Meet The Boat Lovers Who Bought The Shipyard

Combine boating passion with a famous-but-struggling brand, and boaters come to the rescue.

By Julia Zalzman 12/04/2022

When Steve Heese and his financial partner Stephen Julius purchased the assets of Chris-Craft in 2000, they were buying the world’s most historic boat name. But the company itself was in tatters, victim of absentee owners who had turned the brand into a me-too builder that was more about commodity than standout product.

Heese and Julius saw more than a mothballed factory and sprawling model lineup. Heese admits it sounds trite, but he and Julius saw the “brand’s promise.”

“I grew up boating and was looking for a new adventure in my career,” says Heese. “I was lucky to find an opportunity where my passion for boating aligned with my investment plans.” After the two Steves acquired Chris-Craft, they whittled the model lineup back to four models and focused on giving it a high-end, retro look, with a higher price point and smaller dealer base.

Yacht owners who bought the shipyards

Through the 1980s, Chris-Craft was the world’s best-selling boat. By 2000, it was bankrupt. Courtesy Chris-Craft

Chris-Craft went from a commodity to a luxury product that appealed to a smaller, more affluent customer base. Heese says it took three years before the company made a profit, and despite many bumps that corresponded with general economic conditions, it is now building 17 models with record production numbers from its Sarasota, Fla., facility. Heese, who sold the company with Julius to Winnebago in 2018, has remained on as its president.

“So many people work in boating because it eliminates the line between what they love and what they do,” says Heese.

The yachting industry has a somewhat checkered history of owners buying the boatbuilder they love. With it comes all the uncertainties and idiosyncrasies of boatbuilding. Some succeed, many fail. But the common thread among the successful owners is a vision for reinventing the brand without jettisoning its past.

Yacht owners who bought the shipyards

Twenty-two years after its bankruptcy, Chris-Craft has found its place among high-end day boats. Courtesy Chris-Craft

Heese says the boating world is full of names that all started with passionate owners. “I think you’d have to be a boater to own one of these companies,” he says. “You wouldn’t understand the needs of the customers and what they really want from their boats.”

Today’s list of boaters/yard owners includes Marc Giorgetti, owner of the 33-metre sailing yacht CeFeA. Giorgetti became so involved in the design of his custom-built Solaris that he was invited to become business partner and CEO.  Hans Georg Näder, owner of Baltic Yachts, was so impressed with his 45-metre Baltic Pink Gin sailing yacht that he bought the company. Ali Sayakci, yacht owner and founder of Evadne Yachts, applies the experiences he gained aboard the trawler he owned in his 20s to the explorer boats his yard in Turkey builds today.

A number of famous builders also have new owners navigating them towards healthier chapters following recent financial failures. Richard Hadida, who acquired Oyster Yachts in 2018, says his yacht ownership experience is the biggest reason he chose to purchase the UK shipyard.

Yacht owners who bought the shipyards

Richard Hadida had owned and sailed his Oyster Lush for years. When he heard the company was in trouble, he bought the yard and expanded its lineup. Courtesy Oyster Yachts

“I had never built a boat in my life,” Hadida told Robb Report. “But when I learned the company was in administration I thought that was a tragedy.”

A software entrepreneur, Hadida approached the yacht-building game as an end user, which is why he thinks he was the right person for the turnaround that has taken place at Oyster. He’d started boating young, preferring speedboats. But at 30, he did a night passage in Greece aboard a chartered sailboat. “I discovered during that magical night how incredible sailing is,” he says.

After years of different sailboats, he settled on an Oyster 885 named Lush, which he shared with the boat’s owner, former F1 boss Eddie Jordan. “It ticked every box and is the yacht I ended up buying,” says Hadida. “Eddie shared it with me, and now I share it with him.”

Yacht owners who bought the shipyards

Moonen always seemed like an underachiever among leading Dutch brands. No more. Here, the recently launched 118-foot Martinique in front of Amsterdam’s harbour. Courtesy Moonen

Hadida has focused on retaining Oyster’s quality while adding three new models to its portfolio—the 1225, 595 and 565—with a 495 in the pipeline.

Matthew and Louise Baxter, who acquired Dutch shipyard Moonen in 2019, have a similar story. The Australian couple first laid eyes on a 25-metre Moonen named Aurora in a harbour north of Sydney. When they discovered the builder was in liquidation, they moved from buying the yacht to buying the yard.

“That is what I do for a living—take underperforming assets and companies and turn them around,” Matthew told Robb Report.

