yachtstyle2020, Author at Yacht Style

Ferretti Group Sells 12 Yachts in Asia-Pacific in Record Year

News / yachtstyle2020

Ferretti Group has secured €70 million in sales in Asia-Pacific so far in 2020 and recently signed two new dealerships in Southeast Asia.

August 5, 2020
4:37 pm

Ferretti Group has secured €70 million in sales in Asia-Pacific so far in 2020 and recently signed two new dealerships in Southeast Asia.

Ferretti Group has already secured its best-ever annual sales figures in Asia-Pacific since establishing its regional headquarters in Hong Kong in 2012. Despite Covid-19, Ferretti Group has sold 12 new yachts so far in 2020, totalling 289m (948ft) in length and a retail value of at €70 million (about US$83 million), proving extraordinary results for the start of the year.

Ferretti Group has already sold 12 yachts into Asia-Pacific this year

Ferretti Group Asia Pacific has also continued to grow its dealer network around Asia-Pacific, with two new partners increasing its regional distributors to 14. In the past two months, it has signed exclusive agreements for distributing Ferretti Yachts, Pershing and Riva with Pen Marine for Malaysia and HGB Group for Cambodia and Laos.

Both are part of a commercial strengthening plan that includes significant investments Ferretti Group is implementing globally.

Riva is among the Ferretti Group’s many globally renowned brands

In China, Ferretti Group Asia Pacific has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Sanya Central Business District (SCBD) in Hainan to allow further discussion and the possibility for Ferretti Group to invest and set up a branch in the SCBD project, to cooperate with Sanya on various aspects including yacht sales and service facilities, and continued support in the development of the industry for years to come.

Ferretti Group is scheduled to premiere the 43wallytender, Ferretti Yachts 500 and Riva 88’ Folgore at September’s Cannes Yachting Festival, while the first Custom Line Navetta 30 will be launched later this year. The Group’s new models for 2020 started with the Pershing 7X at Boot Dusseldorf.

www.ferrettigroup.com

infoapac@ferrettigroup.com

Sirena 88: Frers, Rover Mastermind Turkish Builder’s Flagship

Reviews / yachtstyle2020

Sirena 88: Frers, Rover Mastermind Turkish Builder’s Flagship

August 3, 2020
8:38 pm

Designed by German Frers and Cor D Rover, the Sirena 88 is the Turkish builder’s high-volume flagship, which features five cabins including a stunning main-deck master suite with fullheight windows, private jacuzzi access and optional balcony.

Cor D Rover is rightly proud of his intricate work on the Sirena 88, after the Turkish shipyard challenged the Dutchman to design an interior that would appeal to owners around the world. “The brief was: ‘Give me an interior design that we can sell globally.’ Simple brief. Difficult to fulfil,” Rover says.

The Sirena 88 has a wide-bodied, high-volume sub-24m hull, so is categorised as a pleasure boat; the model has secured at least six sales around the world

“Sirena wants to be able to sell this yacht to an American, a Chinese, a European and so on. As such, we wanted the yacht to be rich, luxurious and global.”

With six units already sold – to owners in North America and Europe– the Dutchman appears to have fulfilled his brief.

Rover worked alongside the legendary German Frers, who handled the exterior and naval architecture, having done the same for Sirena’s existing 64 and 58 models that debuted in 2017 and 2018 respectively.
In contrast, the 88 marked Rover’s first design from scratch for Sirena, although he did restyle the interior of the 64 for a new-look model unveiled at last year’s Boot Dusseldorf.

The Sirena 88 was among the largest yachts at this year’s Boot Dusseldorf, having made its world debut at last September’s Cannes Yachting Festival, during which it won ‘Best Innovation of the Year’ at the World Yachts Trophies.

Forward of the foredeck’s large sunbathing area is the owner’s suite skylight and jacuzzi with sunpads (above); the yacht offers great views on all sides (below)

Whether it sits in or out of the water, the 88-footer is a true showstopper, distinguished by a high, wide-bodied hull and leaving first-time visitors in a spin as to what they’ve just seen and how it all fits on a sub24m GRP hull.

Rover’s portfolio includes the exterior of the 220ft Benetti Seasense, a star of the 2017 Monaco Yacht Show, yet he thinks size matters more than length to owners. Sirena – which has built over 400 motor and sailing
yachts since 2006 – believes its 125GT flagship has the largest interior volume in its class, made possible by a whopping beam of 23ft 2in.

“The client of tomorrow wants an SUV,” Rover says. “Big volume and relatively high speed, and that’s what we achieved on the Sirena 88, with five staterooms. That’s the same number of cabins you have on a 150-footer.”

LEGENDARY PARTNERSHIP
With a background in naval architecture and mechanical engineering, Rover designs both exterior and interiors, and his Amsterdam studio has worked with leading yards including Italy’s Azimut (Magellano series) and Taiwan’s Horizon.

On hull one, the flybridge features a large jacuzzi and sunbeds aft (above), while forward (below) are a bar, large dining area and twin-seat helm

Rover specialises in packing a lot into big-volume yachts, yet even he was impressed by the esteemed Frers, who turned 79 on July 4. The Argentine is best known for sailing yachts and has been designing Swans since 1981, but has occasionally worked on a few motor yachts including the exterior of the 85m (280ft) Lurssen Pacific.

For the Sirena 88, Frers designed a 78ft 7in dual-mode hull that operates at both semi-displacement and planing speeds, despite its girthy 23ft-plus beam.

