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.

By Geri Ward, Danielle Cutler 19/09/2018

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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Escape from the Ordinary

Ponant, the luxury cruise line known for its meticulously planned itineraries and high-end service, ups the ante on their upcoming European Journeys that promise an unrivalled exploration of the Mediterranean.

By Robb Report Team 19/02/2024

Not all cruises are created equally. Ponant, the luxury cruise line known for its meticulously planned itineraries and high-end service, ups the ante on their upcoming European Journeys that promise an unrivalled exploration of the Mediterranean. From the stunning Amalfi Coast to the pristine Greek Islands, the narrow Corinth Canal to the picturesque Dalmatian coast, historic Istanbul and beguiling Malaga, each destination is a unique adventure waiting to be unravelled. With Ponant, these aren’t just locations on a map; they’re experiences that come alive with the intimate knowledge and insight that their expert guides provide.

Ponant’s luxury cruises are renowned for their individuality, with no two journeys the same. This is not by chance. Itineraries are scrupulously designed to ensure that each passenger is left with a feeling of having embarked on a journey unlike any other.

Athens-Venise. Photograph by N.Matheus. ©PONANT

In 2025, their fleet will set sail for a combined 56 departures from March to October, exploring the dreamy locales of Greece and the Greek Islands, Malta, Italy (including Venice and Sicily), Croatia, France, Turkey, Spain and Portugal. These European Journeys offer an intimate encounter with the Mediterranean, its people and culture. As you cruise in luxury, you’ll dive deep into the heart of each destination, exploring historic sites, engaging with locals, sampling scrumptious cuisine and soaking in the vibrant atmospheres.

The company’s small, sustainable ships, which can accommodate from as few as 32 to 264 guests, have the exclusive ability to sail into ports inaccessible to larger cruise liners, affording privileged entry into some of the world’s most treasured alcoves. Picture sailing under London’s iconic Tower Bridge, crossing the Corinth Canal, or disembarking directly onto the sidewalk during ports of call in culturally rich cities like Lisbon, Barcelona, Nice and Venice, among others.

Photo by Tamar Sarkissian. ©PONANT

This singular closeness is further enriched by destination experts who unravel the tapestry of each locale’s history and traditions.

Onboard their luxurious ships, every guest is a VIP and treated to refined service and amenities akin to sailing on a private yacht. Whether at sea or ashore, their destination experts guarantee a fascinating experience, immersing you in the rich cultural and historical diversity of each region.

Indulge in the finest gastronomy at sea, inspired by none other than gastronomic virtuoso and Ponant partner, Alain Ducasse. Each voyage offers an expertly crafted dining experience, from a-la-carte meals with perfectly matched wines by the onboard Sommelier at dinner and lunch, to a French-inspired buffet breakfast, featuring all the favourite pastries, fresh bread and quality produce.

Chef Mickael Legrand. Photograph by NickRains. ©PONANT

For a more intimate discovery, consider Le Ponant, with its 16 high-class staterooms and suites—perfect for private charter—sailing eight exclusive routes between Greece and Croatia, offering guests unparalleled experiences both onboard and ashore. Ponant’s commitment to crafting unforgettable experiences extends beyond itineraries. Aboard their ships, the luxury is in every detail. Unwind in opulent cabins and suites, each offering private balconies and breathtaking views of the azure water and destinations beyond.

Ponant’s upcoming European Journeys are more than just cruises—they’re your passport to a world of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and unrivalled luxury. Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on the voyage of a lifetime: the Mediterranean is calling.

To book European 2025 sailings visit au.ponant.com; call 1300 737 178 (AU) or 0800 767 018 (NZ) or contact your preferred travel agent.

 

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Saint Laurent Just Opened a New Bookstore in Paris. Here’s a Look Inside.

The chic new outpost is located on the city’s arty Left Bank.

By Rachel Cormack 14/02/2024

Saint Laurent is taking over even more of Paris.

The French fashion house, which only just opened an epic new flagship on Champs-Élysées, has launched a chic new bookstore on the Left Bank. Located in the 7th arrondissement, Saint Laurent Babylone is a mecca of art, music, literature, and, of course, fashion.

