ENJOY TO THE INAUGURAL ISSUE OF THE QUARTERLY 26 NORTH YACHTS MAGAZINE! This exclusive publication offers over 50 pages of original content for today’s luxury consumer, covering the worlds of yachting, private aviation, fine watches and jewelry, travel, automobiles, spirits, and more.
26 NORTH R E P O R T F OU R T H QUA R T E R 2 0 2 1 | I S S U E 0 1
CONTENTS
03 A LETTER FROMTHE CEO
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NEW& NOTEWORTHY
05 HOWTHE LATESTWAVES INTECHNOLOGYARE SHAPINGTHE CURRENT SUPERYACHTING EXPERIENCE
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AQ&AWITH NICHOLAS SCHERB, CO-FOUNDER OF 26 NORTHYACHTS
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OFFSHORE BEACH CLUBBING
PRO-‘FILES’: SAILORS FOR THE SEA
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LUXE LIVING
19
NAUTICAL GOLF 23
ELECTRICITY INTHEAIR: FERRARI IS TURNINGUPTHE HORSEPOWERWITHHYBRIDTECH
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T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
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BOMBARDIER JETS: FACINGTHE FUTURE IN PEERLESS STYLE
THE EVOLUTIONOF AGEDBOURBON
29 FIVE OF THE HOTTEST LUXURYTIMEPIECE RELEASES OF 2021
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DESTINATIONS
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DESTINATION EXUMAS
41 AN EPICUREAN JOURNEY: THE BAHAMAS
DESTINATION TURKS & CAICOS
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CURATED LISTINGS
02
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
WELCOME TOTHE INAUGURAL EDITION OFNORTH REPORT MAGAZINE. All of us at 26 North Yachts are excited to launch this one-of-a- kind magazine. Together with our editorial partners, we carefully curated and developed world-class content that aligns with the interests and lifestyle of our global clientele. Each edition of North Report will offer relevant news and engaging insights from the worlds of yachting, travel, automobiles, timepieces, fine spirits and more. We hope to fuel your passion for exploration, success, and the exciting lifestyle we all share and appreciate. When we founded 26 North Yachts in 2011, we had no idea how far it would come. Our passion for yachting and commitment to excellence in everything we do has helped 26 North Yachts make significant contributions to our industry. It’s been a phenomenal journey so far, and in the years to come, we hope to see North Report magazine chart its own course to success. Every aspect of the marine industry is rapidly changing. From buying and selling practices to the demands of ownership, 26 North Yachts recognizes the importance of connecting with our customers and helping themmake the experience of yacht- ownership more personal and rewarding than ever. And if you happen to pick up this magazine and our name is new to you, take a look inside; you’ll learn about who we are, what we value and who we surround ourselves with. And then let’s talk, because we want to show you how 26 North Yachts is unlike any company in our industry.
NICHOLAS SCHERB & MIKE CARLSON Co-Founders of 26 North Yachts
Happy Reading,
Mike Carlson & Nicholas Scherb Co-Founders | 26 North Yachts
2525 Marina Bay Drive West, Suite 203A, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 +1.954.900.9988 | 26northyachts.com /26northyachts @26northyachts.com
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Today’s superyachts are taking safety, navigation, automation, connectivity and entertainment to a whole new level.
HOWTHE LATESTWAVES IN TECHNOLOGYARE SHAPING THE CURRENT SUPERYACHTING EXPERIENCE CRAFTED BY SAAIM SHAIKH
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While the social distancing norms have indeed turned the new generation’s attention toward the sea, a gradual shift has been noticed since even before the pandemic hit. It is a safe, peaceful, and easily accessible alternative compared to land-based recreational choices. Many aspects of the yachting industry, however, have changed significantly. The former and the upcoming generations do not share the same priorities. The impact is so substantial that many yacht manufacturers have come up with a new design category for millennials and GenZ. This new category takes into account their mindset, expectations and leanings. Understanding this shift in the industry offers valuable insights and helps shipyards better cater to their clientele. CURRENTTRENDS IN SUPERYACHTS FOR THE NEWGENERATION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT The next generation is deeply interested in the research and development of superyachts to make themmore advanced. They want to see developments that are on par with the automobile and aviation industry. Yacht designers are constantly researching new hull shapes and technologies that enable easy moorage, shallow water cruising, and fuel savings due to reduced water resistance. ADVENTURE-PROOF CRAFT The upcoming generation is far more adventurous when it comes to exploring the world through yachts. They do not want to be restricted to popular destinations. They want to explore the world and see what their craft is truly capable of. Ocean-going hulls and engines, increased fuel efficiency, advanced water filtration and mineralization plants, solar panels, and multifunctional equipment are ideas that are currently being worked upon in the industry to accommodate such a lifestyle. Next-generation yachts can also house many toys that enable its owners to enjoy every terrain. They have dedicated spaces for helicopters, snowmobiles, jet skis, and even submarines.
A recent study by the International University of Monaco infers that the median age of superyacht owners has decreased by about ten years in the last twenty. A similar pattern is expected over the next twenty years, with the bulk of superyacht owners being between 35- 45 years of age at the end of it. Besides that, there has been a staggering increase in the demand for motor yachts over the last few years, with sales reaching a 13-year-high in 2020, as per the data from the US National Marine Manufacturers Association.
