The trend of luxury brands launching residences is catching up. Luxury car brand Pininfarina reveals a residential project in São Paulo, Brazil – a modern beauty to behold.
Known for their dreamy designs for Ferrari and Alfa Romeo, Italian design house Pininfarina has been boldly using its creativity beyond automobiles. The first venture in urban architecture is a residential tower located at Rua Fiandeiras, a short distance from an upscale commercial area in São Paulo.
Built by Brazilian construction firm Cyrela, the tower looks modern and futuristic, standing at 23 stories. It houses 92 apartments ranging from 540 to 1,080 sq ft in size, with common areas and facilities such as pools and gym.
Outlined by curves and shapes inspired by movement, Paolo Pininfarina, Chairman of the Group claims that the architecture “translate the dynamism coming from our car design heritage into architecture” that fuses “sportiness and elegance”.
With exterior features intricately designed to present an illusion of symmetry, the tower presents an artistic façade with playful corners. The use of metallic elements and curved concrete creates a visual sensation, as though the building is artfully sculpted by wind.
“The combination of a strong character coupled with the ability to be harmoniously inserted within the ‘Paulistano’ lifestyle, representing the genuine Pininfarina style” Paolo Trevisan explains, the Head of Design of Pininfarina of America. Efraim Horn, co-president of Cyrela also assures that utmost care has been given to every decision, from the “selection of raw materials to the leisure options and services”.
The tower was inaugurated by Paolo Pininfarina, manager of Pininfarina, on Monday.
Latest Richard Mille Brand Ambassador Nafi Thiam pictured here with a RM 016 Extra flat Automatic
A Belgian athlete specialising in multi-event competitions, 24 year old Heptathlon Champion Nafissatou “Nafi” Thiam has just joined Richard Mille as Brand Ambassador. The gold medalist heptathlete was victorious in the 2017 World Championships and 2016 Olympics.
Heptathlon Champion Nafissatou “Nafi” Thiam has just joined Richard Mille as Brand Ambassador
the new Richard Mille brand ambassador Nafi Thiam poses with a RM 033 Extra Flat Automatic
Nafi Thiam with the RM 67-02 Automatic in Quartz TPT
In the same way Richard Mille developed the RM 67-02 Automatic in Quartz TPT® with Mutaz and Wayde, Richard Mille is in the conceptualisation phase of developing a sports watch uniquely for women.
Richard Mille Brand Ambassador Nafissatou “Nafi” Thiam started participating in athletics when she was just seven years old, winning her first national age group titles in 2009, by which time the 15 year old was already specializing in the heptathlon.
“I prefer to concentrate on my general progression rather than medals and victories.” – Richard Mille Brand Ambassador Nafi Thiam
European junior champion in 2013, European indoor runner-up in 2015, Nafi won the gold medal in the heptathlon at the Rio Olympics. She was voted rising star by the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federation) in 2016 and Female Athlete of the Year in 2017, alongside her Richard Mille partner, Mutaz Essa Barshim who won the Male Athlete of the Year title. At the 2017 Hypo-meeting in Götzis, Austria, Nafi shot to third in the world all-time heptathlon list by scoring 7013 points and in the same discipline, won the gold medal at the World Championships in London.
However, Nafi prefers to talk about her objectives rather than medals won in the past. It was for
this reason that she preferred not to participate in the 2018 World Indoor Championships but to concentrate on the European Championship in Berlin. “There won’t be an Indoor Championship for me this year. I want to remain 100% focused on my no.1 objective, which is the European Championships! I’m training hard and my sights are set on Berlin. I prefer to concentrate on my general progression rather than medals and victories.” Nafi is certain that by working continuously to improve her personal records, good results and high scores will inevitably follow.