In fact, its 7.1m beam is 50-80cm wider than some recent flybridge models built by leading Italian and British yards with a similar-length hull. When you see its two comfortable twin cabins either side of a central hallway, it makes you wonder how it would all fit if the hull was narrowed by a foot or two.

“The floor width is phenomenal. We did the layout together with German, who offered us a great hull. I’m a naval architect myself, so I know what he goes through,” Rover says.

The cockpit is covered by the flybridge and features a large dining table, C-shaped sofa and chairs; a wet bar and small fridge can also be fitted to port

“To get this space to play with is a blessing as it gives you more freedom. Even 15cm can be the difference between putting in a bed or not being able to put in a bed.

“Floor space is everything, especially as the number of cabins was key. We had to fit five ensuite staterooms while remaining under the 24m rule.”

SOCIAL ZONES
The Sirena 88 has a carbon-fibre laminated superstructure that incorporates a raised wheelhouse in front of the flybridge, which is available in several layouts. Hull one features a large jacuzzi and sunbeds aft, although the latter can be replaced by a full-width sunbathing area.

An attractive L-shaped bar takes centre stage to starboard, behind the twin-seat upper helm, which overlooks stairs down to the main wheelhouse, where there’s even a bed that can be used by the Captain.

The main social area of the flybridge is to port and features a long sofa and table, and loose chairs, while this side also offers access to the bforedeck, a nice way of connecting the outdoor zones.

The saloon can be customised and hull one features facing sofas and a drop-down TV on starboard side; the room leads through to the formal dining area

The foredeck includes a large sunbathing area in front of the wheelhouse and a fun ‘dipping pool’, although a C-shaped sofa and table are another option for this area.

Ideal for a couple, the forward pool is ideal as the preserve of the owners and offers fantastic views, but you might question how it affects the view from the owner’s suite – if you haven’t already been in the owner’s suite.

THE GREAT INDOORS
The walk back is along the starboard side deck to the covered cockpit, where six people could dine comfortably, eight at a squeeze. There’s also the option of a wet bar and fridge in the port bulwark.

Inside, the saloon features opposing sofas, while a TV can drop down from the ceiling on the starboard side. Forward is the formal dining area, which benefits from great views on either side through sliding glass doors that can be fully opened to allow in the sea breeze.

The galley (which can be designed as an open galley) is to port and Rover points out that its ceiling doubles as the bed of the wheelhouse, an example of how he worked not just with lateral space but also vertical.

The saloon’s sliding doors (above) offer a breeze and wide views through the cockpit; the dining area (below) benefits from wide sliding glass doors on both sides

“Putting it all together is a three-dimensional puzzle,” he says. “It’s all interconnected.” The starboard hallway leads past two sets of stairs – one to the wheelhouse, one to the lower deck – and along to the master stateroom,
arguably the yacht’s piece de resistance.

Feeling more like an owner’s suite on a megayacht, this enormous full-beam bedroom offers stunning sea views on either side through full-height, full-width windows.

To make the most of these views, two comfortable chairs and a table make a cosy coffee corner on the starboard side, while a long desk to port presents one of the more serene office environments you’ll enjoy on any
yacht. If this isn’t enough, there’s the option of a drop-down balcony.

Yet arguably the most innovative aspect of the layout is the forward area, where two beautiful, wooden-panelled cabinets with drawers and recessed lighting frame the showpiece bathroom, which takes centre stage.

Lit naturally from above by a wide skylight, the bathroom is a visual centrepiece and, in a masterful design touch, brilliantly uses the forward jacuzzi as a water feature above the mirror. And if you want to jump in the jacuzzi rather than look at it, marble stairs from the bathroom lead up to the foredeck, through a lifting door.

Forward on the main deck, the huge, full-beam master suite has floor-to-ceiling windows on both sides, plus views of the jacuzzi through the skylight

For privacy, the bathroom can be concealed by sliding, mirrored doors, but this is an ensuite to be admired, not hidden.

“It’s cool, right? In the morning, when the light is shining on the pool water, it’s beautiful, and you can see it all from the bed,” Rover smiles.

“Even in the evening, with the light shining through the jacuzzi, it looks amazing. It’s soothing to me, like a zen feeling. It’s an experience.”

GUEST CABINS GALORE
The lower deck is a jigsaw of the highest order, featuring VIP cabins both midships and forward, and two twins in-between, all with ensuite bathrooms. Furthermore, in front of the engine room is an impressive fullbeam crew quarters that houses double and twin-bunk cabins, cooking and dining areas, and shared bathroom facilities.

The staircase to the lower-deck cabins is fairly steep and it’s three more steps aft to the midships VIP, which would be a great full-beam master suite on other yachts of this length.

The master suite bathroom has stairs to the foredeck and jacuzzi

The large forward-facing bed is flanked by bedside cabinets and to starboard by an elegant bathroom, while to port is a desk cum vanity table with a large fold-up mirror, all benefiting from light through the large hull window. Portside options also include a dinette.

Just forward of the bedroom door is a useful communal area with cupboards, drawers and a coffee machine that would be hugely appreciated by many guests in the morning.

After you take three steps up to the main staircase’s landing point, it’s three steps back down to access the other guest rooms, with the first door opening to the portside twin cabin and the second to the starboard version.

The full-beam midships VIP cabin would be a great master suite on any similar-sized yacht and has a superb vanity table to port, below the large hull window

Both are very comfortable, with two single beds and a Pullman, plenty of storage, and an ensuite bathroom forward.

The forward VIP starts with a hallway with three doors, to a walk-in wardrobe and the bathroom on port side, and on starboard to the shower. It’s a couple of fairly high steps up to the sleeping area in the bow, so despite
being billed as the second VIP, it may not be suitable for the elderly.