The new outpost is a tribute to the connection that Yves Saint Laurent and partner Pierre Bergé had to the Rue Babylone, according to Women’s Wear Daily. (In 1970, the pair moved to a 6,500-square-foot duplex on the street.) It is also inspired by the house’s original ready-to-wear boutique, Saint Laurent Rive Guache, which opened in the 6th arrondissement in 1966.

The exposed concrete in contrasted by sleek marble accents. SAINT LAURENT

With a minimalist, art gallery-like aesthetic, the space is anchored by a hefty marble bench and large black shelves. The raw, textured concrete on the walls is juxtaposed by a soft blue and white rug, a wooden Pierre Jeanneret desk, and sleek Donald Judd stools.

The wares within Saint Laurent Babylone are the most important part, of course. Curated by Saint Laurent’s creative director Anthony Vaccarello, the collection includes everything from photos by British artist Rose Finn-Kelcey to books published by Saint Laurent itself. Some tomes on offer are so rare that white gloves are required for handling.

The store also offers an enviable selection of records that are no longer being pressed. Highlights include Sade’s Promise, Kate Bush’s Hounds of Love, and the debut studio album of electronic band Kraftwerk.

Other notable items on the shelves include Leica cameras, chocolates made in collaboration with pastry chef François Daubinet, prints by Juergen Teller, and brass skull sculptures. You’ll also find an assortment of YSL merch, including pens, lighters, and cups.

To top it off, Saint Laurent Babylone will double as an event space, hosting live music sessions, DJ sets, book readings, and author signings over the coming months.

Saint Laurent’s latest endeavor isn’t exactly surprising. With Vaccarello at the helm, the Kering-owned fashion house has entered new cultural realms. Only last year, the label established a film production company and debuted its first movie at Cannes.

The space is fitted with a Pierre Jeanneret desk and Donald Judd stools.
SAINT LAURENT

Perhaps Saint Laurent film reels and movie posters will soon be available at Babylone, too.

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The Best Watches at the Grammys, From Maluma’s Jacob & Co. to Jon Batiste’s Vacheron Constantin

Music’s biggest names sported some outstanding watches on Sunday evening.

By Rachel Mccormack 08/02/2024

Weird yet wonderful watches punctuated this year’s Grammys.

The woman of the moment, Taylor Swift, who made history by winning Album of the Year for an unprecedented fourth time, wore an unconventional Lorraine Schwartz choker watch to the annual awards ceremony on Sunday night. That was just the tip of the horological iceberg, though.

Colombian singer-songwriter Maluma elevated a classic Dolce & Gabbana suit with a dazzling Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon and a pair of custom, diamond-encrusted Bose earbuds, while American musician Jon Batiste topped off a stylish Versace ensemble with a sleek Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon. Not to be outdone, rapper Busta Rhymes busted out a rare Audemars Piguet Royal Oak for the occasion.

There was more understated wrist candy on display, too, such as Jack Antonoff’s Cartier Tank LC and Noah Kahan’s Panerai Luminor Quaranta BiTempo.

For the rest of the best watches we saw on the Grammys 2024 red carpet, read on.

Maluma: Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon

Maluma busted out some truly spectacular bling for this year’s Grammys. The Colombian singer-songwriter paired a classic Dolce & Gabbana suit with a dazzling Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon and a pair of custom, diamond-encrusted Bose earbuds. The sculptural wrist candy sees a four-arm movement floating in front of a breathtaking dial adorned with no less than 257 rubies. For added pizzaz, the lugs of the 18-karat rose-gold case are invisibly set with 80 baguette-cut white diamonds. Limited to just nine examples, the rarity is priced at $1.5 million.

Asake: Hublot Big Bang Essential Grey

Nigerian singer-songwriter Asake may not have won the Grammy for Best African Music Performance for “Amapiano,” but did wear a winning Hublot Big Bang at Sunday’s proceedings. Released in 2023, the Essential Grey model is made purely of titanium for a sleek, uniform feel. The 42 mm timepiece was limited to just 100 pieces and cost $37,000 a pop.