“I endorse the idea that it is most important to look for ways to surpass yourself in order to become the best and accept the time that this might take.” – Richard Mille
In choose their new Brand Ambassador, Richard was drawn to the determination and capacity of Nafi young athlete. Heptathlon is by far one of the most complex disciplines in athletics and the heptathletes themselves are considered as the most complete athletes. “What enticed me to work with Nafi, was her vision and her approach to performance. She has a strong analytical sense and does not rush herself, explains Richard Mille.
Nafi Thiam will wear an automatic lightweight and robust Richard Mille watch. In her new photo profiles as the latest Richard Mille Brand Ambassador, Nafi is portrayed wearing the RM 67-02 Automatic in Quartz TPT, RM016 Automatic Extra Flat and the RM033 Extra Flat Automatic, “I am proud of my partnership with Richard Mille and to work with this extraordinary team with whom I share the same desire to always aim higher and push to the limits.”
In the same way Richard Mille developed the RM 67-02 Automatic in Quartz TPT® with Mutaz and Wayde, Richard Mille is in the conceptualisation phase of developing a sports watch uniquely for women.
From picturesque Saint-Tropez to Cannes, Port Pierre Canto at Golfe-Juan to Port Vauban in Antibes, followed by cosmopolitan Nice and more coastal calls from lovely Villefranche around to Monaco, owners and charterers can experience some of the best boating that Europe has to offer.
It doesn’t have to be outrageously expensive either. Large motor yachts and small superyachts often have better chances of finding berths during the prime period from spring to the onset of winter, and rates for such vessels are more modest than for the “floating palaces” that also abound.
Simpson Marine Superyacht Charters, which has Asia-wide offices, shares the central agency for the 32m Sanlorenzo SL104 motor yacht Indigo, for example. This twin-MTU powered vessel charters for €80,000 a week plus expenses, and sleeps eight guests in four cabins, plus crew.
Genteel passages from port to port on the South of France in season is a pleasure that is hard to surpass
So if €10,000 per person for a week cruising the South of France sounds reasonable, readers merely need to contact this agency online in Singapore or Hong Kong or in other cities to start talks on availability and a custom itinerary.
Indigo was built by Sanlorenzo in 2012, and her sophisticated exterior design and engineering are the work of Francesco Paszkowski. Interior styling is by the renowned Sanlorenzo team, which scours Italian cities for the latest furniture, fixtures and fittings.
Indigo has full facilities yet being relatively small, can fit into places that bigger boats are unable to visit
The eight-guest accommodation is made up of a master suite, 1 VIP stateroom and two twin cabins. Simpson Marine calls it “the ideal charter yacht for socialising and entertaining with family and friends”, and describes the atmosphere aboard as “elegant and comfortable”.
Usual entertainment and watersports gear are offered, but in the South of France, guests tend to focus on wining and dining and exploring ashore. It is all about seeing, and being seen.
Charter Focus: Caribbean
Crewed Lagoon Charters are offered in a variety of locations. For a sailing option in the South of France, the flagship Lagoon Seventy 7 Joy purchased by a Singapore owner is available in the Med in August-September this year, and then she continues to the Caribbean, later crossing the Pacific to Asia.
Rates are €40,000 to €52,000 per week depending on the season, and like Indigo, Joy can accommodate eight guests in four cabins, with four heads to match. She carries a 205 sqm mainsail, 130 sqm genoa jib, and 458 sqm spinnaker, and power is by twin Volvo Pentas. Ewa Stachurska, Group Marketing Manager of Simpson Marine and Simpson Marine Charters, points out that since its recent debut, the Lagoon Seventy 7 catamaran has proved an exceptionally popular yacht that has been in record-breaking demand.
“Built in France by CNB and designed by a superstar team of VPLP, Patrick le Quément and Nauta Design, the Seventy 7 has gentle and precise lines producing a refined and harmonious look overall.
Singapore owner is sailing his new Lagoon Seventy 7 home via the Med, Caribbean and South Pacific, offering her for charters along the way
“Joy is one of the first Lagoon Seventy 7s available for charter anywhere in the world. As an unbeatable choice for a bespoke yacht charter holiday, she combines pedigree design with luxurious styling, a spacious onboard layout, and exceptional performance to create a yacht ideal for every kind on adventure on the water. “Lagoon designed the Seventy 7 to cater for a wide range of uses, including coastal cruising, global exploration and chartering, and the yacht does not disappoint”.