The lower deck can feel like a lot of stairs when viewing all four cabins, but it’s worth remembering that most guests will only be heading to their room.

The forward VIP double in the bow

“I’m playing with every centimetre I have and trying to optimise the use of space,” Rover says. “I see boats that throw away a lot of space.”

If the forward cabin feels like Rover pushing his three-dimensional puzzle to the limit, he’s quick to reassure you that his creative juices were still flowing. In the yacht’s optional four-bedroom layout, this area can be adjoined to the master suite, creating a split-level stateroom.

“The forward VIP space becomes part of the owner’s suite,” Rover says. “It can become an office, a hammam, anything, and styled like a New York loft. It’s a very interesting option.”

Following all the invention and surprise, it’s almost refreshing to find out the aft garage is, well, an aft garage, with space for a tender and jetski, although it can also be customised. After all, the fixed swim platform can carry 800kg and there’s a hydraulic crane for lifting and launching, while other features include a hydraulic bathing ladder and telescopic gangway.

The portside twin cabin

Due to the global appeal of its biggest-ever yacht, Sirena is now busy keeping up with demand, with delivery of the second and third units scheduled for the third and fourth quarters of this year respectively, and
hulls four to six in 2021. A Sirena 88 may even appear at next year’s Miami Yacht Show.

“I’m very happy with it,” Rover admits. It’s likely the owners will be, too.

www.sirenayachts.com

Yacht Style Issue 54 Out Now: The Charter Issue 2020 - LUXUO
Yacht Style has released Issue 54 (July-August), its Charter Issue for 2020. Flying Fox, the world's largest charter yacht, stars on the front cover of the 208-page magazine, as the 136m megayacht prepares to return to Asia later this year.

Asian Heavyweight: Camper & Nicholsons in Asia

Charter / yachtstyle2020

Asian Heavyweight: Camper & Nicholsons in Asia

August 3, 2020
8:13 pm

The 91.5m Tranquility is the new flagship of Camper & Nicholsons’ charter fleet in Asia, where the ‘original yachting company’ now also operates a superyacht in the Philippines along with large motor and sailing yachts across the rest of Southeast Asia and beyond.

Size matters in yachting and Camper & Nicholsons made arguably the biggest move of the past year in the Asian charter market when it became the charter central agent for the 91.5m Tranquility, owned by Genting Malaysia.

Built by Oceanco and launched in 2014, the former Equanimity was in the headlines while in Malaysia early last year and has since begun a new life as a charter yacht, with a weekly rate of €1,100,000 (about US$1,240,000).

One of the world’s biggest charter yachts, the 300ft Tranquility can accommodate up to 18 guests in nine cabins and is served by 31 crew

The 300-footer is looked after by 31 crew and features a Winch Design interior that includes nine cabins for 18 guests, who can enjoy a large pool, two jacuzzis, an outdoor bar, a Perspex-cased piano and immense indoor areas.

Other highlights include a spectacular beach club, which transitions through to a gym where glass doors lead to a starboard sea platform and a spa complete with a sauna, hammam, experiential showers, plunge pool and a massage, hair and beauty salon!

Tranquility is another coup for one of the world’s leading brokerage houses, which was founded in 1782 and has enjoyed a strong presence in Asia since it was acquired by Hong Kong-based conglomerate Lai Sun in 2016.

Carmen Lau, Business Development Director Asia, says C&N’s charter business benefits from its global network, which includes offices in Hong Kong and Phuket, another 10 in Europe and the US, plus representatives offices in Malaysia, Japan, Australia and New Zealand appointed last year.

Tranquility features an Asian-inspired interior by Winch Design;Carmen Lau, C&N’s Business Development Director Asia

“With 21 languages spoken, 12 offices across three continents, an in-house legal expert and a dedicated charter management team, we are one of the best-placed companies to offer 360-degree solutions and a real perspective on the best itineraries and yachts available,” Lau says.

“We call ourselves the ‘original yachting company’ because of our history and we have many repeat clients, many from successive generations of families. We create bespoke itineraries, as some clients may want a quiet time with a lot of luxury, while other travellers can be keener on adventure and exploration.”

C&N has been targeting the current and future generations by investing heavily in IT and its online platforms, which were boosted late last year by a technology merger with Hong Kong-based Nowtboat.com. The latter also manages C&N’s day charters, with Phuket, Bali, Komodo and even Hong Kong among hot spots.

Thailand-based Aphrodite (left) pictured sailing in Indonesia’s Anambas Islands

“Our website and digital ecosystem including Instagram now play a big role in customer interaction,” Lau says. “We are the only company in the industry to have an in-house tech team, so are fully equipped to make the most of these new channels and be ready to respond.

YACHTS AND DESTINATIONS GALORE
Tranquility aside, the weekly rates for C&N’s superyachts in Asia range from about US$23,000 for Thailand-based sailing yachts Aphrodite (93ft) and Dallinghoo (99ft) to upwards of US$140,000 for Indonesia-based Lamima (213ft), the world’s largest wooden sailing yacht.

Thailand and Indonesia remain the company’s leading charter destinations in Asia, but C&N is excited with the addition to its fleet of the 100ft Hummingbird, which it says is the only motor yacht of its size available for charter in the Philippines. Chartering for US$75,000 per week, the four-cabin yacht was designed and built by the Guy Couach shipyard, with an interior by Daniele Chopard.