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TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION Having grown up in the cradle of technology, the new generation knows how to harness its true power. As a result, millennials and GenZ expect superyachts to be more than a pleasant sight. They want services similar to, if not better than, what they have access to on land. With the advent of technology, superyachts today have advanced safety, navigation, automation, connectivity, and entertainment systems. Reliable internet, in particular, has been a pain point for years. But with new companies taking on this challenge, many superyachts can now stream high-quality content even from remote parts of the world. Besides this, many smartphone apps such as Boatyard, Navionics and My Radar have improved the yachting experience even for beginners. FROM OWNERSHIP TO CHARTERING A significant shift in buyer behavior has been observed in the ownership of yachts. The next generation is not as inclined towards ownership. They prefer co- ownership and even charters to offset some of the responsibilities of superyacht ownership. According to Grandview Research, the yacht charter marketplace saw a significant increase in demand for superyachts charters throughout 2020 and into the current year. With an increasing number of millennials preferring yacht charter vacations to full ownership, yacht sales and management companies have had to come up with new co-ownership plans and add charter management capabilities.
SUSTAINABILITY Sustainability is one of the most critical factors that affect the buying decisions of the new generation. A study by Forbes showed that as much as 50 percent of millennials and 54 percent of Generation Z are willing to pay extra for sustainable products. Most new gen superyacht owners are concerned about their carbon footprint and will pay a premium superyacht price for sustainable alternatives. When considering which yacht to purchase, they are increasingly demanding electric or hybrid propulsion over those powered by fossil fuels. Kite sails, a carbon- free energy source that enables propulsion through wind energy, have also consistently improved. Lithium batteries that derive power from the sun are another example of technology that allows millennials to reduce their eco-footprint significantly. Similarly, they prefer sustainable materials for the fabrics and interior design of the yachts. Another trend in the sustainable yachts space is the ubiquity of upcycled products. Upcycling is the practice of converting old waste or unwanted byproducts into new products that are of a higher quality. Superyachts builders increasingly favor such reclaimed products as a part of their green initiative to attract the new generation. SUMMING ITUP As we can gather from the above trends, the new generation has an entirely different attitude to superyachts when compared to GenX and beyond. While the previous generations used yachts more as a status symbol, the new generation does not. This generation cares more about how they are made and what they can do with them. They want products that leave a minimal footprint while doing as much as possible. With GenZ entering the yachting space soon, these trends are only expected to get stronger. It is clear that the emphasis will be on creating environmentally friendly superyachts.
Yacht owners are getting younger and more adventurous, which will shape the vessels of tomorrow.
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WITHNICHOLAS SCHERB CO-FOUNDER OF 26 NORTH YACHTS CRAFTED BY CHRISTIAN CIPRIANI Q&A
Nicholas Scherb and Mike Carlson on a visit to Bilgin shipyard in 2014.
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Nicholas Scherb grew up boating, so it wasn’t long before his career as a financial analyst for IBM brought him back to the water, where he quickly rose from deckhand to captain. Since he and Mike Carlson launched 26 North Yachts in 2011, Nick has visited more than 50 shipyards across the world and developed an extremely well-rounded understanding of yachts, from design and construction to operation and maintenance. Here are some of his insights into the process of building a custom yacht.
WHAT MANUFACTURERS ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH 26 NORTH YACHTS? “Our company can work with any builder, but we like to visit the manufacturers’ shipyards and get very hands-on with every project. Most brokers don’t do that. Our focus is really on connecting the buyer’s needs and vision with the right shipyard.” WHY SHOULD SOMEONE USE A BROKER VS. GOING DIRECTLY TO THE BUILDER? “Going directly to a builder is an option, but as a broker, I know about yacht-makers all over the world. Rather than focusing on the one builder you have in mind, you can bring me your ideas and I’ll connect you with the right builder, which might be someone you’ve never considered – or even heard of. I’ve been to some really small, dirty yards that produce incredible results. Plus, not every builder is right for every project. As your broker, I’m able to protect your interests. We handpick your team, keep the process running smoothly and ensure that your vessel is being built correctly.” WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF A NEW YACHT? “There’s no cut-and-dry answer to that. It really depends on the boat design, materials, components, who’s building it, where it’s being built, and other factors. The typical metric we use is cost-per-gross ton, but shipyards don’t love that because value is so specific to each vessel.” WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES TO A NEW BUILD? “The obvious upside is that you get exactly what you want. However, you pay a premium and you must wait for the boat to be built. The fastest semi-custom boats take about 18-24 months, but you’ll be waiting 3-4 years for a custom yacht over 50 meters. This usually isn’t the right path for first-time buyers. Typical new- build yacht clients have already owned a few boats, know exactly what they want and are willing to wait for their dream vessel.”
