yachtstyle2020, Author at Yacht Style

Aquila, Lagoon Owner: Malaysia’s Nadzmi Salleh Loves Cats

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Aquila, Lagoon Owner: Malaysia’s Nadzmi Salleh Loves Cats

June 24, 2019
1:17 am

Having bought his first catamaran at the age of 55, Malaysian father of six NADZMI SALLEH now has an Aquila 36 powercat to complement his Lagoon 620

When Tan Sri Nadzmi Bin Mohd Salleh was considering his new Aquila 36 powercat, he made sure it had plenty of space for cooking. After all, cooking has been a passion of his since he was a Boy Scout, camping in the jungles around the Kelantan River in northeast Malaysia.

Tan Sri Dr Mohd Nadzmi Bin Mohd Salleh on his new Aquila 36 at the Singapore Yacht Show

Each boy in the troop had his turn preparing meals, but Salleh’s dishes proved the most popular and his friends soon asked him to cook each time as others helped prepare the meals and wash up.

More than 50 years on and little has changed for Salleh, who still enjoys cooking at home and at sea, particularly the fish he and his family catch while cruising the waters of Malaysia and Thailand.

“I love cooking. My stepmother was a very good cook, so during school holidays, she would give me RM20-30 and we’d go to the market to buy ingredients then cook with her, mainly Malaysian food but also Chinese and Indian. Then when I studied in the US, I started cooking Western cuisines including Italian,” says Salleh, Founder and Executive Chairman of Nadicorp Holdings and a Board Director at several other companies.

“These days, I have two chefs at home and sometimes on my boats, but when we go cruising, most of the time they just prepare the food and I cook. Other people do the prep and washing up, and I cook. It’s great.”

Salleh, who celebrated his 65th birthday on May 1, only bought his first yacht a decade ago, but has been intrigued by the water since growing up in Kota Bharu as the son of a District Officer.

“We lived in a large house beside the Kelantan River and I was always fascinated with the water and the boats,” says Salleh, who has six children, four working with him at Nadi and two at university in Melbourne.

Fishing with his sons Omar and Hariz

In the US, Salleh became passionate about fishing after winning a scholarship to study at Ohio University, where he simultaneously obtained both a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry and Mathematics.

“I did a lot of lake fishing in the States. I was a student and didn’t have the money to buy a boat, and was too busy anyway, doing two degrees with multiple Majors.”

After graduating in 1978, he spent two years obtaining a Master of Arts Degree in Economics and Statistics from Miami University, then returned to Malaysia to embark on a hugely successful career that included separate roles as CEO and Chairman of Proton.

FIRST-TIME BOAT BUYER

Salleh admits to enjoying “fast cars and motorbikes in my younger days”, but only bought his first yacht at the age of 55, prompted by a friend who owned a Dean catamaran from South Africa.

“A friend of mine, a very successful lawyer, influenced me. He said, ‘Tan Sri, you have money and you never know when you’ll kick the bucket, so you should enjoy yourself’,” says Salleh, who was honoured with the title Tan Sri in 2014.

“At 55, I had already made it in business, made some money. I was a leader in the industry. I had been working all the time and even when I was a student, I was doing four Majors, so I thought it was time for me to relax. I decided to learn sailing.”

Salleh celebrated his 65th birthday this year

Salleh wasn’t sold on his friend’s catamaran, especially as it didn’t have air-conditioning, but his eyes lit up when he came across Lagoon, the world leader in cruising catamarans. He bought a pre-owned Lagoon 390 – then the smallest model by the French yard – through Simon Theseira, Simpson Marine’s Country Sales Manager.

“It didn’t cost much, about RM1 million, but you’re never satisfied with a smaller boat. I wanted to upgrade because for me there’s limited space to cook on the 39,” he says.

“We also like to fish, so you need space for that, especially if you’re then going to cook them on board. If it was just my wife and me, maybe, but we have so many children.”

Salleh remained loyal to Lagoon and initially ordered the next-biggest model, a 45. However, Theseira then showed him a 560, so he cancelled the booking and ordered the larger model.

After later meeting Theseira at a boat show on a 620, he cancelled again and changed his order to what was then Lagoon’s largest sailing yacht.

“When we had a meeting on the 620, I told Simon I wanted a boat of this size, especially because it has such a spacious galley,” says Salleh, whose new yacht arrived in 2011.

Salleh, pictured with his son Omar, enjoys sailing his Lagoon 620 to southern Thailand

“I like Lagoon catamarans because they’re spacious and  the exterior design is good, so they look good from the outside. Catamarans are not as sexy as monohulls, but the Lagoon design is quite balanced, nice for a catamaran.”

Despite initial problems with an engine that was quickly replaced, Salleh remains enamoured with his 620, which he sails regularly between Langkawi and Port Dickson to the south and Phuket to the north.

“It’s amazing on fuel consumption. From Langkawi to Port Dickson, it costs me less than RM2,000 on fuel. You can’t get that kind of economy on motoryachts,” says Salleh.

“A lot of my friends are excited the first year they get a boat, but in the second year they become conscious of how much fuel they spend each time they go out and get tired of it. It puts them off. For me, it’s the opposite. You’ve spent the money buying it, so it becomes more worthwhile the more you use it.”

ADDING SOME POWER

Salleh’s reason for ordering his newly acquired Aquila 36 evolved after he built a resort house in Kota Bharu and was looking for a boat to be based there, a smaller model yet one that was easy to walk around, bearing in mind that he has a limp.

“I enjoy the 620, but you need a Captain and crew. I was looking for a boat that doesn’t need a Captain, yet something still quite spacious especially because I have a problem walking,” he says.

Salleh and his sons at the Aquila 36 handover ceremony with Simpson Marine founder Mike Simpson, Francois Sebire (left) and Simon Theseira (third right)

“I needed a multi-purpose boat, for cruising, for fishing, for entertaining in the evening near my house. I wanted to invite friends, maybe 10, so it couldn’t be too small.”

As he only plans to be at the house once every few weeks or couple of months, Salleh was initially considering a pre-owned yacht, but was swayed at a boat show when he saw an Aquila 36.

The flush deck and central walkway all the way to the foredeck – rather than narrow, sloping side decks – were among appealing features, along with multiple seating areas, an open galley and two double cabins.

Furthermore, he was able to select the Fishing and Diving version, which replaces the aft seating with bulkheads for live bait, dive tanks and rod holders, ideal for his family.

“I thought this was perfect, then we had a sea trial and I was impressed. The stability is good and it has a great top speed. I was also impressed with the finishing as I’m very detail oriented. When I compared this with others in terms of space, quality and pricing, it’s a smart buy,” says Salleh, whose model has twin 350hp Mercury engines and a top speed of 36 knots.

Salleh relaxing on his Aquila 36 with Mike Simpson

“Then I thought it was quite expensive for a boat I’ll only keep at my resort house, but when I saw the boat again, I was convinced. It’s also easy to dock because of the joystick – I took most of the options. I buy high-spec.”

In fact, Salleh has since changed his plans for the Aquila, which he will keep in Port Dickson or Langkawi and use alongside or instead of his 620 on occasions.

“I don’t really have the facility to dock this by my Kota Bharu house. I’m not there most of the time and my children have said they want to use the boat as they go diving a lot. When we take it out, my kids will do most of the work, but I’ll drive.”

However, Salleh is not finished yet with catamarans. Although he plans to continue working for the next five years while mentoring his children in the family-owned business, he’s keeping an eye out for a possible upgrade to Lagoon’s flagship sailing model, which already has two hulls in Asia following its 2016 debut.