John Legend: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding

Multihyphenate John Legend wore a legendary Audemars Piguet with silky Saint Laurent on Sunday evening. The self-winding Royal Oak in question features a 34 mm black ceramic case, a black grande tapisserie dial, and striking pink gold accents. The watchmaker’s signature is also displayed in gold under the sapphire crystal. The piece will set you back $81,000.

Jon Batiste: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon

American musician Jon Batiste received four nominations but no wins at this year’s Grammys. The “Butterfly” singer can take solace in the fact that he looked ultra-sharp in Versace and Vacheron Constantin. A tribute to the spirit of travel, the Overseas Tourbillon features a 42.5 mm white-gold case, a bezel set with 60 baguette-cut diamonds, and a blue dial featuring a dazzling tourbillon cage inspired by the Maltese cross. Price upon request, naturally.

Fireboy DML: Cartier Santos

Fireboy DML’s outfit was straight fire on Sunday night. The Nigerian singer paired an MCM wool jacket with a Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet, several iced-out rings, and a sleek Cartier Santos. The timepiece features a steel case, a graduated blue dial with steel sword-shaped hands, and a seven-sided crown with synthetic faceted blue spinel.

Noah Kahan: Panerai Luminor Quaranta BiTempo

Best New Artist nominee Noah Kahan wore one of Panerai’s best new watches to Sunday’s festivities. The Luminor Quaranta BiTempo features a 40 mm polished steel case and a black dial with luminous numerals and hour markers, a date display at 3 o’clock, and a small seconds subdial at 9 o’clock. The timepiece can be yours for $14,000.

Busta Rhymes: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore

Legendary rapper Busta Rhymes busted out a chic Audemars Piguet for this year’s Grammys. The Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph in question is distinguished by a 42 mm rose-gold case and a matching pink méga tapisserie dial with an outer flange for the tachymeter scale. The face is fitted with three black subdials, large black numerals, and a black date display at 3 o’clock. You can expect to pay around $61,200 for the chronograph on the secondary market.

Jack Antonoff: Cartier Tank Louis Cartier

Producer of the year Jack Antonoff took to the red carpet with a stylish Cartier on his wrist. The Tank Louis Cartier in question appears to be a large 33.7 mm example that features an 18-carat rose-gold case, a silvered dial with black Roman numerals and blued steel hands, a beaded crown set with a sapphire cabochon, and a brown alligator strap. It’ll set you back $19,900.

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This 44-Foot Carbon-Fiber Speedboat Can Rocket to 177 KMPH

The new Mayla GT is available with a range of different powertrains, too.

By Rachel Cormack 03/02/2024

We knew the Mayla GT would be one of the most exciting boats at Boot Düsseldorf, but a deep dive into the specs shows it could be downright revolutionary.

The brainchild of German start-up Mayla, the 44-footer brings you the blistering performance of a speedboat and the luxe amenities of a motor yacht in one neat carbon-fiber package.

Inspired by the go-fast boats of the 1970s and ‘80s, the GT sports an angular, retro-futuristic body and the sleek lines of a rocket ship. Tipping the scales at just 4500 kilograms, the lightweight design features a deep-V hull with twin transversal steps and patented Petestep deflectors that help it slice through the waves with ease. In fact, Mayla says the deflectors decrease energy usage by up to 35 percent while ensuring a more efficient planing.

The range-topping GT can reach 185 kph. MAYLA

The GT is also capable of soaring at breakneck speeds, with the option of a gas, diesel, electric, or hybrid powertrain. The range-topping GTR-R model packs dual gas-powered engines that can churn out 3,100 hp for a top speed of more than 100 knots (185 kph). At the other, more sustainable end of the spectrum, the E-GT is fitted with an electric powertrain that can produce 2,200 horses for a max speed of 50 knots. The hybrid E-GTR pairs that same electric powertrain with a 294 kilowatt diesel engine for a top speed of 60 knots (111 km/h/69 mph). (The GT in the water at Boot sported two entry-level V8s good for 650 hp and a top speed of over 70 knots.)

