18 of the best new yachts from Cannes
We rounded up the Cannes Yachting Festival debuts to put at the top of your shopping list.
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Cannes is best known for its May film festival, but the Yachting Festival de Cannes (September 11-16) marked the official start of the boat-show season in Europe. Fifteen years ago, Cannes was just a regional event, but it has since become the must-attend for every major yacht builder in the world.
The largest yacht at Cannes, the 157-foot Baglietto 48m T-Line, seems small compared to the largest yachts at the Monaco Yacht Show (September 26 to 29). But the Cannes show’s 120 world premieres dwarves every other boat show on the globe.
This year’s event had nearly 600 boats in the water and on the docks at the Vieux Port and Port Canto (where brokerage yachts are displayed), along with water-toy and tender sections.
One of the primary attractions of the show is its location on the French Riviera. The beautiful, blue Mediterranean makes an exceptional backdrop (and a great place to sea-trial the yachts), while the French cafés, chic shops, and seafood restaurants are just steps from the show.
Here are some of the hottest new debuts this year.
#1 Princess Yachts R35
A collaboration between Ben Ainslie Racing Technologies and Pininfarina gave birth to the UK-based Princess Yachts R35 sport yacht, debuting in Cannes this year. America’s Cup technology channeled into the Princess Active Foil System means less drag for the R35, providing stellar stability, comfort, and manoeuvrability in all sea conditions. Italian car-design firm Pininfarina — known for its work on such marques as Ferrari, Maserati and Alfa Romeo — designed the lightweight carbon-fibre monocoque hull. Side air blades maximise engine airflow and mange stern turbulence, improving comfort all the while. Two aluminium V8 engines give the boat a 50-knot top-end speed — the fastest Princess ever. Posh interiors by Princess remind us that it’s a yacht.
#2 Cantieri Estensi 380 America
The 38-foot 380 America from Italian yard Cantieri Estensi is the first of the new line of America yachts — and it comes in several fun colours and multiple options. With design and engineering by Zuccheri Yacht Design, this timeless-looking, lobster-style, centre-console yacht has the option of two cabins down below, or just one large open-plan space. Plus, choose from a cockpit kitchen or a below-decks one. And then pick which engine: two 280hp or a pair 370hp Volvo Pentas. You can also decide to use it as a weekend cruiser, or pair it up with your superyacht to be used as a tender. So many decisions.
#3 Bladerunner 45 GT
Combining a performance hull with a luxury topside can be tricky, since most yacht builders can either do one or the other, but rarely both. Bladerunner’s new 45 GT, premiering at Cannes from Ice Marine in the UK, accomplishes both missions. The 45-footer reaches a top end of 50 knots, thanks to its stepped hull, designed to funnel air so it lifts the boat higher over the water, and triple 370hp D6 Volvo Penta engines. The GT designation, standing for Grand Tourer, kicks in above the waterline, with a big sunbed on the open stern, enclosed social area in the cockpit and a very generous cabin below. The Bladerunner has GT-like features rarely seen on any yacht, including electric side windows, suspension seats for rough-water running and a superyacht’s electronics package. Belowdecks, plenty of natural light fills the contemporary cabin, thanks to overhead glass panels and side windows. If 50 knots is just not enough, Ice Marine can up the speed to 70 knots (128 km/h) for “specialist” applications.
#4 Mazu 52
Known for quirky, unconventional but well-built day boats from 38 to 82 feet, Mazu’s new 52-footer will raise the bar in the luxury weekender category. Launched at Cannes, the 52 shares the high bow and protected cockpit of its siblings, along with big sunbeds, tables and lounges in the cockpit and an open transom. But the two-cabin interior is a departure for Mazu. The new design offers not only superior protection in big seas (thanks to the closed-in bow), but also a much more comfortable overnight experience. Mazu dressed the interior in soft Foglizzo leathers, with classy Bianca marble veneers laid over a lightweight aluminium substrate. The hull layup includes a high percentage of carbon-fibre in the sandwich construction, with a full carbon-hard hardtop. Mazu is more conscious than most builders in keeping its boats as light as possible, without compromising strength. The 52 will be powered by twin Volvo IPS 800 engines that deliver a top speed of 36 knots, with a cruise of 32 knots.
