on 4 Nov 2021
In our latest issue, we reflect on technological advancements in the boating industry – particularly those that promise to have a positive effect on the environment. Also inside: We take stock of the most desirable yacht deliveries in this part of the world from January 2020 till now; report back from the recent Cannes and Monaco shows; meet the founder of Hynova Yachts, Chloé Zaied; and hear about the lesser-visited southwestern Pacific Ocean islands of Melanesia, where diverse cultures offer truly unique superyacht cruising.
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I’m glad to be back in the fold at¬†APB.¬†And what better issue to re-join than one with some focus on the perennial movement of technology within boating.
Our November/December 2021 issue starts with a Comments section featuring the thoughts of two veterans from different fields. First, Paolo Bertetti, Italian shipyard Sanlorenzo’s technical and R&D vice president, looks at advancements in onboard smart functions, as well as exterior and interiors. Also exploring this theme is long-time yacht user and broker Gordon Hui, currently senior consultant broker with Camper & Nicholsons Asia. Hui focuses on user-experience, tech-aided enhancements and reveals how – in some instances – their knock-on effects can be positive for the environment.
Meanwhile, French yacht brand Beneteau is pushing ahead with new tech and applications. Yann Masselot, director of the Beneteau brand, long-known in Asia for its sailing yachts, talks about how Beneteau’s motoryachts are increasingly in demand in the region, especially China – and hints that progressively cleaner models lie ahead in upcoming launches. In addition, Masselot reports good sales of the new Grand Trawler 62 – read our Spotlight review on this yacht by European editor Ryan Swift, who attended its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival.
Staying in tech mode, we also meet the founder of Hynova Yachts, Chlo√© Zaied, who recently presented her prototype of the Hynova 40 – the world’s first hydrogen-powered open motor yacht – at Cannes.
As well as reports of what went on at the Cannes and Monaco Yacht Shows, some of our regular Spotlight yacht reviews take a look at premieres from the shows. The buzz at these events was very much intact, albeit with Covid-19 restrictions in place.
Back in the Asia-Pacific, we ask: with pandemic-affected logistical and manufacturing delays, what were some of the most desirable yacht deliveries in this part of the world from January 2020 till now?
In our Blue Planet section, Anna Cummins writes an enlightening account of a marine ecology operation at a newly designated conservation area in Hong Kong’s Ma On Shan, which has recently launched a starfish recovery programme by enlisting the help of citizen volunteers.
Speaking of Hong Kong: while travel restrictions have long been strict in the territory, and its yachting industry continues a pandemic-related boom (like much of the world), we take a look at the new edition of the book Cruising Hong Kong, produced by locally based veteran boater and photographer Guy Nowell.
Finally, we hear about the lesser-visited southwestern Pacific Ocean islands of Melanesia, where diverse cultures offer truly unique superyacht cruising.
Happy year-end, all.