Outdoor areas include an upper deck featuring a large dining table for up to 10 guests, sunbathing area forward and an aft cockpit with sofas. The swim platform carries a Zodiac tender and converts to a diving platform or sunbathing area, while water toys includes a Seabob, two stand-up paddleboards and snorkelling gear.

A sample seven-day itinerary starting from Manila could take in Hamilo Coast, Puerto Galera, Apo Reef and down to Palawan, where island options include Dumunpalit, Nalaut, Banana, Ditaytayan, Malcapuya and Coron.

In Thailand, charters from Phuket include trips to Phang Nga Bay and Krabi, which can both be included in a 10-day itinerary south that finishes in Langkawi across the Malaysia border. Other destinations include the Similan Islands and further north into Myanmar’s pristine Mergui Archipelago.

Hummingbird (also below) is a new charter option in the Philippines

C&N’s sailing yachts in Thailand include Aphrodite, Dallinghoo and the 90ft Orient Pearl, which have three, four and five cabins respectively.

Ocean Emerald, the futuristic 135-footer designed by Norman Foster, is arguably Thailand’s most renowned charter yacht, with a weekly rate of €95,000 (about US$107,000). The four-deck motor yacht can accommodate up to 10 guests in five cabins and covers the Gulf of Thailand in the summer, moving to Phuket for Andaman Sea charters in the winter.

In Indonesia, the Komodo area 200nm east of Bali is the most popular destination during the northern-hemisphere summer, with most charter yachts spending the winter in Raja Ampat in West Papua, the country’s most easterly province. The Anambas Islands northeast of Singapore are also an emerging destination.

C&N’s Indonesia-based yachts include the magnificent 65m Lamima, fellow sailing phinisis Mutiara Laut (150ft) and Sequoia (86ft), and the 164ft expedition motor yacht Kudanil Explorer. (For more details, see the later chapter on Indonesia.)

Papua New Guinea, Indonesia’s eastern neighbour, is another exciting destination for longer trips, with the 115ft powercat Spirit an idea vessel for exploring its pristine seas (see Yacht Style Issue 48).

Lau says technology can help people enjoy the world’s most stunning yachting destinations, even if not everyone can afford to charter Tranquility.

“As well as being the ‘original yachting company’, Camper & Nicholsons is the most advanced technologically and our website allows visitors to immerse themselves in some of the world’s most beautiful destinations, on the most beautiful yachts. Even if they don’t make a booking, it’s nice to be inspired during these challenging times.”

www.camperandnicholsons.com

www.nowboat.com

The original article first appeared in Yacht Style Issue 54 (Charter Issue 2020) – see below:
To subscribe to Magzter version, visit: magzter.com/SG/Lux-Inc-Media/Yacht-Style/Fashion/
For more information or print subscription enquiries, email: info@lux-inc.cothe portside twin cabin Thailand and Indonesia remain the company’s leading charter destinations in Asia, but C&N is excited with the addition to its fleet

of the 100ft Hummingbird, which it says is the only motor yacht of its size available for charter in the Philippines. Chartering for US$75,000 per week, the four-cabin yacht was designed and built by the Guy Couach shipyard, with an interior by Daniele Chopard.

Yacht Style Issue 54 Out Now: The Charter Issue 2020 - LUXUO
Yacht Style has released Issue 54 (July-August), its Charter Issue for 2020. Flying Fox, the world's largest charter yacht, stars on the front cover of the 208-page magazine, as the 136m megayacht prepares to return to Asia later this year.

Fraser Hong Kong sells Sanlorenzo SL106 Bella Italia

News / yachtstyle2020

Fraser Hong Kong sells Sanlorenzo SL106 Bella Italia

July 29, 2020
12:05 am

Fraser sells special-edition 106-footer and signs CAs for 151ft Sanlorenzo and 92ft Sunseeker.

Fraser Hong Kong, represented by Asiamarine, has announced the in-house sale of the Sanlorenzo SL106 Bella Italia along with the signing of two Central Agency (CA) listings – a Sanlorenzo 46Steel Forwin and a Sunseeker 90 Yacht Mogul.

Fraser sold the Sanlorenzo SL106 Bella Italia within a month of her listing.

Built in 2015, the 32.3m Bella Italia is a special edition model featuring a spa, sauna and massage room, a large main-deck dining room for 12, and an impressive flybridge with dining for 12, a jacuzzi and a full wet-bar.

Fraser Asia announced it took less than a month to sell Bella Italia after signing the brokerage agreement with the seller.

Bella Italia is a special-edition SL106 with a spa, sauna and massage room

Adam Blackmore of Fraser Hong Kong represented both the buyer and seller, with the latter introduced by Fraser’s Monaco office. Blackmore also sold the 44m Royal Denship Odyssey earlier this year.

In recent months, Fraser has also been appointed the CA for the sale of the 151ft Sanlorenzo 46Steel Forwin, which was built in 2013, refit in 2016 and completed her five-year survey last year.

Fraser is the CA for the sale of the Sanlorenzo 46Steel Forwin

The global brokerage house has described the yacht as a rare brokerage offering in Asia with good charter potential, and ‘immaculately maintained’ by her professional crew.

Forwin has two master suites comprising one on the bridge deck with a private deck terrace and one on the main deck, plus a further four guest cabins, so can accommodate up to 12 guests.