#5 Bluegame 62
Just the name Bluegame sums up the fun mission of this new launch. The much larger sibling of the Bluegame 42 has a walk-around design that squeezes every centimetre of usable space out of the topsides. That includes that sun cushion on the hardtop, an area that is never used for people. The designers included plenty of other room to roam around the cockpit, including a large sunbed on the foredeck and an even larger sunbed in the center cockpit, with yet more sunbeds and lounges facing the stern of the yacht. The wide-open transom puts you about 30 centimetres above open water. The aft platform of the stern is designed for carrying a tender and lowers into the water for easy launch and retrieval. Though this 62 screams day-boat, the interior includes a full-beam master suite, forward cabin, and saloon with a large couch that seats eight, opposite the galley. One of the more exciting categories as this year’s Cannes show will be luxury day-boats, and while this yacht suits that category, anyone interested in this handsome boat will soon find out that they won’t be shortchanged belowdecks, either.
#6 Ferretti Yachts 670
The Ferretti Yachts 670 flybridge yacht sports exterior design by Filippo Salvetti — his first for the brand — and the Ferretti Group, and an interior also designed by the Ferretti Group. The 67-foot yacht sports a 25-square-metre flybridge with loungers, bar, dining table and settee, and a foredeck fitted with lounging space. An open-plan main deck provides a spacious feel, as do the numerous windows. Belowdecks guests will find an amidships full-beam master suite, a full-beam VIP stateroom forward, and a twin cabin. An optional version comes with a single captain’s cabin. Ferretti offers two engine choices: either a pair of 1,000hp or 1,200hp MAN diesel engines, which propel the 670 to either 28 or 32 knots. The yacht’s cruise speed is 25.
#7 Sunseeker Sport Yacht 74
The new 74 Sport Yacht from British boatbuilder Sunseeker has its world premiere in Cannes. Borrowing design and performance features from the Sunseeker Predator 74, the 74 Sport Yacht offers up a huge flybridge, with helm station, seating, dining and sunbathing spaces. A bimini shade and wet bar are optional. A large sun pad and U-shaped dining area forward of the helm on the foredeck provide an excellent location for a sunset cocktail or a meal with an amazing view.
The 74 Sport Yacht transforms into an open yacht when the weather is nice or a closed yacht when it’s not, thanks to a cockpit door that lowers itself into the sole of the yacht — kind-of like a convertible.
Oversized windows and a helm sunroof provide the main-deck areas with all kinds of natural light. Seating and dining areas have unobstructed 360-degree views. A galley and three en-suite cabins are belowdecks: The master stateroom sits aft, a VIP stateroom is forward, and a twin cabin is starboard. A crew cabin is situated next to the garage.
This 74-foot yacht sports a 38-knot max speed, a cruising speed of 28, and a range of 330 nautical miles. The tender garage stows an optional Williams 395 SportJet.
#8 CCN Freedom
CCN’s Freedom, owned by fashion designer Roberto Cavalli, makes its world premiere in Cannes. The fully custom 88-foot yacht, which is part of CCN’s Fuoriserie line, was designed by Cavalli along with his friend and designer Tommaso Spadolini. The yacht’s strong exterior lines and bold interior reflect Cavalli’s personality. He aimed for maximum privacy while still allowing for close proximity to the water. This can be seen in several locations. Situated aft of the helm station, Cavalli’s master suite takes over the whole main deck, while a skylight bathes the space in natural light. In addition, the aft cockpit sports privacy curtains so he can relax on deck without being seen. Up top on the flydeck is another private area with a helm station. Two guest staterooms and crew quarters are housed down below. A tender is stored on the foredeck. With both an aluminium hull and superstructure, as well as three waterjet engines, Freedom boasts a top speed of 40 knots.
#9 Numarine 26XP
Making its global debut at Cannes, Numarine’s 26XP represents the new breed of mini-expedition yachts. Along with its sister the 32XP (making its European debut at Cannes), the 85-foot 26XP has a highly efficient hull, high freeboard and intrepid profile, and a special flybridge that covers about two-thirds of the hull’s length. The bridge has 100 square metres of usable deck space, allowing owners and guests to find their own private areas with space left over on the aft deck for a tender.
