NAVIS Dec'20/Jan'21

As the year winds down, we at NAVIS naturally reflect on the accomplishments of the year in our industry. Despite the unprecedented way 2020 continued to unfold, the industry saw impressive sales performance.

No fewer than 32 superyachts changed hands in the brokerage market, making it the most productive August in 5 years. We also saw the emergence of client-only events and live-streamed launches in place of the rescheduled yacht shows. In a normal year, the NAVIS editorial team would have wrapped up its report of the annual Monaco Yacht Show for the October/November issue. But if there were a consistent theme to expect of 2020, it was the un-expected.  

A Dreamy and Curious Celebration

Some creations turn a light on, illuminating your dreams and inviting you to see the striking beauty of the world – M/Y Luminosity is one of these – enchanting all with her shining grace. The Owner started working at the project with Zaniz Studio and only in a second moment, when the design vision was already laid out, the Owner found in Benetti the ideal shipyard to build his dream yacht. Perhaps the result will be a floating forest, a moon lounge, or a complete dance of light and shape, where an ocean bound palace becomes a living breathing sculpture.

Alex Thompson, the British Skipper of Hugo Boss, tantalized sailing fans at the start of the Vendee Globe in Les Sables d’Olonne by stating that he anticipated a completion time of ‘between 59 and 70 days depending on the weather.’ What he didn’t bargain for was several incidents due to damage caused by UFOs, or witnessing a dramatic sea rescue operation.

Imoca’s 60 racing class has recently improved speed on all sail angles due to advances in technology and engineering. This is primarily due to the evolution of the foils, now in their 4th generation, that sport an extended surface area and the ability to rotate 5 degrees. This allows hulls to fly at speeds a low as 12 knots. Fiber optic sensors are utilized heavily and run from rudder to bow, including foils and rigging. Relaying real-time data and reporting stresses or potential damage to the boat before it happens. 

The first of the new Mangusta GranSport 33s enjoyed her world premiere at a very lively Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. A literal breath of fresh air for yachting enthusiasts in general, after a year of innumerable cancellations, reschedules, and events gone virtual, never once in its 61-year history has FLIBS ever canceled. Where hurricanes failed to impact the show in the past, a global pandemic certainly could be overcome. Although the SuperYacht village was canceled due to travel and quarantine restrictions, which impacted international yards, the superyachts themselves were moved to the Bahia Mar marina.

In an age where the evolution of brands and product marketing often tend to be dismissive of their past in order to achieve their future goals, the iconic Rolls-Royce Motor Cars instead looked back within their heritage in their unveil of the fully re-designed New Ghost 2021 model. Ghost was the very first line produced over 110 years ago and has been the most successful model in the brand’s storied history. She is as iconic at the Spirit of Ecstasy herself and, over the years, as Wraith, Dawn, Phantom, and other models no longer in production seemingly supplanted her. The unveiling of the all-new Ghost model, the most technologically advanced motor car yet for the brand, inspires more than mere nostalgia.

His intricate paintings are compelling in their uniqueness and blend an unlikely mix of industrial design, sailing, and sci-fi. He is highly sought after in the world of concept art, and because of his creative aptitude, he has an enviable list of renowned clients, including Disney and Universal Studios.

Originally from France, David’s exceptional talent for drawing and configuration started early on and was perhaps inspired, in part, by his deep love of sailing. In his younger years, he was a self-confessed ‘beach bum’ and rebellious teenage windsurfer that enjoyed spending most of his free time on the water in one form or another. 

As 2020 draws to a close, we review some of the most beautiful and luxurious gifts we have discovered throughout the year. Many have been selected with sailing life in mind, and we strive to bring you the most prestigious items available. Many have been reviewed in previous editions of NAVIS, and others are completely new. Either way, we present the most illustrious and magnificent gifts for your indulgence. We hope to provide inspiration and insight into the latest designs, technology, and goods available because, after all, tis the season!