“Lagoon keeps improving. I’ve seen the Seventy7, which is way ahead in terms of quality,” says Salleh. “I have interest, but not just yet. I can’t buy a boat every year!”

The original article appears in Yacht Style Issue 47. Email subscribe@lux-inc.com for print subscription enquiries or subscribe to the Magzter version at: www.magzter.com/SG/Lux-Inc-Media/Yacht-Style/Fashion/

Yacht Style #47: The Multihulls Issue - Today's Choices, Sail to Power
Yacht Style Issue #47 highlights the growing range of power and sail catamaran options, and profiles yachts, owners, leaders and destinations across Asia.

Triton Bay, Kaimana: Exploring Eastern Indonesia’s Hidden Gem

Destinations / yachtstyle2020

Triton Bay, Kaimana: Exploring Eastern Indonesia’s Hidden Gem

April 24, 2019
2:46 am

Camper & Nicholsons explores Indonesia’s West Papua, where Triton Bay in Kaimana is an enticing destination for whale sharks and adventurous travellers.

Reefs in and around the Coral Triangle  in the western Pacific Ocean are part of the planet’s most diverse ecosystems, with the region sometimes referred to as the ‘Amazon of the underwater world’.

The ‘Amazon of the underwater world’; All photos: Sequoia Yacht

Comprising only 1.6 per cent of the planet’s oceans, the Coral Triangle is home to over 76 per cent of all known coral species. At the heart of the area is the eastern side of the Indonesian archipelago, where our phinisi sailing yacht Sequoia has been chartering since 2017.

One of the country’s final frontiers is in the east, where the province of Papua – formerly Irian Jaya – occupies most of the western side of New Guinea. The independent state of Papua New Guinea occupies the east side of this enormous island, which was connected to Australia tens of thousands of years ago.

Today, yachting visitors are most familiar with the surrounding archipelago known as Raja Ampat, an area popular with bird watchers and naturalists for decades, and considered by many to be the world’s ultimate site for diving and snorkelling.

Along the southern coast of West Papua is the region of Kaimana, where only a few people have had the privilege of exploring the area’s best-kept secret – Triton Bay.

The Kaimana regency in West Papua, eastern Indonesia

Triton Bay is home to several local species including Wobbegong carpet sharks and the incredible Epaulette shark, which is also known as the ‘walking shark’ because it can literally crawl on land using its fins.

Endemism in Triton evolved the same way as it has throughout the Bird’s Head Peninsula on the northwest of the island, because a species’ expansion remains restricted by some physical barrier such as a mountain, lake, river, desert or, in this case, ocean.

WHALE SHARK OF A TIME

The reef surrounding the Iris Strait between Kaimana on the mainland and nearby Aiduma Island is filled with sea life and soft corals.

Visitors have the opportunity to be submerged 3m under water with whale sharks, the largest fish on earth, able to grow up to 17m in length. Sometimes there are dolphins below the whale shark and you can hear their high-pitched squeaks.

Face to face with a whale shark

After this once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can visit one of Papua’s most impressive displays of ancient rock art by kayaking around Namatote Island.

During a series of exploratory expeditions conducted by Conservation International and World Wildlife Fund Indonesia, interviews were conducted in Kaimana with lift-net fishermen, known locally as bagan.

The scientists discovered that the fishermen were having almost daily interactions with whale sharks, particularly when they fed them small bait fish or anchovies.

“Some bagan fisherman said they did this because the sharks represented ancestors and brought good luck,” said Abraham Sianipar of Conservation International.

“Others more pragmatically explained that, if the whale sharks congregate around their bagans in the morning, they are more likely to also attract tuna, Spanish mackerel and sail fish.”

Kayaking at the iconic Mommon Waterfalls along the Kaimana coastline

Although Triton Bay may not be as recognised for whale shark encounters as Cenderawasih Bay – off West Papua’s north coast – scientists believe there is a year-round population of these gentle giants present throughout the Bird’s Head seascape.

“We’ve identified 28 sharks in Triton Bay and around 120 animals in Cenderawasih, all but five of them sub-adult males,” Sianipar added.

He also revealed that data from a tagged whale shark from Cenderawasih revealed the animal making quite a journey.

“One of our whale sharks, a 4m male named Kodo, travelled all the way to the east coast of the Philippines before coming back to Raja Ampat, then Kaimana, making a quick visit to the Gulf of Carpentaria in Australia, and finally ending up in Merauke [in Papua], where the tag ran out of battery,” Sianipar explained.

ANIMAL ATTRACTIONS

If bird watching is your passion, the rainforest of Papua is also a major attraction as it’s home to over 300 species of tropical birds. Be sure to spend enough time to look out for the majestic Papuan hornbill, a local bird of paradise.

The Papuan hornbill is among 300 species of birds in the Papua rainforest

Sailing north to Fak-Fak regency presents the opportunity to kayak at the iconic Mommon Waterfalls, which fall directly into the sea.

The next destination is the remote island of Karas, a home to turtles and dugong. Here, it’s possible to paddle inside Batu Lubang, a hole connected to the sea that’s filled with hard coral gardens.

Explore some of the lesser-known villages such as Mas and Antalisa to see for yourself how much the locals here depend on sea-life. You can join locals fishing in front of the village during sunset.

There are very few wildlife ecosystems left. Sustainable lodging, locally grown food sourcing and burning less fossil fuel are some ways each of us can adapt to slow down the rate of global warming.

The phinisi charter yacht Sequoia

Sequioa was designed with this philosophy in mind. A modern take on the classic sailing yacht featuring three generous suites, she has combined the best aspects of traditional Sulawesi hull construction – a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity – with the most advanced marine machinery.

A focus on advanced technology increases comfort and safety for the guests, while all installed components are rated at the lowest level of emissions, as per US Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.

Every detail has been handmade by local artisans and/or handpicked with sustainability in mind, from no single-use plastic to palm oil free products on board.

The yacht can explore remote reefs at the edge of the world and offer encounters with the most spectacular marine life while keeping a light footprint.

– Words by Yessi Sari, founder of Sequoia; this article first appeared in Yacht Style, Issue 46

asiacharter@camperandnicholsons.com

http://www.camperandnicholsons.com

Samui Matures into Sophisticated Vacation Paradise for Charter
Koh Samui, Thailand's second-largest island, has come a long way. From palm-covered haven of tropical peace, it has grown into a sophisticated holiday destination. The island's palm-lined shorelines and nearby fruit and coconut plantations of the coastal lowlands gradually ascend to a central, granite-based massive, with the highest point at 653m.

Wally Widens Appeal of Ferretti Group Portfolio: Stefano De Vivo

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Wally Widens Appeal of Ferretti Group Portfolio: Stefano De Vivo

April 18, 2019
1:25 am

Ferretti Group CCO Stefano De Vivo talks about the year of Pershing, the success of Custom Line and Riva, and why he pushed for Wally to join the fast-growing conglomerate

Stefano De Vivo, Chief Commercial Officer of Ferretti Group

With Wally on board, Ferretti Group has grown to eight yacht brands. Which are the biggest earners?

Riva and Custom Line are the two biggest brands right now in terms of revenues. If we’re talking about serial and semi custom production – so fibreglass – Riva and Custom Line are one step ahead of Ferretti Yachts and then Pershing and Itama.

Riva is the only brand we have that spans from runabouts to megayachts. It has a lot more product and it’s the only brand that can actually do that. That’s why it has much bigger numbers than Ferretti Yachts. Custom Line is in larger yachts, so it’s easy to push up the revenues.

