The Do’s and Don’ts onboard a yacht

Tips on how to behave if you are invited as a guest onboard a yacht

Go barefoot

Deck shoes may be worn, but most guest prefer to go bare feet. Ladies please NO HIGH HEELS, not even if you are invited to a party onboard! Remember this rule before you choose your outfit accordingly! (and get a pedicure)

Boys, make sure your socks don’t have holes in them, else you will be getting all the looks (and not the right ones)

Teak is a precious material and it is very hard to find and very expensive to maintain, having shoes, heels (or red wine stains) are every yacht owners nightmare.

If you have a cut or injury in your feet make sure you inform the crew. I’ve seen some blood stains on white carpet that cause more pain to the owner and crew than for the injured guest onboard.

You can take non slip non marking shoes with you if you are staying on board and do not want to go barefoot, just tmake sure to check with the first mate or captain upon arrival if your shoes are approved.

One at a time

When you are going on the Passarelle, make sure it is only one person going at a time. If there is someone stepping out of the boat, they have the priority so let them get down first before you board. it is very dangerous to have 2,3 people walking on the passarelle at the same time.

Greet the crew

You will be more respected if you have the courtesy to greet the crew, ask for their names, shake their hands and show some respect for the captain on board.

No Touching

There are some valuable art pieces on board, interior design materials, etc can be very delicate! If you are visiting a boat, please keep your hands to yourself! Do not start touching everything that sparks!

Also there are some precious metals or simply stainless steel which once you touch it your finger prints get impressed there and it is a nightmare for the crew to keep it shiny every minute.

Not your bed

If it is not your bed, please refrain from sitting on it, lying on it, or taking pictures. Wait until your guest cabin has been assigned to you.

Keep your glass to yourself

If you are holding a beverage, be mindful of out, don’t leave it on top of the interior furniture for example.

Also it is very dangerous if you place a wine glass for example on the hand rail, it can fall into the deck below or even worst in the neighbor boat and could hurt somebody.

No Red wine available

Most yacht do not offer red wine on board, specially during parties in the port. Red wine stains do not come off the floor teak, and it is simply not worth the risk.

Toilet use

If its the first time you are on the boat and you don’t know how to use the toilets (marine toilets are different from house toilets) it is better that you ask a stewardess on board how to use it. Dont be shy, she will be happy to explain it, as this is preferable than having to unplug a toilet while having guests onboard.

Smoking on board

Most cases smoking is not permitted inside the yacht for safety reasons. Many yachts operate a policy of smoking permitted on deck only, however please checkt he policiy as each yacht varies on their approach regarding smoking.

Fake tan = disaster

Some girls like to spray some self tanning bronzer on their legs or put some tanning cream before going on a boat. The residues of these are left on all sofas, lounging beds, chairs and sun beds on board. Avoid the embarrassment of leaving your leg mark behind.

Soft lugagge

It is advised to pack your personal items in a soft luggage bag, as this makes it easier to store it onboard. Hard case luggage are sometimes quite a challenge to store and takes a lot of space.

Pets

Usually no pets are allowed on board unless previously agreed and permitted by the Owner. Although I must say dogs are an enjoyment on board! However you need to arrange shore stops for dogs them to go do their thing.

Distances

Cruising distances will vary according to the itinerary, the best is to do 6 hours or less per day and be flexible about it.

Weather

You can cruise ONLY if weather permits. The captains main job is your safety, therefore please respect his decision. I’ve seen some instances where the guests get upset if they can’t cruise, but there is a crucial reason for it, therefore the captains decisions over rules the guests decision on this every time.

Respect the captain’s authority at all times, his job is to keep you safe.

Guest Cabins

If you are a guest on a yacht, wait to be assigned a room before you go and settle down in a guest cabin.

Laundry

Most yachts can do small quantities of personal laundry, done by the yachts crew as a service. Please note that these terms also allow the crew to refuse politely to do excessive quantities of laundry on board or to handle delicate items. It may be possible to have certain laundry done ashore professionals if time allows it. These costs will be clearly deducted from the APA.

Volumen Maestro!

If you are on anchor, please, by my guest and jam it up!

However if you are inside a port, please be mindful of your neighbors and keep the music civil after midnight.

TIPS

Gratuity is expected if your charter has been everything you hoped for, it is a mean of appreciation to the crew. Most gratuities are customary, and left at the clients discretion. However to give you an idea, normally they are between 10-20% of the charter cost. The tips will be split equally between the crew depending on the level of service.

Wave runners

in some areas they are restricted, forbidden or require a license based on local operating regulations.

Respect

Don’t be that guy! the one that will never get invited on board again! Click to the article here.

Networking is the No. 1 unwritten rule of success in business, we have all heard the saying “it’s not what you know, but who you know” As Herminia Ibarra once said, “Networking is a lot like nutrition and fitness: we know what to do, the hard part is making it a top priority.” Whereas it should be your priority because your NETWORK is actually your NETWORTH.

I have been in sales all my life, therefore, if I was not networking I was actually not working. Nowadays, during events some people introduce me to others as “Marcela the networking expert, she knows everyone in yachting! But the truth is, I was not a natural networker, it was a skill I had to work on because I was terrified to be alone at events! And even if I was not alone, I would stick to that friend or colleague all day in order to avoid the terrifying “small talk.”

The literal definition of networking means the act of exchanging information with people who can help you professionally. It is basically going to an event filled with impressive people you normally don’t have the chance to speak with, and you’d like to pick their brains and maybe even arrange a coffee meeting to discuss ideas, do business or explore opportunities.

Go! Start networking!

When I first started working in sales,  this used to be my mission “ Go! Start networking  (and a nightmare to be honest)” every time I had to go to a networking event, party or group get-together, I always would end up wondering, “Why did I even come to this thing? And How fast can I leave?

Networking events can be awful. Business conferences or parties full of strangers can be intimidating, and trying to “work a room” is hard!

Here’s the thing I’m here to tell you: Networking doesn’t have to be difficult. I was so tired of going to events that were a waste of time, overwhelming or awkward that I decided to find a way to change it, and I learned some tricks that I will share with you here that will help you make sure you have a successful networking experience!

If you hate going to events or you’re terrified of making an awkward first impression, then continue reading.

First of all, Calm Down

Before you can even start to consider how to approach talking to someone, it’s important to understand why it is you’re getting nervous in the first place?

Start by being self-reflective and asking yourself what’s stopping you from approaching new conversations. The reality is that the reason typically stems from a place of anxiety and the fear of rejection or embarrassment (which everyone in the room is feeling the same way! And knowing this already makes it easier.

Know that we are all “naturals’

Know that humans are social creatures. We thrive by helping each other grow. Nearly everything you accomplish is a result of the people you spend time with. From sharing information about new opportunities to playing an influential role in your personal development, your network – every person you know – is there supporting you along the way. This is why building relationships is such an important skill. Every person you meet is a vault containing a wealth of insight, knowledge and experience. As you get to know people, you get to share that wealth and use it to make your own life richer and more successful.

It’s a game not a task  

The worst thing you can do when it comes to networking is to treat the process like a task. The problem with this is that we then tend to approach the idea of a conversation as a “business proposition.  Then, as a result, the interaction becomes very forced and impersonal and uncomfortable.

Instead, try approaching it more as a strategy for making new friends. Chances are you won’t start a conversation with someone you want to be friends with by extending a business card first (right?)

Some of the best networking I’ve done and some of the best connections I’ve made in the past were the results of actually not talking about work.

Give yourself a task or a goal to accomplish

A great way to meet people at an event is to make a game out of it or to give yourself a goal. One game I like to play is to see how many business cards I can get. I’ll tell myself that by the end of the day I should have 20 new business cards in my hand.

Meet people through other people

The best and easiest way is to hang out with people you know and ask them to introduce you to people. Being introduced through them or joining their conversation will very likely receive a warm welcome and introduction to the person you wanted to be introduced to. Joining the right circle at the right time in an event can make your presence worthwhile.

Conversation starters

I know, beginning a meaningful conversation with a stranger can feel awkward and nerve-racking at first. First of all,  Be positive: Go into the conversation with a positive attitude. Maintain appropriate body language to portray your enthusiasm, like smiling and uncrossing your arms. Take a deep breath: Take a series of deep breaths before initiating the conversation. This will help slow your heart rate and help relieve any nervousness. Go to the restroom if you need to play some positive affirmations on youtube or Spotify to give you that confidence boost.

Here are some ideas to open up a conversation.

Talk about the weather

Beautiful day, isn’t it?

Can you believe all of this rain we’ve been having?

Did you order this sunshine?

About the Party or Event

So, how do you know John? (the name of the host)
It looks like you could use another drink.
Are you enjoying yourself?
Pretty nice place, huh?

Personal questions

• Where are you from?
• What brings you here?
• What company do you work for?
• How is your day been?
• Have you been here before?
• You look like you could need a drink.

Talking about current events

• Did you catch the news today?
• What do you think about this transit strike?

At the office

• Looking forward to the weekend?
• I can’t believe how busy/quiet we are today, can you?
• Has it been a long week?
• You look like you could use a cup of coffee.

Compliments

Another tactic for beginning a conversation with someone new is to compliment them. This strategy usually leads to a pleasant discussion about the item or element you’ve complimented. Consider this example:

Example:

• I like your briefcase.
• I love your dress. Can I ask where you got it?

By complimenting someone on something specific, you increase your chances of being remembered and well-liked. Keep it professional and polite, like commenting on someone’s eyes, their jewellery or their shoes.

Careful: If you are a man, try not to be too vulgar or offensive when talking to a woman that sounds like you are harassing her or making her feel uncomfortable. For women, if a man says something you don’t like, YOU DON’T NEED TO SMILE, we are used to being polite and saying “thank you “while inside we feel terribly uncomfortable. The only way to stop men from being unpolite is to stop being compliant. Smiling to avoid making them feel bad while we feel bad, is just perpetuating the misogyny.

Remember that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel (good or bad)

Ask open-ended questions

Another excellent approach for starting a conversation with a stranger is to ask open-ended questions. This strategy works best when you’re attending a shared event and can ask about the other person’s experience. For example:

Example: “Is my first time in this event, What about you?”