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN APPROACHING A NEW BUILD? “First, analyze your W’s: Who are the passengers? What do you want to do with it? Where do you want to go? When do you want to use the boat? Then you need to think about how much you want to spend and how long you’re willing to wait. Answering these questions will help you hone in on length, number of state rooms, equipment, style, water toys and other considerations.” HOW DO YOU SELECT A BOATYARD? “That’s where 26 North Yachts brings a lot of value. I know the shipyards inside and out, and we act like a general contractor, helping clients put together a dream team. Not all boatyards are right for every build. I was blown away when I visited Horizon Yachts in Taiwan. It’s an incredible operation. Over in the Netherlands, you have yards like Hakvoort, which is a small family business that essentially supports an entire town. Then you go to Lürssen and it’s a massive operation that builds half the German navy. Choosing your shipyard is probably the most important decision, and part of that decision is emotional. You must feel a sense of trust and confidence.”
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“CHOOSINGYOURSHIPYARD IS PROBABLYTHEMOST IMPORTANTDECISION. YOUMUSTFEELASENSEOFTRUST.”
HOW MUCH THOUGHT IS PUT INTO RESALE AT THE TIME OF BUILD? “I am very honest with all of my clients. The average length of ownership for a yacht is three years, so you must consider its resale value. An odd color choice on the hull can be painted over by the next owner, but the number of staterooms, stabilization systems and other fixed features will impact its resale value, so I tell my clients to plan ahead. If I think they’re making a bad decision that will hurt the boat’s resale value, I tell them.” WHAT’S THE MOST UNFORGETTABLE PROJECT MOMENT YOU’VE HAD SO FAR? “I’ll tell you a funny story. We visited a shipyard in Turkey to check in on a client’s project and it was both the middle of Ramadan and the middle of the World Cup. When we arrived at the yard after sundown, the crew had broken their fast and began work. The atmosphere was wild. It’s one of those moments that could only happen in a very specific time and place, and the energy in the yard was unforgettable. It’s like everyone was talking, eating, cheering and working all at the same time.”
WHAT ARE SOME COMMON MISTAKES AND PITFALLS YOU SEE DURING THIS PROCESS? “The biggest problem? Change orders. They directly impact costs and delivery time. I also sometimes see shipyards start building without a finalized engineering and electrical plan, which can cause issues later in the process.” WHAT TRENDS DO YOU SEE HAPPENING IN THE FUTURE OF YACHTING? “The biggest trend is eco-friendly yachting. This industry can be slow – even resistant – to change, but it’s unavoidable. Builders like Lürssen are exploring hydrogen power, while Feadship is already building battery-powered yachts. Then you have zero-waste systems, water purification, emissions scrubbers and more, all with the goal of reducing the environmental impact yachting creates. We’re now even ditching teak and exotic woods in favor of highly durable synthetics, because they’re more sustainable. The next big trend I see is a rise in watersports and activity-driven yachting. My younger clients are especially into the healthy, active lifestyle, so it’s all about the toys – slides, jet skis, etc., and all of these things take up space onboard. I now see designs for separate vessels just for toys. Innovations tend to take root either in the smaller boats, where they’re borrowing ideas from RVing, or superyachts, where there’s a lot more budget for experimentation. Then we’ll see those innovations trickle down to the middle of the market.”
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OFFSHORE BEACHCLUBBING
Superyacht decadence just keeps getting better. Yacht owners are increasingly yearning to play harder and relax easier. The onboard beach club is here to make this possible.
CRAFTED BY KATIE HOLLAMBY
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The stern has historically been the most underutilized area of a yacht, but boat and interior designers are creating exceptional areas for biophilic living by expertly exploiting every section of your superyacht. Enter the Beach Club: Aft spaces have evolved into stylish lounges, swim platforms, cocktail bars, wellness, sauna and massage treatment rooms, yoga platforms, state-of-the- art gymnasiums, and diving zones. The newly created spaces give way to indoor-outdoor living and the best in entertaining at sea level. The indoor lounges are perfect for reading and unwinding, whilst the outdoor setting is ideal for sunbathing or stargazing on oversized beds. Onboard, guests seek complete privacy, easy water access, and a comfortable place to unwind with friends, family, and children. Beach clubs offer just that, with a waterside chill-out zone for the ultimate entertainment experience. Traditionally styled classic deckchairs, futuristic furnishings, hammocks and other beachside fixtures all look at home in these intimate settings. Popularized on 100+ meter vessels, the last decade has seen beach clubs becoming more frequently offered on yachts in the sub-50 meter category. Gone are the days where megayachts were the only vessels with spectacular beach clubs, as semi-custom builders begin answering the demands of their consumers and are designing beach clubs into their new models. Storied American yacht builder Westport Yachts embraced the beach club trend when they introduced the W125 model in 2014. More recently in 2020, Westport doubled down on the beach club when it introduced the W117. In both the W125 and W117, the transom lifts to reveal a wet bar and seating area where guests can lounge in the shade or launch into the day’s adventure.
The beach club experience is now coming to yachts of all sizes.
Lounge in style with an on-board bar and club seating.
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Horizon offers a number of beach club configurations.
