The latest models, nautical events and spearhead technology… Yachting surfs along on a wave of innovation. With the Côte d'Azur sharing the helm.
Stéphanie Marin never ceases to amaze us ! Is it her surname which has led her to extend her activities to the world of sailing ? Whatever, Stéphanie Marin now adds the interior furnishing of a boat to her list of creative enterprises. The JP54, the first cruising sailboat designed like a racing model, can thus boast top-notch esthetics, solidity and comfort. Luxurious and sporty at one and the same time, this designer monohull is indeed very alluring. www.jp54.fr et www.smarin.net
Autumn has only just begun and you find yourself already dreaming of sun, sand and idyllic scenery... How about sailing off into the sunset ? Iles du Monde invite you to explore the Maldives on a cruise in the northern atolls (Raa and Baa), aboard the Lagoon 50. This 17-metre catamaran is the perfect companion for this great get-away. Pampered by your crew (a skipper and hostess/cook, who have their own cabins), you can indulge in swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and even fishing at night, admiring underwater fauna or visiting the village of Goidhoo and meeting its inhabitants. A programme full of activities and certainly emotions. Book your double cabin without further ado (or single by request) for 12 days with full board, from 2,300 € per person. Departing from Paris. Reservation : 01 55 42 74 10. www.ilesdumonde.com
Leading names in the world of international yachting have already confirmed their participation at the next “Festival de Plaisance” in Cannes, its 33rd edition. Azimut Benetti, Beneteau, Ferretti Group, Pershing, Princess, Riva, Sanlorenzo, Wally and many more will once again demontsrate their specific areas of expertise. An exclusive event, the new Monte Carlo Yachts boatyard will launch its first model : the MCY 76. From September 8th to 13th in the Old Port and Port Pierre Canto, Cannes. www.salonnautiquecannes.com Photo : Jérome Kelagopian et Mathieu Walter
You’re a fan of boating, kayaking, windsurfing, jet-skiing or kite-surfing. You wear a lifejacket or, failing that, a special jacket or suit. Feel free to add the automatic Topomarine flash-light. Compact and lightweight, it turns on automatically on contact with water, has a clip-on fixture on a strong strap, a lithium battery with a lifespan of five years and a flash-light designed to function for about five hours. It could be a very precious ally... www.topoplastic.com
Whatever the duration or destination of your cruise or the event you are planning (evening excursions, seminars, cocktail parties...), the Moby Dick catamaran will meet all your desires. Based in the Mediterranean, we owe this marvellous boat 20 metres long to the Foutaine Pajot shipyard, architects Berret-Racoupeau and designer Jean-Jacques Costes, who have opted for environment-friendly design. It offers a vast lounge with a table for receptions, a bar counter, a large screen with PC and Internet connections, home movie theatre, an indoor-outdoor Bose audio system, and can accommodate up to 26 passengers by day. For a trip out at sea, the Moby Dick proposes 5 luxury cabins with air conditioning, shower rooms and toilets. The skipper and crew will accompany you throughout an unforgettable experience. Price : 4,000 € for a full day, 25,000 € for a week. www.mobydick-catamaran.com
The Hermès Wally Yacht is a true floating mansion of 3,400 m2. Designed by the Monaco-based Wally company, this “island” of 58 x 38 metres comes with a heliport and 900 m2 of photovoltaic panels to cater for energy needs as extensively as possible. Its twelve passengers are treated to a sea-water swimming pool, spa, jogging track and several decks, at a cruising speed of 14 knots, ideal for happy holidays... We’re prepared to bet it will go beyond the prototype stage ! www.why-yachts.com
Set off to explore the River Chobe (between Botswana and Namibia) aboard the luxurious Zambezi Queen and make an unforgettable stop-over at the heart of the Chobe wildlife park. By choosing to participate in this cruise of genuine charm, you’ll be a “responsible tourist”, as the Zambezi Queen has been specially designed to reduce pollution to the river to a minimum (jet propulsion system for navigating in shallow water, low energy emission system for lighting, refrigerators...). 8 days/7 nights from Paris : 4,545 € per person. Terres de charme (01 55 42 74 10).