Alberto Galassi has even called Custom Line the Ferretti Group’s most important brand. 

It’s the most important because although it’s not as famous as Riva or Ferretti Yachts or Pershing, it’s the Group’s biggest revenue generator because of the size of the yachts. That’s why it has become the most important.

The sixth Navetta 33 leaves Custom Line, which has established itself as a financial leader among the Ferretti Group brands

A lot of Mr Galassi’s experience on these boats comes from being a user, because one problem of a shipyard is that although we have technical knowledge, very few workers use the product. Sometimes the salespeople go on board with the clients because they’re invited, but no one is really using them.

Ferretti Group also has Piero Ferrari as a shareholder and head of the Strategic Product Committee, which designs or looks upon all of the products. Any product that comes out, Mr Ferrari has been following every single design, from design to layout and so on.

Having people in the company that really use the yachts makes a difference, because that’s when they say, ‘Hey, don’t forget to put a plug inside the mirror because you need to have that for an electric toothbrush’. Or don’t put this here because when you roll out of bed, you step on it. It’s the details.

Everybody makes nice boats nowadays, but it’s the details that really make the difference – and that’s why Custom Line has become so important in the Group.

Ferretti Group has stated that 2019 is ‘the year of Pershing’, which so far has included the world premiere of the 8X at Boot Dusseldorf and the launch of the flagship 140 in Ancona. Why the big push?

We’ve also been pushing in the past years. The reality is that the 8X was slightly late. It should have been at the Cannes Yachting Festival (in September 2018).

De Vivo at the world premiere of the Pershing 8X

Also, Pershing is so highly technological and complex, not to own and use but to build, so with the new limits we’re trying to push – and when you factor in the performance of a Pershing with the design of a Pershing – it took a little bit longer. Pershing is the hardest beast we have to tame, and nobody can tame Pershing.

So that’s why the 8X ended up coming out this year and we took it advantage of this by making a huge investment to bring the boat to Düsseldorf, where we have a very good pool of clients that visit the show from the northern and eastern parts of Europe.

Then there’s the 140 and that’s definitely a technological and technical feat, and why it proves even more that this is the year for Pershing. But it’s not that we decided this year we were going to push. We try to push on every brand every year.

It looks like being a big year in Asia for Ferretti Group, with a Pershing 140, Riva 90’ Argo and 110’ Dolcevita, and a Custom Line Navetta 33 among expected arrivals. How important is Asia to your business?

The demand is actually across the spectrum of yacht sizes and I  think Asia as a whole is growing steadily, at least at the same pace of the company. When I joined in 2014, Asia was 15 per cent of the revenues. Today, it’s about 18 per cent and the company has more than doubled its revenue. That means it has been growing nicely.

I think Asia is coming along the right way instead of companies just sending over tonnes of product that got old, which was a mistake the industry was starting to make in 2005, 2006, except for Hong Kong, which was much more established. Now, I think all the companies are doing things properly and achieving nice growth without exaggerating.

Mr Galassi credited you with the leading role in the Wally acquisition, over 15 months. 

Actually, a big team worked on it. I think Mr Galassi was trying to say it has been a long journey. It hasn’t been easy. There has been a big team of advisors behind it because it’s very complicated.

The Wally class at the 2017 Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup; Photo: Carlo Borlenghi

Mr Galassi also said this because every time he didn’t know why the deal wasn’t closed and questioned if it was going ahead, I was always the one to say yes. He knows it’s because I have a big sailing heart!

I’m glad and happy. It’s recognition of all the work I’ve done with my team, strategically, for the Ferretti Group. I think I needed something new to stay on top of my game. We need our motivations and I think he feels the same himself. Wally is a great challenge we’d like to take up – and I especially want to take up.

The sailing part is important, but the power side will be the biggest revenue generator. Wally has done some amazing things on the power side, but then sailing is my heart and I have to listen to my heart, finally, after 20 years in the business with motor yacht brands.

What are Luca Bassani’s hopes for this partnership?

He was looking for the next step because he wants Wally to live past himself. And I think what he has already started doing, and what we’re working together to do, is to ensure is that this DNA is taken out of him and put into a format, and systems put into place, so there will always be Wally and it will always be 20 years ahead because of his genius.

He’s 62 and one day I hope he’s going to retire. I think only very clever men realise that what they’ve done is nothing unless it lasts beyond their own involvement.

The 48 WallyTender will be on display at September’s Cannes Yachting Festival

Ferrari was one of these people. Carlo Riva was one of these people that thought, I need to make sure this company I’ve created, this myth, this beauty, this iconic brand, lives past me. I think Ferrari and Riva have demonstrated that this can be done, and the people that have managed this are working with us.

What was Wally’s production situation when you announced your acquisition? 

The reality is that Wally was only producing sailing boats and will keep on building them. We need to learn about building sailing yachts, so Luca needs to teach us.

For powerboats, we need to move the production. In the last few years, because of low volumes, Wally was producing a few in the north of France, north of Italy, Tunisia, so we want to give Wally a house to build their projects.

Have you discussed scaling up the Wally motor yacht side again?

Do you know what an atomic battery is? It’s made with plutonium and when you start it, it basically never stops. That’s Mr Galassi. Now, we’ve been joined by a volcano, Luca Bassani, so I have to deal with an atomic battery that never sleeps and never stops, and a volcano!

So, yes, we’ve definitely started working on new things, bigger things, any size, from sailing to motor boats to ships. You name it, we have already started thinking about it. We have a strategy and have started working on a few models.

Note: The full version of the interview appears in Yacht Style Issue 46

Ferretti Group, C&N Sell Custom Line 120' New Build to Asian Client
Ferretti Group, C&N Sell Custom Line 120' New Build to Asian Client SHARE Share on facebook Share on linkedin Ferretti Group and Camper & Nicholsons have sold a Custom Line 120' new build t...

Solaris Owner: Cynthia Wong Sailing for Leisure and Sport

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Solaris Owner: Cynthia Wong Sailing for Leisure and Sport

April 18, 2019
1:21 am

Yacht Style magazine kicks off its Owner series by talking to Cynthia Wong, a sailing and environmental advocate awaiting the arrival of a Solaris 47

By her own, admission Cynthia Wong is not a typical sailing yacht owner. As an Asian woman, she was certainly in the minority among the skippers at last year’s Solaris Cup in Sardinia.

Cynthia Wong on her Dehler 42, Daydream

Wong has been skippering sailing yachts since she bought a no-frills Archambault A35 racer-cruiser from France that was gradually developed into far more of a racer than a cruiser.

Her family then supported the purchase of a more cruising-focused Dehler 42 from the Hanse shipyard in Germany, with the Hong Kong-based mother of four still managing to gain some credible results on this elegant yacht.

However, Wong admits that her petite frame can work against her in the physical world of short-handed sailing, so has ordered a Solaris 47 EZC – designed for easy sailing – that’s set to arrive later this year.

“Strength is my major obstacle in sailing. I only have one electric winch for the halyard and when I did my single-handed race, after each tack I found it hard to sheet in the jib to maximum trim because I don’t have enough strength to grind,” she admits. “I either have to do some weight training or take the easy way out, with all electric winches.”

Wong’s decision to order a fully automated Solaris may be the ‘easy way out’ in her own words, but her background in sailing doesn’t suggest a weak-willed personality.

