FROM THE MASTHEAD
INSIDE INFORMATION
Despite what friends and family think, I spend most of my workdays in front of a screen or on the phone. For a journalist, that has its own rewards, but in my business, the payoff comes when I’m able to step aboard some of the coolest consumer products on Earth.
During my 30 years in marine publishing, I’ve been on board hundreds of boats of every type and in every stage of construction and operation, in destinations most people only see on vacation. You’re not likely to hear me complaining about my career choice, especially when I’m able to log time on the largest, most spectacular yachts in the world.
While the largest yachts on our Top 100 list (see the feature in this issue) have remained the same the past few years, a bulge has been forming at 260 feet and above. An increasing number of builders are focusing on this happening market segment. We see the gems they produce on visits to shipyards and at events such as the Cannes Yachting Festival and Monaco Yacht Show, but under those circumstances, we’re not always able to spend as much quality time with the yachts as we’d prefer.
There are notable exceptions though. Take the trip I made to Mallorca, in Spain’s Balearic Isles, a few months ago. Dutch builder Amels invited me there to inspect the largest yacht the yard has built to date: the Limited Editions 272, Here Comes the Sun.
In the new world of super-secret superyachts, this event was notable on several fronts. First, the yacht’s owners were gracious enough to loan Amels the boat for photography and journalist visits. Second, Amels arranged to have on hand interior designer Andrew Winch, exterior designer Tim Heywood and representatives from the yard for detailed interviews. And third, I was treated to a memorable lunch prepared by a first-class chef and served by a talented crew, followed by a cruise down the island’s dramatic coastline. Throw in some Dom Perignon and first-rate rosé, and it becomes a pretty swell day at work, eh?
You can read about Here Comes the Sun in this issue. She made the list of the top 100 largest yachts in the world this year, and she’s magnificent. I flew 9,000 miles round-trip for the pleasure of seeing her up close and experiencing a taste of what her owners will enjoy this summer and in coming years. I guess I don’t have to tell you: I’d trade that kind of day in the office for any on the phone or in front of the computer screen. I know you would too. Kenny Wooton Editor-In-Chief