 until 1960 when it entered a long period of on-and-off restoration works. This bout of restoration works would only be fully completed in March 1986, with 55231 finding itself in the personal prized collection of fashion icon Ralph Lauren himself.
During this time, 55231 was shipped to English marque specialists, Crosthwaite & Gardine, for final restoration works where it was refinished in a chic new black with dark blue coves. The roadster remained with Lauren till 2003, switching owners twice more before reaching Dutch connoisseur Ton Meijer, who commissioned a mechanical restoration performed by esteemed French automotive group, Ventoux Moteurs Engineering.
Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
55231 would eventually grace the stages of concours d’elegance shows around the world at Villa d’Este, Pebble Beach and notably, on Bugatti’s own stand during the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. The historic roadster would finally land in the hands of Henri Chambon who repainted it in the original black and yellow colour scheme. An inspection by leading Bugatti historians, Pierre-Yves Laugier and Mark Morris, concluded that 55231 retains its original chassis frame, engine, gearbox, rear end, and coachwork, making it one of best maintained units of this exceptionally rare breed of Bugatti.
The next owner of 55231 will also be pleased to find in their possession an accepted candidate for two upcoming 1000 Miglia events — Warm Up USA in Washington, DC taking place at the start of November 2023 and the classic 1000 Miglia across Brescia to Rome, Italy come 2024 (subject to registration and entry fees).
1930 Bentley Speed Six Sports Saloon
1930 Bentley Speed Six Sports Saloon (Estimate: US$2,250,000 – $2,750,000). Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
With the introduction of the Speed Six in the late 1920s, Bentley promised speed, comfort and reliability all in a single marque, instilling in the driver a level of confidence unmatched in its day. A total of 182 Speed Six units were built during its two-year production run, with three chassis lengths available to accommodate running coachwork ranging from Le Mans tourers to formal saloons.
Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
To be auctioned is a 1930 Bentley Speed Six Sports Saloon, chassis LR2778. It is a handsome coupé originally bodied with coachwork from English H.J. Mulliner & Co. and first owned by Sawai Man Singh II, Maharaja of Jaipur, India. LR2778 remained in India until 1937 when it returned to London to join the collection of Dennis Becker. The Becker family enjoyed the car on many travels in the coming decades, including a 1950 European tour. LR2778 would remain with the Beckers until 1974, when it was purchased by Ian Finlator who owned the car for nearly 30 years. Finlator participated in various events with the Speed Six, including the 1985 Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique and the 1994 opening ceremonies of the English Channel Tunnel where it served as the British automotive representative.
Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
LR2778 would pass through several hands before making its way to its current owner in 2010. The consignor embarked on an exhaustive restoration of the car, beginning with an extensive documentation process overseen by a foremost voice of authority on Bentley history, Dr. Clare Hay. The works were carried out by Vintage Bentley specialist Graham Moss of R.C. Moss, who restored the Speed Six to its original specifications.
Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
LR2778 finally made its post-restoration debut at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, claiming three awards including a Second in Class win, the Montagu of Beaulieu Award for the most historically significant British car, and the J.B. & Dorothy Nethercutt Award for Most Elegant Closed Car. This iconic Bentley comes to the auction equipped with its original chassis, engine and coachwork, making it a car fit for the most sophisticated collections.
1958 Bentley S1 Continental Drophead Coupe
1958 Bentley S1 Continental Drophead Coupe (Estimate: US$1,600,000 – $2,000,000). Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
The Bentley S-Type was introduced in 1955 following the successful R-Type, incorporating significant improvements which now stand as notable features to the Vintage Bentley collector’s eye, such as a longer wheelbase, electrically adjustable rear shock absorbers, lighter steering and a four-speed automatic transmission. A total of 3072 S1 units were built until the line ceased in 1959, with around 150 units equipped with custom coachwork. 431 of the S1s were built as high-performance Continental model utilising a lighter aluminium coachwork with slightly under a quarter of them fitted as drophead coupés — the ultimate Bentley S1 Continental body style.
Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
The 1958 Bentley S1 Continental, chassis BC42LDJ, to be auctioned is one such drophead coupé, configured specially for a left-hand drive by the now defunct English coach builder, Park Ward, which was then backed by Rolls-Royce. BC42LDJ was part of a special 31-unit production with this now collector’s edition left-hand drive configuration. It is also believed to be one of just three fitted from scratch with both powered steering and soft top.
Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
Upon completion, the BC42LDJ was first displayed at the 1958 Amsterdam International Motor Show where it was purchased by a buyer going by the family name of Mayne in Brussels, Belgium. It remained in Europe till 2005 when it was imported to the United States by Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialist, Vantage Motorworks. Vantage Motorworks’s documentation file at the time indicated a history of extensive maintenance work including new paint and plating and an engine rebuild.
Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
BC42LDJ would finally reach the hands of its current consignor in 2014, and has since been carefully maintained and regularly exercised by their team of in-house technicians. Presented beautifully in its original shade of Steel Blue, this 1958 S1 Continental Drophead Coupe will be the ultimate mid-century British luxury cabriolet on auction come August.
1937 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300B Turismo Cabriolet
1937 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300B Turismo Cabriolet (Estimate: US$1,250,000 – $1,500,000). Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
Engineered by Alfa Romeo’s brilliant Vittorio Jano in 1934, the 6C 2300 was originally intended as a more affordable alternative to its cousin, the 8C — the “C” stands for how many cylinders the engines had. The 6C 2300 featured a 2.3-litre twin-cam inline six engine, while its 1935 “B” series edition included a completely redesigned chassis with independent suspension front and rear, hydraulic brakes and an improved gearbox.
Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
The 6C 2300B was offered in three iterations: the long chassis (Turismo/ Lungo), the short chassis (Corto), and the high-performance short chassis (Pescara/ Mille Miglia). In total, Alfa Romeo built fewer than 900 units of the 6C 2300B through 1938.
Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
To be auctioned in August is a 1937 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300B, chassis 814047, one of 81 of the Turismo models. Featuring coachwork by Turin-based design firm, Carrozzeria Pininfarina, the chassis was fashioned with a one-of-a-kind cabriolet body designed by Mario Revelli di Beaumont, widely regarded as one of the most influential Italian designers of his time. This Pininfarina cabriolet features a streamlined front end with bullet-shape headlamps and Revelli’s signature bow nose, visually highlighting its aerodynamic design. Upon completion, the cabriolet was photographed and illustrated in the 28 February 1938 issue of L’Auto Italiana and debuted at the 1938 International Auto Show in Berlin.
Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
Passed around various European collectors, 814047 resided in Switzerland for half of the century before relocating to France in the 1990s. In 1996, it was acquired by one of Italy’s foremost Alfa Romeo collectors, Dr. Luca Savoia, who had it handsomely restored to its original burgundy with red leather upholstery and a tan soft top. This one-off Alfa Romeo cabriolet of great style and distinction has never been exhibited in the US, making it a fitting entrant for the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
1938 Peugeot 402 Darl’mat Special Sport Competition Roadster
1938 Peugeot 402 Darl’mat Special Sport Competition Roadster (Estimate: US$1,100,000 – $1,300,000). Photo: Josh Hway via Gooding & Company
Émile Darl’mat was an automobile businessman who made a name for himself working with designer Georges Paulin and coach builder Marcel Pourtout in the development of the Eclipse, a Peugeot equipped with the first technically retractable hardtop. Driven by a desire to elevate the Peugeot brand, Darl’mat became so respected that Peugeot gave him access and resources to create his own Peugeot sports car. Thus it came to be that Darl’mat would birth one of the most enigmatic Art Deco styled sports cars of all time.
Photo: Josh Hway via Gooding & Company
The Peugeot 402 Darl’mat debuted at the 1936 Paris Motor Show with several of them competing in the 1937 and 1938 24 Hours of Le Mans. From the total of 104 Darl’mats built in coupé, convertible, roadster, or competition roadster styles between January 1937 and June 1938, only 30 remain known and intact today. To be auctioned in August is a 1938 402 Darl’mat Special Sport Competition Roadster, chassis 400248, originally built with an alloy body in a baby blue finish for a racing driver by the name of Dorothy Patten. Intended for driving in the United Kingdom, 400248 is one of the very Darl’mats with a built in right-hand drive. It also has doors, which most other racing Darl’mats do not possess.
Photo: Josh Hway via Gooding & Company
Patten raced 400248 in 1939 where it charmed both English and French onlookers. 400248 was finally purchased by the consignor in 2017, its restoration entrusted to historian and restoration expert, David Cooper in Bristol, Wisconsin. 400248 was thoroughly researched and returned to the configuration as raced by Patten in 1939: an original set of competition-specification brakes were found and reinstalled and the coachwork’s stunning baby blue was faithfully reproduced. This gorgeous, classic sports car embodies the tale of Dorothy Patten’s fascinating years as a racer and carries in its design DNA the entrepreneurial spirit and creative innovation of Darl’mat from a remarkable chapter of Peugeot’s early motorsport history.
