yachtstyle2020, Author at Yacht Style

Bali 4.2, Open Day, Hong Kong, sailing, catamaran, Aberdeen Marina Club, flybridge, lounge, tour

Bali 4.2 Open Day in Hong Kong

News / yachtstyle2020

Bali 4.2 Open Day in Hong Kong

April 25, 2023
12:19 am

Regional dealer Asiamarine hosted guided tours aboard the 42ft sailing catamaran at Aberdeen Marina Club.

Asiamarine hosted an open day for the Bali 4.2 sailing catamaran (click for Review) at Aberdeen Marina Club in Hong Kong. The regional dealer declared the event “a resounding success”, stating that over 200 VIPs, club members, yacht owners and sailing enthusiasts attended the preview of the 42ft model, which is among recent additions to the Bali portfolio.

Guests had the opportunity to tour the Bali 4.2, which features the French brand’s signature features including a large, solid foredeck with integrated seating, flybridge lounging area, and a spacious saloon that can be transformed to create a seamless indoor/outdoor space by raising the ‘Bali door’ into the ceiling.

As the sun went down, guests enjoyed live music by a saxophonist and drinks on the lawn by the poolside of Aberdeen Marina Club.

“It was a fantastic opportunity for sailing enthusiasts and catamaran owners to meet and share their experiences, as well as learn more about the Bali 4.2 catamaran,” stated Asiamarine, which can organise private viewings of the catamaran upon request.
www.asiamarine.com

Succession and the World of Luxury

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Succession and the World of Luxury

April 20, 2023
10:09 am

There are two camps of people –one that is obsessed with overt portrayals of wealth, and another that prefers to lay low.

By Gabriela Serpa Royo

If Emily in Paris reflects luxury in a society that has vastly democratised and made a spectacle of what it means to be and look “luxe”, the clothes of Succession sneer at that notion. Recent shifts in culture, like the rise of celebrity influencers and the advent of thrifted or rented designer goods, have changed the rules of the luxury market entirely, making it possible for more people to participate in the category than ever before. There are two camps of people: one that exalts in owning logo-filled fashion pieces or outwardly portraying their wealth with the number of sports cars and yachts they own; and the other, who prefers to go incognito while still enjoying a luxuriant lifestyle.

Characters in the award-winning show, Succession, fit neatly into the latter category. For those who have a penchant for conspicuous showing of wealth, the self-effacing nature of Succession fashion feels impenetrable and mysterious, if not also unsettling and indecipherable. For years, the show’s characters have garnered attention for their outfits, part of the fanfare being that the clothes worn by the uber-wealthy characters are understated and unbranded.

Jeremy Strong as Kendall Roy in Succession.

In the Succession season 4 premiere, Kendall Roy, one of the show’s protagonists, wears jeans, a t-shirt, a bomber jacket and a baseball jacket, a combination that at face value, could be from Uniqlo. After some sleuthing, it was determined that the outfit was a combination of pieces by Gucci and Loro Piana that cost a little under 10K. Society for a long time has been accustomed to overt display of wealth, yet Succession’s has camouflaged their on-screen billionaires in inconspicuous wealth. Where online aspirationationalism can often parade as a rotating cycle of expensive monogrammed handbags, Succession paints an image of luxury that ignores trends entirely.

Not everyone can afford that luxury. Season after season, we see supporting characters desperately struggling to dress the part in the Roy family’s world. From the show’s very first episode, when family patriarch Logan Roy all but sneers at the Patek Philippe gifted to him by his son-in-law, the audience is made to understand that to be a try-hard is a faux-pas, no matter the price tag. A season later, his son Kendall (who is admittedly the most try-hard of the Roy siblings) dresses the part of an art startup bro in a bid to invest in a company. Recognising himself as a poser, he interrupts the meeting to take off the Lanvin shoes that he bought for the occasion. Embarrassed, the richest guy in the room outs himself as an outsider and loses his shot. Not even his money could grant him insider status.

Today, in the age of “picture or it didn’t happen” luxury is arguably more about status than it is about money, comfort or experience. When Greg Hirsch, played by Nicholas Braun, shows up to Logan Roy’s birthday party with a date donning a $2,890 Burberry tote, it’s an immediate red flag for Succession’s elite, who immediately dismiss her bag as “ludicrously capacious”. “What’s even in there, huh? Flat shoes for the subway? Her lunch pail?” says Matthew Macfadyen’s character, Tom Wambsgans. “I mean, Greg, it’s monstrous. It’s gargantuan. You could take it camping. You could slide it across the floor after a bank job”.

The internet has since been littered with debates about the exchange as an obnoxious display of elitism, a judgement on fashion, and of course, the value of the bag itself. People on social media have been quick to label their own accessories as “ludicrously capacious”, and news outlets have quickly gotten in on the joke, advertising the best capacious bags of the season. Meanwhile, people are signalling the return of the “old money” aesthetic, dubbing the “quiet luxury” look a massive trend to watch for 2023. What’s fascinating about the moment’s influence isn’t its reach (any show with a massive following is expected to turn memeable in the blink of an eye), it’s how reactions to the bag are splintered, and what that splintering shows us about the fragmentation of luxury itself.

Culture is always fragmenting itself, the cracks getting deeper and more reflective with every passing year that we’re online. Back in the early days of Instagram, the rise of so-called “hipster” culture meant that everyone was trying really hard to be alternative. ‘Normcore’, an aesthetic built on the promise of plainness, and a rejection of individuality altogether, was born as a reaction to a culture obsessed with difference. One group found status by playing into the tide of pop culture, while the other did it by ignoring it aggressively, and self-awarely.