Wong skippering the Solaris One 44 GioiA in the 2018 Solaris Cup in Italy

“Sailing is a pleasure. Sailing is for anyone as long as they have the courage to learn something new. I often tell my lady friends, ‘Look at me. I don’t look strong at all and if I can skipper a boat, you can’. It’s all in the mind,” she says.

“There’s nothing to be afraid of. I’ve introduced a friend who can’t swim to sailing. I just told her she must wear a lifejacket at all times on deck until she can swim.”

FAST LEARNER

Wong was introduced to water sports in 2003 when she took up wakeboarding, followed by waterskiing and wakesurfing, but it was when she started windsurfing in 2007 that her interest in sailing began. Two years later she bought a Hobie, then larger sailing boats followed.

“I enjoyed windsurfing and sailing a lot more because you’re free and don’t need to follow a speedboat. Motor sports do not give me the pleasure that sailing has to offer.”

Wong started to sail seriously after she and some friends decided to buy a sailboat together for cruising. After doing some research and testing some boats, Wong then sought advice from within her own family before making a final decision.

“When I asked my mother if I should choose the faster boat or the one with a nicer interior, her advice was to buy the fastest boat with the same amount of money, so we bought an Archambault A35, even though she only has a very basic interior.”

Wong sailing her Archambault A35, Andiamo

Although the yacht, Andiamo, was intended for cruising, Wong finished third in her first race, the ABC (Aberdeen Boat Club) Opening Regatta, after only two months with the boat.

Wong said she felt comfortable skippering the yacht ‘within a few months’ and quickly gained in confidence as she and her team competed and won regularly, with the A35 gradually modified to become more of a racer.

“Although I’m mostly on the helm, I’ve learnt every job on the boat so I can give orders to my crew as to what they should do to make a boat sail faster.”

As the A35 became a competitive boat, Wong’s family urged her to buy a Dehler 42, a good-sized family cruiser, although again the racing bug bit fairly quickly after Daydream arrived.

“She’s easy to control and I can sail her single-handed. I finished third in a single-handed race with her.”

Wong may be a capable and competitive sailor, but admits there are a couple of aspects of yachting she’s never quite mastered. “The most difficult aspect of owning a boat is to deal with the engine and electronics. I have taken lessons, but never seem to be able to master it!”

SAILING ON THE SOUTH SIDE

Wong has derived immense pleasure from sailing, even encouraging friends who own motor yachts to switch to sailing “because it’s much more environmentally friendly”.

“I’m really happy knowing that while I’m sailing, I’m not polluting, because I really respect and care for the environment, in particular the sea. Sailing boats burn a little fuel getting in and out of marinas, but it’s so important we reduce carbon emissions.

As an Asian woman, Wong was in the minority among skippers at the Solaris Cup

“Over the past decade, I’ve seen Hong Kong’s waters becoming more and more polluted. Plastic pollution in the sea is increasing in a dramatic way, so it’s time we all started to do what must be done to reduce pollution and clean up as much as possible. We have a duty to leave a better world for future generations.”

She most often sails around the south side of Hong Kong island, making the most of the many islands and bays where she can anchor.

On weekdays, she often takes the Dehler out to practise racing skills including starts, tacking, jibing on the gennaker, furling the kite or code zero, mark rounding, trimming and so on.

Saturdays are often for racing, while Sundays are for sailing with the family, including her three daughters and son, her youngest, who all sail competitively.

“I like the freedom of owning a boat. In the morning, if there isn’t enough wind to windsurf, I’ll call my boat boy to say I’ll go sailing in 30 minutes and the boat is prepared for me to go. I can then sail for a half day nearby,” says Wong, a proficient piano player who enjoys listening to the likes of Chopin, Mozart, Debussy, Beethoven and Schubert while sailing.

“If I’m with friends, I like to take them to seafood lunches either at Lamma or Po Toi, Cheung Chau or Po Toi O. I just love the sound of the wind and the water, and spending time with family and friends. I also love the romance of sailing and listening to beautiful music while I’m at sea.”

For all her love of sailing, Wong has had a couple of frights at sea, including her “most scary episode” when, after sailing back from Sai Kung, she looked set to crash into Beaufort Island near Stanley.

“We had the gennaker on, but the wind got stronger so I decided to drop the kite. My crew was unable to pull the sock so we had to drop without the sock. Somehow, the kite went in the water and we were unable to retrieve it with only two of us on board,” she recalls.

“We were very close to Beaufort. I decided to drop the mainsail as well, so at least the boat could stop moving. The boat was drifting towards Beaufort, but we just managed to finish pulling up the kite in time.”

EASY SAILING WITH SOLARIS

In light of such episodes, it’s all the more understandable that Wong has chosen the fully automated Solaris 47, EZC (Easy Sailing Concept) for her next yacht, as it will take away much of the stress and muscle required to handle a sailing yacht.

Wong first noticed the high-end Italian brand when a Solaris One 48 appeared on the same pontoon as her own yacht.

“I wondered what this beautiful blue boat was,” said Wong, who made enquiries and went on to sail the 48-footer several times with the brand’s Asia Representative, Enrico Zanella.

The GioiA crew including Enrico Zanella (far left) were a lively presence at Yacht Club Porto Rotondo

As her interest in the brand and its models increased, Wong was invited to Italy last summer to do sea-trials during the Solaris Days, held in the stunning Costa Smeralda waters off Sardinia.

She then put that experience into practice at the following two- day Solaris Cup, skippering a Solaris One 44 model, supported by an experienced crew, including several from Hong Kong.

For her own boat of choice, she settled on a Solaris 47 a fast cruiser named Saphira that’s currently under construction and is scheduled to arrive in Hong Kong in the fourth quarter of the year.

“I really enjoyed the Solaris Cup. The Costa Smeralda waters are so beautiful and unique. The colours are simply amazing and during our first training day we were welcomed by three dolphins. We had delicious food and fun events at Yacht Club Porto Rotondo, which is a lovely, welcoming club,” said Wong, who said she plans to return for this year’s Solaris Cup.

“The racing was fun, with over 30 yachts. In some ways, it was similar to Hong Kong in terms of islands and the sailing courses. The wind and weather was good. Our yacht GioiA was the first One 44 in a group of four and we passed a few boats with good teamwork.”

Leaving aside the many attractions of sailing in Italy, Wong believes the Solaris 47 EZC makes a lot of sense for someone looking to focus more on the pleasures of sailing than the challenges.

“The Easy Sailing Concept is exactly what I’m looking for. The furling boom, the self-tacking jib and all-electric winches make life so much easier for ladies like me and for people who want to enjoy sailing, but don’t want to deal with the physical hardship of grinding or pulling the lines,” she says.

“It’s about using technologies to make sailing easier and safer. I can sail the boat by myself, while my family and friends relax and enjoy the journey. The boat is very fast and yet it’s still comfortable for the people on board.

“Italy has the best design and there’s great attention to detail and beauty. It’s also a top-quality build. It’s a very sturdy, oceangoing boat because of the hull design and construction.”

Zanella also provides training to ensure owners and prospective buyers quickly become accustomed to using a Solaris and how to get the most out of this boutique brand, which produces only a limited number of yachts per year.

Wong has ordered a white-hulled Solaris 47 that will arrive in Hong Kong in late 2019

“The emphasis of the Easy Sailing Concept is on making everything easy so even the training should be easy,” Wong says. “However, you must put in the time to learn. You just need a few lessons to familiarise yourself with the boat, on top of normal sailing training.”

A LIFESTYLE AND A SPORT

Zanella himself believes there’s a misconception in mainland China and other parts of Asia that sailing is only a sport, revolving around races and regattas.