Yacht owners who bought the shipyards

Matthew and Louise Baxter first saw a Moonen north of Sydney. A turnaround specialist, Matthew realised the brand’s potential and acquired the yard. After three years, a new generation of Moonens are being built and sold. Courtesy Moonen

“We’re a sailing family,” adds Louise. “We always look for quality in a boat. We’ve invested in new equipment at the yard because we can’t expect the workforce to build quality without the right tools.”

Among the globally known Dutch yards, Moonen was seen as a strong brand, but an underachiever. The last Moonen sold was in 2014. “They basically gave it away,” says Louise. In the past two years, Moonen has sold four boats and last December launched the 36-metre Botti, the third yacht in its semi-custom Martinique series.

The Baxters have yet to build a Moonen for themselves, but the experienced boaters spent 20 years sailing around the Pacific on a Swan 62. They sold the Swan when they bought the yard, but have kept their 50-year-old New Zealand-built wooden sailing boat named Barbarian. They have since bought a 18.9-metre Fleming for day tripping. “We’re combining Matthew’s expertise in the management of construction with our love of sailing,” says Louise.

Yacht owners who bought the shipyards

Dominator went from a regional Italian builder to a global name by moving to larger, cutting-edge designs. Above is the Ilumen 28 metre with its foldout swim platform. Courtesy Dominator Yachts

Austrian entrepreneur Wolfgang Pernsteiner bought the Italian yard Dominator in 2010, and quickly had his 20-something CPA daughter, Angela, take charge of the company. The family had owned other Italian brands in the past, but their favorite boat had always been a Dominator.

When they bought the troubled builder, it was a small, regional brand. The Pernsteiners saw how they could bring it global with new, innovative designs. Today, the Italian builder is working on yachts from 79 to  124 feet.

Angela Pernsteiner says that it all comes back to the original passion for boating. “In an industry as complex as yachting, you must be in love with boats if you want to see a change and bring new designs to the water,” she told Robb Report. “Every year we reach beyond what has previously been seen.”

Yacht owners who bought the shipyards

Ferhunde and Ali Sayakci, owners of Evadne Yachts, aboard the fold-down swim platform of one of their explorer yachts. Ali came up with the idea of a modern-day explorer line after owning a rough-and-tumble trawler in his 20s. Courtesy Eviadne Yachts

The latest, and arguably most ambitious, boater-buys-builder story is Cigarette Racing in Miami, Fla. Cigarette has been an icon for performance boats since 1969, when founder Don Aronow launched the brand.

The company has gone through different iterations, never abandoning its go-fast roots while also branching into high-performance fishing boats. It’s one of the few companies in this story that wasn’t acquired in a distressed state.

The new owners, John H. Ruiz, a Miami attorney, and Ophir Sternberg, owner of private investment firm Lionheart Capital, have even larger plans, including a new Cigarette-branded jet ski and a 45-metre superyacht that will be built in Europe. The owners bought the company and its Opa-Locka facility last August.

Yacht owners who bought the shipyards

Miami attorney John Ruiz purchased Cigarette Racing last June. He owned five Cigarettes, including the company’s flagship 59 Tirranna (above), before he bought the company. Courtesy Cigarette Racing

“Since the early 2000s, I have owned five different Cigarettes,” Ruiz told Robb Report. “That was one reason I was interested. But from an economic point of view, we felt like this opportunity was the right time.”

Sternberg is not a boater, but sees the potential of growth. “We concluded that Cigarette is best in class, with a lot of legacy around it,” he says. “It also has a great international following, and we tend to keep it that way.”

The two partners, in fact, had both considered purchasing Cigarette separately, and after discovering that, they came together to move the brand forward. The partners see it as a “long-term investment,” according to Sternberg, with the goal of acquiring other boat brands.

Yacht owners who bought the shipyards

Baltic Yachts owner Hans Georg Näder has used his Pink Gin VI to show potential clients what his yard can achieve. Courtesy Baltic Yachts

One reason Ruiz bought Cigarette was because of its oceangoing ride. For years, he has ridden in Cigarettes from Miami to the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. To investigate one personal-injury case, he crossed the Gulf Stream 19 times in his 38 Top Gun. Before buying the company, he’d already owned four Cigarettes, including the company’s flagship 59 Tirranna.

“When you’re out in the open ocean, a Cigarette performs like no other boat,” Ruiz said. “They’re very rugged—it has an incredible ride that ploughs through the ocean. I believe it offers the safest method of transportation. I feel confident in bringing my family on board.”

Which might be one of the best reasons why anyone would ever buy a boat brand.

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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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