The yacht has a generous, full-beam saloon on the main deck, with full-height windows, a dining area, and settees for congregating. Designer Cal Yalman also left abundant space belowdecks for the four staterooms, including the full-beam master suite amidships, where the yacht is widest. A VIP and two twins comprise the other three. Numarine worked with Silent Line to make the yacht as noise- and vibration-free as possible, using techniques that are more often applied to superyachts. The yacht comes in a displacement-hull version, which has a maximum speed of 13.5 knots. At eight knots, its range is 3000 nautical miles. The semiplaning version has larger engines and pushes the 85-footer to an impressive 28 knots.
#10 Dominator Ilumen Cadet V
Austrian-owned, Italy-based shipyard Dominator presents its fifth Ilumen 28m superyacht, the series that made news last year with its first hull, Kalliente. The 92-foot semi-custom Cadet V sports an efficient semi-displacement hull and a shaft propulsion system, with further technological and interior tweaks taken from suggestions by those familiar with the first few hulls. Yacht designer Alberto Mancini created the exterior, and Dominator chief designer Luca Catino crafted the interior. Cadet V’s owner is a fan of artist Stefano Curto, whose work incorporates thousands of colourful Swarovski crystals. Several of his pieces are featured on the yacht.
Floor-to-ceiling windows on the main deck are great for the mesmerizing Curto work hanging in the main saloon — and not bad for views and natural light either. The yacht sleeps eight guests in four staterooms, including an owner’s suite that this owner extended for space. In addition to the owner’s suite, Cadet V offers up three staterooms — a full-beam master and two VIPs — on the lower deck. Crew quarters accommodate three crew members.
The yacht carries a Williams Jet Tenders SportJet 395 and a Radinn Wakejet, plus toys, in its tender garage, and its beach club provides easy access to the water. Cadet V boasts a maximum speed of 21 knots and a cruise speed of 14.
#11 Benetti Delfino 95
Benetti has been building boats since 1873, but there is nothing traditional about the new Delfino 95, named Christella III. The superstructure, all curves and wave patterns, is arguably the most contemporary semicustom design the Italian builder has launched for many years. But the yacht’s function extends far beyond its form. Benetti has turned the traditional foredeck into an outdoor sun platform, with a large sunbed forward and a set of lounges on the next level up. The section is actually on the same level as the rear flybridge deck, so owners and guests can simply walk around the sides, instead of going through the interior and climbing stairs to reach the different areas. The 95 also has a private nook above the hardtop, where the captain can drive or guests can huddle in a small group for the best view on the water. The interior design by Achille Salvagni, the Rome architect who made his name in contemporary homes, is curved, fluid and as unorthodox (but beautiful) as the exterior. A forward, full-beam master suite on the main deck provides plenty of space for Christella III’s owners, while the dining area and saloon in the rear are comfortable but elegant gathering areas. On the deck below are four staterooms for eight guests. The Delfino 95 can also accommodate five crew in three cabins. This newest Benetti is a nice departure for the storied brand: not too far out there, but wild enough to set it apart from the rest of the 100-foot pack.
#12 Azimut Grande 32 Metri
The Azimut Grande 32 Metri, which premiered at Cannes, has a muscular-looking exterior from Stefano Righini, but the Achille Salvagni interior is all curves and light. Salvagni, known for whimsical but elegant rooms, designed the 105-foot Azimut yacht with custom table lamps and overhead fixtures as well as bespoke furniture. The master suite has full-height windows that bathe the sleeping area in natural light. Righini designed excellent usable space across the exterior, with a large beach club at the stern and a flybridge divided into a dining area, central social area, and relaxation area in the bow (with a mini-Jacuzzi). Twin 2200hp MTU engines give the boat a top speed of 26.5 knots.
#13 Arcadia 105
From its start in 2005, Arcadia set out to be a different kind of yacht builder. Some of its defining characteristics: eco-conscious without compromising comfort and luxury, large interiors with lots of thermally insulated glass, hybrid propulsion, convertible exterior spaces and solar panels integrated into the hull. The Italian builder was so far ahead of its time that it now has many imitators.
