Y A C H T I N G L I F E S T Y L E B Y O C E A N I N D E P E N D E N C E
U LT I M A T E T E C H N O L O G Y E D I T I O N
P U R S U I T
CONTENTS
PUBLISHED
by OCEAN INDEPENDENCE
CREATIVE DIRECTION
by ONE MENAGERIE
COVER IMAGE: ELON MUSK
CONTACT US:
ENQUIRIES@OCYACHTS.COM
and OCEANINDEPENDENCE.COM
04
TOP 20
TECHNOLOGICAL
BREAKTHROUGHS
Groundbreaking innovations
changing the way we live
12
TOP GEAR TOUR
Edel & Stark introduce their
supercars for hire
13
IN CONVERSATION WITH
Daniel Küpfer, Managing Director
of Ocean Management
14
TOP 10 YACHTS
Celebrating technology and innovation
on the world’s finest vessels
18
SALES DIRECTORY
Ocean Independence’s fleet of
superyachts for sale and new
construction
24
PROVING THE
PRODUCT WORKS
Excelerate Group enter the
marine industry
26
NEW AGE OF DISCOVERY
Built for exploration, Plan B is a
remarkable charter yacht
WELCOME
Welcome to Ultimate Technology, the fourth edition of PURSUIT. Our featured
partnership with Tesla was borne from a client event we hosted earlier in the year at
the iconic Tesla Zurich showroom. With Tesla being synonymous with sustainable
technology and the yachting industry making revolutionary advancements in this
area, Elon Musk, Tesla’s founder and the world’s most electrifying and famous eco-
entrepreneur, is the perfect choice for the front cover feature.
Yachting is becoming increasingly environmentally conscious, with hybrid
propulsion and green-classed yachts now being a reality. Technology is at the
heart of these developments and is also a key factor in the enhanced connectivity,
enjoyment and usability of yachts today. Yachts are also safer thanks to advances in
navigational and weather forecasting technology.
Being able to enjoy all the comforts of home and, if desired, to bring the office
onboard means that for owners and charter clients there is no longer any compromise
to be made between choosing time at sea versus time ashore. Business deals can be
closed and stock markets watched, at the same time as other family members stream
films or make the most of the water toys!
At Ocean Independence we have been investing heavily in online digital
technology, including the recent launch of a new website focused solely on the
experience of yacht charter – www.myfirstsuperyacht.com - which is presented
through interactive media.
PURSUIT has also enjoyed a technical makeover and is now additionally
available online as a digital magazine - keeping the spirit of the printed version,
but with more features and additional regularly updated content. Visit www.
oceanindependence.com/pursuit and subscribe to receive the latest in ultimate
yachting lifestyle articles and news.
Despite all these technological advancements, yachting of course remains
a highly personal business and lifestyle, and our teams in brokerage, yacht
management and new build are always available for face to face meetings to discuss
your specific yachting requirements.
PETER HÜRZELER & NICHOLAS DEAN
Managing Partners, Ocean Independence
M A I N I M AG E
World Discovery Superyacht by Winch Design
TECHNOLOGY impacts the YACHTING INDUSTRY on every level – from
conception to completion. In this issue, we take a closer look at some of the most
inspiring INNOVATIONS and ingenious INVENTIONS
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Technology SHAPES OUR LIVES at an increasingly startling pace. And whilst some INNOVATIONS
come and go, the best have STAYING POWER. Our top 20 breakthroughs focus on the PRODUCTS
and VENTURES that have made waves and created a lasting impression
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Main image by Ken Freivokh Design
THE
TOP TWENTY
TECHNOLOGICAL
BREAKTHROUGHS
T W E N T Y
T E C H N O L O G I C A L B R E A K T H R O U G H S
T W E N T Y
T E C H N O L O G I C A L B R E A K T H R O U G H S
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ELON
MUSK
If technology had a SUPERHERO, it would surely be Elon Musk.
This is an unstoppable ECO-ENTREPRENEUR whose
INNOVATIONS might just save the planet
T
hey say if you want to get things done you should write a list. It
seems to have worked for Elon Musk. Just over a decade ago, he
wrote a bullet-pointed ‘masterplan,’ which today, is entering its
final stages of completion. After selling PayPal to eBay aged 32, he
could easily have quit while he was ahead
– no masterplan necessary. Not Musk. In 2002,
he launched SpaceX, despite having no formal
qualifications in rocketry. Just a year later,
Tesla came along, promising game-changing,
all-electric cars. Musk became something of a
household name – even if many doubted his
outlandish ideas.
Fast-forward to today and any doubters
might well be eating their words. His creations
are having – and will have – a profound (and
very much positive) impact on our planet,
which has been his priority all along. “By
definition, we must at some point achieve a
sustainable energy economy or we will run out
of fossil fuels to burn and civilization will
collapse. The faster we achieve sustainability,
the better,” he says. Musk, being Musk, has
already written his next list, which addresses
his preoccupation with sustainability.