He’s determined for more people to realise the widespread appeal of cruising, and Wong herself has always been a strong supporter of both.

“Sailing is not only a sport, it’s a lifestyle. Racing is exciting, while cruising is almost meditative, calming the mind, relaxing the body,” she says.

“Whether you’re a novice or an experienced skipper, anyone can enjoy sailing in their own ways. It can be with many friends, with a full crew, or just one or two on board.

“Unlike sports like football or tennis when a player can only have a fair game with people of similar skill, sailing is for everyone – as long as you don’t get seasick!”

Even in Hong Kong, Wong is in somewhat of a minority as an Asian female owning and skippering sailing yachts and in her own quiet way, is breaking through a few barriers and proving that anyone can sail.

As such, she genuinely hopes that the sport will continue to grow in popularity in the city she calls home and elsewhere in the region, where the spectacular cruising grounds are still very much underappreciated and underused compared to what she has seen in the Mediterranean.

“The water is beautiful and clean in the Med, and sailing is very popular there. In Hong Kong and some other Asian countries, motor yachts are more popular. On a motor yacht, people want to quickly arrive at their destination, drop the anchor and stay put, whereas in sailing, people enjoy the journey. In fact, I often sail without a fixed destination – I go where the wind takes me,” she says.

“This difference has more to do with the value system of Asians versus Europeans. Asians are generally more results-oriented whereas people in the Med are process-oriented. If Hong Kong people can take a step back, empty the mind, enjoy the freedom, we can also enjoy nature. Hong Kong has many beautiful islands. We just need to reach out and enjoy them.”

Sunseeker 76 Yacht Owner: On Board with Kenneth Lai

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Sunseeker 76 Yacht Owner: On Board with Kenneth Lai

April 9, 2019
4:01 pm

Proud owner of a new Sunseeker 76 Yacht, Prizm Group Director KENNETH LAI splits the use of his boat between business meetings and personal time with his family and friends, exploring the islands around Hong Kong. By Lindsay Varty.

Kenneth Lai prefers his business meetings outdoors – on board his boat. And his new Sunseeker 76 Yacht is the latest luxury platform to host Prizm Group’s clients and prospects, or senior management’s weekend brainstorming sessions.

Lai on the flybridge of his Sunseeker 76 Yacht as it cruises away from the Aberdeen Boat Club, past the Jumbo Floating Restaurant

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Lai attended Wah Yan College in Wanchai before heading to New Zealand in his teenage years, eventually completing a degree at Auckland University.

As a typical Hong Kong kid growing up in the 1980s, Lai enjoyed socialising with friends after school and viewed boating as a luxury that only few people could experience. He certainly never thought about owning a boat himself.

“Back then, I thought boating was something for other people,” says Lai, now a member of both Aberdeen Boat Club and Aberdeen Marina Club. “It was not a reality for us, whereas now it’s easy to go on a boat even if you don’t own one. You can rent a junk boat, go on a boat party that you book on Facebook, but not back then.”

After graduating from university, he returned to Hong Kong and decided to set up his own tech company.

“It was a really bad time for the economy and hard to find jobs, so I started my own venture. I had a computer science background and some good friends looking for jobs. We started to hang out and think about what we could do with our skills,” Lai recalls.

Lai’s Sunseeker 76 Yacht (pictured) is an upgrade from his previous Sunseeker, a Manhattan 55

“We started off doing e-commerce development and providing payment solutions to websites. We were lucky to enter the industry in the so-called ‘pioneer’ time. Since then, e-commerce has become more and more popular with businesses and merchants paying more attention to it, so business started picking up.”

Now 38, Lai is Director of Prizm Group, which provides information technology and integrated marketing solutions to customers worldwide. The company has over 200 employees across five global offices including Hong Kong, China, New Zealand and Canada.

FIRST LOVE, FIRST BOAT

Despite achieving success in the business world, it wasn’t until he met his future wife that he considered buying his first boat, an Azimut 42, a decade ago.

“I was still dating my now-wife at the time and it was always her dream. My wife is Canadian-Chinese. She grew up in Edmonton and she had a more Western mentality than me. At that time, most of my friends were locals living the big-city lifestyle, but she just treasured the sun, the outdoors, open water. So, to fulfil her dream, I had to purchase my first boat!”

Aboard the Azimut 42 – his first to be named Tory after the town his wife grew up in – Lai and his wife enjoyed many quiet weekends away from their hectic office jobs, exploring Hong Kong’s islands and meeting new friends along the way.

Lai, who has two sons, at the wheel of Tory

“Before we had kids, it became a passion to go around islands we hadn’t seen before and check them out. We didn’t even know the names as there was no Google Maps. We met a lot of great people, tourists, expats or backpackers hiking on the islands, seeing what they could find beyond all the parties and drinking in Lan Kwai Fong.”

Lai decided to purchase his second boat, a Sunseeker Manhattan 55, after being persuaded it was time for an upgrade by Gordon Hui, Chairman of Sunseeker Asia.

“Gordon and I would always talk about boats because he is the king of Sunseekers! I had always liked them for their James Bond look. He introduced me to his friends who were also yacht owners and we talked a lot about our shared passions. Also, we had just found out that our first child (now five) was on the way, so we had good reason to want a boat with a bit more space,” he laughs.

FAMILY TIME

More recently, Lai, who already owns two Lamborghinis, was tempted to get a new supercar after a ride in his friend’s Bugatti, but his wife steered him towards a bigger yacht. His Sunseeker 76 Yacht, his third boat to be named Tory, arrived earlier this year, after the arrival of their second son.

Lai’s second boat was a Sunseeker Manhattan 55, also named Tory

“We wanted to upgrade again to create an activity that we could share with our family and also friends, who also have kids – more than we have! We moved the kitchen from the main deck to the lower one, so there’s more space for kids to run around.”

Lai takes his wife and two boys out on Tory most weekends and is happy when his eldest son asks to go for a day out on the boat rather than a shopping mall. “My boy says to me, ‘Daddy, I have more fun going to the beach than Toys”R”Us.”

And it’s exactly these values that Lai and his wife try to instil in their children. That enjoying the great outdoors – as they were lucky enough to do in New Zealand and Canada – is just as important as enjoying city life.

OUTDOOR OFFICE

Lai also loves to entertain his clients on his boat, often inviting them for a cruise after meetings in Prizm Group’s headquarters in Kwun Tong.

Lai and Prizm Group employees on board the Sunseeker 76 Yacht, Tory, in Kwun Tong

“It has become a routine for our foreign clients that come to Hong Kong. We have a good meeting in the office, then we walk one minute to the boat and just cruise around Victoria Harbour. I think it gives them a good memory and a good impression. We joke that if they don’t sign a contract, we throw them overboard!”

It’s not just new clients that get the star treatment either. Lai makes it a ritual to take senior management fishing every two weeks, to clear their minds and talk business.

“Going fishing has become our senior management brainstorming session! Every alternate weekend they join me on the boat very early in the morning to go fishing. It gives us time to have a clear mind.

“We talk a bit about business, a bit about the road map of the company, and anything else we need to discuss. We normally finish around 10am and go back home to spend the weekend with our families. And we bring fish!”

The original article appears in Yacht Style Issue 48. Email subscribe@lux-inc.com for print subscription enquiries or subscribe to the Magzter version at: www.magzter.com/SG/Lux-Inc-Media/Yacht-Style/Fashion/

Yacht Style 48: The 2019 Charter Issue Out Now!
Yacht Style 48: The 2019 Charter Issue Out Now! SHARE Share on facebook Share on linkedin Yacht Style's annual Charter Issue covers Asia's greatest getaways, the 2019-20 racing calendar, and yachts...