The 2008-model Sunseeker 90 Mogul is another Fraser CA listing

Fraser’s Asia operation is also the CA for the Sunseeker 90 Mogul launched in 2008, which features interior dining for up to 10 guests, a large flybridge, foredeck lounging area and four guest cabins, making her suitable for charter.

www.fraseryachts.com

www.asiamarine.com

Yacht Style Issue 54 Out Now: The Charter Issue 2020 - LUXUO
Yacht Style has released Issue 54 (July-August), its Charter Issue for 2020. Flying Fox, the world's largest charter yacht, stars on the front cover of the 208-page magazine, as the 136m megayacht prepares to return to Asia later this year.

Rolex Works Hand in Hand with Sailing Legends

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Rolex Works Hand in Hand with Sailing Legends

July 27, 2020
4:21 pm

Sailing legends Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Sir Francis Chichester and Bernard Moitessier all wore a Rolex during their pioneering sailing feats of the 1960s, which still inspire sailors in today’s leading offshore races.

It is a relationship born of a natural affinity with a sport that exhibits time-honoured values and a dynamic spirit. Six decades into its partnership with yachting, Rolex is the committed supporter of the some of the world’s most prestigious yacht clubs, races and regattas.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston used his Rolex Explorer watch during his victory in the
Sunday Times Golden Globe Race in 1969, when he became the first solo sailor to complete a non-stop circumnavigation

Rolex is the committed supporter of the some of the world’s most prestigious yacht clubs, races and regattas.Rolex can trace its connection with the sea back to the company’s origins in the early 1900s, when founder Hans Wilsdorf envisaged a pioneering watch that would be robust, precise and reliable, sharing the highest standards of excellence with the custodians of yachting’s finest spirit.

The strength of this association would be cemented by the feats of three extraordinary individuals, which helped confirm Wilsdorf’s perceptive understanding that increasingly active lifestyles demanded a wristwatch chronometer that was accurate, self-winding and, significantly, waterproof.

The 1960s was a period that added considerable impetus to the sport of yachting and particularly the discipline of offshore racing.

The challenges faced by today’s sailors may appear a world away from those encountered in the middle of the last century, but those heading to sea and out of sight of land for extended periods are still inspired by the characters and achievements of that era.

Sir Francis Chichester relied upon a Rolex Oyster Perpetual during his solo circumnavigation aboard Gipsy Moth IV in 1966-67

Advances in technology, materials and design continually improve navigation, fitness for purpose and comfort, but the open ocean remains an unforgiving environment. Until the beginning of the 20th century, offshore racing had been the preserve of large yachts with paid crew. The 635nm NewportBermuda Race, first held in 1906, became the catalyst for the 605nm Rolex Fastnet Race, founded in 1925, and opened the door to racing offshore in yachts of 30ft and upwards.

When the 628nm Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race was founded in 1945, the discipline had truly come of age. Other races of about 600nm would follow including the Rolex China Sea Race in 1962, the Rolex
Middle Sea Race in 1968 and the RORC Caribbean 600 in 2009.

Passion was the key element in the early editions of these races, with small numbers of enthusiastic participants.

THREE LEGENDARY OCEAN FEATS,
ALL ACCOMPANIED BY A ROLEX
A series of accomplishments would add the allure of adventure and testing oneself to the simple concept of competition, thereby broadening the appeal of offshore sailing. In 1960, the first solo transatlantic race was won by British yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester.

The route of Chichester’s west-to-east circumnavigation in 1966-67 from Plymouth, which included rounding the three great Capes

Such was the success of this inaugural race that four years later it was held again with more than twice as many participants. Chichester would finish second on this occasion. Spurred on to greater heights, this unassuming man, also an entrepreneur and an aviator, epitomised the spirit of sailing and adventure, and became the first person to sail around the world alone from west to east, along the fastest route available – the clipper route.

Setting off in 1966 aboard his 55ft ketch Gipsy Moth IV, Chichester counted among his ‘crew’ a sextant and a Rolex Oyster Perpetual chronometer, which absorbed the same drenching and scrapes as him.

He wrote in a letter in 1968: “During my voyage around the world in Gipsy Moth IV, my Rolex watch was knocked off my wrist several times without being damaged. I cannot imagine a hardier timepiece.

When using [it] for sextant work and working the foredeck, it was frequently banged, also doused by waves coming aboard; but it never seemed to mind all this.”

After 226 days, including a stopover in Australia, Chichester returned to Plymouth, United Kingdom, having rounded the three great Capes: Good Hope, South Africa; Leeuwin, Australia; and the Horn, Chile.

He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for “sustained endeavour in the navigation and seamanship of small craft”. His epic feat, undertaken in his mid-60s when most are considering retirement, inspired still greater achievement.

Wearing a Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master certified chronometer, Bernard Moitessier was leading the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race, but the Vietnam-born Frenchman elected not to return to Plymouth and instead sailed south of Africa, Australia and New Zealand for a second time before settling in Tahiti

The clipper route, embraced by Chichester, is the favoured course followed by the most challenging round-the-world yacht races, all of which came into being after his venture. The first of those races was established only a year later.

In 1968, nine yachtsmen took on the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race, the first non-stop, single-handed, round-the-world yacht race. The level of the unknown that such a voyage presented then is difficult to comprehend in this age of digital mapping, mobile communication and satellite navigation. More was understood about heading into outer space.

When the French sailor Bernard Moitessier and British yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston were among those setting off to prove it was possible for man and machine to sail around the earth without stopping, few believed they would succeed.

Like Chichester, they had to rely on their seamanship and determination to survive whatever the oceans threw at them. Conserving resources and protecting their yachts were key concerns.So, too, was navigation, which remained reliant upon the time, sun and stars to plot position with any degree of precision.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s Rolex Explorer watch

Of the nine sailors to embark on the challenge, only one completed the full course. Moitessier, born and raised in Vietnam, looked capable of completing the task and in the fastest time, but chose to abandon the contest, continuing east towards the Cape of Good Hope for a second time rather than heading north once he had rounded Cape Horn.