Stay up-to-date on current events

Current events are excellent conversation starters. It’s advisable to reference non-political events in case you and the stranger share differing views.

Example: “Did you see the(whatever event) starts next week?

Be straightforward

Sometimes the best way to begin a conversation is to be direct about what you’re looking for or need. If you want to eat lunch with someone new, state that clearly.

Example: “I don’t know many people here, Would you mind if I joined you?”

If you are Dutch or German, try not to be too straightforward “I am here because I want to do business with you” try to dance the dance a little if you know what I mean.

Introduce yourself

An introduction is a straightforward way of beginning a conversation with a stranger. It’s particularly effective if there are no other obvious conversation starters to rely on. Here’s an example:

Example: “Hi, I’m Marcela. I just started working here and I wanted to introduce myself to everyone in____”

Remember names

Always, always look at other people’s name tags before you start talking.

I know, remembering names can be a nightmare, especially when you have met someone multiple times! But don’t worry, I am going to show you how to never forget a name again.

Attach a visual cue to a unique facial or body feature. This memory strategy comes from the EON-Mem (Ecologically Oriented Neurorehabilitation of Memory) program. Here is an example: This is my friend Lacy. If I met her at a party, I would think her hair looks just like an Ace with the pointed A top. Ace = L-Ace-Y.

Repeat his? her name three times. Here is an example:

• A:What is your name?
• B: My name is Lucy
• A: Nice to meet you Lucy (first time )
• A: What brings you to this event Lucy (2 times)
• A: It was nice to meet you Lucy (three times)

After you repeat their name three times you will most likely make a mental connection in your brain and you will remember it next time.

Head to the bar, decide where to “plant yourself”

The best place to stand is at the bar. A great time to start talking to someone is while they wait for their drink and once they have a drink in their hand and they are ready to mingle. This is always where I plant myself when I’m at networking events and it makes for super easy conversations.

Never pass up the opportunity to meet someone while standing in line. It is the easiest, non-awkward way to meet the person in front of and possibly even behind you. The bonus is that if you don’t enjoy speaking with them, you easily can end the conversation once you get your drink or food.

At a networking event where I really don’t know anyone, I will get back in line when it is extra long so I can meet more people easily.

It is great to stand where people exit the bar, But DON’T stand where people exit with food. This is not as good, because if you start speaking to someone with a full plate of food, it is hard to shake hands and all they want to do is eat! Instead of standing where people exit the food station, you can stand at cocktail tables or seat yourself at tables where people eat.

WHAT TO TALK ABOUT?

Have a topic of conversation ready.

The first thing you need to prepare before you go to an event or a boat show is to “know your pitch” when someone asks you how you been? What’s new? Make sure you have an answer and something interesting to say.

I personally always have a story of something I’ve been doing recently, a book either that I wrote or that I’ve been reading, my kids, family, new work projects, industry news, changes in the company, etc.

Always be casual and relaxed like talking to a friend, otherwise, everyone hates the ‘interview’ feeling, which is what happens when the conversation it’s like, ‘So what do you do? I do this. What do you do?’ oh yeah ok…(long awkward silence)  That type of “conversation “is sharing facts, not insights. It’s not connecting. Remember networking is about farming about taking the time to cultivate relationships.

Tell compelling stories and make yourself interesting.

“You can close more business in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get people interested in you.” – Dale Carnegie

You should strive to be memorable when you’re meeting new people, and the best way to do so is through good storytelling. When you tell a story, make sure it has a clear point and a punch line, whether a takeaway or a joke.

Be genuinely interested in people

You might feel compelled to begin talking about yourself and all of your wonderful accomplishments when you first meet someone, but it can actually be a lot more beneficial to show more interest in the other person. People can tell. They know — maybe consciously, perhaps unconsciously — if you are truly interested in them or just faking’ it in order to manipulate or “get something” from them.

Authenticity is at the heart of all strong, long-lasting relationships

Keep it short and sweet

If you want to impress someone, present a solution, by telling a story about how you helped another person in a similar situation. Tell them about the problem and how you solved it but keep it short and sweet. Include lots of information on how disastrous things were before it came to a happy ending, where everything worked out for the better.

Before you start networking, make sure to have an agenda and keep the meetings on track. Time is money and people are never happy with someone that takes too much of their time. If you know already the list of delegates try to arrange meetings ahead of time.

The worst thing during a networking event is that person that speaks for so long, doesn’t stop talking, people already lost focus and just hold the energy tight in an uncomfortable manner with an awkward smirk on their face.

Let the other person speak

Make sure that you don’t do all the talking. The key to being a good communicator is being a good listener. If you have asked another person for advice or their opinion make sure they have the opportunity to tell it. Do not interrupt, you can talk when they finished talking.

If you do all the talking, the person may feel you are uninterested in what they have to say and unsure what action to take with the information you are providing.

BODY LANGUAGE

Use the Head Tilt

It can be hard to make real connections at networking events, but it’s possible. And I do it using body language. My favourite move is the head tilt. The head tilt is the universal body language sign for “I’m listening.” You can do this when someone is speaking to show you are paying attention and excited to meet them. This makes you appear more charismatic. Copy their body language and mirror their moves.

Maintain eye contact and smile

By maintaining eye contact and smiling, you further reinforce that you’re interested in what someone has to say.

But when it comes to initiating conversation, holding eye contact with someone and then smiling is a major invitation to start up a conversation. Of course, you don’t want to stare at the person too much and freak them out. (!)

Can I help you?

You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.

You need to make yourself useful and give before receiving, this creates trust and if people like you they’ll listen to you, but if they trust you they’ll do business with you.

The most important part of networking is actually about what you bring to the table-not just what you want to get out of it.

“Can I help you?” Asking this question is one of the most effective ways to build long-lasting connections. Once you help someone, you instantly become more likeable because you relieved some of their stress and added value to their life. Just like showing your appreciation, offering to help is a strategy that will earn you a positive reputation because you’re focusing on other people and not yourself.

The more people you help, the more help you’ll have and the more help you’ll have helping others.

How you help people doesn’t have to be difficult. All you need to do is offer your knowledge and/or your time – a small price to pay to gain a new relationship, especially with influential people who often need the most help.

You also can help others by harnessing your curiosity. This is one of my favourite tips for being more social. When you’re speaking with people, think about answering the following questions:

• What motivates this person?
• What is important to them?
• What energizes them?
• What do they love to talk about?
• What shuts them down or closes them off?
• What do they value?

Don’t ask for a job

I don’t know but in my experience, when people are bluntly looking for a job they lose all of their appeal and suddenly they are not interesting to talk anymore.

If you are attending a networking event because you are looking for a career move, you should never ask someone for a job. You should instead, ask people for information that will assist you in your job search. Your main goal is to build relationships and establish a rapport.

If you are interested to work for a certain company and you meet some people there, you can ask them some questions:

• How long have you been with this company?
• Or how long have you been in this field?
• What do you like or dislike about your job?
• What type of training did you need for this position?
• What is the culture of this company?

Give examples of why you are passionate about that potential job position or how you would be great at it.

Exchange business cards

Two problems always happen with business cards at networking events. First, awkwardly search for your business card when someone asks for it. Or second, losing someone’s business card so you can’t follow up the next day. Avoid having to dig through your purse or wallet to find a business card or losing the ones you get by using my system–right pocket: my business cards left pocket: other people’s business cards. You’ll never lose a card again and it makes the exchange super easy.

I have my business cards in a leather holder and I put the other cards I put them in my handbag.

Now with COVID we are using more digital cards, QR codes, etc. Makes sure you have a COVID-friendly alternative to paper.

End conversations gracefully.

I  personally used to be absolutely awful, really awkward, at ending conversations. I would just stay quiet for a long period until we didn’t know what else to say and then I would walk away with an awkward shy smile waving….  bye.. ”

Remember that the last moments of a conversation will define how people remember you, so make it memorable!

Make eye contact with the person with whom he has finished speaking so it doesn’t seem as if he’s running away. Say it was nice meeting you (and repeat his name) I loved (recall a story or something he told you) exchange business cards and give a STRONG HANDSHAKE! There is nothing more disappointing than a weak slimy handshake.

Last but not least, don’t take it personally

If you meet someone who is rude, or simply not interested, DO NOT TAKE IT PERSONALLY, just move on. It tells more about them than about you. I learned that arrogant people are just using arrogant mask to cover their ignorance or insecurities.

Don’t waste your time trying to convince a restrained person that you’re actually great when you could instead be meeting plenty of other interesting people!

Sometimes when I am in a business event, I try to play a role like I pretend I am Jennifer Aniston,  and my task is to meet as many people, pass a message across, start and build new relationships, collect business cards for my database and make sure I always add value.

We tend to overvalue specific people or experiences. And when you realize the diversity of exceptional human beings out there and opportunities and business deals and everything, you’re going to realize there are a lot more options than you’re giving credit to.

Find a reason (or excuse) to follow up

If you want to build a relationship with another person, create a reason to keep the relationship going.

Example: If he told you he has back pain, maybe follow up by sharing the phone number of your chiropractor. If you read an article that adds to the discussion you had during the meeting, send it to him by email, with a note on what you found interesting and what you think could benefit them.

Try to find at least 2-3 opportunities in the year, to reconnect with the members of your network.

Online presence

Even if you don’t meet your network often, make sure that your online presence is always up-to-date.  Remember that the goal of networking is to build relationships. A good network can result in new customers, and opportunities but make sure you are meeting people the right way. Stay active online by providing value (like what I am doing here sharing all my networking tips helping you thrive )

Leverage LinkedIn

One of the best ways to network ahead of an event or how to network online is to leverage LinkedIn. Once you added the business cards to your database, don’t forget to add them to Linked-in.

Key takeaways

It’s completely normal to freeze when faced with the task of speaking to people at events. Just know that you’re not alone. In fact, chances are that the majority of attendees are feeling the exact same way that you are. Use the tips above as subtle reminders to help you the next time you need to attend an event.