Horizon Yachts offers a variety of motor yacht models under 40 meters that are fitted with a beach club, from their extremely popular FD series to the established E series, V series, and RP series. The Horizon FD87 caused quite a stir when it was unveiled at the 2018 Palm Beach Boat Show, her transom door open to showcase a voluminous beach club. The FD series has become synonymous with Horizon’s beach club design. The largest of these, the Horizon FD125, offers a variety of options for a beach club – a transom opening for a more traditional beach club that utilizes interior stern space, a design that transforms the aft deck/stern outdoor area into a beach club with a pool and retracting sides, or a bespoke design customized to suit the client’s lifestyle.
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Lazzara Yachts LSX 67 and 85 feature a solution for enjoying a beach club on an even smaller platform. Both of these yachts feature a spacious open cockpit with fold-down teak patio doors to port and starboard. Imagine a transom that folds down and transforms the aft deck into a beach club with sun loungers, comfortable sofas, informal seating, and an expansive swim platform. If you’re seeking an even more spacious beach club experience, Lazzara offers the LPC 85 catamaran with a monstrous space just off the master stateroom which is located in an industry first hull-to-hull lower deck. The massive beach club offers immediate access to the water via a fold-down platform, and is large enough for shaded seating or sun lounging, and features a large-screen TV. While underway, there is space to store two jet ski’s in hidden compartments.
Step out of the water and right into the beach club, with Lazzara.
The yachting industry is also seeing a shift in deck importance. Once sunning yourselves on the upper deck was the epitome of luxury, but in recent years, outdoor living has moved downstairs to the main deck and the warm turquoise waters. Alfresco living has been popular in warmer climes for decades. Interior designers are moving rugs, couches, pretty lanterns, and other textured fabrics into what once was a storage space to create a beach club and happy vibe. Designers are developing beach clubs with comfortable lounge living and extendable platforms ideal for swimming, diving, and access to various motor watersports.
If you seek the ultimate in luxury, a waterfront entertainment space in the form of a beach club will give you additional sea-level accommodation for elegant evening soirees and sunshine-filled days.
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The Green Team at Antigua Sailing Week has successfully implemented Sailors for the Sea’s Clean Regatta best practices since 2011.
NORTH REPORT PRO-‘FILES’: SAILORS FORTHE SEA
CRAFTED BY JONATHON FLEMING
Jennifer Brett has been involved in sailing for over 20 years and lived aboard her sailboat Lyra for a decade, where she raised her two young children with her husband. Living largely off- grid, conservation became a part of daily life and she witnessed first-hand the challenges our oceans face. She is now the Communications Manager for Sailors for the Sea, and I sat down with her for a chat to find out more about the organization and its mission.
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THERE ARE 3 MAIN PROGRAMS THAT SAILORS FOR THE SEA OFFER IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THEIR MISSION: KELP LESSON PLANS Launched in 2013 and originally targeted to educate junior boaters, it has now been used by 3,000 organizations and families reaching 300,000 children in all 50 states, and 76 countries and territories. These environmental marine science activities are free and educate on a range of topics from Coral Polyps to how whales hold their breath. CLEAN REGATTAS Celebrating its 15th year, this certification program helps organizers implement sustainability initiatives covered under their 20 best practices guide. Organizers can become certified to bronze, silver, gold, or platinum levels. To date, they have certified 2,800 events and reached out to 750,000 boaters. To illustrate the magnitude of the program, it has reached countries as far as New Zealand and Oman, where the 2021 Youth Sailing World Championships will be held. GREEN BOATING This program is described by Jennifer as the ‘Blanket Program’ for the organization. Once new members sign up, they will receive the Green Boating Guide, which is published by the organization on an annual basis; since the program was first launched in 2003, it has attracted more than 34,000 members and is engaged with campaigns such as protecting the North Atlantic Right Whale. Awareness is the key. Ocean health is a global responsibility. Jennifer stresses the importance of connecting with others to make changes a reality. “Be the squeaky wheel,” she says, “reach out to your representatives about environmental issues, your friends or neighbors might be inspired to do the same.” To get involved, simply go to sailorsforthesea.org and sign up to be a Green Boater, register a Clean Regatta, download KELP activities, or just learn more about their work.
Founded in 2004 by two avid sailors – David Rockefeller, Jr. and Dr. David Treadway – Sailors for the Sea saw the need to engage with, not only the sailing and boating community but anyone who enjoys water-based activities such as fishing and yachting. The aim is to be all-inclusive and to explore activities that will successfully educate towards restoring ocean health. Jennifer describes this as an important and ongoing opportunity; “Being intimately connected to the ocean, boaters are ideally positioned to be advocates and leaders for protecting the seas. Our mission [at Sailors for the Sea] is to engage, educate and activate the sailing and boating community toward restoring ocean health,” Jennifer says. Sometimes it just begins with little initiatives that have ripple effects into the future. A fundamental part of the overall mission of the organization is recognizing the importance of empowering youth to become the next generation of environmental leaders. Sailors for the Sea engages youth by offering free programs designed to spark curiosity and educate them on the critical issues facing ocean health. “It can be overwhelming tackling sustainability initiatives,” Jennifer says, “but it only takes small steps such as reducing the amount of single-use plastic, installing solar panels on your boat, or even changing the sunscreens we use. It all matters.” In 2018, Sailors for the Sea joined forces with Oceana, the largest international advocacy organization, that focuses solely on ocean conservation. This has not only extended Sailors for the Seas’ reach but has also been instrumental in providing significant influence for protecting the oceans through policy change.
