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 new feature in this year’s edition will be the launching of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge : a gathering of “yachts d’époque” (built before 1950), classics (built before 1976) and Spirit of Tradition, which is part of the International Championships of the Mediterreanean. On dry land, festivities and a friendly atmosphere, with exhibitions, concerts, cocktail parties, beachwear parades and other surprises… Du 31 mai au 4 juin. (04 93 34 42 47). <a href="http://www.voilesdantibes.com/">www.voilesdantibes.com</a>
The beautiful city of Venice is playing host to the sixth edition of the “Wooden Boats Meeting”, an event entirely devoted to Rivas made of mahogany. The chance to admire extraordinary models and for participants to ride the waves without modern technology. An event that is, in fact, delightfully retro. <a href="http://www.rivaraduni2006.com/italy/eng/home.html">www.rivaraduni2006.com</a>
“Pointus”, “catalanes”, “felouques”, “barquettes”, “tartanons” and “gozzi” make for a really colourful fleet of boats in this French event on the international circuit. Regattas offering a sight for sore eyes and featuring some really great models. The event is enlivened by the “Rencontres du Patrimoine Maritime Méditerranéen” (at the Renaissance cinema), the Village of Carpenters, Sailors and Craftsmen of the Sea (in the marquee), the Mediterranean Book Fair and an exhibition entitled “Voiles Latines… Retour aux Sources” (on the Place des Lices). Once again, these few days will allow the port to unfurl all the magic of yesteryear and enable visitors to discover an extremely lively culture based on sailing the Med. from May 11th to 14th. (04 94 97 45 21). <a href="http://www.ot-saint-tropez.com/">www.ot-saint-tropez.com</a>
This is the latest range proposed by Topoplastic, the one you need for carefree feasts on board. Light, resistant and quite happy to be popped into the dishwasher, the collection is made of 100% melamine, a natural material that comes from cellulose. The design is, of course, inspired by the marine tradition and harmoniously adorns plates, glasses, bowls, dishes and cutlery. If you’re fussy about details, you can also treat yourself to matching tablecloths and napkins ! <a href="http://www.topoplastic.com/home.php?L=en">www.topoplastic.com</a>
Escale Outremer introduces Freya. Beside a highly professional crew, this 20-metre catamaran can host to up to 12 guests for a dream of a cruise. Freya is at your disposal for one-off events, evenings, birthdays, as well as charters lasting one, two or seven days, two weeks or even a month… Enquire about the many different formulas, choose the one that suits you best and res-erve immediately !
Deliberately scheduled before the summer period, the “Salon du Bateau d’Occasion” is the ideal opportunity to find the boat of your dreams. Because it presents a rigorous selection of 400 models between 3 and 25 metres long (new and secondhand) and is attended by 200 builders and 85 exhibitors in 10,000 m2 exhibition space, this event has become Europe’s N°1 fair for secondhand boats. In addition to this exceptional offering, the fair also features numerous services and accessories in the following categories : fittings, engines, equipment, insurance, harbours, clothing, tourism… Plus two novelties for this 16th edition : a section for sailboats and another dedicated to water sports and leisure activities. Admission free. 16e Salon du Bateau d’Occasion, du 30 mars au 3 avril, Port La Napoule, Mandelieu. (04 92 97 80 89).
Just out of the Rotinor plants, this little rocket endowed with a powerful jet drive enables you to speed across the water, combining skimming sensations with relaxation and even plunging 40 m below the surface. Easy to pilot and not requiring any permit, it attains a speed of 20 km per hour. Economical and environment-friendly, the aquatic vehicle is the “nec plus ultra” in terms of high technology with very appealing design as a bonus. <a href="http://www.seabob.de/flash/flash_uk.html">www.seabob.de</a>
The four ships in the Silversea fleet (Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper) criss-cross the sea taking original itineraries that are never repeated with almost 150 dfferent cruises proposed every year (Mediterranean, Latin America, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Northern Europe…). On board, you’ll benefit from top-notch appointments : the vast, luxurious suites guarantee irreproachable comfort with bed-linen bearing the Frette label, accessories from Acqua di Parma, gastronomy assured by chefs from “Relais & Châteaux”, a cigar cellar handled by Davidoff, champagne supplied by Philipponat and beauty care entrusted to Mandara… Furthermore, to ensure that you are truly satisfied, Silversea has opted for the “all-inclusive” formula. No need to deprive yourself of anything ! Further details and reservations in travel agencies or on the cruiseline’s website. <a href="http://www.silversea.com/">www.silversea.com</a>
With a name meaning “porthole”, fate was in the air ! For several years, this famous watch-maker has given its support to various international nautical events. Among other things, Hublot sponsored Dominique Wavre’s monohull in the Solitaire 2004, the “Palma Vela Hublot Regatta” in 2005, and is also the official chronometer for the Wally Class as well as exclusive partner of the Monaco Yacht Club. Hublot’s prestigious watches, both traditional and innovative, with their spearhead design and technical features, thus accompany exceptional occasions on the sea-faring calendar. Hublot and the sea : a winning combination ! <a href="http://www.hublot.com/hublot_prod/site/hublot/index.php">www.hublot.com</a>
One of the finalists together with seven other harbours in the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var, Saint-Pierre des Embiez has carried off the “Prix de l’Education à l’Environnement Pavillon Bleu Banque Populaire Côte d’Azur”. It has thus been rewarded for its activities to encourage awareness amongst boating enthusiasts of the natural milieu and for its avant-garde approach to the use of models giving priority to renewable energies, with an electro-solar catamaran currently undergoing experimentation.