• Talk to new people at networking events.
• Attend new events.
• Create authentic relationships.
• Bring a memorable business card.
• Be confident.
• Stay connected.
• Help others in your network.
• Revisit older connections.

I hope you enjoyed these tips, and if you ever see me at an event, please come and say hi! I promise I don’t bite  Make sure you have a good joke to share with me, I love witty people!

I thrive by inspiring the new generation of yacht owners and sharing business insights to make the industry kinder and more professional moving forward.

Welcome Onboard, onboard with Marcela a place to help you grow professionally and learn all about yachting! My mission is to

Unlock business insight in the yachting industry and have the courage to act. Bring the right people together to challenge established thinking and drive transformation. Shaping the future of yachting. Together

Onboard Business

Onboard Yachts

Onboard with Marcela.

Hey, btw, do you follow my new Youtube channel?

Follow me on Instagram for more Yachting & Monaco Lifestyle.

If you enjoyed this blog post and you would like to buy me a virtual coffee.

If you like my content, you can buy me a coffee for $3 to thank me for my time in sharing this.

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcelaroyer

SMART CREW EMPLOYMENT – THE SAFETY FACTOR

Not that many years ago, employing the crew for a super yacht was a relatively easy affair however Super Yachts have now grown in number and size with corresponding substantially larger crews.

QUICK OVERVIEW

Recent legal and other changes such as the Maritime Labour Convention, Flag State Requirements and permissible working hours have altered many aspects and attitudes to employment of crew. Overall there is a much needed increase in employees’ rights and a general improvement in how crew are treated and remunerated, the way they are employed has meant that crew employment is now significantly more onerous and imposes increased responsibility and compliance by owners

These Employment changes are in line and in response to the recognition of the need for the industry to act professionally and are of similar legislative changes to the operation of the vessel by Flag States and other bodies.

The vessel operational changes have resulted in the increased role and importance of Yacht Managers and now employment is moving the same way where a professional and experienced employment manager is essential.

EMPLOYMENT ISSUES

For both employer and employee taxation and social security obligations are increasingly becoming an issue especially within the EU with more and more cases of claims being made against employers for breaches.   These Responsibilities relate both to employer and employees.  Historically employees operated in a tax and social security void because of the nature of their mobile place of employment and the inability of jurisdictions to comprehend the nature of the yacht business and create a tax and social security net to meet the challenge.

QUESTIONS

How and when should pensions and other benefits  be offered and arranged in such a way to be compliant but still provide benefits all those employed on yachts including  to non-domiciled EU resident crew is another complicated matter.  NON EU crew in many countries  are not allowed to join a state system but the yacht owner is still considered responsible to have them covered.  MLC has set out minimum standards for social security but we have seen that some countries insist on imposing their own state systems.

Who then oversees managing yacht crew? –  MLC or the States where the yacht is based?

The consequences of doing things wrong can be significant for yacht owners and crew alike. Confusion exists and the yacht owner must find the solution.  The simple answer is to use a yacht crew management company.

THE ULTIMATE CHECKLIST

If you are involved with yacht management, yacht ownership, a DPA or any other responsible role related to superyachts then it is vitally important to choose the right yacht crew management company.

The following factors should seriously be considered in selecting a yacht crew management company:

CREW EMPLOYMENT MANAGERS

ABOUT CORNERSTONE

Cornerstone Crew Management Limited is an independent crew employment specialist with over 10 years’ experience that only does employment and related services and, as a consequence, has no conflicts of interest.

To get in touch with Cornerstone Crew Management please contact them on the below contact details:

SERVICES PROVIDED TO YACHT OWNERS

SERVICES PROVIDED TO CREW

Croatian Dream, exploring the Dalmatian coast by boat!

Cruising in Croatia has been one of the most amazing experiences in my life! The coast is just BEAUTIFUL, the people are increidbly nice, super hospitable, kind and friendly (and… everyone speaks fluent english!) We really fell in love with the country, the food and the people!

GETTING THERE

Croatia has many airports, the main ones being Dubrovnik , Split, Zadar and Zagreb.

YACHT CHARTER

If you want to charter a sailboat boat, catamaran, or a yacht, we highly reccomend EuroMarine

They own over 100 of sailboats, catamarans and yachts. The bases are located at ACI marinas, strategically positioned in towns’ centers and only a 45-minute car drive from international airports – Pula, Split and Dubrovnik.

They organize the airport transfer and can recommend hotel accommodation also provide crew (skipper, hostess and/chef) onboard for your comfort and safety.

They yachts have everything onboard the highest standards with GPS plotters, autopilots, dinghies, safety equipment, free WI-FI onboard etc.

Believe me, Euromarine will make your sailing holiday unforgettable!

Tip: For total comfort on the boat, choose our skipper service. With the skipper on board you will have no worries because the skipper will take care about the safety of the boat. All  skippers are professionals, friendly and they all speak English. Besides the skipper, they offer also hostess & cook service. The hostess will keep your boat clean, serve you breakfast and look after your children. If you decide to choose a cook, you will enjoy the full comfort with style.

EUROMARINE can help you find your ideal boat!

We rented a Catamaran, it was almost new only one year old and in good conditions. We chose a catamaran over a sailboat because we felt safer to have a toddler onboard. There is more space and is more stable.

ITINERARY

I am happy to share with you the itinerary we did and enjoyed so much! Herewith are all of our tips and reccomendations on bays, restaurants, activities to do on the islands and more!

However, if you want a personalized superyacht itinerary I highly reccomend my friend Sara who is a virtual assistant/yacht purser/ luxury concierge /travel expert (what you dont find on trip advisor!) who can make you a dream itinerary with local tips, restaurantss, bays and insights.

CAVTAT

We landed in Dubrovnik and spent the first night in CAVTAT (pronouncecd tsavtat) which is only 5 mins drive from Dubrovnik airport and is incredibly beautiful small picturesque town. Cavtat offers an air of tranquillity lost years ago in Dubrovnik.

Idyllic seaside promenades line its wooded peninsulas, leading up to a number of pristine beaches. We stayed at Hotel Cavtat, which was perfect for what we needed, just a one night stop after arrival from airport. The hotel is right on the beach and in the city center, and it has a small, but nice (instagramable) rooftop pool.

Tip: Make sure you ask for a room with a sea view.

We went for dinner to the sea food restaurant Leut where Abramovich likes to go. We had fish with bacon for the first time in ourlives and surprisingly, it was amazing!

Dubrovnik, ACI marina

Poised gracefully against the glistening Adriatic Sea at Croatia’s southern tip, the enchantingcityof Dubrovnik graces many a bucket list!

We departed from ACI marina Dubrovnik.

DUBROVNIK

Dubrovnik is one of those that has best kept its walls and historical center. It is precisely because of its walls that Dubrovnik is a magnet today that attracts numerous tourists, film crews and the global elite. Dubrovnik has been the host of the crews of the most popular TV shows and films were fillmed there: Star Wars, Game of Thrones, Robin Hood.

Restaurants we reccomend in Dubrobnik:

Nautika is probably the most romantic, and best place to see the wall.

We LOVED Orsan yacht club, is so small, not turistic at all only locals where there, the food was fantastic and the whole vibe was so special.

KASAR KONOBA here below, is about a 15min drive from the city center but a true gem, a real dolce vita experience, simplicity, very local and family run, not super fancy, just beautiful and perfect!

ISLAND HOPING

SIPAN

Close your eyes and think of Mediterranean. Imagine the bluest sea, and beautiful untouched islands with old olive, fig, cypress and orange trees… Imagine the sunlight on your face and the smells, the sounds… Imagine the secured bays, secret beaches, the forest… Open your eyes.

Welcome to Sipan, the largest of islands near Dubrovnik, a place where Mediterranean culture shaped lives and culture since the Roman times…

This Dubrovnik island hides its exciting history, and it can’t wait for you to hear its legends. But, among its many secret treasures there’s one particular well-hidden pearl, a restaurant which is only accesible by boat: BOWA, which stands for Best of What is Around. It is a secret garden of delights for all senses and a small world of its own! They only serve food from the island and the sea surrounding it.They have a daily tasting menu depending on the catch of the day.

They also have their own tender shuttle, so if you are in the city or dont have a boat, they come pick you up.

Tip:make sure you reserve in advance because they bring the food fresh so they need to know beforehand. We arrived without a reservation and had a drink but they coudnt serve us food. The menu looked amazing, check the menu here. You can either eat at the restaurant, or book your own cabana (highly reccomended) there is also a beach and some sun beds to spend the entire afternoon there, relax, and enjoy!

Polače, Mljet

Polace (pronounced Pola-che) is the largest and the safest bay on the whole Island, is a great place for boats! The village has just over one hundred permanent inhabitants. It has a couple of restaurants and cafes, as well as a shop for basic provisions.

Funny thing about the dalmatian coast, some restaurants provide mooring and table (like bed and breakfast but berth and dinner sort of thing) we had dinner at Stella Maris which is a restaurant that provided our berth for the night. The restaurant has a collection of burgees (boat flags) and they even have one from the Yacht Club de Monaco!

Funny story: apparently there was not electric connection to our mooring, so our amazing captain (he is seriously the james bond of captains!) made everything possible and convinced the restaurant to provide 100meters of cable!! the cable passed through the town and street, all the way to our boat!

The place is very simple, but food is just amazing, you can check some photos here.

Mljet

Forest-shrouded Mljet (pronounced Myet) is one of the most seductive of all the Adriatic islands. It has a famous national park.

The island retains the unspoilt air of tranquillity that, according to legend, captivated Odysseus for seven years.

Mljet is well known for its white and red wine, olives and goat’s cheese. It is indeed an unspoilt island covered by a dense Mediterranean forest. The sea around here is rich in fish and marine life.

Inside the island there are  two salted lakes – Veliko and Malo Jezero that are located at the north end of the island. the best thing to do is to rent a bike, (dont worry they also have electric bikes so you dont have to suffer!) we rented two bikes (one with a baby seat to carry Gracie) and explored the island! It was truly fantastic to be in touch with nature while doing sports. The sceneries were spectacular, we just wished we had a drone following us cause it is not easy to ride and film at the same time.