Since it launched in 2003, the organization’s Green Boating program has been embraced by more than 34,000 members.
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LUXE LIVING
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ELECTRICITY IN THE AIR Ferrari is turning up the horsepower with hybrid technology
CRAFTED BY JIM KOSCS
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Is there a 200+ MPH electric supercar or hypercar in your future? For those seeking ultimate speed, the answer will be, “Yes … eventually.” Before electrons take over completely, expect to see more hyper hybrids. Used in mainstream cars and crossovers to boost fuel economy, hybrid technology can act like a jet fighter’s afterburner when it’s combined with a supercar’s internal combustion engine. Ferrari, McLaren, and Porsche have already taken this road with recent flagship cars, and we’re now seeing the technology trickling down to their mid-range models. McLaren unveiled the Artura hybrid in early 2021, and in June, Ferrari announced its 296 GTB, expected to start around $300,000 when it arrives in 2022. This mid-engine hybrid combines the output of a new twin-turbo V-6 with a single electric motor, for a combined output of 818 horsepower. The 296 GTB will join Ferrari’s $511,000 SF90 Stradale hybrid, which started reaching customers this year. (Heavily optioned SF90 Stradales can exceed $700,000.) Here’s a closer look at the latter. FROM TRACK TO ROAD Ferrari has a long history of adapting race technology to road cars, and that includes hybrid powertrains. From Formula One racing came an adaptation of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS), called HY-KERS, for La Ferrari, the hypercar which now brings double its original $1.4 million starting price or more at auctions. Built from 2014-2016, and then as the Aperta roadster for two years after that, La Ferrari paired a rip-roaring 789-hp, 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V-12 engine with a 161-hp electric motor. HY-KERS could charge the hybrid battery when coasting or braking. La Ferrari was mighty fast, running the quarter-mile dash in an astounding 9.8 seconds at 150 mph and able to reach 218 mph.
The hybrid-powered Ferrari SF90 Stradale produces an astonishing 986 HP.
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GAS + ELECTRIC = 818 HORSEPOWER
The sleek 296 GTB is the latest Ferrari to feature a hybrid powertrain.
Named to honor 90 years of the Scuderia Ferrari race team that even pre-dates the carmaker, the SF90 Stradale uses a different hybrid system than La Ferrari. Its gas engine is a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 that makes 769 hp, and instead of one electric motor, there are three. One is teamed with the transmission in this mid- engine car, and two power the front wheels. In the driver-selectable “Qualifying” drive mode, full power from the electric motors adds another 217 hp into the mix, for 986 total hp. That makes the SF90 Stradale Ferrari’s most powerful road car ever – for now. An eight-speed dual clutch automatic transmission (DCT) controls power flow from the rear.
While Ferrari never called the SF90 Stradale a La Ferrari successor, the new hybrid lapped the carmaker’s famous Fiorano test track in one minute and 19 seconds flat, chopping seven-tenths of a second from La Ferrari’s time. In human terms, that’s only maybe quick eyeblinks. In Ferrari terms, it’s champagne glass clinking time. Set in “Hybrid” mode, the SF90 Stradale recharges its lithium-ion hybrid battery pack as you drive, recapturing kinetic energy from the still-rotating wheels when the car is coasting or braking. In “EV” mode on a full battery, the car can drive about 15 miles and reach 84 mph.
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FROM TRACK TO ROAD The SF90 Stradale’s design shows a familial link to the brand’s current F8 Tributo model, and it doesn’t take much squinting to see that Ferrari is channeling its late-1960s sports racer glory in both the SF90 Stradale and 296 GTB designs. If you don’t get your hands on an SF90 Stradale, maybe the 296 GTB could be in the cards for you. We’ll look at that car in a future issue. In the meantime, with their power and performance escalating, you may never think of hybrids the same way again.
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Forget water hazards. Golf and yachting were made for each other.
NAUTICAL GOLF Dropping anchor in a sheltered cove to play a few holes of twilight golf while the catch of the day is on the grill sounds enticing, doesn’t it? While on the surface, golf and yachting may not seem an obvious pairing, remarkable new innovations now allow enthusiasts to tee it up from the comfort of their own deck.