Today, when social media’s grasp on our lives has expanded beyond notions of cool, and into pretty much everything else, luxury finds itself in a similar situation. On one side sits Emily, making a name for herself on social media with her loud prints and love of the ludicrous (albeit not necessarily capacious). On the other are the Roy siblings, with their Loro Piana shoes, $500 baseball caps and a whole host of “investment normcore” pieces. Both sides are dressed to reveal different beliefs about luxury, but both sides play into luxury as a telltale sign of status all the same. Even, like when in Succession, luxury doesn’t need ostentation, it is a “flex” all the same. In a media climate that begs people to constantly express who they are, our decisions about how we do and do not choose to express luxury are about who we aspire to be. Where luxury was once about scarcity and exclusivity, the word has mutated it into something else entirely, with tentacles spreading in every direction. To be an Emily, or to be a Roy, it’s all a matter of decision, but in 2023, both are luxe.

This article was contributed by Gabriela Serpa Royo, Behavioural Analyst, Canvas8.

For more culture reads, click here.

Singapore Yachting Festival gathers leading brands

News / yachtstyle2020

Singapore Yachting Festival gathers leading brands

April 20, 2023
1:22 am

Luxury yachts from Sanlorenzo, Ferretti Yachts, Princess, Azimut, Bluegame, Prestige, Beneteau, Fairline, Leopard, Aquila, Lagoon, Jeanneau, Nimbus and Bali are on display at the four-day show.

The Sanlorenzo SX76 will make its Singapore debut

Simpson Marine will be the leading exhibitor at this year’s Singapore Yacht Festival in Sentosa Cove as Asia’s largest yacht dealer exhibits 10 yachts from six brands: Sanlorenzo, Bluegame, Beneteau, Lagoon, Fairline and Aquila.

A new SX76 and an SX88 from Sanlorenzo, showcasing artworks by Singapore-based Allison Liu, will be joined by a BGX60 and BGX70 by sister shipyard Bluegame.

The Bluegame BGX70 during the SYF media day

A Fairline Squadron 50 and Targa 45, Beneteau Gran Turismo 41 and an Aquila 36 Sport power catamaran rounds out the motor yachts from Simpson Marine. The dealer’s 11-yacht display also includes Beneteau’s Oceanis Yacht 54 sailing monohull and a Lagoon 55 sailing catamaran, a model that had its Asia debut in Hong Kong last October.

Richard Allen, Group General Manager of Simpson Marine, said: “The Singapore Yachting Festival is an excellent opportunity for us to meet with clients, showcase our range of yachts, and network with industry professionals again. We are excited to present some of the most exceptional yachts in our fleet, and showcase our brands and services including yacht charter and yacht management.”

The Ferretti Yachts 500 during the SYF media day

A Ferretti Yachts 500, 780 and 860, the third-largest model in the Italian builder’s collection of flybridge motor yachts, will be exhibited by Hong Seh Yachting, Singapore’s dealer for Ferretti Yachts, Riva and Pershing. Hong Seh will also exhibit a Schaefer V33 from Brazil and a Zodiac Marline 6.8 RIB from France.

An Azimut 78 flybridge motor yacht will be displayed by regional Marine Italia, while a Key Largo 40 from Italian builder Sessa Marine is being presented by Omnia Marine.

Azimut 78

Boat Lagoon Yachting, which has represented Princess in Southeast Asia since 1994, will display the British builder’s Y85, F62 and F55, a Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1095, as well as an Ilumen 28, a 92ft superyacht by Dominator.

Asia Yachting will display Prestige 420 and 520 flybridge motor yachts, while fellow regional dealer Asiamarine will show a Bali Catspace sailing catamaran and the T8, T9-X Edition and T11 motor boats from Swedish builder Nimbus. In addition to Bali and Nimbus, Asiamarine represents Galeon, Swan and Silent-Yachts in key Asia markets.

Princess Y85

Eric Noyel, founder and CEO of Asiamarine, said: “We are anticipating a huge turnout of enthusiasts who are eager to explore and experience the new, clever and smarter yachts on display.

“We are particularly excited to unveil our catamaran superstar, the Catspace from Bali, as well as a full line-up of the Nimbus T series. Whether you’re a seasoned yacht owner or just a lover of the sea, we invite you to visit our team at Asiamarine and be part of this incredible experience.”

Bali Catspace

Power catamarans on display include Leopard’s new 53 Powercat, making its boat show debut in Asia, and an ILIAD 50. Derani Yachts, Premium Nautical, SYC Powersports, Xtreme Machine and The Boat Shop Asia are also displaying boats, while The Yacht Sales Co and Multihull Solutions are among exhibitors.

Other show highlights and activities include a floating bar by AquaBanas, tours by RHIB Rides Singapore, displays by Seabob, e-surfboards by The Kinetic Option, e-foils by Lift and WaveShark, while supercars from Porsche, Lamborghini and Ferrari will also be on display.

Leopard 53 Powercat

Wade Pearce, show organiser and founder of SG Marine Guide, said: “The 2023 Singapore Yachting Festival celebrates the vibrant and growing boating culture of Singapore as well as the region. It’s a platform for anyone wanting to be part of the boating scene – it’s about connecting, sharing and inspiring a new generation who appreciates the sea.”

The four-day show will be preceded by the one-day Southeast Asia Yachting Conference, organised in collaboration with Asia Boating Dialogue, ICOMIA and APSA (Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association).
www.singaporeyachtingfestival.com

Father-son team “fly” to Philippines on Figaro Beneteau 3

News / yachtstyle2020

Father-son team “fly” to Philippines on Figaro Beneteau 3

April 20, 2023
1:11 am

Simpson Marine, a Figaro Beneteau 3 helmed by Philippe and Cosmas Grelon, was fifth across the line in the recent Rolex China Sea Race.

Cosmas Grelon at the helm in Hong Kong © RHKYC / Vivian Ngan

Philippe and Cosmas Grelon reached a top speed of 21 knots in the recent Rolex China Sea Race on Simpson Marine, the “flying” Figaro Beneteau 3 that finished second in IRC Overall in the 565nm offshore classic organised by Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (click for article).