Around the lakes we found some random little huts that offered food and drinks, we were the only ones there, and it was a special moment of truly living in the present.

Planjak island

Swim stop at Planjak island.

Interesting pebble beaches.

The bottom of the sea here is also interesting as there are a lot of giant pebbles scattered around deep green sea.

KORCULA

Docked in Korčula island, at the ACI Marina there. Both an island and town. It’s like a mini Dubrovnik! Amazing old town, cute restaurants and beautiful scenery.

A legend says that Marco Polo was originally from there and not Italy! There is Marco polo museum and house.

We went to the cutest little restaurant up in the hills, it was another of my #iwannacry moments of joy. We had a local dinner at Konoba Maha, a family run restaurant  built in the middle of nature which creates unique dining experience.

We ordered the Octopus PEKA (a local specialty cooked in a large metal baking dish with a bell shaped dome lid. It is used to cook food in an open fireplace, with hot embers placed on top of the dome for even, slow cooking)

Tip: you need to call in advance and order because the peka takes 4 hours to prepare!

Restaurant in Korcula:
In the city, there is also a famous Michelin* restaurant called LD.

Badija island

Swim stop-Badija island, a peculiar island with a lot of history.

There are also wild small dears (bambi) that are used to people and they approach you.

Tip: Make sure you bring them some fruit (specially green apples!) they love them, they didnt like peaches.

We walked a bit into the forest and 5mins later about 4 deers came to say hi, Gracie was super excited!

Pakleni island

We stayed on anchor the night before on Luka bay, Lovište, Pelješac which is a safe closed bay and had dinner onboard that night, the next day we wanted to moor in a marina so we headed to Pakleni island, and stayed at the ACI marina Palmižana . When we arrived the entire group of Yacht week were there! was a party scene with a lot of spring breakers type of tourists. An alternative to yacht week, is MedSailors which has more of a relaxed pace, with a small crew of 8-9 people, it focuses on sailing, exploring rather than partying and drinking everyday.

The bay of Pakleni island was beautiful and I have never seen so many boats in a bay! it was PACKED!

We walked from the marina towards the forest for about 4 mins and ended up in a sandy beach (the softest sand ever!) and we had dinner at Totos’restaurant, we loved it and highly reccomend it.

Next to it, there is Laganini beach bar which was super cute as well.

This place is famous for Carpe Diem beach club, famous place to party during the day and night. It looked amazing, but not so family friendly to go there with a baby, but a great instagram spot  check their page here.

HVAR

From Pakleni, we took a water taxi to the city of HVAR, which is one of the most famous cities in Croatia. Gorgeous town with high end and local markets, restaurants and experiences.

When you arrive, you can walk up to the fortress, there are amazing sunset views. We went to the local market to do provisioning there, went shopping got some presents, and had a drink at a super cute little bar called Ka’Lavanda you must go when you are there!

Alternatively, you can rent a beetle and drive to Stari Grad (the oldest town ) have lunch there and enjoy the scenic ride!It takes about 1h each way.

Authentic dinner at Stori Komin

A gorgeous hidden gem of a restaurant. They don’t have electricity, everything is from the area and the food is amazing.

The taxi drops you off in the middle of nowhere, you walk up and discover an old abandoned village and after about 3min you make it to the top of ruins and the restaurant is right there, on the cliff overlooking the beautiful landscape.

Enjoy in traditional Croatian dish – PEKA – slow roasted dish (chicken, veal, octopus, fish) under a metal bell.

Red cliffs near Hvar

POMENA, MLJET

When I look back at our holiday, the day I enjoyed and remember the most was the night where we had dinner at Konoba Nine, this place is so special and close to my heart. It is THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO WATCHT THE SUNSET, please put your phone away, just sit down and live the moment, believe me, its worth every second!

The grandfather Nine, decided to open the first restaurant in the island in 1958 (can you believe how life was there before that?) Nine wanted to show tourists the adriatic fish with indigenous spices, and nowadays his grandson Nino inherited the restaurant. Nino wakes up early in the morning to go spear fishing (he has the world record for going diving without a tank! he is truly a legend!) he is the one serving and his mom is in the kitche, only 2 people running the show!

Honestly the food: best fish on the island, the warm hosting service, together with that the sunset view, ranks on the most unforgetatble moments in my life (now, that is a statement!)

After our barefood dinner, we went back onboard and had a night cap on the trampoline of our boat looking at moon and stars, was simply magical.

BLUE CAVE, MLJET

On our way back to Dubrovnik we woke up early to be the first ones at the Odysseus Cave where we anchored and went for a swim and some paddle boarding in the cave. We were the only ones there and it was incredible, the water changed colors and inside the cave was HUGE! The color of the sea in the cave is really like in the pictures, even more beautiful. The cave is actually a tunnel, so when you swim to the other side you can get out of the sea up to the rocks, for rest or to take photos.

According to the legend, because of that Odysseus was shipwrecked and swam to the cave where he took shelter. The island was dominated by the nymph Calypso. Odysseus was charmed by her and the island and he was trapped there for seven years before the gods released him!

There is a little cafe up in the rocks that you can arrive by climbing up hill, is SUPER CUTE and worth it!

Tip: remember to wear anti mosquito spray because inside the cave are a lot of mosquitos. We went inside with the dinghy and paddle board with our little dauther but actually went out quite quickly cause if one thing I am scared of are mosquitos! Did you know, they are the most dangerous animals in the world? responsibel for the most deaths worldwide! but Ok, in croatia there are no deadly cases, but still I wished I had sprayed myself!

Anchor place is: Lopud island, Sunj bay

OTHER SUGGESTED ITINERARY AND TIPS

We cruised from Dubrovnik and around that area. However, another itinerary is to start from Split and finish in Dubrovnik.

Split

Explore Split Old Town, explore cute tiny streets, Diocletians palace, amazing local markets.

Dinner at Bokeria

Enjoy dinner at an amazing wine bar with fabulous food at Bokeria .During dinner you will smell fresh waffle cone from a local ice cream shop next door so that can be dessert number two – Gelateria Emiliana.

Definitely order a bottle of famous orange wine from Croatia. 

VIS

Stiniva, Vistiniva beach is the farthest inhabited island in Croatia. Stiniva cove is known for its unique natural beauty dominated by high cliffs that form a small “sea entrance” to this pebble beach with clear turquoise sea. It was voted, by tourism organisation European Best Destinations, as the most most beautiful beach

In Vis island, you can do the military tour or rent a car to visit everything, it is a great place for wine tasting.

Nearby there is always Komiža, worth a visit.

Mala Travna restaurant, we dont want to spoil the experience by telling you too much about it, is a place you need to discover yourself! It is the most authentic and natural life experience!

BOL, Brač island

Bol is an island and town. They are famous for a golden tong beach and the view from Vidova mountain.

If you want you can rent a car/buggy and drive the scenic road to the top. It takes about 40min one way. Enjoy the beach and explore the cute town.

Fun fact: the tip of the beach moves from left to right depending ont he wind.

Sušac island

Sušac island, If you need to really need to get far, far away from civilization, Susac (pronounced Soosh ats) is your kind of island. here are no regular ferries to Susac Island so you don’t have to worry about crowds of tourists. You can actually rent out the light house for yourself, and today there is only one family taking care of the lighthouse and one sheepherder, Staying in the Susac lighthouse offers an unusual, ultra-relaxing holiday experience. You can arrange for provisions and the lighthouse keeper and his son will be happily select the lamb and cook it for you that same night!

Make sure to visit the beautiful bays on islands Šolta and Brač.

Trogir

The city of Trogir is near Split airport, it is a gracious city worth a visit. Trogir was named the best city-island in the world by National Geographic in 2015. Trogir is far less crowded than the major Croatian tourist destinations It is in the UNESCO World Heritage List and named “a remarkable example of urban continuity”  … or in layman’s terms it is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe.It takes about 30 minutes to walk around Trogir. Stop and admire the beautiful buildings and architecture as you stroll around.

RESORT NEAR DUBROVNIK

We did a boat-and resorty type of holiday, one week on a boat and one week on a resort. We loved the Sun Gardens hotel because it was really child-friendly!

ENJOY AND WELCOME ONBOARD!

I hope you enjoyed this blog post, hopefully inspired you to go boating in Croatia or even to make you travel with your immagination for a while.

If you do go, please tag me on your pictures, I love to see your adventures! @onboardwithmarcela

WET OR DRY?

First things first, when we say “get a job in yachting” we need to differentiate between a Land based vs. crew onboard.

This article is mainly for land-based professionals, if you want to get a job onboard a yacht I invite you to download this e-book The Superyacht Crew Book which is full of information on roles onboard, life onboard a yacht, how to get a job, tips for career advice.

Wet to dry feet – crew moving land based

If you are moving from a career on yachts into a shore-based position the first thing to consider is that the information and structure of your CV is very different for a shoreside role. You need to spend time translating everything that you did in your role on-board into shore-based language. We get sent a number of crew CVs for shore-based roles that are not fit for purpose. Other things to consider are that pay will usually differ and tax will probably be applied to your take home pay.

It is also important to point out that when applying for a shore-based role, you need to identify why you are relevant for that role, and that’s usually based on your skillset, personality, and knowledge of the industry and your experience working on yachts.

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Land- based

For land- based professions, there are many roles in the industry! Depending on your skills and background, you can narrow down which filed you want to specialize on. Here are just a few:

Within those professions you can choose anything between technical to commercial roles.

For land- based professions, there are many roles in the industry! Depending on your skills and background, you can narrow down which filed you want to specialize on. Here are just a few:

• Yacht Design (exterior or interior design)

• Naval architecture
• Engineering
• Yacht building/ Shipyards/ refit yards
• Yacht Management
• Brokers (sales or charter broker,charter manager)
• Refit Shipyards
• Yacht Agents
• Marinas
• Classification societies
• Flag State (cayman Island, Malta..)
• Maritime Law
• Family Office
• Yacht Media (magazine, digital, events, journalist, marketing)

Position

Within those professions you can choose anything between technical to commercial roles.

If you are new to the industry, starting work for a media company is a great foot-in- the door strategy because you get to network a lot and meet a lot of people.