Moitessier would go on to cover some 37,455nm before coming to rest in Tahiti, the longest non-stop solo voyage.

Knox-Johnston persevered with the quest, overcoming adversities, privations and solitude, arriving back in Falmouth, UK, in April 1969, some 312 days after his departure. As the winner of the Sunday Times Golden Globe, he entered the history books as the first solo sailor to successfully circumnavigate the planet, non-stop.

Sailing prowess aside, Knox-Johnston and Moitessier were both indebted to the resilience and reliability of the Rolex Oyster as an essential tool among the navigational aids on their voyages.

The annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, which starts on December 26, is the southern hemisphere’s leading offshore race

Knox-Johnston laid great store by the characteristics of his Rolex: “It was strong enough to take a bashing and was predictable, which was what I really needed for navigation, particularly when taking sights on deck.

“It was a good, reliable, trustworthy watch. Through all the punishment it received, it just kept going. It was still working perfectly when I got home, which says it all.

”Moitessier, writing to Rolex in 1968, advised that: “Obviously, your Rolex is [much more] sophisticated in terms of regularity, waterproofness and robustness and will allow me to make [more] accurate sights since I will be wearing it on my wrist on deck. It is therefore one of the most important pieces of equipment on my boat.”

The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club organises the Rolex China Sea Race, which will next start on March 30, 2021

ROLEX: THE COMMITTED PARTNER
OF LEADING OFFSHORE RACES
Given this background, it is perhaps only natural that Rolex would seek to partner the most prestigious yacht clubs, institutions and regattas in the world, sharing the highest standards of excellence with the
custodians of yachting’s finest spirit. Rolex stepped offshore to secure relationships with the world’s top 600nm races and the organisations behind them. Stringent examinations of sailing skill and human
endeavour, these classic contests and their organising clubs have, like Rolex, been defined by a spirit of adventure.

The most famous are the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, run by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), and the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, launched by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA). Widely regarded as northern and southern hemisphere equivalents, and both supported by Rolex since the beginning of the 2000s, they are on every offshore sailor’s wish list.

The primary focus for all participants at these races is, first and foremost, to finish. If one has an eye on winning, the focus is doing so in the shortest possible time. Plotting the correct route, maintaining the optimum speed in the prevailing conditions and time-management of resources are essential components of a successful voyage, just as they were for the pioneers of 50 years ago.

Crews have to manage their strategy and resources according to the potential and characteristics of their boat. There is no room for complacency, nor error in judgement, in the pursuit of victory. Every decision has to be
accurate and timed precisely. Taking care of the minute details remains essential, just as it was for Chichester, Moitessier and Knox-Johnston. There is no pit-lane to carry out repairs or replenish resources.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual worn by Sir Francis Chichester during his circumnavigation from August 1966 to May 1967

Time management in offshore races continues to require robust, accurate timing. Launched in 1992, the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master range celebrates the close relationship between Rolex and the world of
sailing and regattas.

The Yacht-Master’s Oyster case, waterproof to a depth of 100m (330ft), features a slightly rounded design to avoid snagging rigging or sails and safely protects the accuracy of the self-winding mechanical movement,
designed and manufactured by Rolex and certified as an official chronometer by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).

Simply completing one of the classic 600nm races is rightly considered an achievement to celebrate. Marking the significance of the endeavour and the dedication that is required to prevail, historic trophies are awarded to the successful crews.

According to John Markos, past Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, one of the prizes has attained legendary status: “The fengraving on the back of the Rolex timepiece awarded to the overall winner means everything. It stamps the timepiece with a unique feature that cannot be purchased.

The next Rolex Fastnet Race in 2021 and the following edition in 2023 will finish in Cherbourg, France, instead of Plymouth, UK

“While a trophy like the Tattersall Cup is awarded each year, the Rolex watch is personal, owned and carried by the winner. It has become a recognised symbol of success and achievement.”

In a world where shorter competition formats are becoming ever more popular, it is reassuring that some sports continue to embrace their history and traditions. Promoting and guarding the values of offshore sailing remains a core focus of the organising yacht clubs involved.

The success of their approach is confirmed with new record fleets regularly being established at their races: 362 yachts at the 2017 Rolex Fastnet Race and 130 yachts at the 2018 Rolex Middle Sea Race, for
example.

The commitment of Rolex is also long-standing, stretching back sixdecades, but importantly, it is also forward-looking, with multi-year event partnerships in place. The challenge of the open sea is perpetual and, for those willing to take it on and sail in the wake of their heroes, the opportunities to do so are in safe-keeping.

www.rolex.com

Yacht Style Issue 54 Out Now: The Charter Issue 2020 - LUXUO
Yacht Style has released Issue 54 (July-August), its Charter Issue for 2020. Flying Fox, the world's largest charter yacht, stars on the front cover of the 208-page magazine, as the 136m megayacht prepares to return to Asia later this year.

Carla Demaria On How Bluegame is Disrupting Yacht Design with BGX Series

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Carla Demaria On How Bluegame is Disrupting Yacht Design with BGX Series

July 27, 2020
1:29 pm

Bluegame CEO Carla Demaria is confident the brand’s flagship BGX70 will enjoy a similar response in Asia as it has in Europe, due to a huge beach club that leads into the saloon and guest cabins, a signature design that will also be seen on the BGX60.

