The Rolex Sydney To Hobart’s Anticipated Return

Returning this Boxing Day with a thrilling new class, the Rolex Sydney to Hobart is the ultimate open-water sailing race.

By Stephen Corby 24/12/2021

The beasts of Bass Strait come in the night. Waves looming larger than the Sydney Opera House like grey giants in the moonlight. Waves so big that in 2005 they smashed the windows on the Spirit of Tasmania and caused it to turn tail. Waves that toss and torment sail boats with no steel superstructure to hide inside, and yet still, every year, they come. The crazy brave men and women who choose to tackle the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

Mark Richards is the Peter Brock of the event, having won line honours a staggering nine times on various iterations of the Wild Oats super maxis. While Richards sounds like he’s got huge gusts of wind in his sails, when you enquire about what makes this internationally famed ocean race so tough, he suddenly becomes becalmed.

“It’s strange, you know, but a lot of issues in the race, and I’ve had some very difficult moments, they happen at night—that’s just a weird thing about it, and maybe it’s that time of year, it’s the thermal conditions that create the big weather in the night,” he recalls, gently, like someone describing a particularly painful past car crash.

“And then there’s the challenge of just crossing Bass Strait, it can be absolutely brutal. But while anyone can sail during the day, it’s not that easy at night, particularly when the winds get fresh and you’ve got a lot of gear up and you can’t get it down, because it’s just too dangerous in the dark.”

Not only are competitors being thrown almost blind into walls of water, they’re doing so at speed, and they can’t slow down because if they send someone up to drop the sails it might just cost them their lives.

“Those are some interesting times and that’s why you have to really try and get some rest during the day, while the race is going on, so you can get ready for the night time, because that’s when the shit hits the fan,” adds Richards.

The incredible thing about the popularity of the Rolex Sydney to Hobart is we seem to know about Bass Strait—we’ve culturally absorbed a strange sense of pride about having one of the world’s most dangerous stretches of water, yet we never get to see the truly terrifying parts of the race, what the competitors experience, on television.

We just know the stories, particularly those from the 1998 horror show when six people died, five yachts were lost and 55 sailors had to be plucked from the sea in the largest peacetime search-and-rescue effort ever seen in Australia.

That sense of peril—a contrast to the festive start in Sydney Harbour and the joyous celebrations in Hobart—have inspired average Australians to take an interest in sailing, even if only once a year.

Commodore Noel Cornish of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), which runs the event, says Australians tend to think of the race’s popularity as having been built over time and repetition from its 1945 inception. He too thought this—until, that is, he looked back into its history.

“I wondered whether it just got more popular as time went on after starting quite low key,” offers Cornish. “One thing that intrigued me when I read about the history of the race was that even in 1945, it really captured the attention of Australians; that first race was very much
in the headlines, ‘where are the boats? How are they going?’ It was very much in the news, and then one boat wasn’t seen for four days, then it was found.”

It captured the collective imagination, arguably spurred by a post-war need, and has, as Cornish adds, “continued on through the 75-odd years—it’s quite incredible.”

The feeling of warmth that frames the race, emotions tightened and felt even more among the close-knit yachting community that takes part, made last year’s decision to cancel the Rolex Sydney to Hobart, for the first time ever just days before the off, particularly heartbreaking.

“We’d just had the 75th anniversary, a milestone year and a wonderful celebration, and then COVID hit and around the middle of the year it looked like mission impossible. But we decided we’d get our heads down and keep trying, and the closer we got to the race, the more likely it looked, but then we had the [Sydney] Northern Beaches outbreak and then Tasmania closed its borders, and the decision was made for us,” recalls Cornish. “We were all in shock for a very long time and Boxing Day was a very hollow day for those of us that do the race.”

One might assume that part of Cornish’s dismay would have been dealing with some very unhappy sponsors, but he says that while it “certainly wasn’t ideal”, the race is very closely tied to those who back it.

“We have wonderful sponsors. It’s called the ‘Rolex’ Sydney to Hobart for example, and these are people who are very loyal to us and we cherish those sponsorships and it’s something that extends well beyond the race itself, it’s the promotion of the event throughout the year. Rolex is a wonderful sponsor and it’s a brand that’s all about the sense of human endeavour and adventure, and we provide an exciting and challenging adventure for human beings in that race, because there certainly are a variety of different challenges you need to overcome, not to win the race, but just to complete the race.”

The Sydney to Hobart stands Mount Everest-like above other open-water events. For Cornish, who has skippered a crew in the event a dozen times and describes competing as one of the greatest thrills of his life, says the race has become a bucket-list event for yachties.