“Firstly, [I want to] create a smoothly
integrated
and
beautiful
solar-roof-with-
battery product that just works, and then scale that throughout the
world,” says Musk of the first task on his to-do list. Next, he hopes a lower
cost version of the current Tesla models will address a larger slice of the
consumer market. “What really matters to accelerate a sustainable future
is being able to scale up production volume as quickly as possible,” he
explains. The Model 3, currently in production, starts at US$35,000, and
customers will start receiving their new cars by October of this year.
That might be a heavy enough workload for many – but not Musk, who
is adding autonomy to his list. “As the
technology matures, all Tesla vehicles will have
the hardware necessary to be fully self-driving
with fail-operational capability, meaning that
any given system in the car could break and
your car will still drive itself safely,” Musk
explains. This spells a future where long,
onerous car journeys could simply be a good
opportunity to eat, sleep or work.
The icing on the cake, as if any were
necessary? Musk’s final goal, which is to enable
cars to make money for customers when they
aren’t using them, via a shared fleet. “This
dramatically lowers the true cost of ownership
to the point where almost anyone could own a
Tesla,” says Musk. “Since most cars are only in
use by their owner for 5% to 10% of the day, the
fundamental economic utility of a true self-
driving car is likely to be several times that of a
car which is not.” He imagines a future where,
by tapping a button on the Tesla app, owners
can simply add their car to the fleet, whilst on
holiday or at work. “In cities where demand exceeds the supply of customer-
owned cars, Tesla will operate its own fleet, ensuring you can always hail
a ride from us no matter where you are.” An intimidating to-do list, if ever
there was one – but if anyone can do it, it’s Elon Musk.
A SUSTAINABLE
FUTURE IS BEING ABLE TO
SCALE UP PRODUCTION
VOLUME AS QUICKLY
AS POSSIBLE
CENTER IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES
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SOLARCITY
CALIFORNIA
Originally set up by Musk’s cousins, sustainable
energy company SolarCity has now been acquired by
Tesla – making it the world’s only integrated
sustainable energy company, which covers everything
from rooftop solar panels to electric cars and
batteries. The solar roof product generates energy
from a rooftop that Musk promises is more durable
than a normal roof, not to mention lower cost. The
first installations took place this year – with Musk one
of the first to get a Solar Roof on his own property.
THE BORING COMPANY
LOS ANGELES
Boring by name, not so boring by nature. Inspired
by Musk’s frustration with street-level traffic, the
company envisages a future where large networks
of low-cost underground tunnels will enable
quick, quiet, weatherproof transportation by car
across cities. Cars would sit atop electric skates,
enabling speeds of up to 125mph and eliminating
the possibility of human error. LA is widely
rumoured to be the first city to benefit from
Musk’s latest passion project.
GIGAFACTORY
NEVADA
Musk dreams big, and nowhere is this more apparent
than at his upcoming Gigafactory, a sprawling
battery plant in Nevada, which should be fully
operational by 2020. At 4.9million square feet,
there’s room for 100 Boeing 747s inside, but right
now, the space is home to almost 3000 employees,
who are helping to produce lithium-ion battery cells
for both cars and homes. If Tesla is to achieve its
ambitious plan to sell half a million Model 3s by next
year, this factory will surely be the driving force.
TESLA
CALIFORNIA
Owning an electric car was once thought to involve a certain level of compromise, but Musk completely transformed those outdated
perceptions with Tesla. Created to help the world move towards a zero emission future, his cars, including the Model S, Model X and the
forthcoming Model 3, break records in speed and safety, without guzzling gasoline. By 2018, the company is expected to be producing
500,000 vehicles a year.
SPACEX
PLANET EARTH
One of Musk’s many goals is to enable life on other planets. SpaceX
designs, manufactures and launches spacecraft, with this ambition
in mind. Eight years after the launch, SpaceX became the only
private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit,
then earlier this year, achieved the first reflight of a rocket – a
milestone in rocket reusability. Earlier this month, Musk revealed
the Space X spacesuit to be worn by the company’s astronauts on
its crewed flights, expected to take off as soon as next year.
Elon Musk is a busy man. From tunneling deep underground to
pioneering SPACE TRAVEL, his projects are some of the most
innovative on – and off – earth
I THINK IT IS POSSIBLE FOR ORDINARY PEOPLE TO
CHOOSE TO BE EXTRAORDINARY
MUSK’S AGENDA
T W E N T Y
T E C H N O L O G I C A L B R E A K T H R O U G H S
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n today’s hectic world, it’s often agreed that time is the ultimate luxury. Supersonic
travel, for that reason, is incredibly appealing. When Concorde launched back in
the 1970s, it could cross the Atlantic in three and a half hours instead of eight,
reaching speeds of 1,354mph. Those who could afford it could buy back precious hours
in the air. The drawbacks? It could only carry 130 passengers, plus its noisy sonic
‘boom’ meant that it only flew at full speed over certain areas. Its final commercial
flight in 2003 spelled the end – or at least a long interval – in flying faster than the
speed of sound.
Today, a return to supersonic flights is on the cards, with newly approved
technologies, such as composite fuselages and high-temperature material systems,
easing the way. US start-up firm Boom looks to be leading the pack and has already
taken 76 orders across five airlines for its new aircraft. Their XB-1, a small scale
version of the final product, carrying a crew of two and nicknamed the Baby Boom, is
expected to fly next year,– with the first full-scale passenger flights following in 2023.