Its new 105, which will make its world debut at Cannes, ticks all the builder’s boxes in a supersized way. Its upper deck has a skylounge that opens into the aft sun lounge, creating 56 square metres of relaxation area. A dining table seats up to 10 on the rear of this deck, but seating space can double by using the forward area. The owner of the first 105, his third Arcadia in seven years, also mandated custom features like a master suite with its own set of stairs for privacy, a winter garden at the front of the boat that doubles as a children’s play area, and three other staterooms that include two VIPs and a double. The builder offers 50 choices of interior layout, so the new eco-superyacht can be configured to just about any taste.
#14 Conrad C133
Arguably the hottest studio in superyacht design, UK-based Reymond Langton was behind the contemporary but elegant look of the new Viatoris, the 133-footer from Conrad shipyard. The designers did away with the usual stacked wedding-cake look, and instead introduced curves to the rear of the upper decks that lend an air of individuality to its blue-and-white profile, while also providing an exceptional view for the owners and guests. Besides the unusually ornate interior, the 133 differs from other yachts in its class with the four balconies that open outward on the main deck (two on in the master suite and two in the aft saloon) that give an open-air feel to these areas. The owner uses Viatoris as a home on the water, rather than a weekend retreat, which explains the full-beam master suite, generous social spaces on the bridge and sundecks, and custom interior.
#15 Chaser 500R
Nobody can beat the Italians at fast, luxury rigid-hulled inflatables, except maybe a Dutch company called Chaser Yachts. Powered by triple 400hp Mercury outboards, its new 500R promises to be a very fast boat, with a top speed that passes 55 knots. Chaser designed the 50-footer as a tender for a superyacht, but it would make an outstanding weekend boat with its two cabins, protected cockpit, and open transom. Yacht designer Guido de Groot did a masterful job with the exterior design, making it look sleek and safe, while the aluminium construction of the hull and rubber inflatable tubes promises seaworthiness and longevity. The 500R at Cannes will be hull number one, but Chaser says it can customise any part of the boat for each owner’s tastes.
#16 Sanlorenzo SL102
Italian builder Sanlorenzo has made its name with clever designs on stylish-looking yachts. The new SL102 launched in Cannes does not disappoint: instead of having two decks that run on both sides of the interior, the designers decided to use only the starboard deck, which freed up about 10.2 square metres for the interior. That makes a noticeable difference in the yacht’s livability, especially since it made the yacht wider rather than longer. The saloon, which seems more like a waterside villa, also has a fold-down balcony that makes the interior area feel even larger. The SL102 is built on a planing hull, so it’s much faster than the majority of displacement 100-footers on the water. With its twin 2216hp MTU diesels, it reaches a top end of 28 knots.
#17 Cantiere delle Marche Nauta Air 110.19
Known for its strong, but lightweight hulls, the 110-foot Nauta Air 110.19 from Cantiere delle Marche was among the line-up in Cannes. Featuring naval and interior architecture by CdM and Nauta Design, the Nauta Air line of yachts is designed to keep an equilibrium between indoor and outdoor spaces, accomplished in part by large windows. The 110.19 houses 12 guests in five staterooms — with the help of two pullman beds — as well as seven crewmembers in four cabins. The yacht’s two Caterpillar C18 engines propel the Nauta Air to a maximum speed of 13 knots with a range of 5000 nm if cruising at 10. Zero Speed stabilizers keep the ride a smooth one.
#18 Custom Line 120
Making its world debut at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival, the Custom Line 120 takes aspects of automotive, aeronautical, and residential design, as well as that of racing power yachts, to create a sporty planing superyacht, the first penned by Francesco Paszkowski Design.
A highlight of the Custom Line 120 is the glass door between the aft cockpit and the main saloon. It rests at a 45-degree angle and, to open, it tilts up into the ceiling, as well as opening horizontally. This makes for a true indoor/outdoor living space. Francesco Paszkowski and the Ferretti Group designers created the interior decor. Besides the main-deck master suite, four en-suite staterooms reside belowdecks: two VIPs and two singles. Crew quarters are forward and include four cabins.
The flybridge offers up a hot tub and lounging space as well as stairs that lead to the forepeak dining and lounging area. Two garages are located at water level — one at the stern and one forward. All told, the 120 can carry two tenders and a three-person jet ski.
The new hull design reduces resistance and, with its pair of MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines, hits a top speed of 25 knots. Its cruise speed is 21, but in the 120’s “economical cruising speed” of 11 knots, the yacht has a range up to 1100 nm.