Competing in the race together for the second time, the father-and-son team topped the double-handed class and were the fifth team to reach Subic Bay, after 3 days 22h 47m 10s, as the race was held for the first time since 2018.

Simpson Marine, a Figaro Beneteau 3 © Rolex / Daniel Forster

Cosmas Grelon, Beneteau Sales Manager at Simpson Marine in Hong Kong, started sailing at a young age with his father and has participated in many sailing competitions, but was overwhelmed by the performance of the VPLP-designed Figaro Beneteau 3.

“The Figaro 3 is an absolute machine,” said Cosmas. “We were flying downwind. It was the most exhilarating sailing I’ve done in years!”

Cosmas and his father Philippe arrive in Subic Bay © RHKYC / Vivian Ngan

The world’s first production foiling one-design monohull, the lightweight Figaro Beneteau 3 has a higher-performing ballast-free hull, a slender, deep keel, a setback mast and a large sail plan.

Two other Beneteau boats, a First 40 CR and a Sense 46, also competed in the biennial race. Of the 18 competing boats, 14 are based in Hong Kong, three were from the Philippines and one was from mainland China.

The father-and-son team topped the double-handed category © Rolex / Daniel Forster

Simpson Marine is organising an upcoming open day for the Figaro Beneteau 3 in Hong Kong.
www.simpsonmarine.com
www.beneteau.com

Boat show debut for 100 Sunreef Power

News / yachtstyle2020

Boat show debut for 100 Sunreef Power

April 20, 2023
1:01 am

The Palma International Boat Show will host the public premiere of the 100 Sunreef Power, while British brands Sunseeker, Princess and Pearl show multiple models.

The first 100 Sunreef Power

Sunreef Yachts, represented in Singapore by Hong Seh Marine (click for article) will be among the most exciting exhibitors at this year’s Palma International Boat Show, which will be held from April 27-30 at the Moll Vell marina in the heart of Palma de Mallorca.

About 300 exhibitors and over 30,000 visitors are expected at the Spanish show, which marks the Mediterranean’s first major outdoor boat show of the year.

The first 100 Sunreef Power

Sunreef will host the first international showcase of the 100 Sunreef Power, which is the Polish builder’s largest power catamaran to date and was delivered to her owner in January 2022 ahead of her appearance on the front cover of YACHT STYLE Issue 65, last year’s ‘multihull edition’.

The first 100 Power offers 5,400sqft of living space, equivalent to the social space found on a 130ft monohull motor yacht. Click for Review.

Sunseeker 65 Sport Yacht

Sunseeker will display its new Superhawk 55, 75 Sport Yacht and customised 95 Yacht designed for Meros Yachtsharing, which all had their world premieres at Boot Dusseldorf in January. A 65 Sport Yacht will also be part of the four-model display from the Poole shipyard.

Sean Robertson, Sales and Marketing Director of Sunseeker International, said: “We’re incredibly excited to present a beautiful line-up of new yachts at this year’s Palma International Boat Show. From the exciting and unique Superhawk 55 to the multi-award winning 65 Sport Yacht, all-new 75 Sport Yacht and bespoke 95 Yacht designed for Meros Yachtsharing, there’s no shortage of innovation to see and experience.”

Sunseeker 75 Sport Yacht at Boot Dusseldorf

Richard Tilley, Sales Director of Sunseeker Spain, added: “Mallorca is a jewel of the Mediterranean and one of the best yachting destinations in Europe. As the inaugural show of the Mediterranean boating season, the Palma International Boat Show is a fantastic opportunity for us to present the very best the yachting industry has to offer.”

Princess Y85

Princess is scheduled to show a Y85, F70, S62 and V55, representing four of the Plymouth series, while fellow British brand Pearl is showing its 62, 72 and flagship 95.

The show is also renowned for its selection of brokerage superyachts. Northrop & Johnson is showing the 133ft Naema, 115ft Shamanna, 107ft Kenora and 90ft Spirit of Venice sailing monohulls, as well as the 78ft My Cat sailing catamaran. www.palmainternationalboatshow.com

Fairline Phantom flying into Asia

Reviews / yachtstyle2020

Fairline Phantom flying into Asia

April 19, 2023
1:24 am

Arriving in Asia in spring through regional dealer Simpson Marine, Fairline’s Phantom 65 is the stunning first model in the British builder’s new sportsbridge series, adding a surprisingly large flybridge to a winning layout while still offering sporty performance.
Words: John Higginson; Photos: Fairline

The Phantom 65 introduces Fairline’s new sportsfly series

Following the launch of the F//Line 33 in 2019, Fairline’s introduction of the Phantom 65 late last year represents the Oundle shipyard’s second new series in three years. While the F//Line 33 provides a sexy offering in the luxury dayboat sector, the first Phantom is a sleek sportsfly that acts as a bridge between the brand’s Targa 65 GT cruiser and full-flybridge Squadron 68.

All three share the same hull, although the Phantom 65 is most like the Targa 65, with the addition of a sportsbridge-style upper deck and a staircase from the cockpit. It shares almost the same layouts on the main and lower decks, yet is distinguished by Fairline’s fresh interior décor seen on the upgraded Squadron 68 and to be included on other new models.

The flybridge is surprisingly large

Simpson Marine delivered one of the first hulls of the new Squadron 68 to Thailand last year, while a Phantom 65 for Hong Kong marks the first unit in Asia since the model premiered at the Cannes Yachting Festival last September and was displayed at the Genoa International Boat Show then Boot Dusseldorf’s return in January.

Fairline was proud to announce that the newcomer outperformed predictions during sea trials when fitted with the optional 1,622mhp Cat C32s. A top speed of 35 knots was expected, but hull one reached 37 knots with full water, fuel and a tender on board, then topped 38 knots during later media sea trials.

The Phantom 65 cuts a sleek figure

“It’s at least two knots faster than predicted, but while top speed is good, it’s more important for us to see an increase in the fast cruising speed, because that’s what owners want,” says Chris Gore, Fairline’s Head of Sales for EMEIA (Europe, Middle East, India and Africa) and Asia-Pacific.

