The latest models, nautical events and spearhead technology… Yachting surfs along on a wave of innovation. With the Côte d'Azur sharing the helm.
The Wider 42’ continues its rise on the ladder of success. On October 26th, it was voted winner of the AIM “2012 Editor’s Choice Award” in the “Most Innovative Design” category. On this occasion, in the wake of the Côte d’Azur edition of the Wider 42’, the young Italian firm revealed its Miami version. No doubt all set to conquer the American market... www.wider-y.it
Entirely dedicated to nautical activities, www.figaronautisme.com is intended for all passionate fans of the sea. News, weather forecasts, ports, stopovers, boats and races constitute as many topics likely to be of interest. The site provides a link to meteoconsult.fr, the leader for marine forecasts for over 20 years, which also proposes a free, personalisable application (for Iphone, Android and Ipad), a valuable ally which has already won a very wide public.
Designer Christian Grande can well be proud of the “Picchio-Boat” ! A catamaran based on a highly innovative concept. In fact, a catamaran on which its passengers can live for long periods of time, benefitting from spaciousness and comfort. This 21-metre model with a top speed of 19 knots has been designed to give precedence to moments of congeniality and contemplation. On both the main bridge and flybridge, relaxation takes pride of place thanks to very inviting large sofas. In the saloon and master cabin, a glass platform occupies part of the floors, offering a clear view of the watery depths. The Picchio is a real ode to nature and the sea. Its sandy-coloured teak deck recalls dunes in the desert, its lateral panels are clad in vegetation, its prow takes the shape of the open mouth of a Manta rayfish...
Specializing in satellite navigation, the Garmin group designs, manufactures and markets devices and applications for communication and information. One item, the GPSMAP 720s, stands out from its many products. With its 7-inch touchscreen, full-sun 16/9 display, built-in GPS receiver, cruise radar function and its possible combination with a sounder, it is of valuable assistance on board. www.garmin.com
When the MACS Research firm teamed up with designer Juan Carlos Espinosa, it was to the advantage of the Axcell 650, a 20-metre catamaran offering tuned-up performance thanks to a turbine which sends pressurized air between its two hulls, consequently reducing fuel consumption. Half-catamaran, half-aeroglider, it parts the waves at a speed of 40 knots. www.axcellyachts.com
In July 2013, a new cruise ship will leave the Fincantieri shipyard of Ancona to join the fleet of the Compagnie du Ponant. Like its four counterparts - Le Ponant, Le Diamant, Le Boréal and L'Austral -, this model called Le Soléal has inherited a unique exterior design, signed by Stirling Design International. The sister-ship of Le Boréal and L'Austral also unveils a tapered silhouette and very tasteful decor. The chromatic colour range chosen for its interiors, comprised of natural wood, grey and white, creates an atmosphere both streamlined and warm. The goal of a chic seaside spirit is conveyed through various features such as the tennis-stripe carpet in the lounge-bar, and the central enamelled sculpture. Offering 132 cabins and suites with 5-star comfort, Le Soléal will set off immediately after its inauguration on an exclusive cruise towards the north pole. www.ponant.com
“Escales et Mouillages Gourmands” is a handy application for smartphones and iPads. In Corsica, it helps you to find the seafront restaurant of your dreams. You choose the address from a selection, reserve directly by clicking on the telephone number, and make your way there thanks to its geo-localisation and itinerary calculator. You also have access to a directory of all of Corsica’s harbours and their amenities. Download immediately !
Organized by the Cannes Yacht Club, the Royal Regattas-Panerai Trophy event will host over 50 Dragons and about 80 classic yachts in a week characterized by sportsmanship and a congenial atmosphere. It will also offer the chance to attend the first event in the Panerai Trophy world championship for classic yachts, applaud the return of the Pen Duick to Cannes and participate in a photography contest on the theme of "The Colours of the Royal Regattas". Also on the programme, lots of entertainment aimed at prolonging the incomparable ambiance which reigns throughout the event : pasta evenings, concerts, an auction of marine items, a painting competition… September from 23rd to 30th, baie de Cannes. www.regatesroyales.com
On April 10th, 1912, 953 passengers and 889 crew members embarked on the Titanic. Four days later, the greatest maritime catastrophe of the time occurred when the so-called “unsinkable” ship hit an iceberg at 11.30 p.m. The liner sank at 2.20 a.m. on April 15th, off Newfoundland, with over 1,500 victims. “Titanic, l’histoire, le mystère, la tragédie” tells the full story of this giant of the sea, destined to become a tragic legend. Editions Chêne E/P/A. 29,90 €
Leading brands from the world of yachting, the companies Locarama, Azur Hélicoptère, HDS Limousine and Mercedes, which will organize a leg in its “Dream Tour”, will be partnering the Cannes Croisette Show. For three days, visitors will discover the world’s most prestigious products and services. Fashionistas will be not be forgotten thanks to Michat furs and a parade devoted to the W&W collection, gourmets neither, as Cosmo Sushi and the 1862 wine cellars will do their best to impress ! June, from 15th to 17th, Port Canto, Cannes (06 13 65 19 07).