Learn about the industry

My first recommendation is to invest in your knowledge, because knowledge is power. There is nothing worse than being the one in the room who has nothing to bring to the table! Knowledge will give you confidence to succeed in this industry. If you are serious about your career in yachting you need to speak yachtie, learn all the vocabulary, understand the entire industry holistically from yacht design to operations onboard.

Here are some resources to help you get started:

• The Superyacht Industry Book

• The Superyacht Forum

• Download the free e-book about yachting vocabulary

• Superyacht Marketing Book

COURSES:

• Enrol at the Yachting Masterclass
• Master of Luxury Goods at IUM

“There is so much great content online for free and its all there for sharing – including articles, podcasts, audiobooks or e-books. Wherever possible, I make sure I find the time to listen to positive content on leadership, even if its 5-10 minutes at a time in the car, or when I’m walking to work. I make a concious effort to use this time to self-develop as much as I can, and I find its an efficient way to develop as a leader during my busy schedule”

James Ward owner of Marine Resources

Social Media

The good thing about social media is that you can decide on what “input” you feed your mind, the podcasts you listen to, the videos you watch, the people you follow can inspire you, teach you something new and motivate you to become the best version of yourself, so make sure to choose wisely.

Watch videos from David Seal on YouTube

Follow @onboardwithMarcela

Linked- in  is a great place to learn, did you know you can follow hashtags? Like if you follow #yachts #yachting #yachtbuilding, every time someone posts about the subject you will get notified.  I also post a lot of insights and educational posts about the industry there, so connect with me on Linked-in.

Blogs read blogs like A day in the life of a yacht sales broker from Burgess in London.

Life as a female broker by a sales broker in Monaco.

If you never been on a yacht before, make sure you know the yacht etiquette protocol before going onboard.

Tips for yacht designers on building your portfolio.

Employers are also looking at your social media so make sure you know how to keep your profile attractive

Facebook

I often post job openings  on the wall of Onboard with Marcela make sure to like the page, I also share interesting yachting articles there, so give it a like in order to see them when you log in your facebook.

Networking

In this industry it’s not about “what you know, but who you know”. Knowing the right people can help you land a job!

Join associations like Young Professionals in yachting, where they organize monthly events and is a great place to learn about other professions and get contacts to build relationships.

Attend boat shows, they are a great place to understand the entire industry, they are also full of events where you can meet all different type of people. Hereby, I share with you some tips for visiting a boat show.

Moreover, always check online calendars to attend yachting conferences, seminars, events. Even online nowadays there are so many virtual events happening like on Clubhouse.

Formal Job hunting

People need to approach a career or a job in yachting on the shore-based side like any other industry, because it’s quite a unique industry. People tend to approach getting into a shore-based role a bit more informally. Yachting industry businesses are still businesses, they still want people to take the process seriously. They want professional people that can add to their businesses. Get your CV reviewed by a professional.

We share with you some tips:

• Tips to prepare your CV correctly and make sure it stands out!

• Prepare for the interview, here are some interview-hacks you can learn from to nail that job!

• Tips for video interview success

Cross-Industries synergies

If you’re coming into the industry from another sector, you need to be able to really translate your language of your previous experience or help the industry understand why you are relevant.

The industry likes people who know the industry already and have experience in it. So, if you are going to be transferring you need to show a level and understanding of the industry and how it all works.

Invest in personal development

Invest time in yourself in training and development for shore side positions and come with a realistic mindset that you might have to take one step back before you take two steps forward. watch the seminars on Tony Robins or any other online coach you like to help you improve to be the best version of yourself!

YACHTING CULTURE

Yachts are the most expensive asset an UHNWI*can own. The culture of the industry is very high-end with 7 stars service, so you need to hold those values personally. You need to approach everything that you are doing in your application or your interview process recognising the importance of these factors within the industry, whether you are going into B2C role where you are directly working with the end customer or a B2B role for a company making a product or piece of equipment which sells into a shipyard, or whether it’s a shipyard dealing directly with an end customer. Those qualities and those values are the same throughout all types of businesses. A lot of people tend to come from outside the industry, approaching with a culture and mindset that is relevant of their previous industry. They’ve got to come around the yachting and superyacht culture of things.

*Ultra High Net Worth Individuals

Key takeaways

• Getting a job in the yachting industry is same as any other profession
• Work with recognised recruiters
• Have a strong CV
• Network, network, network!
• The CV needs to be relevant
• Have the right expectations
• Make sure your LinkedIn profile is fit for purpose
• Be prepared to go through a proper interview process
• People do check social media profiles so be ware and prepared
• Understand that you’ve got to make yourself and your experience relevant

Working on yachts in the past or knowing about yachts doesn’t necessarily guarantee you a job in the role. People need to be realistic.

GET ADVICE

About Marine Resources

If you need further support in answering questions about the industry or simply need someone to take a look at your CV ensuring that you are on the right track in applying for shore-based roles, get in touch with the team at Marine Resources, the leading shore-based recruitment specialists in the UK. Recognised as the number one Talent Partner by some of the biggest brands in the industry, Marine Resources offer comprehensive market knowledge and expertise across multiple sectors in the marine industry.

Get in touch: hi@marineresiurces.co.uk or call +44 (0) 2380 633 399

Read this Q&A with James Ward the owner of Marine resources on marine skills shortages.

Call with Marcela

Book a career coaching session with Marcela for 60euros an hour on fridays “open door”office hours, virtual meetings also available.

Buy me a coffee

If you liked this blog, if it helped you in somehow, or even if you found a job! You can buy me a virtual coffee as a thank you 

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcelaroyer

Superyachts are a piece of artwork themselves, but sometimes the art collection onboard, is often worth more than the boat itself!

There is a high correlation on yacht owners and art lovers, you can tell just by looking at the at the number of yachts lined up alongside the Giardini gardens during the Venice Biennale art festival or that throng Biscayne Bay during Art Basel Miami Beach to know that superyacht owners are often art collectors too, and that the yachts themselves can be the work of many artists, sculptures, craftmen and artisans.

Recently a a Pablo Picasso painting worth £21 million has been recovered after nearly 20 years. It was stolen from a Yacht berthed in Antibes! This is why safety and security is of outmost importance when storing art onboard yachts.

In this blogpost I will share with you some tips for storing art onboard yachts, and finalize with an artist spotlight that gets her inspiration from the oceans.

TIPS FOR STORING FINE ART ONBOARD SUPERYACHTS

Security

Install a (working) alarm system. If you declare the value of the art onboard, your insurance will certainly demand you to have an alarm system as a condition to insure it.

Full circuit CCTV and Wireless Protection Systems, to a fully bespoke Close Protection agreement are needed to secure the worlds finest artefacts.

Physical Protection can provide far more than peace of mind, with the number of Superyachts travelling globally, the threat from Piracy has become a genuine concern for many of the worlds largest Yachts.

Insurance

The art collection onboard must be included into the insurance, specially if the art outweights the value of the boat! In some cases yachts need additional specialist art insurance

Lighting

Lighting is super important, an art curator will certainly analyse both directional and ambient to see how the light affects the artwork.

Fine Art and Historical Artefacts are particularly vulnerable to exposure from UV Rays, it is crucial to understand how to protect each and every piece of Artwork. The light causes chemical changes in many of the materials used in paintings, this can create ‘yellowing’ or ‘darkening’ of certain pigments. Regular exposure to  UV rays can be incredibly detrimental to the quality and appearance of the artwork.

There are special glass to be used on the frames that are highly protective anti-glare, anti-reflective glass and hang works away from direct light sources.

LED light systems are also good to create the perfect illuminaion of the colours in the artwork. Cold or warm LED lights can highlight certain pigments.

Installation 

Hanging artwork onboard can be sometimes quite challenging. You cannot simply hang a painting on board; it needs to be screwed to the wall. Likewise for sculptures and objects (remember that a yacht is constantly moving) so you need to forecase the pitch and roll movement of the yachts.

Using special “museum glue” for example is great because is a clear product that prevents them from moving even through waves.

Climate control

Artworks are very sensitive to the air quality and the temperature of the rooms.Most superyachts have a powerful Air Conditioning system designed for humans and not for artwork.

Paintings are very delicate, the canvas has different materials with varying qualities which they all react differently to temperature and humidity.

The museum standard temperature for keeping paintings safe is 20ºC ± 1ºC.  Fluctuations in temperature and humidity essentially create ‘cycles’ of expansion and contraction in the canva, thus leading to the steady deterioration in quality of the artwork.

Specially onboard yachts humidity is an issue because it is very bad for art, as is salt air and direct sunlight. Even during transportation of art to a musuem they have to be transported in special climate boxes.

There are even specific climate alarm systems that alert you on any atmospheric changes.”

Make sure that there are no fresh air blowers directing cold air onto your artwork, neither there is warm air flood in whilst the Sundeck Doors are open, for example.

The finest art in the world requires a constantly stable, tailored to suit environment.

Location

it is important to analyze where the artwork will be displayed. As it clearly should not be placed near any technical exhaust pipes, near a vent. Onboard yachts space is an issue, and everything onboard needs to comply to classification regulations and flag state rules. It is best adviced to seek for qualified advisor before bying so that you can plan where to put them.

Installing art and sculptures can be a technical challenge, but art consultants Like Artelier, have experience on installating and are able to develop custom fastening solutions for fixing heavy objects.

Further things to consider when deciding the location on board should include exposure to water (Spa’s, Bathrooms and Heads), exposure to Tobacco Smoke, or proximity to the galley, pantry or any food Preparation Areas.

A tip from an interior designer is to display them on panelled walls.

Vibration

Vibration is an important subject onboard a yacht.

The engines, generators and other machinery onboard cause the vibrations that in the long term have negative consequences to the pigments in the canvas.

During the construction of a yacht, designers, shipyards, naval architecs and engineers all work hard in minimizing the vibrations onboard. Deciding on the location where to display the yachts need to take into consideration the optimal location onboard. That is why someone with knowledge in art is not enough, it must also have knowledge in yachting to consider everything from the pitch and roll, to vibration levels from auxiliary equipment.