The wait will be worth it, though; Boom aircraft will travel 2.6 times faster than
any other airline –reaching speeds of up to 1,451mph (that’s Mach 2.2 compared
to Concorde’s Mach 2) and with a boom at least 30 times quieter than Concorde’s.
Passenger tickets will be set by the individual airlines, but it is thought that they
won’t be prohibitively high, thanks to the aircraft’s economical design. On board,
cruising at 60,000 feet, in seats to rival first-class, passengers can expect far less
turbulence than on subsonic aircraft, plus views that show the darkness of space
above and the curvature of the Earth below. That three and a half hour transatlantic
flight might just feel too short.
SEXTANT
This INTRICATE INSTRUMENT, invented in the 18th century, set
NAVIGATION on a new course, shaping DISCOVERY for centuries to come
SUPERSONIC
This ICON of aviation flew faster than the SPEED OF SOUND and has
OPENED the door to modern-day TIME TRAVEL
nowing a ship’s position and being able to guide it to a particular destination
is now taken for granted, thanks to satellite navigation systems and other
technology. It hasn’t always been such smooth sailing though, and over the
years, sailors have relied on all manner of techniques to try (often unsuccessfully) to
work out their position in the middle of vast oceans. Many used a combination of dead
reckoning and celestial navigation to help, but the lack of accuracy lead to frequent
shipwrecks and boats lost at sea.
Enter the sextant in the late 18th century. The device looks complex and
complicated, with its eyepieces, mirrors and moveable arm, but in fact, it simply
measures the angle between two objects, usually the sun and the horizon. The magic
lies in its curved frame, which measures one sixth of a circle (hence its name) and is
marked off in degrees. Once everything is lined up correctly through the mirrors, hey
presto – the position of the arm shows the altitude of the sun.By marking down a few
readings, each with a corresponding time, the position of a boat can be established
and a navigational chart plotted.
The technology undoubtedly shaped discovery for centuries to come. Without a
sextant, Captain Cook might not have survived his groundbreaking voyages across
the Pacific, or indeed, made such detailed maps of the unchartered areas he covered.
Today, historical examples of these intricate instruments are highly prized and in
fact, a sextant owned by the family of the captain of RMS Carpathia, which helped to
rescue 700 Titanic survivors, recently sold for £66,000 at auction. Beyond museums
and auction houses, many boats keep a sextant on board as a backup to modern
electronic navigation, proving that some technology never gets old.
TECHNOLOGY might focus on LOOKING FORWARDS, but sometimes
it pays to look back and LEARN from the INNOVATIONS of times past
BACK TO THE FUTURE
T W E N T Y
T E C H N O L O G I C A L B R E A K T H R O U G H S
IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES
ANGELO BONATI
ack in 1860, Giovanni Panerai could not have imagined what
would become of his small watchmaker’s shop on Ponte alle
Grazie in Florence. Today, Panerai is a global success story, with
legions of loyal fans, nicknamed Paneristi, who wear their Luminors and
Radiomirs with pride, and scrabble over the brand’s limited editions.
There are now hundreds of boutiques across the world, everywhere
from Paris to Tokyo – and Panerai was even the official sponsor at this
year’s America’s Cup in Bermuda.
Angelo Bonati, who joined the brand from Cartier back in 1997, has
been a driving force in Panerai’s rise to victory. Smart enough to respect
their rich history, yet forward-thinking enough to recognize the value
of innovation and new technology – Italian-born Bonati has helped
the watch brand to thrive, ensuring it constantly stays on the cutting
edge when it comes to movements, finishes and everything in between.
Bill Clinton, Ashton Kutcher and Heidi Klum are just a handful of the
celebrities who now sport a Panerai on their wrist.
Bonati was also the catalyst behind the brand’s launch of The
Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge back in 2005, a clever nod to the
company’s former life, designing watches for the Italian Navy before
the Second World War. The acquisition of Eilean, a classic sailing yacht,
which Panerai painstakingly restored, was another triumph. Originally
launched in 1936, the same year of the first Radiomir prototype, what
better way to celebrate the brand’s nautical DNA? The restoration
took 40,000 work hours, with much of that work carried out using
traditional techniques, and it resulted in a stunningly beautiful boat.
Eilean went on to debut at the 2010 Panerai Classic Yachts
Challenge, her style, grace, craftsmanship and technical prowess
the perfect showpiece for Panerai. With such deep respect for the
brand’s history and a keen eye for innovation, Bonati, it seems,
has a head for haute horology.
New TECHNOLOGY would never succeed without the RIGHT TALENT to push it forward.