Built in Turkey in 2001 by the Turquoise Yacht Construction shipyard, fully renovated in 2008 for its current owner, Johnny Depp, this superb mega-yacht of 47 metres accommodating up to ten guests is available for charter. The first syllables of the names of Depp family members were used to compose the name of this original boat : the Vajoliroja. A majestic yacht with an average speed of 12 knots, it invites you to to sail the Mediterranean in summer, the Bahamas and Caribbean in winter, for about 90,000 € per week. On board, you will bask in a world as “vintage” as you could wish. The decor, consisting of velvet fabrics, Art Deco furniture and antiques, give the entire yacht a theatrical atmosphere. Outside, the sun-lounge area in sky-blue velvet and the dining area are real invitations to relaxation and conviviality. The Vajoliroija offers a full range of modern technical equipment, as well as everything you need for water-sports (tender, kayak, windsurfing, water-skiing, wakeboarding...). Burgess, 57 rue Grimaldi, Le Panorama, Bloc A, Monaco (00 377 97 97 81 21).
Designed by Denn Clifford in collaboration with the boatyard’s design office, the first motor catamaran produced by Sunreef Yachts will be launched early this year. Called “Sunreef Power 67”, it is intended for all those who want a boat combining comfort and high performance. It offers a spacious flybridge of 50 m2, a top speed of 25 knots and a range of 3,000 miles. <a href="http://www.sunreef-yachts.com/yachts.php?language=eng">www.sunreef-yachts.com</a>
Whether you’re a yachtsman, deep-sea diver or fisherman, you soon won’t be able to do without this device ! The Hondex PS-7 is as small as a torchlight and thus very handy. Waterproof to 50 m, it displays depths of up to 80 m on its luminous LCD screen. It works on a 9-volt battery, is shock resistant and can be connected to a sounding device afloat. <a href="http://www.hondex.co.jp/english/index.html">www.hondex.co.jp</a>
All aboard “Le Ponant”, a magnificent 3-master ready and waiting to take you to the Seychelles. You will sail through the Mediterranean, the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean for the period of your choice between this winter and next spring. The “Ponant” offers 32 cabins accommodating up to 64 passengers, making her a yacht on a human scale, able to moor in spots that are inaccessible for the more usual, larger cruise ships. You’ll then discover eight of the loveliest islands in the Archipelago and benefit from privileged contact with their inhabitants and natural beauty. If you’re interested in other destinations, the “Compagnie des Iles du Ponant”, which also owns “Le Levant” and “Le Diamant”, can suggest fabulous cruises all over the world (Egypt, Sicily, Croatia, Greece, Chile, Costa Rica, Qatar…). Cruises to the Seychelles and Amirantes Islands until March 30th. <a href="http://www.ponant.com/index.php">www.ponant.com</a>
The 28th Royal Regattas-Panerai Trophy have now published their programme of events, inviting fans to take part in this historic sailing event. Under the patronage of the Yacht Club de France and organized by the Fédération Française de Voile and the Yacht Club de Cannes, these regattas are open to all boats in the “Tradition Sailboat” and “Spirit of Tradition” categories. Du 24 au 30 septembre, Port de Cannes. <a href="http://www.regatesroyales.com/">www.regatesroyales.com</a>
“A little paradise on earth” according to Colette, Saint-Tropez turns into paradise on sea for the duration of an extremely congenial event : “Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez” (formerly known and still fondly remembered as the Nioulargue !). Modern and traditional yachts compete in the Gulf, offering a sight for sore eyes. Du 30 septembre au 8 octobre, Port de Saint-Tropez. <a href="http://www.ot-saint-tropez.com/">www.ot-saint-tropez.com</a>