The Frame

Choosing the frame is very delicate, the best tip is to let the artist find the best suitable one in collaboration with the curator. The best advice is to take the advice the artist, your dealer or the curator!

Extend and protect the life of your artwork by hiring specialists who have both art and yachting knowledge!

– Marcela de Kern Royer

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: CAROL BRUTON

Based in the South of France, Canadian-born Carol Bruton captures timeless subject matter, the ocean, in its simplest form in order to achieve the elimination of all obstacles between the painter and the most precious of elements, water.

Launched in time for the Mediterranean yachting season, Raindrops is anew series of superyacht artworks crafted by Artist and Sculptor Carol Bruton. Based in the South of France, her work highlights her fascination with our most precious of elements, water.

Specially handcrafted to enhance superyacht interiors, the surface effects of Bruton’s artworks allow the flow of both natural and artificial light, complimenting the interior ambience. Her technique uses cold glass and raw pigments which results in an interplay of colour and an ethereal interpretation that exudes energy and fluidity, mirroring the reflections and ripples that water creates.

L’art de vivre onboard

A keen ocean swimmer, Bruton started painting in a tiny fishing village in Costa del Sol in Spain, drawing on inspiration from her surroundings.  She says her dream clients are “those yacht owners who get goosebumps when they see my work.”  Elements of the earth, sky and ocean interplay into her artwork, an artistic evolution that effortlessly induces organic patterns reminiscent of blue holes in the Caribbean or the reflective qualities of Mediterranean coastlines.

Her appeal in the superyacht sector is profound, owing to the aesthetic beauty of her artwork that makes visual statements that draw admiration.  She crafted The Superyacht Show’s Richard Earp Award named Ocean’s 9, a fluid sculpture made from steel and finished with a transparent coloured coating with a gleaming surface that resembles the morning light shining on the ocean.

Perfectly in line with refinement, superyacht interiors highlight artisanship, beauty and escapism; furniture inlaid with exotic wood, hand-blown glassware, porcelain tableware, soft furnishings and opulent antiques.  Regardless of the size of the superyacht, it is no longer enough to have artwork that’s solely aesthetically pleasing.  Aside from period styles and decorative trends, superyachts can house expansive collections that raise more eyebrows than famous art museums. A bespoke art collection is more than an asset; it showcases the owner’s personality, strengthens the corporate image and piques the attention of guests.

She was chosen as Saatchi’s revered ‘Artist of the Day’, profiled in the UK editions of Vogue and Tatler, and has exhibited at Art Basel Miami, Beijing Biennale and Accademia Fine Art in Monaco. Her work is found in private collections worldwide, including pieces housed in the Princely Collection of H.S.H Prince Albert II of Monaco, former racing driver David Coulthard, Chairman Susan Feaster from St Moritz U.S. Celebrity Golf Cup and Banque Havilland in Monaco.

Examples of her collection:

If you are looking for an artwork that goes far beyond the usual, Carol Bruton’s sculptures that are evocative of water are a fine addition to a collection for yachting aficionados who expect uncompromised quality.

This is the world’s first YACHTING MASTERCLASS available at the Yacht Club de Monaco.

Online virtual courses also available.

Most of us in yachting learned ‘yachting’ all by experience, as before there was no resources, no book, and no courses. Finally in 2021 the Yacht Club de Monaco launches the first-ever YACHTING MASTERCLASS where you can learn all about the superyacht Industry with 13 modules where you can learn from top experts and ICONs from the industry!

People in this industry like to “keep their cards closed to their chest’ meaning they dont usually like to share their knowledge and insights. If you want to be a yacht manager from scratch for example, it is very difficult to “learn the ropes”. This course will give you YEARS OF COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE, knowledge and insights that only the top experts in the industry know!

Holistic View

Most charter brokers dont really understand yacht design, likewise, yacht designers not necesarily know about operations or life on board, crew dont understand shipyards, and shipyards dont understand sales brokers. Everyone is good at doing the jobs but they tend to forget the bigger picture.

This is the first 360 holistic program where you can learn in depth about all professions that create a yacht. From yacht design to yacht building to sales and marketing, all the way to operations and ownership.

The Pink elefant in the room, must people feel stupid about asking questions, so they rather put on an arrogant mask to hide their ignorance than to try to learn it! But who is to blame, if there are no books and no courses and no references where you can learn from! Well nowadays yes there is The Superyacht Industry Book, The Superyacht Industry Forum and hereby the first Masterclass where no question is a stupid one! We are here to learn, ask questions in a friendly and pedagogical environment!

THE PROGRAM:

8 weeks

Lessons twice a week: Executive schedule so you can join after work!

Thursday 5pm- 7pm (2hours module)  theory + open floor

Saturday 9am-11am (3 hours module) theory + guest speaker

The Modules

We start with the BASICS, port side, starboard, bulwarks, etc..

Even if I was raised on boats, and I am a sailor, I must say that the Yachting termonology is very specific! In this module you will learn all parts on a yacht, and the lingo shipyards, crew and brokers use on a daily basis!

Then we move on THE MARKET how many yachts are they? what is really our fleet? we analyze the data and the number to truly understand our niche.

YACHT OWNERS, how many millions you need to be considered wealthy? who are they, where they made their money, why they own a yacht, etc…

YACHT DESIGN the principles of exterior yacht design, and then we go deeper into interior design. Something you can not learn anywhere else!

NAVAL ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING, what are the basics you should all know! (keeping it simple and straight!)

YACHT BUILDING, what is the process of selling a yacht (and pricing a yacht) what type of luxury marketing works, the yacht building process from keel laying superstructure erection, outfitting launching commissioning, sea trials, etc.

Everything you need to know about CLASSIFICATION, MARITIME LAW, and FLAG, what does it mean to have a Cayman Flag? how can you register a yacht and what is the trust cost of ownership?

YACHT CHARTER, everything you need to know to charter a yacht, the differnces between a charter manager and retail charter,

YACHT MANAGEMENT, yacht accounting, financial management, safety and security management, ISM, ISPS, crew management, techincal management, refit project management, new build proejct management, etc..

REFIT, MARINAS which ones are suitable to welcome superyachts, what are the top marins in the world, what is the future of marinas and more.

CREW what are the roles onbaord, what are the certificates needed, salary guidelines, life onboard as crew,etc..
who are YACHT AGENTS, what do they do? what is the BEST HELICOPTER TO GO ONBOARD, ALL ABOUT YACHT AVIATION and we finish with SUSTAINABILITY alternative propulsions, green trends and the future of yachting!

Phfew! and this is to keep it short in this article, but the amount of insights you will learn here you cannot learn anywhere else!

The Speakers

I am the program director meaning I coordinate the whole program, however the information and insights are provided by the top experts and icons of the superyacht Industry.

Module	DATE		Time	Guest Speakers
Seamanship Terminology & Vocabulary	10th April	Saturday	9am-11am	Marcela de Kern Royer, Peter Thompson
The Superyacht Market				Boat International,
Yacht owners – Yacht owners experience	15the April	Thursday	5pm- 7pm	Wealth X
Exterior Design	17th April	Saturday	9am-11am	Espen Oeino
Interior Design				Michelle Flandin from Sorgiovanni
Naval architecture				Perry Van oossanen
Engineering	29 April	Thursday	5pm- 7pm	Matteo Magherini from Lateral
Propulsion Systems (engines)				MTU
Shipyards & Yacht Building	02 May	Saturday	9am-11am	Paris Baloumis, Oceanco
Classification				Engel de Boer from Lloyds
Maritime Law	6th May	Thursday		Alex Teji Hill Dickinson
Flag			5pm- 7pm	Ed Henny form Cayman
Yacht Ownership				Janet Xanthopoulos from Rosemont
Insurances	8th May	Saturday	9am-11am	Olivier de Roffignac from Pantaenius
Yacht Charter	13th of May	Thursday	5pm- 7pm	Ocean Independence
Yacht Sales	15th May	Saturday	9am-11am	Jan Jaap Minnema, Fraser
Luxury Marketing				Farouk Nefzi Feadship
Yacht Refit	27th of May	Thursday	5pm- 7pm	Amico
Marinas				Inwards Marine
Yacht Management	29th of May	Saturday	9am-11am	Fraser or Ocean Independence
Family Offices			5pm- 7pm	JTC
Yacht Crew	5th of June	Saturday	9am-11am	Josh Conquest, Superyacht captain
Yacht agents				Pesto Seagroup
Yacht Aviation	10th of June	Thursday	5pm- 7pm	Airbus
Sustainability				Seaindex, TBC

The fees

You can either participate live at the exclusive facilities of the Belle Classe Academy (a secretive section of the Yacht Club de Monaco) where you will also get a chance to netwrok and meet the guest speakers and other participants. If you enroll to the entire course you will get a diploma which will certainly help you in your career. The cost for the full program of 13 modules is 1,800 euros (which is cheaper than any other type of MBA, Master or education program and this one you will learn practical knowledge that will actually help you in your career!)

Modular

You can also just choose a few modules that you want to participate, each module costs 250 euros.

Virtual

You can also choose to join virtually on zoom. The indivual course are 150euros, and the entire progvram is 1,000 instead of 1,800 euros.

Discounts

Companies that enrol more than one student will get a corporate discount, please contact us with the number of participants.

If you bring a friend you get 20% OFF!

EMPLOYER SPONSORSHIP:

Many companies fully or partly sponsor their employees for our courses and actively encourage personal development in line with company priorities. You should start by discussing your training request with your line manager, training manager or human resources manager to enquire about support available. Make sure you have thought through your reasons for wanting to do the course and how it will benefit yourself, your job role and your company.  Employers can be very positive if you have thought through your reasons for undertaking the course and demonstrate the self-discipline and commitment required to gain maximum benefit from a training programme. We are always happy to directly talk to you and your manager to answer any questions about the course. We’re here to help you so please contact us without delay.

LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE

Because it is a very exclusive course we would like to keep it small in order to provide better quality. Therefore if you are interested make sure you reserve your seat fast! There are limited spaces available and we are almost sold out!