Last year, the Wider 42’ made a splash by proving to be the most highly-rated innovation in the “Day Cruiser” category. Since then, it has been treated to a few more improvements and is back on the market in a new version : the Côte d’Azur Edition. Meeting the requirements of their clients and suggestions made by Monaco Boat Service, Tilli Antonelli and his team have focused on making the boat even more efficient, practical and flexible than it was already. By way of example : lower energy consumption, a larger cockpit console, an interior that can comfortably accommodate up to twelve people, an electrically-controlled table that can be transformed into a sun lounger or chaise longue… On the open sea, the Wider 42’ is a real focus of attention, but manages to retain its remarkable elegance. A real success ! www.wider-yachts.com
A subsidiary of the Cerved group, Jupiter is launching a new department : the sale of secondhand yachts. At the end of April, in Genoa, it thus invited interested visitors on sea trials aboard the 15 or so units available. Models from the Azimut, Baglietto or Apreamare shipyards, 3 years old on average. Thanks to its many partnerships, Jupiter can also provide services such as mooring facilities. www.secondlifetopyachts.it
The most modern in the range ! With its windshield inclined to the rear, the Adagio Europa 58 inherits a style close to that of the motor yacht, together with more contemporary design. It is light, spacious and customizable to meet the tastes of its owners as closely as possible. 17.76 m in length, this superb trawler accommodates up to 16 passengers on board. Currently, it is drawing the attention of visitors to the Hainan Island in China. www.adagio-yachts.fr
The smallest model in the range is certainly on a par with its predecessors. Inside the Barracuda 27’, the cabin has a double berth that turns into a benchseat with a table in the centre, and is extendable into a “chaise longue”. Teak and leather in light colours provide a serene atmosphere. On the bridge, two seats up front and a benchseat at the rear are sheltered by a fully retractable roof that slides under the sunbathing area when it is not in use. A chic and sporty look combined with high performance (top speed 40 knots, navigation qualities…) effectively complete its list of assets. www.barracudayachts.com
On the water, in the water, under water or by the water, all leisure activities are allowed ! Once again, the 13th edition of the “Fête Du Nautisme” will delight both young and old, who will be able to learn about disciplines of their choice, try out equipment, participate in regattas, meet the champions and many other players in the marine world… A lively and inspiring weekend on your agenda. May 12th and 13th. www.fetedunautisme.com
Sunreef has carried off the feat of hoisting large catamarans to the rank of real yachts. Back in the year 2000, the boatyard decided to endow its models with interiors of original, top-quality design. It soon emerged as a world leader in the construction of luxury catamarans and now has about 60 units of this ilk, with the very recent Sunreef 114’ Che a perfect illustration of the concept. www.sunreef-yachts.com
In the Aleutian series, the newcomer is the 76 RP. It costs 3,850,000 € + VAT, a price justified by its remarkable qualities, starting with the signature of naval architect Tom Fexas, a guarantee of well thought-out design and extreme refinement. Next come safety, stability, maneuverability, speed, a spacious lounge, the prestigious master cabin… This yacht, the largest in the range, also offers several options such as electric opening for the doors to the lounge, a Zodiac, additional generators, a hardtop, fourth cabin… If its overall appearance remains classic, fans will notice improvements made to indoor areas, decidedly more modern than those of its predecessors. Port de Plaisance de Mandelieu-La Napoule (04 92 97 22 11).
Skippers Thomas Normand and Guillaume Le Brec of the Absolute Dreamer racing team have just tested a prototype mattress from Literieland. Designed with bioceramic but also “memory” foam with a non-slip airtight cover, this mattress is ideal for the needs of sailors as it boosts microcirculation of the blood, encouraging muscle relaxation and faster recovery times. A positive experience which could be extended to benefit the general public. www.literieland.fr
American boat-builders HodgdonYachts have decided to invest in the market for custom annexes with a line of three models proposed by Michael Peters Yacht Design : the Sport Tender, Center Console Tender and Limo Tender. This last model, a real limousine of the sea, is showing the way. Serving as the tender for the Oceano 85’ and carrying up to twelve passengers, it is reinforced with carbon and adorned with mahogany and teak. Its top speed is 32 knots. www.hodgdonyachts.com
The dates of the Antibes Yacht Show 2012 have been announced : it will be held from April 12th to 15th. The public will be able to stroll around the Bastion Saint-Jaume and Quai Rayon to inspect the many motor and sail boats (from 15 to 60 metres), sea-faring services and gear… Not forgetting “Yacht Hopping Day” for brokers and the exhibitors’ cocktail evening (Friday 13th, until 9 p.m.). Port Vauban, Antibes. www.antibesyachtshow.com