From the time you acquire your boat until the day you sell it, many a problem may arise. With its multi-ownership solution, Movado Marine promises enjoyment without the disadvantages. Sharing costs, sailing from eleven to 23 weeks per year, delegating the management of your yacht, motorboat, open or sail yacht, selling your share whenever you like … Boating without the headaches ! Movado Marine (06 30 70 15 30) www.movadomarine.com
Last September, copying the example of airline companies, Costa Croisières launched its new “Prima” tariff to encourage clients to make advance reservations rather than last-minute bookings. ABcroisiere.com is one of the latest to propose extremely competitive prices. Others, such as MSC and Croisifrance (one paying passenger/one free for a limited number of cabins), are also adopting this new policy. You can now settle down to plan your holidays, take all the time you need to programme everything and get really organized. No more hasty decisions in order to benefit from reduced rates !
This is the largest yacht so far built by the Riva boatyard. A boatyard which has successfully carried off an important challenge : building a boat of over 35 metres which meets the same criteria of refinement and stylishness as those that have made Riva a legend in its time. This extremely elegant model of exemplary design also boasts top-notch performance and spearhead technical features. <a href="http://www.riva-yacht.com/visitors/index.php?lang=en">www.riva-yacht.com</a>
In the sunshine on the Côte d’Azur, at the International Boat Festival held in Cannes from September 14th to 19th, Nautitech staged an exclusive presentation of the last two models in its range : the Nautitech 40 and 47. Models for all fans of catamarans who refuse to sacrifice navigation for comfort or vice versa. <a href="http://www.nautitech.fr/en/default.asp">www.nautitech.fr</a>
Founded in 1992, this company took Monégasque status in 1998. Specializing in top-notch yachting, it offers a vast choice in its catalogue for the acquisition, hire or construction of sail or motor yachts. Not representing any particular boat-builder, it guides its clients depending on their expectations and advises on aspects such as logistics, crew and construction while also handling post-purchase follow-up, management, chartering and re-sale. Its most recent acquisition, the 100’ Azimut Jumbo, is a real gem, offered for sale at 3,000,000 €. Come take a look ! Ivaldi Yachting Monaco, 1 bis rue Princesse Florestine (00 377 97 77 88 60). <a href="http://www.ivaldiyacht.com/">www.ivaldiyacht.com</a>
Replacing the very famous Nioulargue, this event welcomes almost 250 sailing yachts including not only classic models but also the most recent and prestigious racing prototypes, from many different countries. Sportsmanship, competitiveness and conviviality are on the bill, with an exciting programme for fans of regattas and a full array of festivities for landlubbers ! From October 1st to 9th, port de Saint-Tropez (04 94 97 45 21). Photos : J-L. Chaix/Ville de Saint-Tropez - Press
Thanks to the line designed by Manrico in close partnership with Moravia Boatique, you can now sleep in cashmere ! A collection of sheets available in 100 % cashmere or 80 % cashmere and 20 % silk, with a choice of 60 colours. A new and unique sensation in the world of yachting ! Cashmere, 12 avenue des Spélugues, Monaco. (00 377 9777 5658).
MasterCraft Europe has launched its new bi-motor MariStar. A top-notch bow rider 8.61 m long, it combines features specific to water-skiing and wakeboard boats with fittings ideally designed for relaxation (gull-wing hull, spacious sun deck and generous storage space). Powered by two Crusader 375 hp engines, it attains 50 knots in less than 15 seconds. Often compared to an Aston Martin due to its unique control panel and original design, the MariStar 280 SST is definitely something special. Nautic Force, distributeur exclusif France Sud de MasterCraft Europe, 456 avenue Courcettes, Golfe-Juan. (04 93 67 52 48).
This boatyard specializing in the construction of luxury mega-yachts is currently working on completing and commercializing four new models : an 87’ with design and architecture signed Vripack ; a 110’ Motor Yacht, whose hull and superstructure for the first unit have just been finished ; the 110’ Expedition, a yacht designed by Ward Setzer, which recently found an European buyer ; and the 125’ handled by PB Design. <a href="http://www.kingshipyacht.com/">www.kingshipyacht.com</a>
The Monaco Yacht Club and Swiss watchmaker Hublot have gotten together for the seventh edition of the Classic Week when about 40 traditional yachts over 25 metres long will meet up. On the programme : the launch of a club devoted to builders of this type of yacht, “La Belle Classe”, the creation of the Hublot YCM watch and the publication of a book on “Tuiga”. From september 13th to 18th at Monaco. Informations : 00 377 93 10 63 00.