For those interested in a Caribbean charter later this year, she says that with 7,000 islands, every visit offers something different or somewhere new to explore.
“From popular charter spots like Nassau in the Bahamas and St Barths to quiet, unspoilt beaches, from pink sand to swimming pigs, the Caribbean is a sun-filled paradise that is also a particularly popular winter destination.
This is the flagship of the fleet, and facilities are simply the best that Lagoon has to offer
“Swim in crystal clear blue waters on beaches with impossibly white sand, before reclining in the shade of palm trees with a rum mojito. Explore one of the stunning islands of the Bahamas archipelago. Enjoy your own private beach picnic on one of the Exumas many cays. “See in the new year anchored off the chic island of St Barths, where you can watch the fireworks before going ashore for festivities like no other.
“Dive into the Caribbean’s underwater paradise, which include some of the best spots in the world, such as The Blue Hole in Belize, and The Cathedral at Eagle’s Shoals in the British Virgin Islands”. Some of these venues are a little far apart, of course, but she promises that custom itineraries can be worked out to suit both Joy and her charter clients.
Asian-interest Project Thunder is due for delivery later this year, but the yard is keeping more detailed information under wraps
Lürssen Talks Sales & Refits in Dubai
Lürssen will deliver three yachts with a total length of more than 380m this year”, said Sales Director Michael Breman. “At this moment, not much information can be revealed on the new builds”. One is Project Thunder, an enormous 120m vessel that Yacht Style has previously reported appears bound for an Asian owner. When Lürssen first announced this build, it said the Espen Øino design’s name was derived from Leigong, a mythical Asian god, and the vessel was expected to cruise mostly in Asian waters.
“Another is Project TIS, a quintessential 111m yacht, scheduled for delivery in autumn 2018, with exterior and interior by Winch Design. With her long and well-balanced sheerline, TIS is a supremely elegant yacht, despite her considerable size. A beam of 16.85m allows her to boast extraordinary volumes, accommodating all of the owner’s requirements.
“TIS features six decks, and offers spacious interior and exterior areas for guests, making her the perfect yacht for entertaining on a grand scale. The sweeping staircases at the transom create an impressive entrance, which sets the tone for the rest of this palatial yacht, with very generous ceiling heights, sophisticated interior decoration, and Lürssen’s customary attention to detail.”
Several further yachts are currently under contract. The shipyard continues to market and build yachts ranging in size from 60m up. For four generations and since 1875, Lürssen has been cultivating the most refined skills and advanced technologies to create truly outstanding vessels, said the spokesman. Our connection to shipbuilding is as deep-rooted and individual as only family bonds can be. The commitment is deep, the approach individual. When the company founder Friedrich Lürssen said, “Leading in quality and performance, that should be my company’s reputation”, he was expressing the values Lürssen continues to uphold to this day.
With a workforce of 2700, Lürssen maintains eight state-of-the-art facilities at Bremen-Aumund, Lemwerder, Berne, Rendsburg, Wilhelmshaven, Wolgast and two yards in Hamburg. Its main headquarters are located in Bremen.
Last year Lürssen delivered four yachts that totalled just under 400m in length. Third was the classically profiled 74m Aurora shown here
Last year Lürssen delivered a staggering four yachts with a total length of almost 400m. The first delivery was Amadea, a 104m yacht with an Espen Øino design. Modern lines and a contemporary style are the main features of this massive vessel, which has a 16.8m beam.
Amadea features six decks, and offers numerous areas for guests. The interiors are designed by Francois Zuretti in a very classic Middle Eastern style, which is carried throughout the whole yacht.