Carla Demaria admits she has heard a lot of praise for Bluegame’s flagship BGX70, which has a well-earned reputation as one of the most innovative motor yacht designs of recent years.

The BGX70 has a low, sleek, stealth-like exterior, a strong, seaworthy hull designed by Lou Codega, and can power up to about 30 knots with 1,000hp IPS350s

Its lower deck starts with an enormous beach club that flows directly in to the main saloon, which itself leads forward to the guest cabins or upstairs to the more subdued main deck of the explorer- styled motor yacht.

Yet despite the BGX70 winning awards held during last year’s Cannes Yachting Festival and this year’s Boot Dusseldorf, Demaria says her favourite reaction to the boat was from a prospect-turned- client at Cannes, where the model made its world premiere and won Most Avant-Garde Yacht at the World Yachts Trophies.

“He is a well-known yachtsman and he told me, ‘This is exactly the boat I have been looking for, for many years, and have never been able to find’,” says Demaria, who was appointed Bluegame CEO in early 2019. “In less than two hours, he bought one, downsizing significantly from the boat he owned.”

Two units had been sold ahead of the BGX70’s show debut before further sales were secured at Cannes, the subsequent Genoa International Boat Show and Monaco Yacht Show, and this year’s Boot Dusseldorf, during which it won the Custom Yacht category at the 2020 Motor Boat Awards.

The beach club (above) leads straight into the saloon (below), which has great views on both sides, access to the owner’s suite and stairs up to the dining area

Demaria describes the connectivity of the lower-deck saloon as “the milestone of the BGX project” and is confident the BGX70 will also sell in Asia, with a unit potentially exhibiting at the Hong Kong Yacht Show (November 19-22) according to Simpson Marine, the brand’s Asia dealer since this year.

“When the BGX70 makes its debut in Asia, we are convinced it will receive the same consensus,” says Demaria, a member of the Board of Directors at Sanlorenzo, Bluegame’s parent company.

“Walking from the beach area through the saloon and accessing the owner’s cabin is a unique and awesome experience. You feel the continuity between the outside and inside, no barriers aft or sideways. And you can experience this same extraordinary feeling sitting in the saloon while cruising.”

SANTELLA, ZUCCON PARTNER – AGAIN
Demaria is an industry heavyweight, having been CEO of Monte Carlo Yachts from 2008-18 after over two decades with Azimut Benetti Group, and last year she finished a four-year term as President of UCINA (Italian Marine Industry Federation).

However, Luca Santella is the heart and soul of Bluegame, which the two-time Olympic sailor founded back in 2004. An architecture graduate from Florence University, Santella represented Italy for 16 years, competing at the 1988 and 1992 Olympics in Seoul and Barcelona respectively, before making his name in yacht design.

After Bluegame’s fortunes fluctuated in its early years, the effects of the Global Economic Crisis eventually led to Santella putting the company on hold in 2012 and he later became Design Development Manager at Sanlorenzo.

The saloon is on the lower deck and offers a sea view over the enormous beach club, which has a large barbecue and external stairs to the main deck (see facing page)

His achievements include conceiving the hugely successful SX (Sport Explorer) range, designing the SX88 (2017) and SX76 (2018) with Zuccon International Project. Meanwhile, in the background, Bluegame was revived and officially relaunched in 2018 as a Sanlorenzo brand.

Santella, 58, and Bernardo Zuccon overhauled former Bluegame models to create the BG42 and BG62 ‘Sport Utility’ yachts, which both feature naval architecture by renowned American designer Lou Codega and were unveiled at Cannes in 2018.

However, it was the BGX70 – using the same line-up of designers – that really put the new and improved Bluegame on the global yachting map, with the eye-catching flagship echoing the styling of Sanlorenzo’s SX series, which Santella himself had inspired.

“BGX70 is a completely different project to BG62 and BG42, which are well defined open boats,” Demaria says.

“However, the DNA of the two ranges is the same and includes a seaworthy hull design for a comfortable ride, large ‘beach’ areas open to the sea, generous forward lounge areas, connected cockpits, fantastic helm station positioning, great attention to details, high- quality construction and understated elegance.

“BGX70 keeps all of these characteristics, but the main design inspiration came from the desire to bring the ‘outside’ inside, letting the outside environment enter inside the boat through innovative and truly unique architecture.”

“Walking from the beach area through the saloon and accessing the owner’s cabin is a unique and awesome experience.” Carla Demaria, CEO, Bluegame

‘TRULY UNIQUE ARCHITECTURE’
Much of the architecture that enabled the saloon to lie below the height of the beach club was down to Codega and his work on the positioning of the engine room, which was key to the BGX70’s pioneering layout.

Using Volvo Penta IPS drives meant the engines could be positioned under the teak-covered beach club and free up space forward for the saloon.

The expansive aft deck features a large hatch for the engine room and is big enough to fit a 13ft RIB, which once deployed, can open up an enormous beach club sheltered by bulwarks and featuring a large barbecue and wet bar to port.

To starboard, external steps up to the main deck, but on the BGX70 boat, the lower deck is the main living area.

Forward of the saloon on the lower deck, the owner’s suite has a forward-facing double bed to port and a dressing table cum desk to starboard

Sliding doors open up to the saloon, which is just a couple of steps down, and it’s here that you realise how unusual – how refreshing – it is to be standing or seated on a sofa at sea level.

As well as comfortable sofas and chairs, the saloon offers a sensational infinity view aft, through the beach club, plus sea views either side, where you can watch the water just feet away, lapping at the hull below.

