Luxury Yachts
A rare launch ticket for the R.M.S. Titanic

As Titanic is all set to go 3D more no. of memorabilia from the original sunken disaster goes under the hammer. Celebrating 100 years of the tragedy, the new artefact is an unused ticket to the launch of the R.M.S. Titanic printed in black and red, sporting the number “193″.
The ticket has several no. of holes in the attached admission stub so the owner would have witnessed the ship flagging off. Measuring 3-1/4 x 5-3/8 in. (8.25 x 13.8 cm.) the rare ticket is expected to fetch between US$50,000 and $ 70,000.
The tenth 37 meter Heesen Aurelia

Yachts are fascinating in themselves but when it comes to Superyacht they are the most pleasing ones. Today if you look at any yacht business brand they can never be in a state of loss. They are always the most profitable ones. As there is certainly something about the grandeur of a superyacht that drives us to feature an exclusive design or launch, time and again. This time it is the opulent 37 meter Heesen Aurelia from the very popular Heesen Yachts. The yacht was been unveiled before the schedule in June 2011, Aurelia is one such magnificent yacht which will catch anyone’s attention just after her unique exterior color scheme, inspired by Gulf Racing. Her light blue and orange decal evoking an association with this legendary racing team, gives this yacht a sporty and retro feel. The finishing touches are added by the number 10 which is also her hull number.

The entire credit for the exterior design of this lavish beauty goes to Frank Laupman of Omega Architect while Dobroserdov Design deserves a pat on the back for the unique color scheme. The race car inspiration and theme is carried into the interior as well with each guest cabin being named after car designers and the superyacht’s name being a tribute to the first ever GT Lancia Aurelia. (more…)
Island (E) Motion Concept Megayacht will float at the Sustainable Luxury Fair, Paris

The concept of floating island is very much real and thriving. And a floating island on a yacht isn’t something novel either. Having said that, MCM Design Studio’s floating megayacht stands out, considering that it leaves behind 60 percent less carbon footprint than the traditional yacht.

Island (E) Motion, the concept has been designed by Milena Cvijanovich and Dennis Muller. From pictures, the main deck seems like a tropical island in a secluded yet strikingly green part of the world. The furniture and components is said to be made using recycled materials.
India’s Largest Luxury Catamaran

Just after the Fin Min pushed luxury items and vehicles further away from the common man’s grasp, a young SoBo entrepreneur splurged on what is touted to be the country’s largest luxury sail catamaran.

Lagoon, that is the name given to the French beauty, now moored off Gateway, has four bedrooms, a sprawling upper deck and is armed to the teeth with an autopilot mode, automated identification system, life raft, microwaves, refrigerators, LCD TVs, night vision devices and a home theatre. The yacht is 56 feet long and fitted with 110 feet high sails. The identity of the sailing enthusiast who bought the yacht is being fiercely guarded.
Superyacht Laurel is up for grabs
It is a very common affair when you come across those wonderful manmade creations that make you curse your middle class existence and wish for a lavish lifestyle. The creation to have evoked such desires in me is none other than this beauty of a superyacht, the Laurel. The 73 meter Laurel was launched way back in 2006 by Seattle-based Delta Marine. For five years, her owners managed to shield this beauty from the world, but this beauty with her blue hull has finally been revealed to the world. A beauty like no other, the superyacht commands attention with its compelling design and high-tech features.

The credit goes to Donald Starkey for styling the exterior, interior space planning as well as interior design of the superyacht. Her interiors perfectly live up to the expectations set by the stunning and stylish exteriors. The main aft deck with a spacious outdoor seating, consisting of two symmetrically placed arrangements of chairs, sofas and coffee tables screams comfort and luxury. The main saloon does not break the theme of comfort and luxury set by the main aft deck and is situated around an octagonal carpet. Soft, shapely sofas and chairs only add to the charm of this space. The dining room with its large windows on either side redefines grand dining. A staircase takes you to the different spaces of this luxury yacht. The owner’s suite offers optimum privacy with a separate lobby and study areas.

The bathroom is very thoughtfully done with two separate shower areas and his and hers walk in wardrobes on either side. Guest cabins are configured into five doubles and one twin, all situated on the lower deck and large en suite bathrooms, two offering luxurious bathtubs and four fitted with big shower areas. With an impressively sized crew of 25, the remainder of crew cabins can be found four of the lower deck and on the tank deck. Spacious enough to accommodate a total of 14 guests, the Laurel promises one luxurious sea voyage. The upper deck is designed is perfect for entertaining with ample space and privacy. An informal sky lounge located adjacent the remarkably spacious aft deck, makes this space perfect for entertaining. There is also a library that can be converted into a media room. A private al fresco dining area, additional outdoor seating and large fixed sofas make up the upper deck. An aft sundeck area and Jacuzzi, the latter adjacent to the vessel’s very own herb garden, and sunbeds and loungers aplenty make it a perfect space for sunbathing. But here is the best part.
Europeans still think cruises are safe despite tragedy