Second delivery of the spring was Al Lusail, a 123m yacht with a very unique exterior design by H2 Yacht Design and interiors by March and White. Her arching design features and large glass facades provide panoramic views from her eclectic interior. These influential design statements make her instantly recognisable as a truly distinctive and innovative superyacht.
In June last year Lürssen successfully delivered Aurora, a 74 m yacht. Responsible for the concept as well as the exterior and interior design is Winch Design who gave Aurora a timelessly classical profile.
With six decks, she is a voluminous yacht and boasts a lot of space for the guests’ entertainment and well-being, while still looking very elegant and classy, with sleek lines.
Areti made her debut at Monaco Yacht Show, and was soon after reviewed in Yacht Style
The fourth delivery was 85m Areti, which had her world debut at the Monaco Yacht Show, and was reviewed by Yacht Style soon afterwards (YS#41). Winch Design was responsible for both the stunning exterior and harmonious interior design.
Tasked with keeping the design in line with the complex Passenger Yacht Code, they gave the yacht a sleek and balanced signature, complemented by a traditional but fresh interior with “an American classic twist”.
Refit has become a core business for Lürssen. The Lürssen group has unique facilities and a second to none potential to undertake multiple refits at a time, all in Northern Germany, said the spokesman.
Alfa Nero undergoing a refit and repair session at Lürssen owned Blohm + Voss sheds
“During the last year, more than a dozen yachts between 50 metres and well over 100 metres have used the Lürssen facilities for modifications and maintenance works. Eight of them alone took place in their Hamburg based Blohm+Voss shipyard. Amongst them were some of the world’s most beautiful yachts such as Lady Moura, Yas, Rising Sun, and Alfa Nero to name but a few.
“Regardless of whether a yacht is a Lürssen or built by another yard, a time will come when it will need a refit, some repair, or even a conversion. This is work that Lürssen undertakes with the German precision which they are world-renowned for.
“And although the work required may differ from ship to ship, the aim is always the same. Once Lürssen has been involved, the yacht’s life expectancy and performance will once again be comparable to that of a new build and the core value will be enhanced.
“Seven shipyards provide ample space to build and refit multiple yachts at the same time in covered sheds and drydocks. Lürssen not only has the space but also the manpower of 700 plus engineers and naval architects, and a multitude of craftsmen to tackle any project – be it a new build, a refit or a conversion.”
Guest Columnist Eric Noyel writes on “Buy, rent or share? Ten tips for owners”
Mine was yacht, for as long as I can remember: as a child, I would browse through magazines, marvelling at the beauty of the scenery where I could cruise to, drooling over the lavishness of the inaccessible lifestyle the owners seemed to enjoy whenever they pleased.
My parents named my brother and I after famous French navigators Eric Tabarly, and Alain Colas, whose adventures I followed during my youth. I thank them for that because yachting is an immense source of happiness now.
So today, I thank yachts for having made me want so much, making me work so hard and finally realising my dream.
In the past few years, running AsiaMarine, I am striving to make yachting more accessible, more affordable and more fun in Asia. Here are a few things worth pointing out about the process.
1 | Do not underestimate one fact you already know: a yacht does cost substantial amounts to maintain. Count 10 per cent annually of the new price as a reasonable estimate, plus or minus 3 per cent depending on age and location of usage. You can choose to spend less, but the boat condition will catch up on you, and end up costing more. No cutting corners here, or outsmarting the sea and Mother Nature.
2 | Buy new or a very recent build, with solid manufacturer warranty and negotiated price. Yes, second hand boats are cheaper at face value, but they can’t compare with newer models, integrating improvements such as technology, comfort, materials, engines, generators, wiring, electronics and safety equipment. You might, very rarely, find a real deal, but unless you know the history well, do not gamble on such an important asset.
3 | For the boat to remain a pleasure and not a burden, do not allocate more than 10 per cent of your net assets to the purchase. Banks recommend 3-5 per cent as more acceptable. I double that to make up for the joy. We only live once. I know people who have “gone overboard” yet are happy as can be.