Ferretti Group, C&N Sell Custom Line 120’ New Build to Asian Client

News / yachtstyle2020

Ferretti Group, C&N Sell Custom Line 120’ New Build to Asian Client

March 14, 2019
12:16 pm

Ferretti Group and Camper & Nicholsons have sold a Custom Line 120’ new build to an Asian client, with C&N appointed Project Manager for its construction

Ferretti Group and Camper & Nicholsons have announced the sale of a new Custom Line 120’ to an Asian client.

Ferretti Group sold the Custom Line 120′ new build in collaboration with Camper & Nicholsons

The yacht sold by the Ferretti Group Asia Pacific office is currently in production in Italy and will be delivered later this year.

Camper & Nicholsons, involved since the first stage of the deal, will continue to support the client through its New Build Division, which is Project Manager and Technical Surveyor for the yacht’s construction – the division’s fourth such appointment for Asian clients in three months.

The 120’ was unveiled to the public at the Cannes Yachting Festival last September along with Custom Line’s Navetta 42, one of Ferretti Group’s five world premieres at the show.

The 120’ is the first Custom Line planing yacht by Francesco Paszkowski Design, which created new designs for the hull shape. During construction, infusion techniques and the use of carbon will ensure a stronger build and lighter weight respectively.

The sleek, powerful profile features strong lines running from bow to stern, while the dark tinted windows, and metallic grey cockpit cover and hardtop give an aggressive, dynamic look.

www.ferrettigroup.com

www.camperandnicholsons.com

Custom Line Navetta 42: A Work of Art from Ferretti Group
When it came time to build the Custom Line Navetta 42, the Ferretti Group was thinking big. And not just in terms of size, although the Navetta 42 is the largest Custom Line yacht yet and the first over 300GT. More importantly, it's what you do with that extra space that makes a yacht stand out in her class.

Custom Line Navetta 42: A Work of Art from Ferretti Group

Reviews / yachtstyle2020

Custom Line Navetta 42: A Work of Art from Ferretti Group

February 22, 2019
12:19 pm

Risa Merl reviews Custom Line’s new flagship Navetta 42, a floating masterpiece of luxurious comfort, vast volume and surprising features.

When it came time to build the Custom Line Navetta 42, the Ferretti Group was thinking big. And not just in terms of size, although the Navetta 42 is the largest Custom Line yacht yet and the first over 300GT.

At 41.8m, the Navetta 42 is Custom Line’s new flagship

More importantly, it’s what you do with that extra space that makes a yacht stand out in her class.

Within her 42m, 300GT envelope, there is a wealth of hidden features – from an elevator to a float-in tender garage and expansive beach club – that you wouldn’t normally find in unison on a yacht this size.

The Custom Line flagship is the result of two-year collaboration between the Italian builder’s Product Strategy Committee, headed by none other than Piero Ferrari, along with the Ferretti Group’s Engineering Department and Studio Zuccon International Project, who designed the yacht’s sleek, strong exterior lines.

In keeping with Custom Line DNA, the new Navetta had to be seaworthy, comfortable and highly customisable. So, it was a perfect fit that the owner of hull number one, named Four Flowers III, came on board early in the build and was able to put his stamp on not just his boat but the entirety of the new model.

“The boat had just started production [when hull one was sold], so the owner could really go over everything, from the layout down to the details,” says Karin Paggi, Head of Sales for Custom Line at Ferretti Group.

“It was a really great experience to be able to do this prototype of a new model – and the largest Custom Line ever built – working so closely with the architect of the owner.”

The yacht’s world premiere was held at the Monaco Yacht Show in September 2018

The owner had a chance to leave his mark on the project and this included bringing in the designer of his choice, Studio Luca Bombassei, an Italian architecture and design firm renowned for its land-based projects.

Bombassei worked with the in-house design team to choose the materials, finishes and furnishings seen throughout the yacht, with pieces designed by Minotti and Roda.

Four Flowers III’s artsy interior is decidedly cool, but never cold. There is an emphasis on modern, low-slung furniture, interesting lighting fixtures and contemporary art, as the owner is a collector.

Cylindrical lighting fixtures are seen in various diameters, from the reading lights in the cabins to the decorative light fixture over the dining room. The latter was created by Bombassei and uses bronze cylinders to direct light to the table.

Bombassei seems to have avoided the pitfalls of many land-based architects who make their way into yacht design and give a heavy hand, inadvertently overwhelming interiors with dark colours or big features that are better left on solid ground.

On the main deck, the enormous saloon features huge windows and seating that stretches along both sides

There is also a subtle nautical theme, without being too literal, as seen in the octopus sculpture on the coffee table in the main saloon, light fixtures shaped like winches in the cabins, and the prevalence of teal blue and bronze details used throughout.

A palette of light-grey soft furnishings and dark walnut matte joinery is accented by this pop of teal, seen in the lush carpet in the main saloon and the throw pillows found on the sofas inside and out.

Copper and bronze details command the eye, with a lighting fixture comprising a trifecta of fans in the main saloon and bronzed, smoky mirror finishes in the skylounge.

Bombassei is an expert in playing with materials and surfaces, and the choice of a dark oak flooring balances well with the glossy ceiling, which reflects the light spilling in through the yachts’ windows on every single deck.

“The owner previously had an older Navetta, and what he liked about 42 was the use of the big windows to let the light come inside, and the connection between the inside and outside areas,” Paggi says.

An abundance of light through large glazing and the merging of inside and outside spaces is a hallmark of the newest Custom Line yachts, as seen in the first Navetta 33 Telli, built for Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi.

The dining area benefits from sliding doors on each side, and a drop-down balcony to starboard

The added volume of the Navetta 42 increases this spacious feeling dramatically and this is enhanced when balconies in the dining room and master suite are unfurled, and windows and doors are slid open, giving the yacht an atmosphere of an airy beach house set at sea.

Forward on the main deck, the master suite has an office at the entryway, with a deep sofa that is the ideal place to curl up with a book, although you could imagine an owner of a future hull opting to make this space a cosy TV room.

Due to a balcony extending to the port side and a mirrored finish on the forward bulkhead, the master seems an even larger space than it already is. A his and hers bathroom is forward, and there is a walk-in closet.

Even the four staterooms on the lower deck have large closets and abundant storage, hidden out of view. The interplay of walnut wood and lacquered ceilings make the cabins seem bigger and brighter.

Normally these would be equitable VIPs, but the inclusion of an optional elevator descending from the upper to lower deck gives a slightly asymmetrical layout. The elevator can extend all the way up to the sundeck, if an owner wished.

The master suite is forward on the main deck and features a stunning hallway with a private lounge and study

The elevator itself isn’t a focal point, as might be the case on a larger yacht, but is tucked away in the foyer and ready to be used when needed.

“The elevator was a very interesting project as it’s not usually found on this size of yacht, but was one of the challenges briefed by the client,” says Paggi. “Another new feature is a bigger tender garage. We decided to keep the aft section for a big beach club and put the tender on the side.”

The semi-submerged, side-loading garage can accommodate a tender up to 6.25m. The tender floats directly in without the use of a crane and then is winched in to be secured, which Paggi says makes things easier for the crew.

The crew were highly considered in the design of the Navetta 42, in terms of traffic flow and functionality to best serve guests. This can be seen in features like the ample pantry off the upper deck skylounge and the dumbwaiter that goes up to the sundeck to deliver snacks from the galley.