The only show in the world to devote itself entirely to top-notch models, and thus the only one to assemble so many super and mega yachts. This year, the Monaco Yacht Show will exhibit 95 yachts afloat from 25 to 90 metres long. As in all past editions, it will also unveil about 30 new models in exclusivity. Shipyards, equipment suppliers, brokers, naval architects, designers, service companies… over 500 firms from among leading international names in the world of high-class yachting will set up their booths in exhibition space totalling 8,000 m2. Whether you’re a passionate or wealthy fan, a simple visitor or a member of the trade, you will discover the latest developments in technology and meet trend-setters in the sector. This 16th edition has sponsors as prestigious as the event itself : watch-maker Blancpain (for the seventh year running !), the S.M.E.F. (Société Monégasque des Etudes Financières) and Mercedes-Benz. Du 20 au 23 septembre, Port Hercule, Principauté de Monaco (00 377 93 10 41 70). <a href="http://www.monacoyachtshow.mc/home_ang.shtml">www.monacoyachtshow.mc</a>
Waterproof cases for MP3s are the ideal accessory for any trip out to sea. Available in two sizes, in welded translucid plastic, with a foldback and triple zip seal, they offer total protection from the water : even better, they float ! Very vulnerable when used outdoors, your MP3 no longer has anything to fear. 01 30 10 50 10. <a href="http://www.topoplastic.com/home.php?L=en">www.topoplastic.com</a>
As organizer of the Saint-Tropez Nautical Rally, the agency Autrechoz Communication invites you to participate in a really congenial occasion. The circuit will in fact include several playful, historic and cultural features, taking you to the famous beaches of Pampelonne and others further along the coast. Ask for your roadbook and set off on a new adventure… Le 4 août, port de Saint-Tropez. Inscription et réservation au 06 09 21 94 88.
A company that lives up to its name ! Its areas of expertise are in fact quite extensive : sales and rentals (of boats, but also helicopters and limousines), bookings, supplies, laundry, floral compositions… Aboard your yacht, one thing’s for sure : with the team from All Services, you’ll lack for nothing. It also proposes assistance in everything related to insurance, harbour berths, technico-logistical support and security services and, if you wish, will provide guidance for your itineraries by indicating the best hotels, restaurants and places to visit. Expertly directed by Alessandro Sartore, the company has about a dozen employees, each one keener than the next to meet your requirements and satisfy your demands. All Services works in partnership with almost 300 service suppliers and is thus well-equipped to provide all the services essential to your comfort. With a smile as a bonus! All services, via del Castillo, Portosole, San Remo. 00 39 0184 533 533. <a href="http://www.allservices.net/">www.allservices.net</a>
The Wallypower 118 (32 metres, 60 knots) is an atypical boat. Built in 2002, it was presented last year at the very important exhibition of architecture and design at the Museum of Modern Art in San Franciso. And it put in another much-noticed appearance at the last Hublot PalmaVela regatta, inviting VIP guests on board to watch the various events. <a href="http://www.wally.com/default.asp?bflash=1">www.wally.com</a>
Teak floors, cream leather sofas, Egyptian cotton bedding… The owners of the brand new Koko (home port Antibes) have transformed its interior to offer a chic Italian ambiance. With cruising capacity for 12 guests and sleeping accommodation for six, Koko can be chartered for day, weekend and week-long cruises to Corsica, Saint-Tropez, Sardinia or Amalfi. Please contact Janine : Ocean Independence, 57 rue Grimaldi, Monaco (377 97 70 38 80).
MSC Musica will make its inaugural cruise on July 1st, with 25 to 30 % reductions offered by tour operator Selectour. Prices with full board start at 990 € per person, with 1 or 2 children aged under 18 sharing their parents’ cabin for free. The same benefits apply for 8-day cruises departing from Venice on July 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th, August 5th. The Musica will call at Bari (Italy), Katakolon (Greece), Izmir and Istanbul (Turkey) and Dubrovnik (Croatia). Connecting flights from Nice cost 360 € return. The 4-star Musica offers 4 restaurants, several bars and lounges, a fitness centre, and 1,275 de-luxe cabins, most with a balcony over the sea. VIP Leaders Travel, 113 rue de France, Nice (04 93 44 56 56). <a href="http://www.selectour.com/">www.selectour.com</a>