4 | If it is a big boat, select competent crew, starting with the captain, and pay them well. Crew become part of the family. They keep the boat in good condition and its value high. Finding the right crew is no easy matter, so allocate time to check recommendations from previous employers, and once you have secured competent crew, keep them happy and motivated.
5 | Choose an interior that “nobody dislikes” to ensure a better resale value. The lighter, and the greater perception of space inside, the better.
6 | Decide whether to buy, rent or share in a fractional program based on the location in which you will enjoy your boat. For urban usage, I find fractional to be more reasonable in cities like Hong Kong and Singapore, where you use the boat for short periods. In a holiday destination, either charter or buy outright.
7 | Assess how often you will use the yacht in a year : Below 3 usages: charter. Between 3-8 usages: fractional. Above 8 occasions: own the boat.
8 | If you go fractional, use a professional framework. I will brag now as the one my company created is my biggest pride: www.asiamarine.com program. If you find a flaw in it, or something unfair, you win a charter for free. Do not jeopardize a friendship by neglecting to clarify all the issues that will arise when owning a yacht. Having a professional program helps avoid misunderstandings.
9| Optimise enjoyment by having your boat managed, for administration, accounting, licensing, maintenance and crewing, at a negotiated price by a reputable company. Do not become the slave of your captain and crew.
10 | Buy the right boat for your needs by answering basic questions: is your aim to relax with the family, party all night, cruise through high-seas, host business dinners, commute quickly from one place to another… finding the right boat is key to a happy experience, and can generate substantial savings, as you won’t pay for what you don’t need.
Plans for Orion Span’s Aurora Station, the world’s first luxury space hotel, were announced recently at the Space 2.0 Summit in San Jose, California. Launching in 2021 and open for guest stays the next year. As a growing number of people are eager to fulfil the space-age dream, get ready, for your next big vacation to infinity and beyond.
The luxurious Vienna Suite from the set of Passengers, a 2016 sci-fi film
Touted as the world’s “first affordable luxury space hotel” by Orion Span founder and CEO Frank Bunger, a 2-day stay will cost 9.5 million USD as Space reports. This is a significant dip compared to trips ticketed between $20 million to $40 million USD to the International Space station.
Courtesy of Orion Span
The Aurora Station will be produced alongside employees with expertise in design and operation in ISS. The hotel will be manufactured in Houston, Texas and its coinciding software will be developed in the Bay Area.
According to Space, Aurora Station’s spans 43.5 feet long by 14.1 feet wide, comparable to the cabin of a large private jet. The luxury space hotel can host four guests and two crew members, orbiting at an altitude of 200 miles above earth (lower than ISS’ 250 miles). Bunger casts his long-term vision to sell residence in these budding projects. “We’re calling that a space condo. So, either for living or subleasing, that’s the future vision here — to create a long-term, sustainable human habitation in LEO [low earth orbit].”
Moon Express is also embarking on a similar space mission. True to its name, this US company is targeting to launch to the moon within a decade. Its founder Mr Naveen Jain has suggested tickets could sell for as little as $10,000.With celebrity backers such as Mr Pharrell Williams and will.i.am, Moon Express has managed to raise $450m of funding.
2021 seems to be a good year of prospects, as billionaire US hotelier Mr Robert Bigelow also plans to launch an inflatable space hotel under his company Bigelow Aerospace. In fact, one of his inflatable Bigelow Space Operations pods already attached to the ISS in 2016. Artistic renderings of the space hotel shows ample storage areas, battery boxes, gym, “personal quarters” and a place labeled “personal hygiene equipment”. Rooms are prospected to be priced at “low eight-figure sums”.
Bigelow, the founder of Budget Suites of America hotel chain in 1987, had his head in the stars since he was 12 years old. Determined in a future in space travel, he decided to ‘choose a career that would make him rich enough that, one day, he could hire the scientific expertise required to launch his own space program’.
Dreams do come true, cheers with piña coladas in space!
