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During my 30 years in marine publishing, I’ve been on board hundreds of
boats of every type and in every stage of construction and operation, in destina-
tions most people only see on vacation. You’re not likely to hear me complaining
about my career choice, especially when I’m able to log time on the largest, most
spectacular yachts in the world.
While the largest yachts on our Top 100 list (see the feature in this issue)
have remained the same the past few years, a bulge has been forming at 260
feet and above. An increasing number of builders are focusing on this happen-
ing market segment. We see the gems they produce on visits to shipyards and at
events such as the Cannes Yachting Festival and Monaco Yacht Show, but under
those circumstances, we’re not always able to spend as much quality time with
the yachts as we’d prefer.
There are notable exceptions though. Take the trip I made to Mallorca, in
Spain’s Balearic Isles, a few months ago. Dutch builder Amels invited me there
to inspect the largest yacht the yard has built to date: the Limited Editions 272, Here Comes
the Sun.
In the new world of super-secret superyachts, this event was notable on several fronts. First,
the yacht’s owners were gracious enough to loan Amels the boat for photography and journal-
ist visits. Second, Amels arranged to have on hand interior designer Andrew Winch, exterior
designer Tim Heywood and representatives from the yard for detailed interviews. And third, I
was treated to a memorable lunch prepared by a first-class chef and served by a talented crew,
followed by a cruise down the island’s dramatic coastline. Throw in some Dom Perignon and
first-rate rosé, and it becomes a pretty swell day at work, eh?
You can read about Here Comes the Sun in this issue. She made the list of the top 100 largest
yachts in the world this year, and she’s magnificent. I flew 9,000 miles round-trip for the plea-
sure of seeing her up close and experiencing a taste of what her owners will enjoy this summer
and in coming years. I guess I don’t have to tell you: I’d trade that kind of day in the office for
any on the phone or in front of the computer screen. I know you would too.your assignment: Toss us a line. If you like what you’re reading in Yachts International— or even if you don’t— we want to hear from you.
Email comments to our editorial team at: [email protected]Inside Information
D
espite what friends and family think, I spend
most of my workdays in front of a screen or on the
phone. For a journalist, that has its own rewards,
but in my business, the payoff comes when I’m able to step
aboard some of the coolest consumer products on Earth.Kenny Wooton
Editor-In-Chieffrom ThE masThEad
oWnEr’s manual
There are some things in boating you can’t prepare
for no matter how much you plan. Knowing how
your boat operates and how to maintain it pro-
vides a sense of security, regardless of where you
are or what kind of boat you own. The aIm marine
Group is offering an online education series called
Boaters university that kicks off in July with marine
diesel maintenance and Troubleshooting. Taught
by leading mechanical experts, this 11-installment
series will provide attendees with the tools to keep
engines purring and ready. other topics will follow.
To register for the Boaters university e-newsletter
visit boatersuniversity.com