As the idea of a sea-level saloon sinks in, it’s then equally intriguing to be able to walk through a door into the master suite, a location that has its perks but also privacy risks. Make sure you’re wearing more than Y-fronts when you wander out for your morning coffee, just in case any early risers are loitering in the living room.

Moving on, the full-beam master suite has a forward-facing bed to port and benefits from large hull windows either side, although the starboard arrangement, where you have to walk around a three- sided desk/vanity table to access a walk-in wardrobe, feels overly complicated and creates potential access issues.

On this unit, the ‘middle cabin’ (bottom) is designed as a private lounge connected to the owner’s suite
The forward VIP suite (level) has an aft-facing bed

The ensuite bathroom is forward of the bed and features twin sinks, a head and bidet, and a very large shower.

Forward on the starboard side is a flexible room that can be accessible from the owner’s suite and set up as either a private lounge with C-shaped sofa, a study or a children’s room, with a sliding screen in the bulkhead providing connectivity or privacy.

Alternatively, it can be sealed off from the master suite, accessible only by the forward staircase, and used as a third guest cabin with either a forward-facing double or twin beds running athwartships. The neighbouring bathroom can be designed as an en-suite or closed off and accessed like a day head.

Like the master suite, the forward VIP cabin is full-beam and has an ensuite, but with an aft-facing bed. The crew cabin is in the bow.

The main deck features an aft cockpit (bottom) that can be further shaded by a bimini; The interior dining area (level) benefits from outdoor views each side and aft

NOT THE MAIN DECK
There are three guest staircases up to the main deck, from the beach club, saloon and the forward hallway aft of the VIP cabin. If the lower deck seems to offer more than expected on a yacht of this size, the main deck feels otherwise. If anything, the space is underwhelming and reveals the emphasis on outdoor living over interior volume.

The layout is conventional enough, starting with an aft cockpit with a forward-facing L-shaped sofa and rectangular table.

Sliding doors lead into a white-ceilinged interior that starts with a dining area comprising an L-shaped sofa, rectangular table and three stools, which could also be used in the cockpit, meaning six people could comfortably eat inside or out.

The interior has a slick, white galley along the starboard side and a neatly disguised drop-down TV that lowers behind the central helm seats.

The owner or Captain will enjoy the helm station, which has twin carbon seats, a carbon dashboard with three Garmin screens, and fantastic 360-degree views through the rear-inclined windshield, side windows and aft through the dining room and cockpit.

The foredeck is the main ‘fixed’ outdoor lounging area and features an elaborate arrangement of sunpads beside and forward of two square tables. The high-low tables can even be lowered and covered by sunpads to create an even larger lounging zone, while a bimini can also be fitted to cover the area.

The most ardent sun worshipper can even choose to access the roof, where sunpads can be fitted between the carbon hand rails on each side.

The main-deck interior includes the dining area, a long galley to starboard, drop-down TV, twin-seat helm station and portside stairs to the guest cabins

DISRUPTION TO CONTINUE
The BGX70 can also motor, hitting 30 knots with twin 1,000hp IPS350s, with the kind of reassuring ride you’d expect from a Codegadesigned hull, yet another plus point for a yacht that has many of them

Ultimately, though, it’s the aft-facing, sea-level saloon and the sheer connectivity of the lower deck that offers owners a spectacular platform for waterside living.

“Our clients love the unity of BGX70, the only yacht in its segment offering this extraordinary connection between the beach area, saloon, owner’s cabin and more. There’s also the Bluegame DNA such as generous cockpit and bow lounging areas, fantastic helm station and high-performance hull,” Demaria says.

“I was also proud at the awards in Dusseldorf when the panel described BGX70 as ‘bold and brilliant’ and said it ‘demonstrates there is still room for genuine innovation in a class where evolution rather than revolution is the norm’.”

The fantastic foredeck (also below) features an expanse of adjustable sunpads alongside and forward of two height-adjustable tables

Bluegame is extending its range with the upcoming BGX60, which will exhibit at October’s Genoa International Boat Show and is designed to offer the same concept, features and basic layout as her big sister, but in a smaller scale and with slight changes to the middle cabin.

The brand is also working on other projects in both the BG and BGX ranges in sizes that will not overlap with models from Sanlorenzo, whose smallest model is the SX76, which has an overall length of 76ft 7in.

Furthermore, Demaria revealed that Bluegame is following through on her bold announcement at Cannes last year that the brand would not only enter the powercat market but dominate it. “I confirm Bluegame is developing a new range of disruptive, very luxurious, innovative and highly sustainable multihulls,” she says.

For now, the BGX70 is not only the flagship but the embodiment of a brand that’s daring to design yachts differently, by focusing on modern yacht owners looking for openness, flexibility and life close to the water. “Each area of the boat has a very strong appeal to me,” Demaria says.

“Each is particularly suitable for different moments of life on board, like waking up early, walking through the saloon to the beach club then diving in the calm water.”

As it was for her client, the BGX70 seems exactly the yacht the CEO has been looking for.

www.bluegame.it

www.simpsonmarine.com

Yacht Style Issue 54 Out Now: The Charter Issue 2020 - LUXUO
Yacht Style has released Issue 54 (July-August), its Charter Issue for 2020. Flying Fox, the world's largest charter yacht, stars on the front cover of the 208-page magazine, as the 136m megayacht prepares to return to Asia later this year.

Bluegame BGX70: Carla Demaria on Italian Disruptor’s Flagship

Reviews / yachtstyle2020

Bluegame BGX70: Carla Demaria on Italian Disruptor’s Flagship

July 27, 2020
1:23 pm