EDITOR’S NOTE
Parineeta SethiEditor-in-Chief & PublisherDear Reader
Attitude, as they say, is the diff erence between ordeal and adventure. We start the
New Year with an addictively assertive approach to exploration and excitement.
Our voyage begins from Myanmar- the extraordinary land marked with gilded
pagodas. Th e Vintage Luxury Yacht Hotel, a faultless recipe of classical elegance of
the 1920s and the modern amenities of today, gives us a glimpse of the fascinating
splendour of the country from a fi ve-deck Finnish ship on river Yangon. Th e hotel
takes us back to the Roaring Twenties- an era of Art Deco, jazz, palatial cinemas,
movie stars and gigantic stadiums. Th e cover story Castle in the Sea, focuses on
this fl oating hotel which off ers a delectable mix of unforgettable gastronomical
experience, sophisticated high-end business support service and a retreat for
gratifi cation and indulgence.
Further, we take a look at the best 15 yachts in the Asia Pacifi c region. Ranging
from the seven-deck 140 m Ocean Victory owned by Russian billionaire Viktor
Rashnikov to the 65 m Lamima built of iron wood in the traditional phinisi style
of Indonesian wooden sailing ships, it a painstakingly compiled list of engineering
marvels which sail our seas. Fascinatingly, though the main focus might be on
their technological prowess, what is heart-warming is the fact that be it a car dealer
turned sailing specialist, a football club owner or a media magnet, their owners
have one thing in common, the core fuel which drives us all - a passion of all things
beautiful. Moving ahead, It’s a small world focuses on the ever changing dynamic
world of tenders. As fi ttingly penned in the story, “Gone are the days when they
were off -the-shelf infl atable hull dinghies...” Today, tender boats come as chase,
sports or rescue boats and limousine tenders. Th e luxury yacht tender market is
ever expanding and dynamically changing.
Finally, we drop anchor at Koh Samui, the ‘Crown Jewel of Th ailand.’ Th is tropical
island destination is strategically located off ering superyachts the ease to combine
their journeys with a luxurious exotic stay. With the government on its way to
loosening up boating regulations, it will be easier for yachts and superyachts to
dock in Th ai waters, making the destination accessible and patron friendly. Besides,
don’t miss out on the latest newsfl ashes on all the activities in Asia and beyond,
sartorial recommendations for a New Year plus all the not-to-be missed races and
regattas this season.
Happy Yachting!