As per a poll by cruise ship operator MSC published on Tuesday, most Europeans still think cruises are safe despite the Costa Concordia shipwreck tragedy on January 13 that claimed 32 lives, according to a poll by cruise ship operator MSC published on Tuesday.
The poll by the Interactive Institute of 2,524 people in France, Germany, Italy and Spain found that 78.5 percent of respondents considered cruises a safe way to travel. The poll was conducted before another accident in the Indian Ocean on the Costa Allegra, a ship from the same fleet as the Costa Concordia, in which a fire left the vessel without engine power and electricity.
The confidence rate in Italy rose to 98 percent for people who have already gone on at least one cruise in their life.
According to MSC director Domenico Pellegrino, they are sure that we are getting out of the slowdown in bookings seen since January and that we can therefore interpret as a decision to delay bookings rather than giving up on cruises. The Costa Concordia crashed off an Italian island with 4,229 people on board including 3,200 tourists from 60 countries.
Killer Whale Submarine

Personalized submarine is a very old concept; it is as late as the Seabird and the $2 million submarine that had been in news since long now. This is the time for the Killer Whale Submarine to give you one wild ride on that ocean! The streamlined, two-person watercraft designed after the Ornicus orca is made to breach and submerge in the ocean like its former counterpart.
It is way below the watertight ½” thick acrylic conopy, the pilot can push and pull twin control levers to imitate the whale’s pectoral fins for rolls and stealthy dives. The craft boasts of a 255-hp supercharged Rotax axial flow engine that allows you to perform tasks like porpoising or skyhopping. The watercraft is even capable of hydroplaning up to 50 mph over the water’s surface and cruising up to 25 mph while being submerged. It is facilitated with the dorsal fin’s integrated snorkel that ensures air supply to the engine up to a depth of 5’.
The cockpit has a dashboard that is complete with speedometer, tachometer, engine, air pressure gauges and an LCD that displays live video from the dorsal fin’s built-in camera. The pilot and passenger’s safety is ensured by the Vinyl seats with closed-cell foam upholstery and four-point racing harnesses.
Feadship superyacht “Qi” concept

Feadship will showcase the latest Feadship Future Concept called Qi at the 2012 Dubai show which was launched at the 2011 Monaco Yacht Show. The 56 meter (183.75 ft) concept yacht is named after the Asian concept for the life force that’s presumed to surround and flow through all creation.
Feadship luxury motor yacht Qi has in store four guest suites on the lower deck, each with a private terrace. The main deck lounge can be converted into a cinema with a 180-degree screen, an entertainment/party space or a seating area for relaxation. Hull doors amidships fold out to reveal a large spa and a portside gym. The sun deck boasts a camp-style fireplace, a central feature in the middle of the Jacuzzi.
A high level of privacy of her guests is also achieved while still offering open panoramas and provides easy access to the water. The luxurious, yet-to-be-built Qi will, with a combination of main engine and diesel electric generators, have a top speed of 16 knots and a 5500 nautical mile maximum range.
O’Pati is a finalist for the World Superyacht Awards 2012

The O’Pati spoils you with a variety of spacious outerdeck areas like the bow area, flybridge and main aft deck. The flybridge however is the most inviting with its large sunbeds. The bow area with its sofa sets and sunbeds is great for lounging and get-togethers. The aft deck with its retractable awning is the perfect setting for breakfasts and dinners. The interiors flaunt an Italian theme with materials like leather, wood and high quality fabrics taking center stage. The main saloon is decked in a palette of whites, creamy and subtle golden tones that perfectly blend with the natural dark woods.
A luxuriously sized central sofa in the lounging space and a comfortable dining area make the salon an inviting place. The Master stateroom occupies the lower deck and does not break the opulent theme of the main salon. Walk around wardrobe and en-suite bathroom, including a separate shower, are just some of the features of this stately room. There are also two more double cabins, equally luxurious that are located on the lower deck of this high-end superyacht. There are also two twin suites, which make this superyacht a perfect abode for a party of 12 luxury lovers. A three-seater waverunner, 4.8 meters Evinrude Zodiac and Bombard Typhoon 280 Aero tenders and a large collection of equipment for snorkeling, water-skiing, fishing and wakeboarding provide entertainment for the guests.
Ferrari Powered Hydroplane to be auctioned

As per reports, this impressive Ferrari Hydroplane set an unrivalled world record in 1953 and is now set to fetch around $1.5 million at RM Auctions’ Monaco Sale. Developed in 1952 by wealthy Italian industrialist Achille Castoldi and Ferrari Grand Prix racers Alberto Ascari and Luigi Villoresi, the speedy craft, propelled by a 4500cc V12, handily won the world speed record the following year.
The boat piloted by Castoldi averaged speeds well over 150 mph in 1953. It broke the 24 nautical miles record in the 800 kg category as the Arno XI averaged 102 mph. The current unnamed owner acquired the racing boat over 20 years ago, restoring it to mint condition, and it is now being sold at auction.