Angelo Bonati, CEO of Panerai did just that, in the world of HAUTE HOROLOGY
ANGELO BONATI BY GUIDO CANTINI
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T E C H N O L O G I C A L B R E A K T H R O U G H S
JETPACK
JETPACK AVIATION
Sean Connery strapped on a jetpack as James Bond in Thunderball back in the 60s, although it was referred to as a ‘rocket belt’ in
the film. Now, half a century later, it looks like these Bond-worthy backpacks could become a reality. Powered by two specially
adapted jet engines (electric versions are in development), the packs currently enable speeds up to 60mph and fly for up to ten
minutes at a time. We might not be flying to the office just yet though – with obvious risks and concerns still to be addressed, flights
are currently restricted to the experts, with plans to roll out a number of experience centres very soon.
ABOVE, BELOW & BEYOND
12-14
PROJECT LIVEWIRE
HARLEY DAVIDSON
Growling gas engines might be synonymous with Harley
Davidson motorbikes, but that hasn’t stopped the brand from
designing an electric version, otherwise known as Project
LiveWire. “Think electric guitar, not electric car,” they say. And
while LiveWire is currently just a concept (albeit one set to
become a reality in the next few years), there are plenty of other
manufacturers who already have electric bikes on the market.
And for those who choose to scoot instead of motor, the Vespa
Elettrica is set to go on sale later this year.
TRITON 3300/3
TRITON
“Once you’ve seen Antarctica above the water, what do you
think it looks underwater?’ So says the owner of Legend, one of
the many explorer yachts that now come kitted out with a
submarine, or two. Triton, a US-based company produces some
of the most advanced subs on earth. Their most popular offering,
the 3300/3 has an air-conditioned pod for up to three people
and can dive down to 1,000 metres. Earlier this year, a couple
even exchanged vows in a Triton sub, deep underwater off the
coast of New Providence in the Bahamas.
HOVER high in the sky, dive to the depths of the OCEAN FLOOR or just
floor it SILENTLY on the road. These TOYS will have you going places
TRANSFORMING
THE FRAME
360 DEGREE SELFIE
SAMSUNG
‘Surroundies’ are set to become the new selfies,
thanks to a wave of new pocket-size spherical
cameras, which enable 360-degree pictures. Viewers
just need move mouse or finger to take it all in.
9-11
OMNI VR
GO-PRO
With six cameras integrated into one sturdy rig, the new
Go Pro Omni stiches together 360-degree footage for
VR seamlessly. Settings are synched from one master
camera, making it quick and easy to use, too.
TL 2
LEICA
Machined from a single block of aluminium
and three times faster than any of its predecessors,
the touchscreen Leica TL2 is a triumph of form and
function, plus, it connects to your mobile for
easy sharing.
ONCE YOU’VE SEEN ANTARCTICA ABOVE THE WATER,
WHAT DO YOU THINK IT LOOKS LIKE UNDERWATER?
Innovations in IMAGE-MAKING are
CHANGING the way we see the WORLD
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IMAGE: JETPACK AVIATION
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15-17
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
The idea that computers might one day be able to think like humans has been around
for decades. In recent years, though, AI has progressed at lightning speed, bringing
us self-driving cars, real-time voice translation and IBM’s Watson, which famously
played against humans in US quiz show Jeopardy – and won. AI has also had an
impact on wealth management and high net worth individuals, with robo advisors
using complex algorithms to sift through big data and assist financial decisions. Free
from emotional bias and available around-the-clock – it’s little wonder AI has found a
growing fan base in the finance world.
SCREENLESS DISPLAY
We are all glued to our mobiles and laptops, and soon, it seems, we might not
even need to carry around physical screens to maintain our unhealthy obsession.
Fast-evolving screenless display technology opens the door to a future in which
we will be able to project images directly onto thin air. The benefits are wide-
ranging, but the removal of space constraints is seen as major game changer, as
the size of our devices would notably shrink. Lower battery consumption and
improved privacy are further advantages to this new tech, which is expected to
gather pace in the next few years.
PROJECT LOON
X DEVELOPMENT
Many of us take internet access for granted, but for billions living in rural and remote areas, connectivity is still a struggle. Project Loon is a Google-led effort to help these lesser-served areas get
online. Their solution lies in helium-filled, tennis-court sized balloons, which float on the edge of space. Special software helps these giant, airborne contraptions take advantage of favourable winds,
enabling them to float over land for longer, powering internet access on the ground as they go.
The TECHNOLOGY we use to COMMUNICATE today was once the stuff of
SCIENCE FICTION – but further MIND-BLOWING changes are on the way
P U R S U I T | U L T I M A T E T E C H N O L O G Y E D I T I O N
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FUTURE OF COMMUNICATION
IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES
his year’s fast and furious America’s Cup in
Bermuda was hailed as the ‘F1 on water’ by many.
With such serious amounts of money involved in
both sports, the comparisons
are perhaps inevitable – but
actually, the similarities go far
beyond the financial.
The high-performance, 50
foot catamarans built for the
America’s Cup, which appear
to fly above the water (and in
fact, are capable of sailing four
times faster than the wind),
operate on the sort of cutting-
edge technological innovations
that are more often associated
with
F1
race
cars.
They
share the same engineering
challenges too, which lie in
maximizing efficiency within
strict design rules. It is no
surprise that some of the leading experts involved in this
year’s event were plucked directly from the car industry.