CRAFTED BY JONATHON FLEMING
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BALL STRIKING Most of us have experienced hitting golf balls at the range off synthetic mats that not only have no similarity to real turf but also leave you feeling jarred after your session. Fortunately, artificial turf has made giant leaps in terms of aesthetics and feel, so now hitting off the bow of your yacht can feel like you’re playing off manicured fairways. Historically, the problem of synthetic turf was replicating the strike sensation. Hitting down and through the golf ball never feels the same on synthetic grass, given no divots are made. Ergonomic turf is now being created with unique brush weaves and gel technology, replicating the authentic feeling of ball compression and ultimately promoting more pure ball striking. The illusion of real grass is accentuated further by being able to use real golf tees on premium hitting mats. If bending down every time to tee it up is not your idea of a relaxing holiday, then automatic teeing systems can be retrofitted into your setup. KEEPING IT ECO Thanks to a new generation of ‘eco-friendly’ golf balls, ‘yacht golf ’ is now a reality. The organic makeup of these balls ensures no harm is done to marine life frommicroplastics entering the ecosystem. Polyurethane and rubber polymers were used in traditional floating golf balls, with the degradation process taking years to biodegrade, and poisoning marine life. As a result, manufacturers have created non-toxic balls that will dissolve in water and actually provide nourishment to sea life. One manufacturer is helping to solve the issue of lobster shell waste by turning the excess shells into golf balls. This zero-waste concept returns valuable nutrients and calcium back into the ocean as the balls dissolve in seawater. FLOATING GOLF GREENS Floating greens can be anchored out at various distances from your yacht to create any course you desire in as little as 15 minutes. Not only that, there are a range of manufacturers who will even design them in the shape of famous golf holes such as the island green at TPC Sawgrass, or the iconic 16th at Augusta National. Specifically designed, these floating greens deliver true bounce and spin that you would expect from turf greens, creating the ultimate maritime shootouts between guests and crew. GOLF SIMULATORS Golf Simulators have revolutionized the golf industry. Fast responsive displays give immediate shot data in an immersive virtual environment. The experience is
now so realistic that Tour Pros are using simulators to play practice rounds before they even set foot on the upcoming course. Not only can you play iconic golf courses from all around the world, but today’s golf simulators have become an indispensable tool for providing incredibly accurate analysis. This technology has become a must-have utility for instructors, tour professionals and club makers alike. A wide range of simulators is now available with technology that falls into three main categories. Most commonly seen on the practice ranges at most Pro Tour events are devices using Doppler radar. These units benefit from being compact and portable. Radar technology tracks the ball with a microwave signal which then bounces back off the golf ball after impact, instantly sending back incredibly accurate metrics. This data is used to optimise ball flight trajectory and track various stats such as distance, swing speed, spin and dispersion rates. Photometric is a camera- based system that captures high-speed images from different angles. It can be used indoors and outdoors and is commonly selected for high-spec indoor setups. Infrared technology tracks the precise location of the golf club captured by light-emitting signals, which predicts ball flight trajectory. Through methods of advanced technologies and eco-friendly innovations, the golf and yachting communities have become entwined, offering pioneering new forms of entertainment. The capability to play golf anywhere, without restrictions on time, place, or weather, completely lends itself to the superyacht ethos.
New eco-friendly golf balls let you practice your swing without harming ocean life.
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THE EVOLUTION OFAGED BOURBON CRAFTED BY BENJAMIN NORRIS
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Myth: The longer bourbon ages in the barrell, the better it will taste.
As the old adage goes, good things come to those who wait. The whiskey industry has long been accustomed to demanding the patience of its dedicated followers and enthusiasts, with barrel and bottle ageing times often reaching across multiple decades, and yet this insistence on waiting for perfection has not commonly been associated with Bourbon… until rather recently. Indeed, the Scotch single malt industry is surrounded by no shortage of regulations regarding ageing, and acolytes of this whisky style will argue, often at great length and with a great degree of passion, that the older the Scotch, the finer the dram; something that the price tag often reflects very accurately indeed. However, Bourbon - while aged to a certain degree as standard, in order to bring forth those signature caramel hues and spicy-sweet flavours - has rarely been surrounded by the cult of ageing in quite the same way. However, the world of whiskey is changing quickly, with new generations of whiskey drinkers seeking out bottles that come with stories to tell, new flavors to impart, and an essence of authenticity to justify their existence within a given collection. Aged Bourbon, as such, is very much on the rise.
The timeless allure of high-quality bourbon.
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CHARACTERANDCOMPLEXITY
Compared to its younger and more direct counterparts, aged Bourbons are generally believed to offer more complexity and character, a deeper degree of smoothness, and a broader range of secondary and tertiary tasting notes. However, most whiskey aficionados will agree that, while Bourbon - like any fine spirit - can be aged almost indefinitely, the ones truly worth looking out for and adding to a home bar are those aged between 10 and 14 years. While some of the more renowned brands will frequently launch far older expressions, usually in a limited run of highly expensive bottles, it would be a misnomer to claim that all aged Bourbon is good Bourbon. The reasons for this are a little complicated. It would be forgivable to believe that the longer Bourbon sits in the barrel, the finer the drinking experience will be. After all, this seems to be the case with both Scotch and Japanese single malt whiskies. However, the heartlands of Bourbon in Kentucky and Tennessee
are about as far removed from the Scottish whisky regions and Japan’s mist-strewn mountain valleys, and these climatic differences and extreme summers and winters play a major role in how Bourbon matures. With the maturation process given a level of unpredictability as a result of the weather, and with the charred white oak barrels typically revealing bitter and sour notes (which, generally speaking, you don’t want present in your fine aged Bourbon) after approximately 15 years, the ‘sweet-spot’ of 10 to 14 years becomes a little more understandable. That’s not to say that a well-aged Bourbon has little to offer; master distillers have a knack for making the wood work in their favour, and a willingness to experiment and push boundaries can lead to beautiful results. However, in an industry where reliability and consistency still remains a significant selling factor, it’s understandable why few would be willing to take the risk.