“The sportfly market has grown hugely and a lot of orders for the Phantom have been by Targa owners. The Phantom’s flybridge space and some of the new features, like the extended VIP suite, transform the experience, without going to a full flybridge. We’ve tried to keep it as sleek as possible.”

PHANTOM COMES BACK TO LIFE

The Phantom 65 is Fairline’s first sportsfly offering, but it’s not the first time the builder has used the name. In 1974, the launch of the Phantom 32 led to a range that was produced for over 40 years. The current Phantom 65 is based on its Targa sister ship, so most of the outdoor and indoor furniture retains the distinctive angular corners and diagonal sides.

Phantom 65 with the optional sportsfly bimini

However, there are several upgrades, adjustments and new options on the new model, where the aft platform has a 400kg-lifting capacity and the garage can house a Williams 345 SportJet, compared to space for the 325 TurboJet on the Targa 65.

The garage door incorporates a useful fold-out bench and there’s a lift-up flap for a shower, while the starboard steps raise up to allow access into a single crew cabin with a slide-out mattress.

Symmetrical staircases lead to a teak-floored cockpit that features a large island sunpad for two to three people, part of a moulded structure that also includes a forward-facing sofa flanked on both sides by 45-degree ‘corners’.

The garage can house a Williams 345 SportJet, while the platform can lift 400kg

To starboard is an L-shaped settee and an angular folded table that can fold out into a larger, triangular table linking both sofas. When needed, low stools kept in the saloon can be used around the cockpit table.

On the foredeck, the Phantom replicates the Targa’s distinctive horseshoe design, with a C-shaped sofa extending forward on both sides to sunbathing areas flanking a centreline walkway. A central table and drinks holders on the sides and in the aft corners offer plenty of space for beverages and snacks.

The foredeck features a sofa fronted by sunbathing areas both sides of a walkway

However, it’s the sportsfly deck that distinguishes this model and Fairline has done a great job, managing to disguise a surprisingly roomy flybridge within the exterior’s sporty, curvy lines. Of interest to owners in Asia, Fairline offers the option of a bimini that can cover almost the entire sportsbridge and fold away neatly by the low-set windscreen.

Compared to a lot of sportfly models based on existing sport cruiser models, the flybridge on the Phantom 65 is very spacious. It starts aft with a full-width L-shaped sofa and a foldable table, an area that could easily sit six people. The port end of the sofa has a scalloped shape, so can be used as a chaise longue.

The cockpit sunpad allows aft views, while the garage door features a fold-out sofa

On the port side is a two-panel wet bar with grill, sink, fridge and icemaker, while forward is a C shaped sofa that can be filled in with cushions to create a full-length double sunpad.

The twin-seat helm to port – which allows the skipper to look back down the stairs – has an adjustable/tilt wheel with powered steering, allowing responsive, fingertip control. There are two Garmin screens plus a smaller GPSMAP® touchscreen by the wheel, where there’s also a useful little locker for electronics and a USB cable for charging a phone.

NEW-LOOK INTERIOR

Aside from the flybridge, the biggest difference compared to the Targa 65 is the fresh interior decor. Structurally, there’s a similar indoor-outdoor feel, as the main door slides under the flybridge stairs to port and the starboard window drops out of sight to create an almost completely open aft entrance.

Opening the sunroof allows more natural light and ventilation

As well as oak flooring inside, the unit we viewed featured satin walnut woodwork, while the builder offers other options by its in-house studio working in collaboration with Salt Design, which was founded in 2020 by Andrew Pope after he spent almost 25 years with Fairline.

On the main deck, most woodwork is only used up to waist height, such as in the open, J-shaped galley to port. The full-height fridge-freezer illustrates this, featuring fluted doors – dark walnut on the bottom door and a light colour on the top door, matching the white marble countertop and overhead storage above the cooking area to port.

The saloon features textured upholstery, natural-fibre carpeting and sofas on both sides

The dining area to starboard has a C-shaped sofa, loose stools and a fixed-height dining table that can fold out on both sides. The table looks better folded out, as it reveals the matching grain of adjacent wenge leaves and a gorgeous central strip of natural quilted maple.

A six-inch step leads up to the saloon, which is visually distinguished by natural-fibre carpeting and light, textured upholstery. Furniture includes a C-shaped sofa and an angular, glass-topped coffee table to port facing a two-seat sofa to starboard. Natural light from the big side windows is supplemented by an opening sunroof featuring three glass panels.

To starboard, the helm station has two fixed-height helm seats on top of a storage cabinet and offers views through a one-piece windscreen. The console includes three Garmin monitors, GPSMAP® and a shallow locker with engine controls and hooks for keychains. As on the new Squadron 68, the Phantom 65 offers a side door, which could prove a popular option.

The twin-seat lower helm, shown without the optional side door

The saloon features Garmin’s Fusion® Apollo audio system and speakers, which are also present in the aft cockpit, sportbridge and master suite. A Sonos upgrade is available.

ROOMS TO CHOOSE

Accessed by the carpeted forward staircase, the lower deck is based on the Targa 65 and includes a full-beam master suite midships, flexible twin cabin to starboard and VIP in the bow. However, there’s now more flexibility as the port side can be used as a fourth cabin, utility room, day head or the en-suite bathroom (with day head access) for an extended VIP suite.

There’s a nice continuity of design as all cabin doors feature a mid-height, horizontal strip of quilted maple, as featured in the indoor dining table.

The full-beam master suite has a starboard bureau with drawers each side of a vanity table

Down three steps that also lead to a washer-drier in the hall, the master suite has a king-sized bed with slim bedside tables, which are big enough as the lamps are fixed to the aft bulkhead. To port is a sofa, forward is a TV with fluted panelling above and below, while to starboard is a large bureau with drawers on both sides of a vanity table.