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Watch of the Week: TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith
The legendary sports watch returns, but with an unexpected twist.
Over the last few years, watch pundits have predicted the return of the eccentric TAG Heuer Formula 1, in some shape or form. It was all but confirmed when TAG Heuer’s heritage director, Nicholas Biebuyck, teased a slew of vintage models on his Instagram account in the aftermath of last year’s Watches & Wonders 2023 in Geneva. And when speaking with Frédéric Arnault at last year’s trade fair, the former CEO asked me directly if the brand were to relaunch its legacy Formula 1 collection, loved by collectors globally, how should they go about it?
My answer to the baited entreaty definitely didn’t mention a collaboration with Ronnie Fieg of Kith, one of the world’s biggest streetwear fashion labels. Still, here we are: the TAG Heuer Formula 1 is officially back and as colourful as ever.
As the watch industry enters its hype era—in recent years, we’ve seen MoonSwatches, Scuba Fifty Fathoms, and John Mayer G-Shocks—the new Formula 1 x Kith collaboration might be the coolest yet.
Here’s the lowdown: overnight, TAG Heuer, together with Kith, took to socials to unveil a special, limited-edition collection of Formula 1 timepieces, inspired by the original collection from the 1980s. There are 10 new watches, all limited, with some designed on a stainless steel bracelet and some on an upgraded rubber strap; both options nod to the originals.
Seven are exclusive to Kith and its global stores (New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Hawaii, Tokyo, Toronto, and Paris, to be specific), and are made in an abundance of colours. Two are exclusive to TAG Heuer; and one is “shared” between TAG Heuer and Kith—this is a highlight of the collection, in our opinion. A faithful play on the original composite quartz watch from 1986, this model, limited to just 1,350 pieces globally, features the classic black bezel with red accents, a stainless steel bracelet, and that creamy eggshell dial, in all of its vintage-inspired glory. There’s no doubt that this particular model will present as pure nostalgia for those old enough to remember when the original TAG Heuer Formula 1 made its debut.
Of course, throughout the collection, Fieg’s design cues are punctuated: the “TAG” is replaced with “Kith,” forming a contentious new brand name for this specific release, as well as Kith’s slogan, “Just Us.”
Collectors and purists alike will appreciate the dedication to the original Formula 1 collection: features like the 35mm Arnite cases—sourced from the original 80s-era supplier—the form hour hand, a triangle with a dot inside at 12 o’clock, indices that alternate every quarter between shields and dots, and a contrasting minuterie, are all welcomed design specs that make this collaboration so great.
Every TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith timepiece will be presented in an eye-catching box that complements the fun and colour theme of Formula 1 but drives home the premium status of this collaboration. On that note, at $2,200 a piece, this isn’t exactly an approachable quartz watch but reflects the exclusive nature of Fieg’s Kith brand and the pieces he designs (largely limited-edition).
So, what do we think? It’s important not to understate the significance of the arrival of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 in 1986, in what would prove integral in setting up the brand for success throughout the 90’s—it was the very first watch collection to have “TAG Heuer” branding, after all—but also in helping to establish a new generation of watch consumer. Like Fieg, many millennial enthusiasts will recall their sentimental ties with the Formula 1, often their first timepiece in their horological journey.
This is as faithful of a reissue as we’ll get from TAG Heuer right now, and budding watch fans should be pleased with the result. To TAG Heuer’s credit, a great deal of research has gone into perfecting and replicating this iconic collection’s proportions, materials, and aesthetic for the modern-day consumer. Sure, it would have been nice to see a full lume dial, a distinguishing feature on some of the original pieces—why this wasn’t done is lost on me—and perhaps a more approachable price point, but there’s no doubt these will become an instant hit in the days to come.
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The TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith collection will be available on Friday, May 3rd, exclusively in-store at select TAG Heuer and Kith locations in Miami, and available starting Monday, May 6th, at select TAG Heuer boutiques, all Kith shops, and online at Kith.com. To see the full collection, visit tagheuer.com
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8 Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know About Aston Martin
The British sports car company is most famous as the vehicle of choice for James Bond, but Aston Martin has an interesting history beyond 007.