The GT is suitable for more than just high-speed jaunts, of course. The multipurpose cockpit, which can accommodate up to eight passengers, features a sundeck with sliding loungers, a wet bar and BBQ, and a foldaway dining table for alfresco entertaining. Further toward the stern, a beach club sits atop a garage with an electric transom door.

The garage has an electric transom door. MAYLA

The GT is even fit for overnight stays. Below deck lies a cabin with a double bed, sofa, wardrobe, vanity, and en suite. You can also expect a high-tech entertainment system with TVs and premium audio.

As for price, the GT with the entry-level powertrain will cost between $2.7 million and $2.9, depending on the final configuration. (You can fine-tune the layout, hull color, and interiors, naturally.) Interested buyers can set up a sea trial with Mayla, with test-drives set to begin this spring in Europe.

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First Nations artist Shaun Daniel Allen joins forces with Chopard to create a timepiece inspired by the Australian landscape.

By Horacio Silva 29/01/2024

Shaun Daniel Allen does not look like your typical collaborator on a prestige watch. For one, Shal, as he prefers to be known (“There are many Shauns but only one Shal,” he explains), is more heavily tattooed than your average roadie. His youthful appearance, bad-boy ink and all, belies his 38 years and leads to a disconnect. 

He recounts being recognised on the street recently by a journalist, who, unable to remember his name, shouted out, “Chopard!” “I was with a friend,” Shal says, holding court in his apartment in Sydney’s inner city, “and he’s, like, ‘What the hell? Does that happen to you often?’”

Perhaps because of his body art, he reasons, “People don’t put me and Chopard together.” It’s not hard to understand the confusion, Shal adds; even he was taken aback when Chopard reached out to him about a potential collaboration a little more than a year ago. “When I first went in to see them, I was, like, I don’t know if I’m your guy. I’m not used to being in those rooms and having those conversations.”

He’ll have to adapt quickly to his new reality. Last month Chopard released Shal’s interpretation of the Swiss brand’s storied Alpine Eagle model, which in itself was a redo of the St. Moritz, the first watch creation by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele (now Co-President of Chopard) in the late 1970s. 

Previewed at Sydney’s About Time watch fair in September, to not insignificant interest, and officially known as the Alpine Eagle Sunburnt, the exclusive timepiece—issued in a limited edition of 20—arrives as a stainless steel 41 mm with a 60-hour power reserve and a burnt red dial that brings to mind the searing Outback sun. Its see-through caseback features one of Shal’s artworks painted on sapphire glass.

When the reputable Swiss luxury brand approached Shal, they already had the red dial—a nod to the rich ochre hues of the Australian soil at different times of the day and gradated so that the shades become darker around the edges—locked in as a lure for Australian customers.

Shal was charged with designing an artful caseback and collectible hand-painted sustainable wooden case. After presenting a handful of paintings, each with his signature abstract motifs that pertain to indigenous emblems, tattoos and music, both parties landed on a serpentine image that evoked the coursing of rivers. “I have been painting a lot of water in this last body of work and the image we chose refers to the rivers at home,” he says, alluding to formative years spent at his grandfather’s, just outside of Casino.

It says a lot about Chopard, Shal points out, that they wanted to donate to a charity of his choosing. “Like everything else on this project,” he explains, “they were open to listening and taking new ideas on board and it actually felt like a collaboration, like they weren’t steering me into any corner.”

In another nice touch, a portion of the proceeds from sales of the watch will go to funding programs of the Ngunya Jarjum Aboriginal Corporation—an organisation, established in 1995 by Bundjalung elders, whose work Shal saw firsthand after the 2022 eastern Australia flood disasters ravaged their area. “Seeing Ngunya Jarjum suffer from the floods,” he says, “and knowing how much they do for the community on Bundjalung Country was heartbreaking. I want to see Bundjalung families thriving and supported.”

So what’s it been like for this booster of Australian waterways to be swimming in the luxury end of the pool? “I’ve done a few things with brands,” he offers, referring to the Louis Vuitton project earlier this year at an art gallery in Brisbane, “but nothing on this scale. It’s definitely fancier than I’m used to but I’m not complaining.” Neither are watch aficionados.

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