The starboard area leads aft to a corner dressing room with a full-height, L-shaped storage. The en-suite bathroom occupies the rest of the beam aft of the bedroom and the cabinetry features the angular design seen elsewhere on the yacht, while the shower includes a fixed bench seat.

Forward view from the port hallway of the extended VIP suite

The starboard guest cabin has twin beds that can be electrically converted into a double, while a bed length mirror on the port bulkhead increases natural light and the feeling of space. Forward is a full-height wardrobe and en-suite bathroom. An angled TV can be fitted on the aft side of the cupboard.

The standard VIP suite has an aft-facing double, cupboards on both sides and en-suite to port. In the extended VIP layout, the bedroom door is to port, where there’s bathroom access and a long storage cabinet. At the foot of the bed is a vanity table with large bulkhead mirror beside a Samsung TV with fluted panelling above and below.

VIP suite’s vanity table, large mirror and Samsung TV

Fairline is in a happy place right now, ramping up its production by about 60 per cent last year to catch up with a strong order book for models ranging in size from the F//Line 33 to the two big newcomers: the Phantom 65 and upgraded Squadron 68.

Next up is the Squadron 58 featuring two cockpit balconies and the Targa 40 cruiser with a drop-down starboard bulwark, set to debut at this September’s Cannes Yachting Festival and Boot Dusseldorf in January 2024 respectively. However, the Phantom 65 is currently Fairline’s newest model and the pioneer of a sportsbridge series that fits seamlessly into the brand’s portfolio.

The sportbridge is discreetly layered into the superstructure

“There has been a fantastic response to the Phantom 65 so we’re really happy,” Gore says. “Fairline’s segment is the 30-70ft range, and we don’t need to push outside of that; we just need to keep being really good at what we do.”

www.fairline.com

www.simpsonmarine.com

Iain Smallridge on Pearl challenging the “big brands”

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Iain Smallridge on Pearl challenging the “big brands”

April 17, 2023
11:15 pm

Founder and Managing Director of Pearl Yachts, Iain Smallridge has established the boutique British builder in Europe and the US, and is now setting his sights on the Middle East and Far East. Interview: John Higginson; Photos: Pearl

Pearl Yachts is best known in Europe and the US, so are you now hopeful of a push into Asia following the appointment of VP Yachts as your Hong Kong dealer?

We know that the brand and the product range should sell in Hong Kong. It’s just a case of developing that relationship with VP Yachts and trying to get some product there. We find that if we put Pearl yachts in any established boating market, it snowballs.

Getting the first one there is always the most difficult thing. We’re sold out for a year or so, so we need to see how we can get a boat there or at least display one en route to somewhere else. Once we show one to local clients, we know we can grow the market.

Smallridge with Vivian Chan of VP Yachts, which represents Pearl in Hong Kong

Why did Pearl create the tagline ‘Boutique Yacht Builder – Since 1998’?

Boutique yacht builder sums us up, as we produce a small volume of high-quality yachts. In 2023, we’ll deliver 12 units between 60-100ft, we’ll do 15 in 2024 and then we’ve scheduled 18 in 2025. We’re increasing volume but incrementally. We’re not going to be building hundreds of boats a year, but we’d like to build a handful of high-quality yachts each year in specific markets around the world.

Our key markets are currently Europe and the US, and it’s about a 50-50 split. We’ve just started in Australia and are looking to develop in the Middle East and Far East. They’re really the key markets.

Like all Pearl models, the 62 features a Bill Dixon exterior

Our current model range starts with the Pearl 62, which has been very popular since we launched it at Boot Dusseldorf in 2020. We just sold hull number 23 in January, so it has been a popular model.

Bill Dixon handles all your exterior design, while Pearl is the only production yacht builder to feature interiors with Kelly Hoppen, who has designed the homes, yachts and jets of many famous clients that have included David and Victoria Beckham. How did a ‘boutique yacht builder’ secure such A-list designers?

We’ve worked with Bill Dixon for about two decades, after Pearl’s current owners took over. Bill is one of the world’s most respected yacht designers and Dixon Yacht Design handles all the exteriors and naval architecture of our yachts, so the handling of our boats is one of our key attractions.

Pearl 62 with Luxury interior by Kelly Hoppen MBE

Kelly gives us spectacular interiors. Like Bill, she’s also from the UK and has made her name as a celebrity designer, working with a lot of celebrities on their residential properties and second homes.

She did a couple of superyachts before we commissioned her about a decade ago. In the yachting field, she now designs exclusively for Pearl and has done the interiors of all our models from the Pearl 75 onwards.

Master suite on the Pearl 72

We started working with Kelly as I thought we needed something different. Before that, the boat industry tended to have variations of the same theme. We went through the high-gloss cherry wood and cream leather phase that every boat builder did for 10 years. Then everybody went to satin walnut and cream carpets, and there was too much of that.

Back then, having an interior designer was seen as quite opulent and a bit nouveau riche, but we asked Kelly to give us a different angle and we’ve become renowned for spectacular interiors. We now have three different styles called Modern, Luxury and Indulgence. The customer can choose any of those schemes in any of our boat models.

Saloon on the Pearl 95

So, you can have Indulgence in the 62 and Luxury in the 95, for instance. Gone are the days when a client must sit down at a boardroom table with 1,000s of samples of materials, which a customer doesn’t really enjoy. The shipyard doesn’t enjoy it. You either end up with exactly what you saw at the boat show or a bit of a mishmash.

This way, the customers get the expertise of a designer interior, but they still have a choice. If they don’t want a light wood interior, there’s an option for a dark wood; if they don’t want a dark wood, there’s an option for a two-tone.

Master suite in the Pearl 95

We find it works well and most customers like the fact that they can select the boat and the interior: ‘I want that boat with that interior’. It’s one of the things we’ve become renowned for.

Considering the Pearl 62’s popularity since 2020, what’s notable about the new Pearl 72, which recently had its European debut at Boot Dusseldorf following its world premiere at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show last October?