Martin Whitmarsh spent 25 years at McLaren, winning
numerous F1 world championships as an engineer and
CEO – before heading to Land Rover BAR to help Ben
Ainslie and co in this year’s
Bermuda
competition.
The
team may not have won – that
title went to New Zealand,
whose unusual control system
paid off – but the cutting-
edge engineering used in their
efforts was ahead of the game.
New steering technology
borrowed from Land Rover
enabled unprecedented levels
of accuracy, allowing Ben to
adjust the boat’s hydrofoils
with expert precision, while
every test session generated
16GB of data from built-in
sensors. The America’s Cup
trophy has been going strong
for 166 years; time will tell what new technology will
emerge in time for the next edition.
NEW TO THE PARTY
THE NEXT FRONTIER
The AMERICA’S CUP is evidence that HEALTHY COMPETITION acts as a
CATALYST for innovation and TECHNOLOGICAL advances
INNOVATIONS THAT ARE
MORE OFTEN ASSOCIATED
WITH F1 RACE CARS
18-19
Grab a drink and FOLLOW the MUSIC –
CELEBRATIONS are taking a new turn
GRAPHENE Q
ORA SOUND
Much-hyped mega-material graphene finds a
suitable home in headphones with the launch of Ora.
Along with flawless sound quality and improved
audio precision, the use of graphene also promises
improved battery life.
OPN COCKTAIL LIBRARY
PERNOD RICARD
Cluttered cocktail cabinets might soon be a thing of the
past as Pernod Ricard introduces this innovative drinks
‘library,’ where spirits come neatly stacked in rectangular
cartridges. The docking station beneath monitors liquid
levels, ensuring you’re never left high and dry.
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IMAGE: HARRY KH/ LAND ROVERBAR
O C E A N I N D E P E N D E N C E .CO M / M Y F I R STS U P E RYAC H T
THE ULTIMATE FIRST TIME GUIDE TO SUPERYACHT CHARTER
M Y F I R S T
S U P E R Y A C H T
C E O I N T E R V I E W
I N P U R S U I T O F E X C E L L E N C E
DANIEL
KÜPFER
Pursuit of pleasure lies at the heart of YACHT OWNERSHIP, but these valuable assets
require meticulous SHORE-SIDE SUPPORT. Here, Daniel Küpfer, head of OCEAN
MANAGEMENT and Operations Director of Ocean Independence explains why
uperyachts are significant investments, requiring unrelenting
attention and scrupulous management. For owners to make the
most of their time on board, it pays to have all of the associated
headaches of ownership removed. Enter Ocean Management, a
division of Ocean Independence with over 250 years of collective
experience. The company was set up more
than ten years ago to address the fact that
yachts were becoming increasingly complex,
without an experienced support network to
handle the new challenges they presented.
Daniel Küpfer, Master Mariner and former
Yacht Captain himself has been there since
the beginning – and although the industry
has welcomed more and more management
companies as it matures, he believes Ocean
Management stands apart. “We are truly
international,’ explains Küpfer, from the
company’s head office in Switzerland. “Also,
we put the client at the centre of all of our
activity, and we’re independent, so we’re not
bound to any brand or product.”
The services provided by the team at
Ocean Management are wide-ranging and impressive. Their unrivalled
team of technical and operational managers are capable of anything from
complex financial management – taking into account an ever-increasing
raft of regulations and tax changes – to safety and security management
according to international standards and employment services, covering
more than 300 crewmembers at the moment. In addition, there’s support
on the construction side for new builds and refits, including specifcation
and contract development as well as technical management. Everything,
essentially, to ensure that yacht ownership is a pleasure rather than a
pain. “It can be hard, as a private owner, to keep on top of all of these
management aspects,” adds Küpfer. “The
past few years have seen things become
increasingly complex, especially as yachts
get bigger and become more technically
advanced. We provide all these services so
that they can focus on more important
activities.”
Technological advances, despite their
complexity, also offer a helping hand to
yachts, aiding the way they are managed.
“The biggest difference technology has
made to us is via communication,” says
Küpfer. “ we manage to stay in close contact
with the vessels we look after. Improved
communication also has an impact on the
wider industry, as owners and guests are able
to stay on board for longer without neglecting
their business. Today we are able to do things like have video conferences
via satellite on board. Those sorts of things just weren’t possible in the
past.” For owners, then, engaging a good yacht management company is
a wise move, leaving them free from administrative hassle – and able to
get on with the serious business of having fun.
THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE
TECHNOLOGY HAS MADE TO US
IS VIA COMMUNICATION
CHAMPIONS
Top 3 TECH ITEMS that you
cannot TRAVEL WITHOUT?
M BY MARC NEWSON
MONT BLANC
MARINE CHRONOGRAPH
BREGUET
IPAD PRO
APPLE
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The New Zealand yachting scene is very much in the spotlight
right now, thanks in part to Team New Zealand’s win at this year’s
adrenalin-fuelled America’s Cup in Bermuda. Built by New Zealand
Yachts in 2005 and then refitted in 2016, this is a slick, 35m
wavepiercing yacht, accommodating ten guests across five
staterooms.
