NAVIS Oct/Nov 2019

Baltic Yachts, based in Jakobstad on the northwest coast of Finland, has been building some of the world’s most finest and most advanced yachts since 1973 when the company was founded by five skilled boat builders. They had a mandate, and that was to build boats that were lighter, stiffer, and stronger than anything any other boat builders were doing at the time, and those qualities are still at the forefront of all the boats they build, including the recently launched Baltic 112 Liara. The owner, a skilled and seasoned yachtsman, originally intended to build an out-and-out performance family cruiser, but his ideas started to change when he realized that he also wanted to be competitive on the race course. This led to a drive toward saving weight wherever possible, and the lighter and stiffer mandate led him to Baltic Yachts, where weight saving is almost a religion. He commissioned Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design to bring his vision to reality, and the stunningly gorgeous lines of Liara are the result. It also appears that McKeon followed that long-held belief that pretty yachts sail fast. By any measure, Liara is beyond pretty; she’s an exceptional craft in every sense and as a result, is also very fast on the race course.

There is no vessel more associated with prestige and luxury than the yacht, and there is no place on Earth more associated with opulence and excess than Monaco. The Monaco Yacht Show has certainly earned its reputation as one of the grandest showcases of maritime engineering and craftsmanship, the very best the yachting world has to offer. Even with such a stellar reputation to live up to, the multi-day showcasing exceeded even our expectations.

Surrounded by the lush, rolling hills of the south of France and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, Monaco has always had an almost surreal allure, filled with grandiosity and unbounded ambition. Even before the formal presentations began, the air was buzzing with rumors about this year’s newest fleet of yachts. Both industry titans and yachting enthusiasts gathered in anticipation of viewing some of the most impressive vessels ever to set sea.

Lurssen has made it clear they are keen to redefine the term megayacht with the recent launch of M/Y Tis. Arching across the horizon at a staggering 111 meters, one could easily mistake this ship for the shimmering skyline of a city. It comes as no surprise then that Tis has been declared one of the largest superyachts in the world and has all the stats to back her up. A beam that measures 18.40 meters creates cavernous interiors, and her length in the waterline is a wonderous 96.20 meters. Make no doubt about it, Lurssen is making a statement.

Alia’s Samurai superyacht was initially launched in Antalya, Turkey, in 2016 and was the largest ever launched by the yard. Her beautiful, smooth styling was the result of a collaboration between Dutch companies Omega Architects and Van Oossanen and Associates. 

Her luxury, modern interior, was styled by Redman Whitely Dixon (RWD), a British superyacht design team. Samurai was designed to utilize clean, horizontal lines while providing ultra-luxurious amenities, and to create a stylish and fresh ambiance. Sporting an eye-catching profile, the sleek luxury design grabs the attention with it’s run of vertical windows along the exterior and upper deck arches. 

The Bentley Continental GTC is a fabulous hand-built offering that delivers a hugely entertaining car to drive, and it is one that exudes sophistication with an excellent interior.

For many, the reason for the Continental GT Convertible is to enjoy the true spirit of grand touring, which means driving along some of the world’s best roads in a stylish and exhilarating motoring creation.

This historic and charming building is situated in the heart of Venice, simply oozing with allure, sensuality, and style, is the Hotel Palazzina. This exclusive and original hotel is the only one in ‘La Serenissima” as Venice is sometimes known, which is designed by Phillipe Starck, the famous French architect, and mega-yacht designer. 

We look upon any opportunity to return to Monte-Carlo with delight; the phenomenal food, wine and service, and just the right amount of glamour and flash make it a great getaway, even if one is there for work. Work and leisure make an ideal combination at Monaco’s annual Yacht Show. And so we found ourselves here again this September with ÔMER, Alain Ducasse’s second Monegasque restaurant that opened back in January this year, a “must do” on our list as well as the venue for our annual dinner with industry leaders at the Show.