One of Pearl’s big attributes is that every new model has unique features – several elements that make it desirable.

The Pearl 62 launched the brand’s new generation of models

Compared to other models in our size ranges, Pearl is renowned for having an extra cabin, an extra feature, a beach club or a garage that nobody else does. This makes customers want to explore further. For instance, the Pearl 62 has four guest cabins plus the option of a crew cabin or a garage, which is unique in that market.

Similarly, the Pearl 72 is the only boat in its segment to have four two-berth guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms.

Pearl 72’s European debut at Boot Dusseldorf 2023

Other models of that size may include a bunk cabin or three heads, but we’ve got four full head-height double or twin cabins, all with en-suites. It also has a proper garage for a Williams SportJet 345 tender, jet-ski and Seabob; there’s no other 70-footer in our market that has a garage like that.

The 72 also has a beach club with a fold-down sofa and wings that drop down to give you extra space on the water.

Aft storage on the Pearl 72

We also have fold-down sides on the Pearl 95, while the upcoming 82 will have dropdown wings on the cockpit level, as opposed to the swim platform.

How else does Pearl differentiate itself from competitors in the very competitive 60-100ft flybridge motor yachts sector?

Apart from the interior and exterior design, and unique features, another element that sets us apart is value for money. We’ve made sure all our boats are competitively priced against competitors, so we have a percentage advantage. Everybody’s prices are up and down like a yoyo, but we’re priced 10 20 per cent less than some of our competitors’ comparable models.

The Pearl 72

There’s also service and warranty. We offer a five-year warranty, which is the industry-leading warranty. People often ask, ‘Why would I buy a Pearl?’ There’s not one thing; there are several key elements and we work hard on all those. It’s the mixture of all those elements that adds the value for the customer. We need to do things differently to pull clients away from these big brands.

You look to be going from strength to strength with the upcoming Pearl 82, set for 2024.

The 82 is actually a really good-looking raised pilothouse design. The exterior may be the hardest challenge. It’s easy to build a boat with lots of volume that looks like a brick. However, try to create an 82-footer with a raised pilothouse and five guest cabins – which nobody else has done on a boat this size – and keep it looking sleek. This comes back to Dixon Yacht Design.

The Pearl 82 will launch in 2024

Its unique features are five guest cabins on an 80-footer including a main-deck master cabin with access out to the forepeak terrace. We’ve also incorporated access to the foredeck from the flybridge, where there’s a side door. The 82 offers full access around the outdoor areas, so the owner can go down from the flybridge to the foredeck, down to the forepeak and into the master cabin, without going through the interior. It’s all part of increasing accessibility around the boat.

We’ve got everything on our 80-footer that other companies have got on 100-footers for twice the price. And it has a garage that can house a tender, jet-ski, Seabobs and so on. Again, we’re trying to give maximum value, however that’s interpreted, to give customers a real reason to come away from the bigger brands. We’re quite confident the Pearl 82 will do that in the same way the 62 and 72 have.

The Pearl 82 includes a main-deck master cabin with forepeak access

We just need to keep doing it. I laugh because we’re starting to develop the next model and at a recent meeting with Bill [Dixon], we asked ourselves, ‘Where do we go now?’ How do we keep on trumping everything that everybody else does? Bill jokes that we may have shot ourselves in the foot because we’ve done everything on the 82, so we have to think about what to do on the next, bigger model. We’ll find something; we keep coming up with ideas.

How are sales of the Pearl 95, your flagship?

We’ve recently delivered number five and number six is being built. We’re doing just over one a year. In honesty, I’d like to do more, even up to two a year. The Pearl 95 is a really good-value 30m boat with a lot of attributes, although we can’t build dozens of them because we’ve got different production lines for the other new models. Sales are consistent for that size.

The Pearl 95 remains the brand’s flagship

It has become competitive in that size range. When we launched the 95, it was quite a unique design with a beach club and main-deck master, but since then, quite a lot of our competitors have added new models, which has made it more competitive.

www.pearlyachts.com

www.vpyachtsltd.com

Wallypower58 sold to Asia

News / yachtstyle2020

Wallypower58 sold to Asia

April 17, 2023
10:39 pm

Hong Seh Yachting has secured the first sale in Asia of the Wallypower58, which will join a wallytender43 and Wallywhy200 in Singapore.

Hong Seh Yachting has sold a new wallypower58 in Singapore, where the new super-sleek cruiser by Wally is scheduled to arrive in the coming months.

The exclusive dealer of fellow Ferretti Group brands Ferretti Yachts, Riva and Pershing in Singapore, Hong Seh Yachting has also sold other new Wally models including a wallytender43 that arrived in early 2022 (click for article) and the remarkable 89ft wallywhy200, which is coming soon to the city.

The wallypower58 has its official world premiere at last year’s Venice Boat Show, while the wallypower58x, the outboard version (click for article), had its global debut at last month’s Palm Beach International Boat Show in Florida.

Like on its iconic predecessor, the wallypower118, the wallypower58 features double chines in the hull and the air intakes. The superstructure displays typical Wally DNA with its pillarless curved glass, broad side decks, and open but covered social areas.

Foldout bulwark ‘wings’ increase space on the aft deck by 25sqm, while a hydraulic aft platform provides easy access to the water as well as tender and water toy storage. Wally’s hydraulic passarelle is included as standard.

The adjustable aft-deck sunpad offers multiple lounging options for up to four adults plus a fold-over canopy, while the covered cockpit offers two long sofas and a dining table with chairs.

The interior is bathed in natural light from overhead. Instead of traditional hull windows, the interior includes ‘magic portholes’, internal screens on each side showing the outside view via 4K-resolution cameras.

The lower deck includes an owner’s cabin forward and either a full-beam saloon midships or a flexi-guest cabin to port with a smaller saloon to starboard.