Kitted out with all the requisite toys and equipment, including
deep-sea fishing gear, kiteboards and wakeboards, and with a
maximum speed of 18 knots, she provides the perfect base from
which to explore the hugely exciting waters around Australia, New
Zealand and beyond. UK-based Ken Freivokh, famed for designing
the 88m Maltese Falcon, is the man to thank for the boat’s
exceptional interior and exterior design.
When forward-thinking designers, innovative engineers and sophisticated customers put their heads
together, the results can be mind-blowing. Here, the Ocean Independence team puts forward their top
ten yachts, all of which employ pioneering technology to set them apart from the competition
TOP 10 YACHTS
Not many superyachts can boast speeds of up to 57 knots –
but then again, not many yachts are like Ermis². Her sleek silhouette
alone, the work of New Zealand shipyard McMullen & Wing, would
be enough to attract attention, but it’s when she is powering
through the water at full speed that she becomes the ultimate
headturner.
Officially the ninth fastest superyacht in the world, according
to Boat International’s Top 20 Fastest Yachts list, this is one of the
most technically advanced yachts around, her speed owing much
to her ultra lightweight carbon fibre construction. At 37 metres,
she has plenty of room for eight guests and four crew, too – who
can enjoy the Jo Humphreys-designed interiors as they speed
through the water in the fastest yacht currently available for sale.
Back in the late 18th century, Captain Cook sailed British Royal Navy Research Vessel, HMS Endeavour, on an exciting voyage of discovery
to Australia and New Zealand. Today, a newly launched Endeavour 2 pays homage to this pioneering vessel with another groundbreaking
boat, designed for long-range cruising and adventure. Built by Rossinavi, this is a fully aluminium, 50m yacht sleeping up to ten guests
across five staterooms. Her stats are impressive too; she has a range of 5000 nautical miles and a top speed of 16 knots, thanks to twin
diesel engines, which drive two Rolls Royce azimuthing pods. Beyond her transoceanic capabilities, she is also built for comfort; the
owner’s suite features a huge, walk-in shower and a private balcony, whilst an amphibious car awaits Bond-style missions.
P I O N E E R S
ENDEAVOUR 2
FOR SALE & FOR CHARTER
P I O N E E R S
SPIRIT
FOR CHARTER
P I O N E E R S
ERMIS²
FOR SALE
T O P T E N
Y A C H T S F O R T E C H N O L O G Y
P U R S U I T | U L T I M A T E T E C H N O L O G Y E D I T I O N
1 4
A TRIUMPH IN TECHNOLOGY
B L AC K
P E A R L
The Maltese Falcon, when it launched in 2006, quickly became
one of the most recognizable sailing yachts on the planet, winning
multiple awards and boasting a revolutionary ‘Falcon Rig.’ It stands
to reason, then, that Black Pearl, which was inspired by this giant
floating icon, will likely inherit that mantle. Many of the original
Falcon team members have been involved with this new 105m
creation – from famed designer Ken Freivokh to Dykstra Naval
Architects – in addition to some new faces, the likes of Dutch builder
Oceanco and Nuvolari Lenard design. Together, they have pushed
design and technological boundaries to new levels, including a
second generation DynaRig across three distinctive black masts, as
well as implementing impressive green technologies and innovative
power systems. The boat will be built using an aluminium
superstructure and a steel hull – and will employ a wave-piercing
bow to cut through the water. With accommodation for up to 12
guests across six cabins and space for all the additional luxuries,
this tri-deck superyacht looks set to make a lasting impression.
T O P T E N
Y A C H T S F O R T E C H N O L O G Y
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U L T I M A T E T E C H N O L O G Y E D I T I O N | P U R S U I T
The New Zealand yachting scene is very much in the spotlight
right now, thanks in part to Team New Zealand’s win at this year’s
adrenalin-fuelled America’s Cup in Bermuda. Built by New Zealand
Yachts in 2005 and then refitted in 2016, this is a slick, 35m
wavepiercing yacht, accommodating ten guests across five
staterooms.
Kitted out with all the requisite toys and equipment, including
deep-sea fishing gear, kiteboards and wakeboards, and with a
maximum speed of 18 knots, she provides the perfect base from
which to explore the hugely exciting waters around Australia, New
Zealand and beyond. UK-based Ken Freivokh, famed for designing
the 88m Maltese Falcon, is the man to thank for the boat’s
exceptional interior and exterior design.
When forward-thinking designers, innovative engineers and sophisticated customers put their heads
together, the results can be mind-blowing. Here, the Ocean Independence team puts forward their top
ten yachts, all of which employ pioneering technology to set them apart from the competition
TOP 10 YACHTS
Not many superyachts can boast speeds of up to 57 knots –
but then again, not many yachts are like Ermis². Her sleek silhouette
alone, the work of New Zealand shipyard McMullen & Wing, would
be enough to attract attention, but it’s when she is powering
through the water at full speed that she becomes the ultimate
headturner.
Officially the ninth fastest superyacht in the world, according
to Boat International’s Top 20 Fastest Yachts list, this is one of the
most technically advanced yachts around, her speed owing much
to her ultra lightweight carbon fibre construction. At 37 metres,
she has plenty of room for eight guests and four crew, too – who
can enjoy the Jo Humphreys-designed interiors as they speed
through the water in the fastest yacht currently available for sale.