ENROL HERE

With COVID vaccination programmes progressing at varying rates around the world, a return to some semblance of normalcy may be tantalisingly close, at least for some.  As businesses attempt to forecast revenues and devise strategies in this challenging environment, what opportunities will the months and years ahead hold for luxury industries globally?  What will be the top future trends for superyachts, business jets and luxury property?

On 18^th March 2021, The Future for Superyachts, Business Jets and Luxury Property, the latest in Quaynote`s stable of online conferences, will examine the way ahead for the luxury asset industries.  In the short term, we are all hoping for the imminent return of the superyacht chartering business, while in the medium to longer term, Sustainability, the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the emergence of the Next Generation of Owners are issues that deservedly attract airtime.

Meanwhile, a question that advisors have heard more often from their clients during the pandemic has been, “How do I go about buying my own jet?” Many a would-be owner has seen a private jet as a legitimate way around COVID restrictions, without knowing the full extent of the costs and potential pitfalls this entails.  Daniel Hall, Senior Valuation Consultant at Ascend by Cirium comments:

“Business jets are depreciating assets – and values can be volatile through market upheaval, for example with the Covid-19 pandemic.  The year-on-year fleet-weighted average decline across the entire business jet fleet was over 11%, which is nearly double that of 6% in 2019.”

Daniel joins a panel of experts who will guide you in advising your client through the process of buying a corporate jet, be they Ultra High Net Worth Individuals or Heads of State. He concludes: “Working with independent advisors can go a long way to minimizing risk in structuring a deal. Appraisal (valuation) services which can make the difference between an unwelcome surprise on your investment versus a seamless experience.”

One of the most important considerations in buying a jet, yacht or property is, of course, how to finance the purchase.  In a separate discussion, we`ll look at the future of finance for luxury assets. “While all our clients could easily pay cash, they still prefer to optimize their liquidity reserves by getting financing for their luxury assets. Financing their luxury assets helped our clients to preserve liquidity for their business,” explains Michel Buffat, Head Aviation & Yacht Finance, at Credit Suisse who joins the finance panel on the 18^th March.  He is positive about the future: “I see the future of superyacht and business jet finance quite optimistically: the pandemic has shown the advantage of ‘COVID-remote’ travel,” he says, adding, “This may motivate more people to buy their own jet or yacht.”

Another driver of future superyacht, private jet and high-end real estate ownership is the so-called Great Wealth Transfer, where the heirs to UHNWI fortunes come into their inheritance.  This is not forgetting, of course, the younger generation of self-made tech and other entrepreneurs who represent a burgeoning market for the luxury asset industries.

The opening discussion at The Future for Superyachts, Business Jets and Luxury Property asks what the Next Gen Owner wants, what the superyacht and business jet of the future will look like, inside and out, and how these assets will be used going forward.  Will superyachts have more emphasis on research, exploration, retreat and sport?  And will yachts, jets and luxury property be designed more with recycling and disposal in mind?  By all accounts the next generation of Superyacht Owner is a different animal to the previous generation, with this fresh approach expected to impact every aspect of yacht design and function.

“Yacht owners are looking for “instagrammable’ experiences, those champagne cocktails in St Tropez are so pasee, they don`t want to do what their grandparents did,” observes Marcela de Kern Royer, Principal at ONBOARD Group, Monaco & Genoa Superyacht hub. “They want to go explore new islands, go to remote destinations and combine philantrophic experiences with unforgettable family moments.”

We can`t talk about the design or function of anything without reference to technology and luxury assets are no exception.  Artificial intelligence is already with us and it will continue to become a bigger part of our lives. To quote Stephen A. Schwarzman, Chairman & CEO of Blackstone, “AI will reshape the world in ways we can’t imagine, much as the printing press and the Internet did at their inceptions.”

Vilas Dhar, President of the Patrick J McGovern Foundation, commented at Davos 2021, “AI holds the promise of making organisations 40 percent more efficient by 2035.”

With these wise words in mind, we have dedicated a portion of The Future for Superyachts, Business Jets and Luxury Property to looking at how Artificial Intelligence is changing the luxury industry.  Furthermore, how are companies catering and adapting to AI versus operating in the traditional mode?

Joseph Adir, Founder and CEO of Wintech Marine Intelligence, who is moderating the discussion, points to how AI/ML will help the superyacht industry reduce emissions, improve safety, reduce operational costs, and improve the asset longevity.  Testing on “Digital Twins” will help to optimize the superyacht design performance parameters and improve the vessel`s overall reliability.

What`s more, using analytics to predict the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) could transform Shipyard warranty programs and lead to a reduction in the superyachts’ operational budgets. “Artificial intelligence and the Supervised and Unsupervised Machine Learning are taking analytics to the next level” observes Adir, “enabling smarter, faster decisions throughout the asset lifecycle.”

Others joining the AI panel acknowledge the potential of Artificial Intelligence, while striking a note of caution.  Explains Dominic Bulfin,Associate Director, at Bargate Murray,the Luxury Asset Law Firm: “The superyacht world has always pushed the boundaries of engineering and technological advance, and the introduction of AI is no different with pioneering owners taking advantage of the efficiencies AI driven systems can provide. But uptake across the fleet has been modest and the vast opportunities presented by this technology come with different challenges and a new type of risk which must be effectively managed in order to secure safe and enjoyable use of superyachts now and into the future.”

Joining our panel from the world of business aviation, Vinna Tsang, Founder and Director of The V Executive Search Company Limited is also keen to emphasize the efficiencies that AI can deliver.  “However, in the luxury world (especially in business aviation), bespoke services are expected,” she points out, “which I believe still requires significant human touch. How to maximize the use of AI to compliment traditional ways of operation is key.”

Finally, to speak of tradition, Quaynote has reinstated its popular roundtable feature at The Future for Superyachts, Business Jets and Luxury Property.  The roundtables will focus on Sustainability issues and how the latest fiscal developments will impact the chartering season. “With networking the most lamented aspect of in-person conferences,” explains Alison Singhal, Quaynote Director, “Our aim is to offer attendees the opportunity to discuss topics of mutual interest in small groups and, as they would under normal circumstances, to meet with their industry friends and contacts.”

by Lorna Titley

You can register at www.quaynote.com for the online conference:

 The Future for Superyachts, Business Jets and Luxury Property – 18^th March 2021

Yachting and Yacht Owners overview:

OK now, lets talk about RUSSIA.

As you know, Russia is the largest country in the world,  yet it has only 2% of the shipbuilding market.Russia has delivered just 24 superyachts from 11 shipyards and the “latest” yacht delivery was in 2015. I actually visited Moscow yacht show in 2010 and ended up in jail (but that deserves a separate blog post!) in this post we will talk about yachting in Russia and Russian yacht owners.

Superyachts seldom visit Russia. In 2020 only 27 superyachts visited Russia (compared to yachts 1,288 visiting France) In normal years they have around 400 yachts visiting, however, the most popular places for yachting in that area are Helsinki and Tallinn. When not cruising in the baltics,  Russians love Turkey, Croatia, Montenegro, Greece (and those economies really heavily on russian tourism!)

Do you know where do the top yacht owners come from? For superyachts of over 60 meters, Russians are the second rank of ownership after Americans. The Top four wealthiest countries now are Germany, China, US and Russia.  Watch out for zie Germans guys, they are booming lately and love yachting!

In 2000 a fter the “Russian Boom” where an average russian citizen was 2x richer than before, and they all went ala-Kanye West on spending and investing; in 2020 they summed up to a total of 102 billionaires in Rusland!

The only downside in Russia is that there is (not yet but coming) the right infrastructure, marinas, lack of fueling stations, yacht agents, yacht clubs, technical services, facilities, etc. The good news is that investments are being made, for example the Yacht Club of St Petersburg has just completed its new marina in a developing business district which will also house the Gazprom headquarters (I cant wait to visit!)

To learn more about yacht owners check chapter 3 of the book: The Superyacht Industry : https://thesuperyachtindustry.com/

Now tell me in the comments:

What do you think of the russian market? How many yachts can you name that are russian owned? Have they gone quiet in 2020?

If you like my content, you can buy me a virtual coffee so I keep writting blogs 

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marcelaroyer

References:

Superyacht Investor with Marcela’s commentary.

TRAVEL TIPS FOR UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

The Italian Dolce vita is about enjoying the small things. Good food is about good ingredients and putting passion into cooking, enjoying good wine, appreciating the beauty in small things, and slowing down.

Here are my tips and recommendations on visiting Barolo in Piemonte, world-famous for its wine and culinary excellence.

ABOUT THE AREA

The Langhe area has a long history of winegrowing and many of the wines made here use traditional, well established grape varieties such as Arneis and Favorita (Vermentino) for whites, and Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo, Dolcetto and Freisa for reds. The DOC covers a much wider area than most others; within its boundaries can be found some of the most famous DOCG wines in Italy, including the great Nebbiolo centers of Barolo and Barbaresco, plus Asti and Dogliani.

WHEN TO VISIT

The best months to visit are from September to November as it is the truffle season, especially white truffle, as black truffle is better in February.

We came in August; it’s hot but not too hot; but I do recommend finding a place to stay with a pool!

However, if you are visiting in winter many places have spas, which is excellent as well.

WHERE TO STAY

If you appreciate simplicity, I would recommend you stay at an Agriturismo over a hotel.

An agriturismo (loosely translate to Italian “farm-stays”) has been Italy’s best-kept accommodation secret. They are independently-owned farms that the owners have decided to use partially for accommodation. They are usually run by local families who grow their own wines and olive oil plus other crops, and usually, the food there is also more authentic than going to a hotel.

Most places in this region are family-run businesses. Some may be closed depending on their plans, so make sure you call and make reservations beforehand.

We rented a small house in Rostagni in Novello, which has two apartments and a pool plus very centrally located.

La Toricella in Robino is a lovely place in which we discovered by chance. We were driving by, and the terrace looked so romantic that we stopped and had an Aperitivo there. We saw that they also had rooms and a very nice pool and spa, so check this out.

If you are renting a place on Airbnb, you can enjoy going to the supermarket (it’s an experience on its own) to learn about local delicacies and bring some goodies back to prepare at your place while you are there.