Photo: Josh Hway via Gooding & Company
Alongside these offerings, the Pebble Beach Auctions will present a sporting 1927 Bentley 6 1/2 Tourer (Estimate: US$900,000 – $1,200,000), a bespoke 1932 Bugatti Type 49 Roadster (Estimate: US$900,000 – $1,200,000) featuring one-off coachwork by Henri Labourdette and a 1928 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A S Landaulet (Estimate: US$500,000 – $700,000) with multiple CCCA First Place Awards and two Pebble Beach Concours d’EleganceClass Awards. The Pebble Beach Auctions will be broadcast live. Bidders can register now.
The new flagship of Prestige’s M-Line of multihull motor yachts and a world premiere at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival, the M8 takes luxury real estate on the water to a new level. Words: Clare Mahon Photos: Prestige
The M8 can reach 20 knots and cruise at 15 knots with twin Volvo Penta D8-600 engines
If luxury real estate could float, it would look and feel like the Prestige M8, the new 65ft flagship of the French shipyard’s M-Line of multihull motor yachts. Big-city life lived large is the first thing you think when boarding, such is the space and the glam that surrounds you. Or imagine a gleaming penthouse crossed with an ultra-exclusive beach club.
Only aboard a multihull motor yacht like the M8 can you mix polished chrome and wide-open views with an easy-going pieds dansl’eau lifestyle. This floating home away from home might leave you thinking that you never want to go back to your house again.
The yacht has beam of 29ft and an Opacmare transformer central platform
A quick look at the numbers can explain the feeling of space and solidity you get when you board the M8, which was designed by longtime Prestige collaborator Camillo Garroni – also behind the M48 – and features naval architecture by Marc Lombard.
Start with an LOA of 19.82m and combine it with a beam of 8.85m (29ft), and you get plenty of length and width, which equals lots of floor space and a steady ride, a perfect combination for old salts and land lubbers alike.
OUTDOOR ZONES
Boarding the M8 is as easy as stepping out of a door and into a different dimension. You feel suspended somewhere between the air and the sea in a space where an abundance of glass and reflective surfaces can almost leave you wondering where you’ve landed.
The wide aft platform can be raised to extend the aft cockpit
The Opacmare transformer central platform can be raised to extend the floor space in the aft cockpit and create a suspended balcony over the sea.
Lower it at the push of a button and it becomes the central section of the beach platform, an ideal spot for sunning, launching toys or even storing the tender. Lower it even further into the water and it makes swimming and retrieving toys a breeze.
The cockpit, which owners can furnish with loose pieces as they please, is separated from the saloon by sliding glass doors. Railings and transom gates are also glass and there are glass inserts in the fashion plates.
The flybridge can be set up with dining to port and a lounging area to starboard
Everything is slender, glittering and visually barely there, yet you sense solidity and security underfoot. It’s an ideal combination when at sea. The temptation is to swarm all over the boat, up the stairs to the fly, down the side passages to the foredeck, because everything is easily available and well connected. And there’s no shortage of space for conviviality and relaxation.
Accessed by stairs on the port side of the cockpit or a gorgeous see-through staircase on the starboard side of the saloon, the large flybridge has a wet bar and outdoor kitchen, and the main helm station. Guests can choose to set up a port dining area and a starboard lounge under the hard top, and can furnish the aft end entirely as they please.
With its height and views, the flybridge is usually like the icing on the cake of a yacht, but aboard the M8 the foredeck is the top spot – even if it isn’t literally so.
The stunning foredeck has a wide sunbathing area and an innovative sunken bow area, with seating on all four sides
Designed on two levels, the foredeck’s social areas start with a very wide sun pad under the saloon windscreen and a truly fabulous aft-facing, C-shaped couch sunk into the bow, with a smaller sofa opposite.
Sitting there, cruising along with only air between you and the sea, is wonderfully relaxing and truly satisfying in a way that only feeling like the master of your little universe can be.
SENSATIONAL SALOON
Back to the stern and a centrally placed bar is a buffer area that serves both the cockpit and the saloon, another expansive, open space that owners can set up as they chose.
Forward view of the saloon, which starts with a full-width lounge
While the first hull in the M8 series has the galley fore and starboard in the saloon with a small helm station next to it, owners can also opt to leave this corner zone as an ‘all play’ area and have the galley below, towards the aft of the starboard hull.
Either way, the saloon is truly vast, with expansive glazing and slender, open structural elements that subtly define the different areas while leaving views and visual lines free and open.
Port view of the dining table and owner’s-suite stairs
Decorated by Valentina Militerno de Romedis with loose furnishings by Pininfarina, the interiors are bright, serene and functional, with sliding side doors increasing the indoor-outdoor feeling.