AGED BOURBON IS VERYMUCHONTHE RISE
A new generation of whiskey drinkers is seeking out new flavors and an essence of authenticity.
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There’s an issue inherent in an industry where a certain degree of ageing is expected or demanding: what happens when demand exceeds supply? This was a problemwhich rocked the Japanese whisky scene over the past couple of years, with the popularity of aged Japanese single malts resulting in a serious dearth of available bottles. Indeed, many of the bigger distilleries put everything on hold until the next batch of matured whiskies is ready to hit the market, in order to more closely regulate numbers. Despite being an industry associated with centuries of closely-guarded tradition, whiskey occasionally takes great innovative leaps, bringing it into a new age and meeting the wishes of a new generation of enthusiasts. The latest of these pioneering movements is rumoured to be that of ‘accelerated ageing’ - a sci-fi-inspired procedure that allows bottles of Scotch or Bourbon to be aged in a couple of days, using little more than light and heat, and thus resemble a spirit which has spent ten or more years in the barrel. Needless to say, the practice is proving to be controversial, with many leading voices in the whiskey world completely rejecting the practice outright, and - understandably - claiming that accelerated ageing can never replace the time-honoured artisanship that goes into barrel ageing. However, considering the ever-increasing demand for smoother, subtler aged Bourbon (a drink with a truly global audience), and the contemporary obsession with quick, results-driven fixes, it’s not beyond any stretch of the imagination to see accelerated ageing becoming the norm. If the results of accelerated ageing and barrel ageing both taste good, does this question really matter? This is probably down to personal preference, and one’s emotional attachment to tradition. However, as aged Bourbon becomes more and more in demand, it’s an issue that’s surely not going away anytime soon. NEWTECHNIQUES FOR NEXT-GENAGEING
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OFTHE HOTTEST LUXURYTIMEPIECE RELEASES OF 2021
CRAFTED BY BENJAMIN NORRIS
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The luxury timepiece events calendar, and the myriad high-end launches and hotly- anticipated releases they brought with them once ran, as you might imagine, like clockwork. The year would typically kick off in peerlessly sophisticated style with January’s Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (or SIHH, for short), followed by the esteemed Baselworld in the Spring, and its multitude of spin-offs, variations, and imitators would crop up in major cities worldwide as the year continued. However, as was the case with almost every industry imaginable, the disruptions of 2020 - which have, as we all know, well into 2021 - brought the horology events calendar to a standstill, with many of the biggest timepiece releases put on hold until they can receive the launch they deserve.
BEAUTY AND PRECISION AGAINST THE GRAIN Despite these interruptions and the far-reaching impact of the global pandemic on the luxury industries, the high-end timepiece community has been treated to a certain number of releases. Indeed, it looks like many of the biggest brands are beginning to turn their back on the traditional launch calendar of yesteryear. Some of the industry’s biggest names have taken on the task of drumming up enthusiasm and excitement in their own way, dropping some seriously impressive items throughout the beginning of 2021,
and teasing many more for the next two quarters. Those with their eye on the latest releases will be delighted by this year’s gamut of record-breaking complications, continuing innovative use of bold new materials, and an industry-wide trend towards sustainability… alongside all of the sophistication, glamour, and commitment to excellence we’ve come to expect from the industry. Let’s take a closer look at five of the hottest releases of 2021, each of which more than deserve their place in your timepiece collection.
TAGHEUERX CARRERAPORSCHE CHRONOGRAPH
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One of the world’s most iconic timepieces. One of the world’s most sought-after and widely-loved car brands. The collaboration between long-term luxury stalwarts TAG Heuer and Porsche has been a long time coming, and their latest offspring far from disappoints. The Porsche insignia appears on both the sleek ceramic black bezel of the 44mm chronograph and on the timepiece’s oscillating weight - newly re-shaped to resemble a steering wheel - which can thrillingly be seen via an exhibition case-back. Nods to the collaboration also arise through the use of the Porsche font, the signature grey, black, and red palette, and a fun dial which has been designed to resemble an asphalt road.
This new design features many nods to Porsche heritage.
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BULGARI OCTO FINISSIMO S
ROGERDUBUIS EXCALIBERDOUBLE FLYINGTOURBILLON The Last Dance - said to be the most watched documentary of all time - featured a cameo of Roger Dubuis’ pristine timepieces on the wrists of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Following on from the hype of this film comes the original model’s successor, the Excalibur Double Flying Tourbillon, which is arguably one of the most beautiful luxury timepieces of the modern era. A skeletonised and stylised reinterpretation of the classic timepiece, this watch cleverly reimagines the positioning of the two tourbillons, criss-crossing the iconic star between two bridges set at separate levels. The result is truly stunning, and features an impressive power reserve of 72 hours. HUBLOTBIGBANG INTEGRALCERAMIC It’s been a few decades since ceramic bezels became somewhat de rigueur in the luxury timepiece industry, and yet every now and again, there’s a release that reminds us just how thrillingly beautiful, contemporary, and genre defining this material can be. The latest Hublot features an integrated bracelet that’s utterly stunning, and which is heightened by the single-material architecture that sees almost every visible component of the watch made of gun-metal grey ceramic. Sleek, sophisticated, and twice as scratch-resistant as any steel used in the timepiece industry, the polished and satin-finished ceramic makes this watch ideal for those seeking an eye-catching statement that also serves as a reliable timepiece for daily wear.