“Just to do a Sydney to Hobart, just to make it, even once, that’s something a lot of people come for—that’s how it starts, that big tick on the bucket list, but the next thing you know they’re coming back again, and again; the allure of the race is really strong for a lot of people. And there are many different levels to it—it’s not just about winning or line honours, there are many different levels of aspiration, races within races, different classes you can enter.”

Cornish says that while the media spotlight illuminates the winner of line honours, for the yachties in the fleet it’s all about the Tattersall Cup—which goes to the overall winner on handicap.

In 2005, Richards and wonder-boat Wild Oats XI combined to become the first, since Rani won the inaugural event in 1945, to take the trifecta of line honours—setting a record time for the trip and grabbing the coveted Cup. It’s no wonder that most of his memories about the Rolex Sydney to Hobart are hugely positive, particularly those related to the start that stops the nation (albeit a nation moving at fairly sluggish speed given that it’s Boxing Day).

“I’ve done all the big races many times but the Sydney to Hobart is special, it’s just such an amazing race,” says Richards. “And obviously being part of the Australian culture is special and that in itself creates passion and desire of a totally different level.”

The famed skipper points to the dramatic Harbour start. “It’s just such a massive thing—one of the biggest sporting events in the country; the people watching, the boats in the Harbour, the TV, it’s just a massive day, and it’s pretty cool.

“It can be stressful for us in the bigger boats, because the spotlight is on us, and I’ve had fantastic moments and bad moments at the start, and people remember. I met someone this week and they said, ‘oh, do you remember that tack you made that time at the start, what were you thinking?’ And then you’ve got all the challenges it throws you on the way down, and then the finish, and there aren’t many in the world like that, where literally tens of thousands of people come out to the Derwent in Hobart to cheer you on. It’s special.”

Another famous competitor with a deep enthusiasm for the event is Neville Crichton, who raced Touring Cars at Bathurst in the ’80s before switching to ocean racing where he was so successful—winning events all around the globe—that he was named the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year in 2003.

Crichton, 76, has raced in five Sydney to Hobarts—claiming line honours twice in 2002 and 2009 in his boats Alfa Romeo and Alfa Romeo II. In 2017, he became the oldest man ever to compete at the age of 72.

Ask Crichton which one is harder—the high-speed endurance of The Great Race at Bathurst or skippering a boat for a few days of equally dangerous dicing with the elements on the high seas—and he can’t split them. “I’ve been lucky to have a bit of success in both and they’re both tough,” he says. “Yachting is more of a team sport. You’ve got a team of 22 people on a super maxi and everyone’s got to know what every other person on that boat is doing. The helmsman gets all the publicity, but everyone on that team is just as important … But it’s not that different at Bathurst, because the preparation of the car is just as important and it’s still a team sport, with pit stops and so on, and if one person makes a mistake, you’re stuffed, but it’s the driver’s mistakes that get the most focus.

“And in motor racing, it only takes a second here or there and it can cost you the race. But the Sydney to Hobart can be very competitive as well. I remember one year dicing with Wild Oats the whole way—we were in sight of each other at every step. And with racing like that, it’s not just about finding the fastest way down, you’ve got to cover your tail, you’ve got to cover the whole field, think about racing tactics and what your competitors are up to.”

There’s obvious passion in Crichton’s voice—and as his record in two different endeavours shows, he loves winning (which also translates to business, having amassed a personal fortune of $500 million). When he talks about the newcomers who’ll be taking part in this year’s race for the first time, the two-handed racing crews, Crichton is excited about the challenges they’ll face, and almost as if he wouldn’t mind having a crack at it himself.

“The boats the two-handers use are very, very fast and they’re very talented sailors—so it’s not as if it’s a Sunday sailor out there, it’s going to be difficult for two people to do a race like that—if one of you gets hurt, you’re going to have big problems.”

Despite the extra level of difficulty, Commodore Cornish says there’s been heavy demand from two-handed crews keen to be part of the famous race.

“The CYCA is always trying to respect our history and at the same time look for developments and improvements in how we go about doing things. So we decided to introduce two-handed racing to the fleet and it’s proven very popular—we’ve got 104 boats racing this year and 20 of those are two-handed,” says Cornish.

“It is a very tough form of racing, while one of you is resting the other one is on deck making it all happen alone, so they are people who know how to function continuously with very little sleep. They’re amazing boats and amazing people and we’re very much looking forward to seeing them in the race this year.”

Indeed, after the longest break in its history, everyone is looking forward to the Rolex Sydney to Hobart this year.

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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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Red Centre

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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