NAVIS Dec'19/Jan'20

After almost a month at sea, Charles Cauldlier and Franck Cammas sailed across the finish line to become the winners of the renowned 2019 Brest Atlantique. 

On the morning of November 5th, the four trimarans set sail from Brest to compete for first place in the 14000 miles non-stop, figure-of-eight, double-handed race. The route takes competitors past Rio and Cape Town, and touches the waters of Antarctica in a test of skill, navigation, and endurance before returning to the historic harbor of Brest.

Italian style has always been synonymous with capturing the essence of timeless luxury. One glance at an Italian tailored suit and the delight is always caught in the details; the flawless threads, the polish of a button, the beloved stitching on the tactile label. This attention to detail is something that is carried beyond the confines of fashion and into the shipyard.

A Sail By Any Other Name… 

Benetti is a name that needs little introduction in the world of exceptional watercrafts. The oldest of the Italian shipyards, the masters and maestros behind every curve know yachting right down to its very core. With a yacht for each day of the year under their belt, centuries in the business of beautiful shipbuilding, and sails billowing on each of the seven seas, Benetti is who you turn to when you want a yacht that oozes craftsmanship. M/Y Metis is a beautiful example of all that Benetti can do.

Covering 3 million square feet of exhibition space, including 6 miles of floating docks and 7 different locations, was this year’s International Boat Show at Fort Lauderdale. The show is held on the white sand beaches of Fort Lauderdale next to the calm blue waters of the Atlantic ocean. This provides visitors a relaxed, and casual Florida feel as they stroll around and view the million-dollar exhibits. 

The annual event is now in its 60th consecutive year, and it is the largest in-water boat show in the world. A total of 52 countries are represented with over 1200 exhibitors showcasing in excess of 1500 vessels. More than 110,000 people make their way to ‘the yachting capital of the world’ to attend ‘FLIBS’ as it is affectionately known. 

It’s one of the most stylish and iconic of the grand tourers available, and for those who would prefer to drive a long distance in a supercar rather than fly, then the Maserati GranTurismo MC is for you.

Along with impressive comfort levels, the handling is superb, and there’s a long list of personalization options available.

Without a doubt, it’s a stunning creation, both inside and out, with an engine that is packed with power and character.

Venice has been a destination of incredible contrasts and intertwined complexities for centuries, and this legacy continues to this day. Venice is where the summer heat and the canal aromas overwhelm, autumns and winters are rainy, and the Aqua Alta threatens, where St. Mark’s square is overrun by tourists in high season or worse: pigeons. Venice is also a destination of historical wonder, mysterious alleys, tranquil piazzas, majestic cathedrals, and unending splendor. To call it special is an understatement. “It’s Disneyland for grownups!” a friend used to declare. Venice is a place where the tiniest cup of espresso at the base of the Rialto can smooth away the stresses of exploring the local market and a quick glass of prosecco and a nibble of cicchetti before dashing off to a gallery opening is pure heaven. Definitely a magical kingdom, and when the opportunity presented itself to return well, the call was impossible to resist.

Consistently remained on various World’s Best Hotels lists over the many decades. Both the hotel and its atmospheric Le Bar Américain, purveyor of an incredibly changing array of cocktails and indulgent afternoon teas, are considered the places to see and be seen in this town. In its 155 years, the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo has been hosting royalty, presidents and prime ministers, artists and actors, and made appearances in more than a handful of films, including two James Bond films: GoldenEye and Never Say Never Again, as well the 1948 Moira Shearer classic that inspires every would-be prima ballerina, The Red Shoes. 

2019 is reaching its end and, with that, it becomes time for contemplation and meditation. At NAVIS, we take one day every year to dedicate to ourselves to reflect on the best experiences enjoyed during the past year.  On our many trips around the world, we have discovered remarkable objects that only exceptional designers and craftspersons can create. Our 2019 selection is drawn from a host of products and experiences we have had the pleasure to sample over this year, in addition to those recommended by ongoing contributors and some of our most valued subscribers, yes, mega-yacht owners, just like yourself.

On the following pages, you will find only the most exceptional products and places we are sure you will treasure, share and enjoy with your loved ones.