The Volvo IPS propulsion system features proprietary joystick manoeuvring, dynamic positioning and Assisted Docking software, with a choice of engine power delivering a long-range cruising speed of over 30 knots.

Wally has chosen a triple configuration for shallow draft, while the ultra-deep-V hull offers stability in even the roughest conditions.

www.hongsehmarine.com.sg

www.wally.com

www.ferrettigroupasiapacific.com

Hong Seh Marine sponsors Singapore Sailing Team

News / yachtstyle2020

Hong Seh Marine sponsors Singapore Sailing Team

April 13, 2023
1:05 pm

A leading Singapore dealer for multiple luxury yacht brands, Hong Seh has become a sponsor of the Singapore Sailing Team ahead of this year’s SEA Games and Asian Games, and next year’s Olympics.

Edward Tan, Executive Director of Hong Seh Group, addresses Singapore Sailing Team athletes

Hong Seh Marine has become a sponsor of the 35-strong Singapore Sailing Team (SST), with Asian Games gold medallists Cecilia Low and Kimberly Lim among over 30 athletes, coaches, Executive Board members and senior management attending the cheque presentation.

Edward Tan, Executive Director of Hong Seh Group, parent company of Hong Seh Marine, presented a cheque for SGD70,000 (about US$53,000) to Jevan Tan, Vice President of the Singapore Sailing Federation. Singapore Sailing Federation staff attending the event also included Executive Director Terence Ho and Chung Pei Ming, Head of High Performance and Coaching.

Jevan Tan, Vice President of Singapore Sailing Federation, presents a jacket to Edward Tan

Hong Seh Marine’s sponsorship will help cover costs for uniforms, technical and competition apparel for the sailors, coaches and support staff, with Jevan Tan presenting Edward Tan with an official Singapore Sailing Federation sailing jacket featuring the Hong Seh logo on the right sleeve.

Hong Seh’s boating division covers includes both Hong Seh Yachting, which represents Ferretti Yachts, Riva and Pershing, and Hong Seh Marine, representing Sunreef, Boston Whaler, Schaefer and Zodiac.

Hong Seh’s services include yacht management, chartering, repair and brokerage, while its recent representation of Sunreef represents the company’s entry into sailing catamarans including solar-electric Eco models.

Jevan Tan and Edward Tan with the cheque for SGD70,000

“We see this sponsorship as an opportunity to give back to the wider boating community by supporting the general interest and growth of sailing in Singapore,” said Edward Tan, who founded Hong Seh Marine in 2008 as a division of the Hong Seh Group, his family’s business founded in 1936 and one of the country’s leading distributor of luxury and electric automobiles.

“As a company that values dedication, teamwork and perseverance, we believe that supporting the Singapore Sailing Team is an excellent opportunity to align ourselves with a group of passionate and talented individuals who embody these values themselves.

“Through this partnership, we hope to not only help the Singapore Sailing Team achieve their goals but also to inspire our customers and employees to pursue their own passions and strive for excellence. We look forward to supporting the Singapore Sailing Team as they continue to make strides in their sport and make a positive impact in their community.”

The Singapore Sailing Team is preparing for this year’s SEA Games and Asian Games, and Paris 2024 Olympics

The Singapore Sailing Team’s upcoming competitions include the 32^nd SEA Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia from May 5-17 and the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China from September 23-October 8, where Low and Lim aim to defend their 49erFX title. The Hong Seh Marine sponsorship also covers the Paris 2024 Olympics in France, with the sailing competition held in Marseille from July 28-August 8.

Dr Lincoln Chee, President of the Singapore Sailing Federation, said: “On behalf of the Singapore Sailing Team and the wider sailing community, I would like to express our sincere thanks to Hong Seh Marine for their generous support. With their partnership, we will be able to provide our athletes with additional resources they need to train and compete at the highest level.

“This sponsorship exemplifies the public-private partnership necessary to develop the mass participation and champions in our sport of sailing. Whether power boaters or sailors using our waters, what binds us is the life skill and character we learn from our chosen sport. We are proud to have Hong Seh Yachting as a valued member of our team and look forward to continuing our partnership in the future.”

www.hongsehmarine.com.sg

Lamborghini Revuelto: The First Super Sports V12 Hybrid HPEV

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Lamborghini Revuelto: The First Super Sports V12 Hybrid HPEV

April 13, 2023
12:03 pm

The latest model features an aspirated V12 engine and three electric motors with a total of 1,001 horsepower.

By Joseph Low

When Lamborghini announced that it would discontinue the production of the Aventador, it signalled the end of an era. For a decade, the Aventador represented the pinnacle of luxury sports cars, and the last naturally aspirated Lamborghini to be produced in Sant’Agata Bolognese was the Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae Roadster. But following months of teases and speculations, the Raging Bull has unveiled a successor for the Aventador, the Lamborghini Revuelto — the first super sports V12 hybrid plug-in HPEV (High Performance Electrified Vehicle).

This beast is a befitting sports car to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Lamborghini while also marked the first foray into the world of electrification by the Italian automaker. According to the plans set forth by the brand, it is on track to become electrified, and the Revuelto is the first hybrid model from Lamborghini. Powering the Revuelto is a combination of an internal combustion engine as well as three electric motors. The former is Lamborghini’s signature 6.5-litre V12 engine, which has been used in its flagships for decades. With the aspirated engine alone, the Revuelto can deliver 814bhp at 9,250rmp and 725Nm of torque. Combined with the three electric motors, the car can hit 1,001bhp.

As for the “newer” component of its powertrain, two motors are located on the front axle and another above the eight-speed double-clutch gearbox. A lithium-ion high power battery pack powers the three motors. Coupled with the ICE, its acceleration from 0 to 100km/h only takes 2.5 seconds, and it can also hit a top speed of more than 350km/h.