Aston Martin will forever be associated with James Bond, ever since everyone’s favourite spy took delivery of his signature silver DB5 in the 1964 film Goldfinger. But there’s a lot more to the history of this famed British sports car brand beyond its association with the fictional British Secret Service agent.
Let’s dive into the long and colourful history of Aston Martin.
The origin of the Aston Martin name
The company that would become Aston Martin started out as a car dealership. In 1912, Englishmen Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin partnered to sell cars, but soon after they decided to build their own models. Their first prototype debuted in 1915, named in honour of Martin, a racing driver, and his favourite racing venue, Aston Hills. Thus, the name Aston Martin was born.
A speed-demon co-founder banned from driving
Aston Martin co-founder Lionel Martin wasn’t just a keen racing driver—he was an all-out speed demon. As a student, Martin won numerous gruelling bicycle racing records, including riding nearly the full width of England in one 22-hour stretch. He competed in motorcycle and sidecar races and automotive hillclimb competitions. It seems he also brought that need for speed to the public roadways: In 1909, having neglected to pay a previous speeding fine, Martin was caught driving 41.5 km/ph in London and was banned from driving for two years—during which he set yet another cross-country bicycle record.
A tractor company takes over
The years after World War I were tumultuous for Aston Martin, with financial difficulties and numerous takeovers. In 1947, Aston Martin went up for sale and was purchased by David Brown Limited, a company that specialised in farm tractors and industrial gears. Sir David Brown, grandson of the company’s founder, was a lifelong car enthusiast and racer, having built his own competition cars while working as an engineer at the family company. The first car built by Aston Martin after this takeover was called the DB1, named after the tractor company (and the man) that had saved the carmaker.
An indirect connection to Bentley
Around the same time that Sir David Brown took over Aston Martin, he purchased another struggling British carmaker, Lagonda. The company was developing a revolutionary twin-cam six-cylinder engine called the LB6, and Sir David wanted the engine for his new line of Aston Martin sports cars. The Lagonda engine had been designed by none other than W.O. Bentley—the man who co-founded Bentley Motors, who had long since been pushed out of the company bearing his name.
The history of the DB Series
Aston Martin built seven vehicles named in honour of owner Sir David Brown: The DB1, DB2, DB3, DB4, DB5, DB6, and the combo-breaker DBS all bore Sir David’s initials. In 1972, Sir David sold the car company, and the new owners ended the DB series of vehicles, but the name was revived in 1993 with the DB7 in honour of Sir David—who himself was given an honorary position at the company that same year.
Bond, James Bond
Of course, the most famous Aston Martin of them all is the DB5. Just over 1,000 examples were built between 1963 and 1965, but millions worldwide know this as the James Bond car. In the books, author Ian Fleming had specified an earlier Aston Martin DB Mark III as Bond’s car. Still, the DB5 was introduced in the 1964 Bond film Goldfinger, equipped with gadgets including machine guns, smoke screens, oil slicks, an ejector seat, and rotating license plates. Bond has driven several Aston Martin models over the years, including a V8 Vantage, a V12 Vanquish, and two DBS models, but the original DB5 will always be considered the quintessential Bond car.
The angular years
Today, the Aston Martin badge is most closely associated with swooping, evocatively curvy car designs, but in the 1970s the company was obsessed with angular, wedge-shaped designs. The trend began in 1976 with the Aston Martin Lagonda, a shockingly unconventional four-door luxury sedan with “folded-paper” body styling and the world’s first all-digital instrument panel. The Lagonda’s styling was further evolved in 1979 with the Bulldog, a radical concept car with gullwing doors and a sharply pointed nose. The Bulldog was meant to become the fastest road car on earth, but the project was abandoned before production could begin.
For Bond’s eyes only
While most of James Bond’s Aston Martins have been commercially available to anyone who could afford one, the DB10 seen in the 2015 film Spectre was exclusive to 007. As Aston Martin executive Marek Reichman explained to Variety, director Sam Mendes, producer Barbara Broccoli, and Bond star Daniel Craig were touring Aston Martin’s design studios when they saw a concept sketch on the wall. The Bond team insisted that this should be 007’s next car, and Aston Martin spent the next six months furiously working to turn the drawing into a real-world car. The DB10 was unveiled during the launch of the film Spectre, and eight of the 10 examples built were featured in the movie, with the remaining two used for promotional appearances.