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CHRONOGRAPHGMT The Bulgari Octo Finissimo has something of a cult status among fine timepiece lovers worldwide, with the peerless jewelry brand’s range of luxury watches gathering pace among the upper echelons of the industry year upon year. Bulgari loves nothing more than to smash records and rewrite history, and the Finissimo S Chronograph GMT has most definitely pushed the envelope as far as iconoclasm goes. This beautifully sleek timepiece boasts the culmination of all six world records held by the brand since 2014; thinnest minute repeater, thinnest automatic tourbillon, thinnest automatic chronograph… the list goes on and on. Resplendent in polished steel and deep blue, this diving watch release is also supposedly pressurised to withstand depths of 100 meters, although whether you’d risk heading out in your scuba gear with this beautiful watch on your wrist is another matter entirely.
PIAGETPOLO SKELETON Piaget is renowned worldwide for two key
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features: ultra-thin movements, and awe-inspiring skeletonisation. Both are present and correct in truly beautiful style in the Piaget Polo Skeleton. This gorgeously eye-catching timepiece balances complication with flawless rhythm and movement, and is currently making huge waves on the horology scene among long-time lovers of the brand and newcomers to its distinctive style. This model is a full 30% thinner than any other existing Polo watch, and has a sleek case that’s a mere 6.5mm thick. The wafer-thin in-house movement is 2.4mm deep, and yet - somehow - it comes with a 44 hour power reserve and a 30 meter water resistance. Unmissable!
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Private jet design and engineering are taking off to all-new horizons.
BOMBARDIER JETS: FACING THE FUTURE IN PEERLESS STYLE
CRAFTED BY BENJAMIN NORRIS
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Fast forward to the present day, and business jet activity is rapidly surpassing pre-Covid levels, ascending to wholly new heights of not just popularity and usage, but of ambition regarding design, excellence, and bold new horizons. Leading this reinvigorated trend and period of unexpected - yet hugely welcome - growth is the business jet brand more synonymous than any other with a perfect balance of power, efficiency, luxury and style: Bombardier. GLOBAL LEADERS IN HIGH-END AVIATION The brand behind Learjet - the industry-defining private aircraft whose legend is rapidly coming to a close, with the last ever Learjet set to be built later this year - has consistently been closely associated with luxury travel, ever since it entered the high-end aviation sector in the 1980s. Forever committed to innovation and envelope- pushing developments for the world’s super-rich business and leisure travellers, the brand has unfailingly positioned itself at the cutting edge of a ferociously competitive industry. Indeed, this spirit of competition (and the willingness to repeatedly outdo not only other brand leaders, but also the Bombardier brand itself) has seen Bombardier cement a reputation for excellence and efficiency unmatched by any other aviation company. This was perhaps best exemplified by the arrival of the Bombardier Global 7500 at the end of 2018. Launched as one of the fastest private jets in the world with its blistering top speed of 650 miles per hour and continent- spanning range of 8,225 nautical miles, it represented a new dawn for the brand while heralding the end of the Learjet era.
This time last year, the skies were eerily quiet. With international travel brought to a deadening standstill by the emergence of COVID-19, there were rumours aplenty of the business and private jet industry entering a slump fromwhich it may never recover. Against the backdrop of an unprecedented period of mergers, acquisitions, and general shake-ups amongst the biggest names on the private jet scene, such rumours didn’t feel particularly unfounded.
Bombardier’s reputation for excellence and efficiency remains unmatched by any other aviation company.
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Bombardier jets offer comfort, speed and peace of mind.
With a worldwide fleet of unparalleled aircraft, each matching efficacy with the brand’s signature dedication to luxury interiors and effortless comfort, Bombardier has proven itself more than capable of overcoming the hurdles of the past year. This summer, Bombardier announced its largest business jet order in quite some time; ten new aircraft, sold to an existing customer, with a value of $451.8 million US. Providing perhaps the clearest example yet of the recession-proof nature of both the private aviation industry and the brand itself, this sale demonstrates the enduring appeal of the business jet, as well as the ongoing aspirations of the company. This latest order of ten world-class aircraft will join the 4,900 Bombadier jets distributed worldwide to those seeking comfort, speed, and peace of mind when it comes to their travel needs and requirements. From private aircraft collections to fractional ownership deals, and from the iconic class of the Leajet to the next-generation luxury of the Global 7500, there’s little doubt that Bombardier will continue to grow from strength to strength, and consistently appeal to those who refuse to settle for second-best. REACHINGNEWHEIGHTS INAN INVIGORATED INDUSTRY
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