Big Blue

Eugene Shvidler’s mammoth yacht, Le Grand Bleu, can be seen in the above video in the waters of Antigua. Roman Abramovich either sold or gave this yacht to Shvidler in 2006. This clip was not shot by just any megayacht admirer, but rather a 'superyacht chef," Niall Harbison.

Harbison no longer considers himself a part of the “yachting business,” and instead works full time on his online cooking show. Curious foodies should check out his site for video recipes. His blog shares some of his megayacht musings, such as his all-time favorite yacht.

Vroomin' Around With Vripack

Last week I got the grand tour of what's often called the Yacht Valley in Holland, thanks to HISWA, the Dutch maritime federation. For such a small country, it's amazing how chockful it is of boatbuilders (production and megayacht alike), naval architects, gear companies, and more.

One of the most enjoyable visits was to Vripack, the naval architecture and brokerage firm. I've known the Vripack team for several years, yet I'm always amazed at how many projects and services it tackles at once. The walls were plastered with a dizzying array of profile drawings, G.A.s (a.k.a. deck plans), interior designs, and even engineering drawings. Marnix Hoekstra, who's both the firm's sales director and one of its naval architects, explained how Vripack works closely with builders all over the world, both renowned and unknown, to ensure their boats perform properly.

But instead of simply pointing to drawings and computer monitors to make his point, Hoekstra also arranged for us to experience a ride aboard the Wajer Osprey 37, which Vripack designed for Wajer Watersport, a Dutch builder that emerged on the world scene earlier this decade. The 38-knot boat carves turns like she's on rails and handles like a dream, thanks to Volvo Penta IPS drives and a deep-V hull shape.

But don't just take my word for it—watch her go in this video that I shot. (And if that whets your appetite for more, J&J Marine Yacht Group in Massachusetts is the U.S. dealer.)

Sigma Sighting

Okay, so the music in this video is a bit much, but there's something undeniably hypnotic about it in combination with the singular (and yes, even strange) styling of the yacht Sigma showcased. Unless you've been living under a rock or have somehow otherwise escaped the Internet insanity, you'll recall that Sigma is one of the most hotly debated and highly anticipated megayacht deliveries of the year. People either applaud or are appalled by her design. Personally it ain't my cup of tea, but then again, if I were building a custom yacht, I'd make sure she truly embraced every definition of "custom."

Watch the video, and let me know what you think of her. You'll also find out more about Sigma when our August issue arrives in your mailbox, since she's on our Power & Motoryacht 100 list of the world's largest yachts.

Look Out Above!

Everyone knows you need to check out the bottom before you drop the hook—everyone except for maybe the crew of this freighter. Fortunately, no one was hurt and the tug sustained only minor damage.

In the Middle of Nowhere

Tired of fighting crowds of boats at the local anchorage or waterfront pub? Want to really get away from it all? Then do what I did and head for The Sea of Cortez. The Moorings has a base in La Paz, at the southern end of the Sea from which you can charter--bareboat or captained—a very well-equipped 44-foot power catamaran. The scenery is unbelievably striking, like a lunar landscape surrounded by the bluest water you can imagine. And there's virtually no other boats there.

To give you some idea of just how untouched this area is, check out this video. I shot it from the top of a tiny islet called Isla Coyote (excuse the feet), on which 20 to 30 fishermen somehow live. How's that for an unspoiled vista? Right at the beginning you'll see a small, white building. That's the island's church. Right after that you'll get a quick look at our charter boat off in the distance, and then at the end you'll see a small outboard-powered panga. It belongs to the fishermen, who are headed out to get us a lobster. The cost? About $10 for a 12-pounder.

Look for a feature story with lots of photos in the July issue of PMY.

Live From Miami... It's PMY!

OK, so I stretched the truth there—we won't really be blogging live from the Miami International Boat Show or the Yacht & Brokerage Show, which each start today. But we will be uploading photos and even videos through Saturday on a special page on our Web site.

So if you're planning to visit some of the builders and gear manufacturers that will be exhibiting, you'll get an early look at what's making news. And if you can't attend the show, you'll see some of the boats we'll be testing in our spring and summer issues.

Mighty Madiz

If you've followed the various editions of the Power & Motoryacht 100, no doubt you'll remember Madiz as being one of the oldest in the world. I've had the pleasure of corresponding with her owner, who himself has had the pleasure of becoming quite a celebrity in his native Greece, thanks to the painstaking, three-year refit he had the 106-year-old yacht undergo to be reclassed under Lloyd's rules. He and the yacht were recently on Greek television, and since he shared their story with his fellow countrymen, I thought I'd take it one step further and share the tale with you (don't worry, there are subtitles):

Boating Bloopers

Former President Bush Trying to Dock His Boat

Magic Expandable Yacht Table

Just when I was beginning to think nothing worthwhile can come out of YouTube, I came across this fantastic video. It's a demonstration of how a beautiful hand-made table aboard the megayachtIlona expands to accommodate 12 or more people. Forget adding leaves or folding out extensions, this is true artistry. Called the Fletcher Capstan Table, it was custom-built by DB Fletcher Design. Enjoy!