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What Venice’s New Tourist Tax Means for Your Next Trip
The Italian city will now charge visitors an entry fee during peak season.
Visiting the Floating City just got a bit more expensive.
Venice is officially the first metropolis in the world to start implementing a day-trip fee in an effort to help the Italian hot spot combat overtourism during peak season, The Associated Press reported. The new program, which went into effect, requires travellers to cough up roughly €5 (about $AUD8.50) per person before they can explore the city’s canals and historic sites. Back in January, Venice also announced that starting in June, it would cap the size of tourist groups to 25 people and prohibit loudspeakers in the city centre and the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
“We need to find a new balance between the tourists and residents,’ Simone Venturini, the city’s top tourism official, told AP News. “We need to safeguard the spaces of the residents, of course, and we need to discourage the arrival of day-trippers on some particular days.”
During this trial phase, the fee only applies to the 29 days deemed the busiest—between April 25 and July 14—and tickets will remain valid from 8:30 am to 4 pm. Visitors under 14 years of age will be allowed in free of charge in addition to guests with hotel reservations. However, the latter must apply online beforehand to request an exemption. Day-trippers can also pre-pay for tickets online via the city’s official tourism site or snap them up in person at the Santa Lucia train station.
“With courage and great humility, we are introducing this system because we want to give a future to Venice and leave this heritage of humanity to future generations,” Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said in a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter) regarding the city’s much-talked-about entry fee.
Despite the mayor’s backing, it’s apparent that residents weren’t totally pleased with the program. The regulation led to protests and riots outside of the train station, The Independent reported. “We are against this measure because it will do nothing to stop overtourism,” resident Cristina Romieri told the outlet. “Moreover, it is such a complex regulation with so many exceptions that it will also be difficult to enforce it.”
While Venice is the first city to carry out the new day-tripper fee, several other European locales have introduced or raised tourist taxes to fend off large crowds and boost the local economy. Most recently, Barcelona increased its city-wide tourist tax. Similarly, you’ll have to pay an extra “climate crisis resilience” tax if you plan on visiting Greece that will fund the country’s disaster recovery projects.
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Omega Reveals a New Speedmaster Ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics
Your first look at the new Speedmaster Chronoscope, designed in the colour theme of the Paris Olympics.
The starters are on the blocks, and with less than 100 days to go until the Paris 2024 Olympics, luxury Swiss watchmaker Omega was bound to release something spectacular to mark its bragging rights as the official timekeeper for the Summer Games. Enter the new 43mm Speedmaster Chronoscope, available in new colourways—gold, black, and white—in line with the colour theme of the Olympic Games in Paris this July.
So, what do we get in this nicely-wrapped, Olympics-inspired package? Technically, there are four new podium-worthy iterations of the iconic Speedmaster.
The new versions present handsomely in stainless steel or 18K Moonshine Gold—the brand’s proprietary yellow gold known for its enduring shine. The steel version has an anodised aluminium bezel and a stainless steel bracelet or vintage-inspired perforated leather strap. The Moonshine Gold iteration boasts a ceramic bezel; it will most likely appease Speedy collectors, particularly those with an affinity for Omega’s long-standing role as stewards of the Olympic Games.
Notably, each watch bears an attractive white opaline dial; the background to three dark grey timing scales in a 1940s “snail” design. Of course, this Speedmaster Chronoscope is special in its own right. For the most part, the overall look of the Speedmaster has remained true to its 1957 origins. This Speedmaster, however, adopts Omega’s Chronoscope design from 2021, including the storied tachymeter scale, along with a telemeter, and pulsometer scale—essentially, three different measurements on the wrist.
While the technical nature of this timepiece won’t interest some, others will revel in its theatrics. Turn over each timepiece, and instead of a transparent crystal caseback, there is a stamped medallion featuring a mirror-polished Paris 2024 logo, along with “Paris 2024” and the Olympic Rings—a subtle nod to this year’s games.
Powering this Olympiad offering—and ensuring the greatest level of accuracy—is the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9908 and 9909, certified by METAS.