Forward, a central staircase leads from the saloon down to the full-beam owner’s cabin, a 35sqm (380sqft) suite that comes complete with a double bed, an en-suite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe to port, and a study and relaxation area to starboard.
The centrally placed bed is laid sideways to the centreline, facing the starboard hull windows, an unusual arrangement that only this cat’s extreme stability makes feasible.
Aft view of the saloon, showing the aft bar that can be shared by guests in the cockpit
On either side of the saloon, staircases lead down into the hulls. Owners can choose between a variety of layouts and guest sleeping arrangements, such as with or without a galley, a TV room, an extra crew cabin or a VIP suite instead of two guest cabins to port.
Regardless of the chosen configuration, the spacious full-beam owner’s suite forward is a constant as are two crew cabins fully fore, accessed via hatches in the bow.
While the Prestige team chose space and volume over speed when designing the M8, the boat’s performance in terms of efficiency and ease of use is very respectable. Equipped with twin Volvo Penta D8-600 IPS engines, the boat has a top speed of close to 20 knots, a range of about 350nm at a cruising speed of 15 knots and turns on a dime.
Port view of the full-beam owner’s suite, where the bed faces the starboard windows
Special attention was paid to soundproofing these already relatively quiet engines, while an efficient thermodynamic air-conditioning system keeps emissions to a minimum. With a set-up like this, you can enjoy tootling around in comfort and safety, taking all the comforts of home with you yet leaving behind things like heeling and seasickness.
Furthermore, the M8 is also available in a ‘silent’ version, with solar panels and lithium battery bank, and this model is scheduled to appear at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival.
The working and living area on the starboard side, where the sofa faces a TV on an aft bulkhead
If you find yourself looking fondly at the M8 over your shoulder once you step back on land, you’ll see that the Garroni-designed exteriors recall the Prestige look while avoiding that certain visual clumsiness that plagues so many catamaran designs. And recalling your time aboard, you may well find yourself standing on the ground but walking on air.
Two months out from the Monaco Yacht Show, organisers have revealed a strong provisional list of exhibiting superyachts from many of the world’s leading shipyards.
The 2022 Monaco Yacht Show featured 117 superyachts
Almost 90 yachts were confirmed for this year’s Monaco Yacht Show two months ahead of the four-day superyacht spectacle, which will be held from September 27-30. Last year’s show attracted 117 yachts inside Port Hercules and organisers expect a similar figure this year.
The early list of yachts published online by organisers included just under 50 exhibited by shipyards and another 40 or so by brokerage houses, with the latter figure set to increase in the coming months.
The 97m Carinthia VII by Lürssen
As of late July, the line-up is headed by the 97m Lürssen megayacht Carinthia VII and the German builder’s 95m Kismet, the latter exhibited by Cecil Wright & Partners, while fellow brokerage house Edmiston has booked a place for a 90m build.
The 80m Leona by Bilgin – one of three yachts being shown by the Turkish yard – and the 78m O’Rea by Golden Yachts are among new builds, while other 70m-plus yachts include the 83.5m Feadship Savannah, the 75m Kensho by Admiral of The Italian Sea Group, while Fraser has booked a slot for a 70m.
The Amels 60 Entourage is among new builds, while Camper & Nicholsons is displaying four brokerage yachts: the 55m Feadships Kahalani and Sea Huntress, the 52m Amels Were Dreams and a 50m to be confirmed.
Italian builder Benetti is set to show a 65m megayacht and the sixth hull in its B.Now 50M series (click for article), which is also the second in the line to feature the Oasis Deck® option. Sister shipyard Azimut is displaying its 38m flagship Grande Trideck, Grande 36M and Magellano 30M.
Pershing GTX116
Ferretti Group is exhibiting a Pershing 140 (43m), Pershing GTX116 (35m), Custom Line 140’ (43m), Custom Line Navetta 42 (42m) and Riva 130’ Bellissima (40m), while Wally’s wallywhy150 will also show after its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival earlier in the month.
Italian builder Sanlorenzo is set to stage the debuts of the 57Steel and X-Space (42m) as well as the SP110 (33m), while the builder’s 47m Lars is being exhibited by Lengers Yachts. Genoa shipyard Tankoa is showing the 50m Grey, the fifth hull of its S501 series.
Gulf Craft Majesty 111
UAE builder Gulf Craft is showing a Majesty 120 (38m) and the new Majesty 111 (34.5m), which had its world premiere at this year’s Dubai International Boat Show (click for article). British builder Sunseeker is showing a 90 Ocean (27m), 95 Yacht (28m) and 100 Yacht (30m).
Photo: Brian Henniker via Gooding & Company