MOVING AROUND

You definitely need a car here as there are no other means of transportation. It’s a place you go from town to town, discovering picturesque villages and breath-taking views.

This area is famous for trekking paths, walking around the vineyards and mountains. There are also lots of cyclists biking around going from vineyard to vineyard. (it’s quite hilly, so you need to be trained) you can rent bikes in Itaway Langhe else; if you are not very sporty, you can also rent a Vespa Piaggio and have a lot of fun going vineyard hoping!

MARCE’S TIP: The gastronomy here is very famous, one of the best in Italy; therefore, you really need to make dinner reservations to make sure you get a table. Dinner starts around 7:30 pm.

THINGS TO DO

One of the most popular things to do is go Truffle hunting with a Trifulau (truffle hunter) and his specialized dog to find your truffles. In La Morra, you can go with Marco Varaldo.

I want to go up in a hot air balloon above the vineyards, but unfortunately, we could not do so. It is a life-experience totally worth it.

Wine tasting – Usually, they will give you 3-4 different wines to try, and prices range between 10-15 euros per tasting. In some places, they will also give you some bread or light aperitif.

MARCE’S TIP: Tasting etiquette– Most wineries in other countries do “free testing” because they usually expect you to buy something from them. In this region, you need to pay for the tasting around 10-15 euros to be fair for the wine producers, and it’s also a good value for you. However, if you get a personalized tasting, and they open 6-8 bottles just for you to taste, then you should buy at least six bottles; it’s only fair.

Six bottles is one box, and you can save it and bring it back home, either age it and wait seven years until you drink them or buy younger wines that can be opened anytime you want to enjoy a nice drink at home.

We love going from winery to winery finding “the perfect wine” (I remind you we all have different taste buds, so ‘The perfect wine’ is the one you like the most! It doesn’t matter what any sommelier has to say).

My goal for this trip was to find the wine that was the closest taste to a Barolo but with a more affordable price tag. At the end of the trip, we had many bottles in our car’s trunk to bring back home; I think we have enough wine for the next six months to come. If you think about it, you will buy wine anyway. Sometimes the ones you buy at the supermarket are a disappointing surprise; so why not pre-buy the ones you have already tasted and you know that you like!

 

TOWNS TO VISIT

Barolo

Visit the WIMU (Museum of wine) in Barolo, a splendid little museum that will tell you how wine was involved in our everyday life; it’s interactive and funny and great for kids and families.

Barolo is a small town, but it’s full of wineries; basically, every block has a winery open for wine tastings. You can literally go wine-hoping, tasting different wines (don’t forget to write down your favorites).

Right in the center, there is Borgogno winery. Ask to go up to the terrace; they have the most stunning views of Barolo. Personally, I was not too fond of their wines, but they have a good deal of 3 wines for 10 euros.

Enoteca Regionale- A great place if you don’t have a lot of time.

Alba

Park as close as possible to Piazza Michele Ferrero, to go for a walk at Via Vittorio Emanuele (also known as Via Maestra) and the surrounding streets to discover small cafes, gelaterias, cute shops, and well-stocked wine shops and all of the Gastronomic shops selling local delicacies like truffles.

Alba is also the town of the headquarters of Ferrero, the chocolate factory. The entire town smells like Nutella!

La Morra

Go to Belvedere, one of the most excellent points of the Langhe for scenery. On the way up, stop at the Gallo Wine Gallery and do a wine tasting at Cantina Comunale.

If you are there for lunch, you can go to La Fontanazza. We had one of the best dinners in La Morra at Mora e Macine restaurant; locals highly recommended it as it was delicious with local specialties and fair value. We had THE best vitello tonnato and tiramisu ever!

Monforte

Monforte is one of the loveliest villages in the area. Walk around and take photos at it is very characteristic. For a glass of wine, go to Moda, and if it’s open, don’t miss Le Case della Saracca!

The Osteria I rebbi is an informal place but really cozy and good Piemontese cuisine.

Novello

We rented a house near this town, so this was our point of reference for everything. It is a lovely small town that has a castle which is now a hotel.

I recommend you to have an aperitif at “Vineria Nas- Cetta” it has a lovely terrace, which made me feel like I was inside an old Italian movie. When you order drinks, they bring you also a table with local salami and cheese.

Castiglione Falleto

For my birthday, Alex took me to this town, and we had dinner at Le Torri, honestly one of the best experiences in my life. The food was excellent! It is family-run, and they put a lot of passion into their food. We asked to be seated outside on the terrace with the views of the vineyards. They often change the menu, but if you see this on the menu, you are definitely in for a treat – The raw sausage, meat ravioli, Battuta di fassona, the orange duck, and the fried egg (something very special!)

Bra

Osteria Boccondivino is the birthplace of Slow food.

Near Bra, you can visit Pollenzo, a village where you find the Agenzia de Pollenzo, the flagship of “Slow food.” Take a tour into the Banca del Vino and walk in the small square protected by UNESCO.

When we were there, Ferrari was launching their new model and doing the media pilot drive tests there, with a stunning cocktail setting.

When we were there, Ferrari was launching their new model and doing the media pilot drive tests there, with a stunning cocktail setting.

If you like cheese, don’t miss this experience and schedule a cheese tasting at Giolito and try the gelato at Converso, (especially the cream and chocolate one! Will leave you without words).

Cherasco

Cherasco is a super small town, but we drove there because they sell “Acqua di Cherasco” which is the best home fragrance; their home perfume lasts really long and makes your homes smell like a dream. They had it in our hotel room, and we fell in love with it! We found out they sell it here and went to the perfume store that makes it directly there.

Cherasco is also famous for an old Chocolate shop called Barbero, which has been open since 1881! When you go inside, you feel like you go back in time; it is very elegant and makes you dream! Make sure you try the “Baci de Cherasco” (Kisses from Cherasco); they are famous world-known chocolate cookies with nociolla.

It’s also a famous place for snails (or Lumache in Italian); they are a true institution around here.

P.S. The restaurants are mainly open for dinner. Da Francesco (Palas Cerequio) is an elegant place to go for dinner; the meal is about 50 euros per person; if you want something more casual, then Pane e Vino and La Torre for a more informal meal.

Other towns to visit but we didn’t have time include Mondovi, visit the Sanctuary of Vicoforte, the town of Asti, the city of Cuneo, Monforte and Serralunga.

WINERIES

Marrone- is a super nice winery, very modern and quite big; make sure you go to the terrace upstairs for a treat! They have affordable wines, so a great place to stock your cave at home!

Ceretto winery- I discovered this one about five years ago when it was brand new, and is a place I recommend everyone to go!

Cordero di Montezemolo – I loved their Barolo monfaletto 2015

Flavio Roddolo – I loved their Nebbiolo d’Alba 2011

La Vedetta winery- Is run by our new friends Swanti and Marco; it is a small winery run by a young couple; Marco is a local, and Swanti is german; they are lovely will make you feel at home. Make sure you come from our behalf, and they will treat you like family!

There are, of course, many wineries, so if there are any picturesque ones you like on the way that say “wine tasting”, stop and visit; it’s always a great surprise!

Restaurants

On top of all the restaurants recommended above, here is a list of top ones that we tried and/or recommended by locals.

Osteria da Gemma – It is run by Nonna Gemma (Grandma Gemma) and her other grandma friends. People worldwide (including Depardieu) come here every year to eat because it is a real experience. There is no menu; they just serve you what they cooked that day, and you get a total of 10 dishes! Antipasti, primi, secondi, and dessert, all at a fixed price of only 29euros! All the town grandmas get together in the afternoon to hand roll and prepare the different kinds of pasta. There are four grandmas in the kitchen preparing everything with so much love. Make sure you don’t have a big lunch, as it is a lot of food! Get ready to enjoy the best Italian food cooked by Nonna Gemma!

Massimo Camia – Is between La Morra and Barolo; it has 1 Michelin star but don’t let that scare you as the prices are fair at around 18-22 euros per dish.

La Viaud el Tornavento – Also has 1 Michelin star and has one of Italy’s best wine cellars.

Osteria Delle Aie – For a fixed price, you eat and drink as much as you like. They always open Magnum bottles and they go around from table to table (is a lot of fun!). Each course is accompanied by a magnum of a ridiculously beautiful wine pairing. Don’t come here if you are in a rush, as its definitely a slow food experience.

Other highly recommended restaurants:

· Ca Brusa, Novello

· Moda, Monforte

· Bovio,La morra

· D ano d alba

· Nelle Vigne

· Da Batista

Checklist FOR FOODIES

If you are a food lover like us, here is a list of the “MUST TRY” local delicacies. Order these if you see them on a restaurant menu or else stop by a local supermarket to get your foody-souvenirs.

Tha Battuta di Fassano – Raw meat from a local bull that only exists in this region (like steak tartare in France, but with a different taste).

Nocciola (Hazelnuts) this place is famous for them, they are everywhere surrounding the vineyards, and many local recipes have hazelnuts in them.

La Salsiccia di Bra- Raw veal sausage

Tajarin- Fresh pasta made with eggs, usually eaten like a Bolognese.

La Fassona- Typical bull breed grown in Piemonte very tender meat, usually eaten raw but exists also as a steak.

I baci di Cherasco chocolates, and cunesi rhum chocolate.

Il Barolo Chinato- This is a drink of Barolo wine combined with Chinese herbs. It’s a small,  very delicious and refreshing aperitivo.

Cheese (or Formaggi in Italian) there are more than 40 DOP in Piemonte to try.

White truffle from Alba- From October to January.

Black truffle- From February to September.

Gianduiotti- Chocolate made out of hazelnut (my favorite!)

Grappa- In Piemonte, they have many grappas as wines; we tried the grappa with honey, and it was super good!

Bicerin- A special type of hot chocolate with whipped cream.

SHARE THE LOVE

So that being said, I wish you a lovely visit in the Barolo region, “bonne appetitto” (enjoy nice food), and cheers with good wine!

If you enjoyed some of these tips, please be sure to let me know; I love receiving your messages and feedback!

Tag me also in your photos @onboardwithMarcela

#ladolcevita

#onboardwithMarcela