A Speedmaster to commemorate the Olympic Games was as sure a bet as Mondo Deplantis winning gold in the men’s pole vault—especially after Omega revealed its Olympic-edition Seamaster Diver 300m “Paris 2024” last year—but they delivered a great addition to the legacy collection, without gimmickry.
However, the all-gold Speedmaster is 85K at the top end of the scale, which is a lot of money for a watch of this stature. By comparison, the immaculate Speedmaster Moonshine gold with a sun-brushed green PVD “step” dial is 15K cheaper, albeit without the Chronoscope complications.
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The Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope in stainless steel with a leather strap is priced at $15,725; stainless steel with steel bracelet at $16,275; 18k Moonshine Gold on leather strap $54,325; and 18k Moonshine Gold with matching gold bracelet $85,350, available at Omega boutiques now.
Discover the collection here
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We put Armand de Brignac Blanc de Noirs Assemblage No. 4 under the microsope.
In our quest to locate the most exclusive and exciting wines for our readers, we usually ask the question, “How many bottles of this were made?” Often, we get a general response based on an annual average, although many Champagne houses simply respond, “We do not wish to communicate our quantities.” As far as we’re concerned, that’s pretty much like pleading the Fifth on the witness stand; yes, you’re not incriminating yourself, but anyone paying attention knows you’re probably guilty of something. In the case of some Champagne houses, that something is making a whole lot of bottles—millions of them—while creating an illusion of rarity.
We received the exact opposite reply regarding Armand de Brignac Blanc de Noirs Assemblage No. 4. Yasmin Allen, the company’s president and CEO, told us only 7,328 bottles would be released of this Pinot Noir offering. It’s good to know that with a sticker price of around $1,800, it’s highly limited, but it still makes one wonder what’s so exceptional about it.
Known by its nickname, Ace of Spades, for its distinctive and decorative metallic packaging, Armand de Brignac is owned by Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy and Jay-Z and is produced by Champagne Cattier. Each bottle of Assemblage No. 4 is numbered; a small plate on the back reads “Assemblage Four, [X,XXX]/7,328, Disgorged: 20 April, 2023.” Prior to disgorgement, it spent seven years in the bottle on lees after primary fermentation mostly in stainless steel with a small amount in concrete. That’s the longest of the house’s Champagnes spent on the lees, but Allen says the winemaking team tasted along the way and would have disgorged earlier than planned if they’d felt the time was right.
Chef de cave, Alexandre Cattier, says the wine is sourced from some of the best Premier and Grand Cru Pinot Noir–producing villages in the Champagne region, including Chigny-les-Roses, Verzenay, Rilly-la-Montagne, Verzy, Ludes, Mailly-Champagne, and Ville-sur-Arce in the Aube département. This is considered a multi-vintage expression, using wine from a consecutive trio of vintages—2013, 2014, and 2015—to create an “intense and rich” blend. Seventy percent of the offering is from 2015 (hailed as one of the finest vintages in recent memory), with 15 percent each from the other two years.
This precisely crafted Champagne uses only the tête de cuvée juice, a highly selective extraction process. As Allen points out, “the winemakers solely take the first and freshest portion of the gentle cuvée grape press,” which assures that the finished wine will be the highest quality. Armand de Brignac used grapes from various sites and three different vintages so the final product would reflect the house signature style. This is the fourth release in a series that began with Assemblage No. 1. “Testing different levels of intensity of aromas with the balance of red and dark fruits has been a guiding principle between the Blanc de Noirs that followed,” Allen explains.
The CEO recommends allowing the Assemblage No. 4 to linger in your glass for a while, telling us, “Your palette will go on a journey, evolving from one incredible aroma to the next as the wine warms in your glass where it will open up to an extraordinary length.” We found it to have a gorgeous bouquet of raspberry and Mission fig with hints of river rock; as it opened, notes of toasted almond and just-baked brioche became noticeable. With striking acidity and a vein of minerality, it has luscious nectarine, passion fruit, candied orange peel, and red plum flavors with touches of beeswax and a whiff of baking spices on the enduring finish. We enjoyed our bottle with a roast chicken rubbed with butter and herbes de Provence and savored the final, extremely rare sip with a bit of Stilton. Unfortunately, the pairing possibilities are not infinite with this release; there are only 7,327 more ways to enjoy yours.