The skylounge is even brighter and more impressive than the main saloon – and is Paggi’s favourite space on board.

“It’s very open, there’s a lot of light coming in, and I really like the multifunctional layout,” she says, referring to a low seating area – set apart from the main lounge area – that can be used for breakfast or playing cards.

Meanwhile, the door to the aft deck slides open completely, creating one enormous indoor-outdoor space. A TV lowers down from the ceiling and can turn 180 degrees to face inside and out.

The upper deck has an enormous covered aft area, which could feature a dining table if required

The new Navettas focus on the connection between indoors and out, but the pure outdoor spaces are resplendent as well. The 92sqm sundeck carries forward the cool motif of the interior, with low, deep grey sofas, black barstools and a mix of carbon-fibre and stainless-steel materials in the hardtop. A spa tub is set forward on the sundeck.

The Navetta 42 is about much more than being stylish. Comfort, says Paggi, was truly the focus.

“One of the characteristics of the Navetta 42 is the great navigability and seakeeping in rough seas, which is something we’ve emphasised in other Navettas as well, and which gives a sense of security to the Captain and allows the owner to operate for long distances without any problems,” she says.

“The Navetta 42 is a new naval architecture platform, and the comfort we were able to achieve in terms of sound dampening and stabilisation is a big improvement compared to older Navettas. Comfort is a must for clients; they won’t accept a boat any other way now.”

The sun deck features an outdoor jacuzzi and a covered socialising area

Comfort will be a mainstay of this platform going forward, but when it comes to the style and layout, the highly customisable nature of Custom Line models allows much to be decided by the owner, so the next Navetta 42 might look much different from Four Flowers III.

Stylish, spacious, amenity-packed, highly functional – and comfortable, too. The latest Custom Line Navetta certainly packs a lot of big ideas into a beautifully drawn 42m package.

Note: The original article appeared in Yacht Style Issue 46.

www.customline-yacht.com

www.ferrettigroup.com

Custom Line launches its fifth Navetta 33 yacht - a thing of beauty
Custom Line launches its fifth Navetta 33 yacht - a thing of beauty SHARE Share on facebook Share on linkedin 31 July 2018 - Fresh out of the shipyard in Ancona, Italy, Custom Line launches its fif...

Sanook Explores Myanmar’s Untouched Mergui Archipelago

Destinations / yachtstyle2020

Sanook Explores The Mergui Offering Tranquility In This Untouched Piece Of Paradise

January 25, 2019
2:53 am

Sanlorenzo Asia has started 2020 with sales of five yachts in five months into Hong Kong, ranging in size from 76-146ft.

A meticulously maintained 23m Princess, Sanook was given its special name because the main purpose of the 76ft motor yacht is to give its guests good times, a lot of joy and fun, and allow them to forget their worries.

Experience True Relaxation Rarely Offered In Our Normal Lives

Sanook is a special word in Thai, meaning to live life to the full, to be happy and light-hearted. Thai people will ask: “Sanook man”” which means, “Are you happy, did you have fun?” The hope is that when guests return from their charter and are asked “Sanook mai?”, they’ll reply “Chai, sank mak mak”, meaning indeed, very very fun!

The 800+ islands found in the Mergui (Myeik) Archipelago in Myanmar, formerly Burma, are one of the world’s most remote tropical cruising grounds, and it’s usually best to visit between December and early April, when there’s generally warm, sunny weather.

Operated by Asian Yacht Charters, Sanook offers a variety of itineraries between Phuket in Thailand and Langkawi in Malaysia, but for those seeking an exciting alternative – nearby – she can ply the waters of Myanmar to the north.

After a pick-up at Phuket airport, guests are driven to Ranong where they check out of Thailand, and then check into Myanmar. It’s like stepping into another world. Senses are awakened by all the new sights. This is where the adventure begins.

It’s truly an unexplored paradise as isolationist policies kept foreigners out for 50 years after British rule ended in 1947, and the area has only been open to foreigners since the late 1990s, with only a couple of thousand visiting each year.

The adventure starts in Kawthung, known as Victoria Point during British rule. The town is located at the tapered southern end of the country’s tail and is separated from Thailand by the Pak Chan River. The relaxed atmosphere will make you feel like you have stepped back in time. Sanook has an offical Burmese guide on board for the duration of the charter. As well as being very friendly and entertaining, he possesses in-depth local knowledge, enables you to interact with the locals and is there to answer questions.

There are so many islands and places to visit, and the small distances between them means there is always a beautiful view and a pristine white-sand beach or coral reef to explore.

Among the many islands to visit is the horseshoe-shaped Myint Khar (Horse Shoe Island), which has a lagoon in the middle, making an idyllic anchorage for Sanook. Being shallow, with crystal-clear water and a white-sand bottom, the whole lagoon is like a giant fish tank.

Za Det Gyi Island has rugged underwater terrain, while large tawny nurse sharks can be seen along with other abundant marine life. The coast of Hlaing Gu Island (Cavern Island) has caverns large enough for Sanook’s RIB to get through to explore this exciting environment. The adventurous can hike to the top of the islands, which are a nature lover’s utopia and offer the chance to spot gibbons, pythons, civet cats, monitor lizards, the mouse deer and even elephants.

Avid birdwatchers should look up for hornbills, white kites and white-bellied sea eagles circling above islands. Kingfishers, Frigatebirds, Pacific reef egrets, green imperial pigeons and emerald doves are also commonly sighted.

A national park, Kyunn Tann Shey (Lampi Island) is protected and has a vast stretch of mangroves, tidal creeks and rivers, which are perfect to explore by kayak or RIB… it is truly an explorer’s paradise. The only human inhabitants are the indigenous sea gypsies, known locally as Salon or internationally as Moken. These semi- nomadic people live a traditional life aboard their boats and may shyly approach Sanook, wishing to trade the freshest of seafood, such as seabass, skate, lobster and tuna.

Sanook’s range of toys mean guests can snorkel in pristine seas, paddle around on the two kayaks, ride the three-person jet-ski, or use the exploration RIB to explore an inland waterway or a mangrove system full of wildlife, and access beaches. There are also water- skis, a wakeboard, kneeboard and inflatable tubes, and the simple beach classics like frisbee and badminton. Diving can be arranged in advance.

While Sanook steers guests through the Mergui Archipelago, guests enjoy luxurious living on board and first-class service. Sanook herself is magnificent indoors and out, another sensational motor yacht by the world-famous Princess yard in Plymouth on England’s southwest coast. Her elegant, bright interior has a large open-plan saloon, formal dining area and a galley – often used as the ‘bar’ – that can be fully enclosed or opened via an electronically retractable partition. The Australian Captain has been on board for four years and has extensive regional knowledge, having cruised on her own yacht in the area.

The first mate/engineer has lived in Thailand for 20 years, the ever-smiling stewardess offers attentive service and the experienced professional chef can prepare gourmet Thai food bursting with flavours as well as international cuisine.

The large flybridge – accessible from the aft deck and also the saloon – is also well covered, by a full-length bimini. There’s seating for more than 10 up here, with a large sunpad that’s ideal for relaxing, reading, listening to music or just enjoying the views. Sanook can sleep between eight to 12 guests in comfort on the lower deck. The full-beam master suite midships features great views through triple vertical hull windows, a 32-inch HD TV and DVD player, a walk-in wardrobe, en-suite bathroom with power/massage shower, an oval double-ended bath, toilet and bidet. There’s also a forward VIP cabin with TV and two twin guest cabins, port and starboard, all with large en-suite bathrooms. Each twin cabin can be converted into a double bed or four Pullman bunks for children.