Back in the late 18th century, Captain Cook sailed British Royal Navy Research Vessel, HMS Endeavour, on an exciting voyage of discovery
to Australia and New Zealand. Today, a newly launched Endeavour 2 pays homage to this pioneering vessel with another groundbreaking
boat, designed for long-range cruising and adventure. Built by Rossinavi, this is a fully aluminium, 50m yacht sleeping up to ten guests
across five staterooms. Her stats are impressive too; she has a range of 5000 nautical miles and a top speed of 16 knots, thanks to twin
diesel engines, which drive two Rolls Royce azimuthing pods. Beyond her transoceanic capabilities, she is also built for comfort; the
owner’s suite features a huge, walk-in shower and a private balcony, whilst an amphibious car awaits Bond-style missions.
P I O N E E R S
ENDEAVOUR 2
FOR SALE & FOR CHARTER
P I O N E E R S
SPIRIT
FOR CHARTER
P I O N E E R S
ERMIS²
FOR SALE
T O P T E N
Y A C H T S F O R T E C H N O L O G Y
P U R S U I T | U L T I M A T E T E C H N O L O G Y E D I T I O N
1 4
A TRIUMPH IN TECHNOLOGY
B L AC K
P E A R L
The Maltese Falcon, when it launched in 2006, quickly became
one of the most recognizable sailing yachts on the planet, winning
multiple awards and boasting a revolutionary ‘Falcon Rig.’ It stands
to reason, then, that Black Pearl, which was inspired by this giant
floating icon, will likely inherit that mantle. Many of the original
Falcon team members have been involved with this new 105m
creation – from famed designer Ken Freivokh to Dykstra Naval
Architects – in addition to some new faces, the likes of Dutch builder
Oceanco and Nuvolari Lenard design. Together, they have pushed
design and technological boundaries to new levels, including a
second generation DynaRig across three distinctive black masts, as
well as implementing impressive green technologies and innovative
power systems. The boat will be built using an aluminium
superstructure and a steel hull – and will employ a wave-piercing
bow to cut through the water. With accommodation for up to 12
guests across six cabins and space for all the additional luxuries,
this tri-deck superyacht looks set to make a lasting impression.
T O P T E N
Y A C H T S F O R T E C H N O L O G Y
1 5
U L T I M A T E T E C H N O L O G Y E D I T I O N | P U R S U I T
Designed by French design group Finot-Conq and built in Italy by high tech custom boatyard, Maxi
Dolphin, Nomad IV is a superfast cruiser made entirely from carbon. Her speedy abilities and cutting
edge technology, which include 3Di sails and a carbon mast, have made her a regular at ocean-racing
classics and, in fact, she lays claim to winning the gold medal at the RORC (Royal Ocean Racing Club)
Transatlantic in 2015, just two years after her launch.
Beyond her racing capabilities, there is plenty of room for rest and relaxation in her roomy 30
metres, with large entertaining spaces, and accommodation for up to 12 guests and four crew. A
variable draught keel means that access to small, secluded coves is a given, an enormous advantage
in the Mediterranean waters she is often to be found in, whilst her lateral ballasts ensure that sailing is
as smooth as could be.
No two yachts are the same, but Sea Force One really is like no other. Even the exterior – a
distinctive black hull topped with a grey superstructure – hints at a yacht that is determined to stand
out from the crowd. Inside, it’s clear that entertainment is a priority. From the leather floors, to the
multi-coloured LED lighting and DJ console – this is 54 metres of fun waiting to happen.
Italian designer Luca Dini is the man behind the interiors and whilst the yacht may sleep just ten
guests, he’s ensured there is room for plenty more who might gather on board for parties or dinners.
Easy-to-remove furniture leaves space for a huge dancefloor and the dining area can host up to 30
people at once. For downtime, there are two home cinemas, a fold-down beach club as well as a sun
deck, which boasts a Jacuzzi and a waterfall.
When she was launched back in 2009, 59.5m Vicky was the
biggest yacht ever to come out of Italian yard Baglietto. This is
a superlative boat in more ways than one – an aluminium, long-
range cruiser, capable of voyages up to 3700 nautical miles,
built to impress, both inside and out. The mood inside owes
much to interior designers Savaya and Moroni, whose cool and
contemporary footprint (think lightwood floors and flashes of
onyx) is evident everywhere, from the five, spacious staterooms,
to the airy saloon and communal dining area, which seats ten.
Up on the bridge deck, there is more to impress, including a
fully-enclosed winter garden, Jacuzzi and a sauna. A progressive
boat, built to go the extra mile in more ways than one, she also
boasts a touch-and-go helipad, and perhaps most extraordinary
of all – her very own aquarium. Kitted out with at-anchor
stabilisers, Vicky promises a smooth ride (at up to 23 knots) in
the most stylish of settings.