The battery motors are recharged via three methods: charging via an outlet that only takes 30 minutes to recharge fully; regenerative braking from the front wheels; or directly from the V12 engine in just under six minutes. With such a powerful car, one would expect the batteries to be heavy, but Lamborghini has kept it at 70kg. To further mitigate the effects of the battery pack, the Revuelto is built upon the marque’s new aeronautics-inspired chassis, the “monofuselage”. This chassis is made of multi-technology carbon fibre, with forged composites for the front structure, allowing for a 25 per cent increase in torsional stiffness over the Aventador while being 10 per cent lighter.

The Revuelto has a striking appearance that is sure to turn heads. While the powertrain is the most talked-about aspect of the car, its design is just as impressive. With a wedge shape, sharp angles, and scissor doors, the Revuelto is an exaggerated version of the Aventador, complete with a rocket ship-like rear and a front fascia featuring hooded headlights and Y-shaped running lights. Despite its aggressive exterior, the cabin is surprisingly spacious, with more headroom than previous Lamborghini models. The driver’s cockpit resembles a fighter jet with three digital displays, including a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, an 8.4-inch infotainment screen and a slightly larger display at 9.1-inch for the passenger. To maximise the hybrid powertrain, the driver can choose from 13 driving modes using the squared-off steering wheel and infotainment system, including Recharge, Hybrid, and Performance.

Overall, the Revuelto is a beautiful and innovative supercar from Lamborghini. Its potent new powertrain is sure to capture attention, but the design and interior of the car are also noteworthy. With a unique and bold exterior design and a spacious and technologically advanced cabin, the Revuelto is a step forward for Lamborghini as it embarks on a new era of electrification. The driver can choose from various driving modes to make the most of the hybrid powertrain, and the fighter jet-style cockpit will surely make for an exciting driving experience.

“The new Revuelto is a milestone in the history of Lamborghini, and an important pillar in our Direzione Cor Tauri electrification strategy,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini Chairman and CEO. “It is a unique and innovative car but at the same time faithful to our DNA: the V12 is an iconic symbol of our super sports heritage and history. Revuelto was born to break the mould, combining a new 12-cylinder engine with hybrid technology, creating the perfect balance between delivering the emotion that our clients want with the necessity to reduce emissions.”

Leopard shows full range at La Grande Motte

News / yachtstyle2020

Leopard shows full range at La Grande Motte

April 12, 2023
9:44 pm

The builder is showing its full range of sailing and power catamarans at the five-day International Multihull Show in the south of France.

Leopard is showing its full range of three power and three sailing catamaran models at this year’s International Multihull Show (April 12-16), while French catamaran builders Bali, Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot are also among leading exhibitors at La Grande Motte on the south coast of France.

As well its 46 and 53 Powercats, Leopard is staging the European debut of its 40 Powercat (click for article), following the model’s world premiere at February’s Miami International Boat Show. Leopard, which builds in South Africa, is also showing its 42, 45 and 50 sailing cats, while charter company Sunsail is exhibiting a Sunsail 454, which is a four-cabin Leopard 45.

Bali has the largest display of sailing catamarans with six models, including the world premiere of the entry-level Catsmart (38ft), along with the Catspace (40ft), 4.2, 4.4, 4.6 and flagship 5.4. A Bali 4.8 is being exhibited by Dream Yacht Charter.

Lagoon is showing four sailing catamarans led by its Sixty 5, along with its 42, 46 and new 51, which had its world premiere at last year’s International Multihull Show. Sister brand Excess is showcasing its 11 and new 14, which debuted at last September’s Cannes Yachting Festival, while Four Winns, also part of Groupe Beneteau, is unveiling its TH36 power catamaran.

Fountaine Pajot is displaying its Power 67, its flagship powercat, along with its MY4.S entry-level cruiser. The La Rochelle builder’s sailing models comprise its Isla 40, Astrea 42 and new Aura 51, which debuted in 2022 and pioneered the brand’s new focus on sustainability and renewable energy.

Other brands showing catamarans include Aventura, Catana, C-Catamarans, Dragonfly, HH Catamarans, Marsaudon Composites, Moon, Nautitech, Neocean, Outremer, Privilege and Windelo, while trimaran builders include Libertist, Neel and Rapido.

www.multicoque-online.com

Wider walks on the Wilder side

News / yachtstyle2020

Wider walks on the Wilder side

April 12, 2023
9:01 pm

The Italian builder is building the Wilder 60 monohull motor yacht, with the first unit scheduled to launch this summer.

Wider has revealed details of the Wilder 60, with hull one scheduled to launch in the summer. Designed by the company’s the in-house Centro Stile Wider (Wider Style Centre), the Wilder 60 is designed to be an “all-aluminium thrill machine”, a hybrid of a chase boat and performance cruiser, with a top speed of 40 knots.

The Italian shipyard says it will use its superyacht-building expertise to ensure each hull of the Wilder 60 is a one-off, bespoke build.

Marcello Maggi, President of W-Fin Sarl, the holding company that owns 100 per cent of Wider equity, said: “We all have a wild side and the Wilder 60 is the wild side of Wider. The Wilder 60 is more than just a boat; it is a bespoke statement of intent for secret escapes or wild weekends, a celebration of life and a conduit for fun.

“Tailor-made and turned with artisanal excellence, it embodies the exceptional nature of superyachting and offers exceptional experiences for its owners. It represents another ground-breaking step forward by Wider, which has always sought to challenge the status quo with sometimes radical but always forward-thinking designs and solutions.”

Wider has chosen an aluminium hull to ensure seaworthiness in all conditions, while the shallow 1.05m draft means the yacht can come close to shore. Catering to the luxury day boat market, the design features an open aft deck with a central sunpad, al fresco dining covered by a hard top, and side-deck steps to the foredeck, which features sunpads and a sofa.

The shipyard’s current projects include the WiderCat 92 power catamaran at its facility in Fano and the 72m Moonflower in build at its superyacht hub in Venice. Both are equipped with Wider’s serial hybrid propulsion system.

www.wilder-yachts.com

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