A 5,900-litre fuel tank gives long-range cruising capabilities, while the bow and stern thrusters and a shallow draft mean Sanook is able to tuck into secluded coves and bays.

She’s an ideal yacht for a week-long cruise with family and friends, and offers a superb way to explore the Mergui.

The memories into this almost otherworldly coastal environment remain forever.

For more information visit AsianYachtCharters

The 23m Princess motor yacht is also available for sale. Sanook provides the luxury, space and service of a superyacht, and offers a range of charter options in Southeast Asia. For enquires, email charters@asianyachtcharters.com

Solaris Brings Easy Sailing To Asia

News / yachtstyle2020

Solaris Brings Easy Sailing To Asia

December 13, 2018
12:03 pm

Solaris Yachts Asia Representative Enrico Zanella tells Yacht Style that Easy Sailing yachts are coming to this region and will help popularise the concept.

Solaris 44

What is an Easy Sailing Yacht ?

Basically, it’s a faster cruiser with semi-automatic systems – electric winches, furling boom, self-tacking jib and furled sails – that allow one person to manage a powerful sailing yacht in an easy way. It’s a much easier approach to sailing for beginners as they can use buttons and electric or hydraulic systems to manage the sails. It makes everything very easy.

A period of training is needed, but a beginner can quickly learn how to go out for a sail, swim in a bay and sail back. For longer journeys, you need more time and experience. Such a level can be achieved in two years with a proper programme of sailing, a proper method and the proper yacht. However, always remember to respect the sea and, “safety first”.

Q&A with Enrico Zanella On How Italy’s Solaris Yachts Brings Easy Sailing To Asia

Enrico Zanella

What’s A Faster Cruiser Sailing Yacht?

Firstly, it has a specifically designed hull. It’s a racer, with a lightweight but very strong structure due to its construction techniques. It has a powerful sail plan, personalised luxury interiors and eye-catching colours.

Speed is a basic pleasure of sailing. You want to be the fastest one in the water, so the sail plan is significantly more powerful than other yachts in the same category or of similar length. With an Easy Sailing yacht, you can manage the power of the sails by yourself.

Speed is a combination of aerodynamics, hydrodynamics and weight, factors that depend on the shipyard’s specific research, design, engineering and construction knowledge. Even safety is related to speed. In many situations, speed is the key to arriving at port, so even the inboard power unit is bigger than usual.

Lastly, you and everyone in the marina and at sea will admire the style of your yacht – the shapes, colours, lights, reflections and your personal touches. These all define a fast cruiser easy sailing yacht.

What’s The Proper Method?

For a beginner, the speed of learning is related to the training method. If an Easy Sailing yacht is the hardware, the training method is the software. In order to teach how to safely sail an Easy Sailing yacht, the proper method must adapt to the beginner’s schedule and ambitions.

Let me explain in another way. A beginner has a budget that allows them to own a fast cruiser easy sailing yacht and wants to learn how to sail. They want to sail out to sea with family and friends, swim in beautiful bays, maybe race, and enjoy some unique quality time. With the training method I developed, named The Art of Sailing, it’s possible in a reasonably short time to train a beginner to be able to sail out to sea, enjoy themselves and sail home. With an Easy Sailing yacht and this training method, a beginner can make their dream become true.

How Does The Price Of A Fast Cruiser Compared To A Cruiser?

Higher or much higher. A fast cruiser is not built in a mass-production or industrialised way but in a very limited scale with very specialised labour. A fast cruiser is a semi-custom yacht that can have tailored requirements and touches, with long-haul capability. The value of a fast cruiser yacht is in the design and construction techniques, highest-quality materials and personalisation.

What About The Resale Value?

A semi-custom fast cruiser maintains a higher second-hand market value, and for a longer time, than a mass-production cruiser. Maintained properly, a semi-custom fast cruiser looks like new after five years.

Easy Sailing Yachts Are Seen In Europe, The Americas And Australia, But What About Asia?

I can talk about my experience. The Asian market is growing according to the local realities. All over Asia, sailing is perceived almost exclusively as regattas.

Most people still don’t know that sailing is more than racing. Sailing is also about the time spent with family and friends, quality time, sunsets, dressing elegantly in a refined atmosphere, delicious food, drinks and good music. Sailing has naturally good Feng shui and provides invaluable, relaxing quality time.

But something has changed in Hong Kong in the last two years. This perception is changing with some experienced Owners, that choose Solaris for these reasons, who are the best opinion leaders to inspire others to learn the amazing and rewarding Art of Sailing.

What Is Next For Solaris In Asia?

Next year, the first Solaris 47 EZC Easy Sailing in Asia will arrive in Hong Kong and is privately owned. The second Solaris will arrive in Hong Kong in the second part of 2019 and will be available for sea trials and charter, and participate in regattas. I’m sure many more people will enjoy the lifestyle after they experience this contemporary way of sailing.

For more information visit solarisyachts.com

Custom Line launches its fifth Navetta 33 yacht – a thing of beauty

News / yachtstyle2020

Custom Line launches its fifth Navetta 33 yacht – a thing of beauty

August 1, 2018
12:22 pm

31 July 2018 – Fresh out of the shipyard in Ancona, Italy, Custom Line launches its fifth Navetta 33 yacht which was custom-built for a North American yachtsman. Part of the prestigious Ferretti Group, Custom Line’s Navetta 33 took to the waters like a swan. This new masterpiece offers authentic refinement to the nth degree […]

Custom Line’s Navetta 33

This striking craft is also an extraordinary work of nautical engineering and has won so much praise from experts from near and afar. The new owner is “too excited to take it for a spin” on a Mediterranean cruise with his family before returning across the Atlantic. America remains of crucial importance for Custom Line.

Navetta 33’s interiors are plush and sophisticated

Impossibly chic, Navetta 33 turns heads thanks to its exquisite lines and a painstaking attention to detail. The superyacht epitomises those values of seaworthiness, comfort, safety and customisation that have always been at the core of Custom Line’s DNA.

The fifth Navetta 33 is yet another fruit of joint efforts by the Product Strategy Committee – headed by Mr Piero Ferrari – Studio Zuccon International Project, which was responsible for the exterior design, and the Group’s Engineering Department, whose architects and designers crafted the tasteful interiors. Part of the craft’s noteworthy features include a hull with bulbous forward section, designed from scratch, which will provide seaworthiness and stability performance at the very top of its class. In addition, yacht owners and their guests can enjoy marvellous spaces across all four decks: from the wide-body master suite forward on the main deck, to the four guest cabins on the lower deck.

Navetta 33 – enjoy your dose of Vitamin D on the sundeck

The launch of the fifth unit of Navetta 33 comes at an exciting time for Custom Line and the Ancona Superyacht Yard, which in the space of a single month has seen the launches of the fifth Navetta 33, the fifth Navetta 37 and the first ever Navetta 42, the brand’s first mega yacht above 300 GT.

The event was held at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard in Ancona, a world-class ship-building facility that produces all the steel and aluminium mega-yachts for the CRN, Riva and Pershing brands, as well as the entire Custom Line fleet in composite. Among the vessels created here are the magnificent Navetta 28, the awesome Navetta 37 and the new flagship, Navetta 42, which is set to debut at the 2018 Cannes Yachting Festival as the largest Custom Line model ever built.

For more information visit: http://www.customline-yacht.com