F R O N T R U N N E R S
VICKY
FOR SALE
F R O N T R U N N E R S
NOMAD IV
FOR SALE
F R O N T R U N N E R S
SEA FORCE
ONE
FOR CHARTER
T O P T E N
Y A C H T S F O R T E C H N O L O G Y
P U R S U I T | U L T I M A T E T E C H N O L O G Y E D I T I O N
1 6
Italian yard Tecnomar (part of Italian Sea Group) have delivered
almost 300 yachts since starting out back in 1987, including the
likes of Low Profile, Villa Sul Mare and Talal. Now, hot on their heels,
comes the much-anticipated Evo 120, still in build, with delivery
scheduled for 2018.
This 36.6m superyacht will stay true to the brand’s mission,
which lies in combining powerful technology with cutting-edge
design and attention to detail. Much of the design, by Nuovi
Cantieri Apuania, is still open to her future owner’s personal
preferences, but as she stands, there is room for a lounge and
dining area, plus a second, more casual American-style dinette
and a cinema. Her accommodation layout too is flexible, but in her
current state she will be able to sleep eight guests across four
staterooms along with five crew. Up on the flybridge a bar, fridge,
bbq and Jacuzzi will offer more space for sunbathing and
socialising, as she cuts through the water with a range of 1600
nautical miles at 10 knots.
O N T H E D R A W I N G B O A R D
TECNOMAR
EVO 120
FOR SALE
Ocea yachts is renowned for being a pioneer in aluminium
shipbuilding, with production sites dotted along the French
Atlantic Coast. One of the next models to come out of the yard will
be this handsome 47m aluminium semi-displacement yacht –
available to be delivered 24 months from contract.
Featuring naval architecture by the late Michel Joubert (one
half of the Joubert-Nivelt studio) and with a Franck Darnet exterior
– this efficient, plumb bow yacht is set to be quite the trendsetter.
Joubert found design inspiration in the 1920s American commuter
yachts, used to transport wealthy workers along the Hudson River
from Long Island to their offices in the City – the Ocea X47 borrows
elements from these historical vessels, adding a cool, contemporary
flourish. The boat has enough room to provide a spacious beach
club, with accommodation for 12 guests and 11 crew. With a range
of 4000 nautical and a cruising speed of 15 knots, this yacht has
adventure – as well as eye-catching looks – at its heart.
Explorer yachts are becoming more and more popular as owners and charter guests increasingly
choose to go the extra mile, seeking out adventure in remote destinations. The brand new Darnet 38
Explorer is designed with such adventure-seeking guests in mind. A collaboration between naval
architects Joubert-Nivelt and France-based designer Franck Darnet, this 38m transoceanic boat with
a cruising speed of 14 knots, will be designed for comfort as well as long-range ocean passages of up
to 4000 nautical miles.
Inside, the boat’s future Owner can expect to find an airy saloon, up-to-the-minute home cinema
systems, formal dining area and crucially, plenty of al fresco space for sunbathing and outdoor
entertainment. French yard Ocea is behind her aluminium structure, which will sleep up to eight guests
across four staterooms. Once the boat is sold, she is expected to take 18 months to completion.
O N T H E D R A W I N G B O A R D
OCEA X47
FOR SALE
O N T H E D R A W I N G B O A R D
DARNET 38M EXPLORER
FOR SALE
T O P T E N
Y A C H T S F O R T E C H N O L O G Y
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U L T I M A T E T E C H N O L O G Y E D I T I O N | P U R S U I T
ENDEAVOUR 2
LENGTH: 49.9/163'9" YEAR: 2017
BUILDER: ROSSINAVI ASKING: EUR 29,500,000
Designed to bring the outside in, and fully customised for transoceanic cruising - tri-deck explorer
Endeavour 2 is effortlessly stylish. Her linear layout, minimalist interior design and spacious feel
throughout fully complement the outstanding Rossinavi build quality. Her 10 guests are
acommodated in 5 beautifully appointed staterooms where luxurious comfort abounds.
S A L E S
D I R E C T O R Y
NEW MASTER
LENGTH: 44.5m/145'10" YEAR: 2001
BUILDER:BAGLIETTO ASKING: EUR 8,000,000 (VAT PAID)
Maintained in outstanding condition, New Master offers the finest in
Italian craftsmanship. Classically sophisticated interior, spacious
accommodation and impressive deck areas for all occasions.
FOUR WISHES
LENGTH: 43.9m/144'0" YEAR: 2004
BUILDER: PALMER JOHNSON ASKING: USD 11,400,000
Gleaming from her recent interior/exterior refit, Four Wishes radiates
simple elegance. Exceptional interior furnishings, the latest tech and
spacious, relaxing deck areas complete her appeal.
M3
LENGTH: 44.8m/147'0" YEAR: 2002
BUILDER: INTERMARINE ASKING: USD 12,495,000
Impressive custom motor yacht M3, built by Intermarine, received
a $3,000,000 refit in early 2016 - including a new stunning
interior by Ari Loar.
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P U R S U I T | U L T I M A T E T E C H N O L O G Y E D I T I O N
GAME
CHANGER
A motor yacht is the pinnacle of PERFORMANCE and LUXURY, offering speed,
STYLE and expansive space for ULTIMATE COMFORT