monaco

Regatta Revives Golden Age of Millionaire Yacht Races

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Events, Wealth

A new classic yacht regatta launching this summer aims to revive the "Big Class" races of the 1900s when millionaires and royalty pitted their massive sailboats against one another. The invitation-only Westward Cup Regatta, set to take place July 5 – 11 in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, is named in honor of the 100th anniversary of the launch of the famed Westward racing yacht, the fastest schooner in the world at the time. Staged by the Royal Yacht Squadron (Cowes), the famed New York Yacht Club, and the Yacht Club de Monaco (Monte Carlo), the Westward Regatta will feature large classic yachts competing for a prestigious prize. Among the contenders will be the 162-ft. Westward replica the Eleonora (above); the Brittania, a replica of King George V's royal yacht of the same name; the perfectly-restored Mariquita, built in 1911; and the Mariette designed in 1915 by the famous Nathaniel Herreshoff. In addition to the regatta itself several posh events are planned including an owner's dinner at the Royal Yacht Squadron and a banquet at Queen Victoria's Isle of Wight estate, Osborne House.

Tags: classic yacht, classic yachts, Cowes, Isle of Wight, King George V, Monaco, New York Yacht Club, Queen Victoria, regatta, sailboat, sailing, sailing yacht, schooner, westward cup regatta, yacht

RM Auctions Off Millions in Classic Ferraris and More at Monaco Historic

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

The Grand Prix de Monaco Historique just wrapped up this weekend in Monte Carlo, and Canadian firm RM Auctions was there to set new records with a slew of million-dollar classic automobiles.

In its first time at the iconic Monaco weekend, RM managed to rake in a whopping €33,235,917 ($45 million) in sales, matching the all-time record for single-day auction results... incidentally set three years ago at RM's own event at the Ferrari factory in Maranello. And once again it was classic Ferraris that helped RM achieve the record figures.

The highest amount was garnered for a rare 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Cabriolet Pininfarina SWB, which sold for a high bid of €2,800,000 ($3.8 million), exceeding its estimate and fetching the highest price ever paid for this model. The Superamerica wasn't the only automobile – not even the only Ferrari – to break seven figures, however. A 1957 250 GT Tour de France went for $3.2 million, a 1959 250 GT California Spyder for $2.8 million, and a pair of mid-60s-era 275 GTBs fetched over a million each. A 1960 Maserati Birdcage went for $3.3 million, a rare 1930 Zagato-bodied Alfa Romeo went for $1.2 million, and several Rolls-Royce classics brought in bid figures as well.

Gallery: 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Cabriolet Pininfarina SWB

Tags: 1962 ferrari 400 superamerica cabriolet pininfarina swb, ferrari, ferrari 400 superamerica, ferrari superamerica, grand prix de monaco historique, monaco, monte carlo, rm, rm auctions

Rare Ferraris and Maseratis from Coys in Monaco

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

In addition to the $1.5 million 1950 Ferrari 166/195S Cabriolet by Vignale being offered by Bonhams, and RM Auctions' one-of-a-kind 1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia 'Büegelfalte', UK auction house Coys will sell a selection of rare Ferraris, Maseratis and more during the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique this weekend. Starring in Coys' Legende et Passion sale on April 30th is a 1955 Maserati A6G Zagato Competition Berlinetta (above), one of only 20 built, which is expected to fetch up to $1.3 million. Originally owned by an Italian count, the car has a documented racing history including the 1957 Mille Miglia, Coppa Intereuropa, and the 1957 Tour of Sicily (Targa Florio). Following a full restoration it is ready to compete in the highest profile international historic events and concours d'elegance. Also on offer in the stunning sale: the famous 1980 Ferrari 'Pinin' 12-cylinder, four-seater prototype saloon; a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Pininfarina Coupe; and last but not least, bodywork from the only Ferrari 250 GTO to carry distinctive, Le Mans Berlinetta-type coachwork.

Tags: auto auction, classic cars, Coys, Ferrari, Ferrari 250 GTO, Maserati, Mille Miglia, Monaco, Pininfarina, Zagato

Rare Ferraris from Bonhams in Monaco

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

An extremely rare 1950 Ferrari is expected to fetch in the region of $1.5 million at Bonhams' annual Les Grandes Marques à Monaco sale in the principality on April 30th. The 1950 166/195S Cabriolet by Vignale (above) was originally created as a Berlinetta and factory rebodied in 1951. Very few examples were built of the highly collectible model, which has several racing victories in its pedigree including a Mille Miglia win. Impeccably restored it has a stunning leather interior.

Also offered in the sale are a rare 'alloy bodied' 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB, estimated at $930,000 – $1.1 million; an early 1989 Ferrari F40, formerly owned by Michel Neugarten, which has raced in the Italian GT championship and the BPR series, estimated at $315,000 - $385,000.; and a rare 1976 'vetroresina' Ferrari 308 GTB, estimated at only $70,000 - $110,000.

[via JustLuxe]

Gallery: Bonhams Monaco 2010

Tags: Bonhams, classic cars, Ferrari, Ferrari F40, Monaco

One-Off 1937 BMW Mille Miglia at Auction

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

In yet another stunning addition to its Sporting Classics of Monaco sale on May 1st, RM Auctions will offer one of the world's most significant pre-war sports racing cars, a one-of-a-kind 1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia 'Büegelfalte'. Expected to fetch several million dollars, the car participated in the 1937 Le Mans race as well as the 1938 Mille Miglia among many others. The beautiful and entirely unique bodywork was designed by BMW's Wilhelm Kaiser; its nickname is derived from the creases on the top of the fenders, referred to as 'Büegelfalte' meaning 'trouser crease', and the iconic bodywork influenced many later designs including the famed Jaguar XK120 Roadster. Of significance to BMW historians, the 'Buegelfalte' is the only special roadster ever built at the BMW factory in Munich. As it's a one-off even BMW's own museum only has a copy of this amazing vehicle.

Tags: BMW, Mille Miglia, MilleMiglia, Monaco, racecar, RM Auctions, RmAuctions

Red Square Superyacht for Sale at $86 Million

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing

The floating oligarch's palace known as Red Square built by Turkish shipyard Dunya Yachts has been listed for sale at $86 million. The 236-ft. steel superyacht which has not one but two helipads is being fitted out like a "floating bordello" in preparation for delivery to some profligate billionaire in 2011. Designed by Diana Scott from the Monaco based studio Sterling Scott with naval architecture by Taka Yachts and interior flourishes by "master of overstatement" Alberto Pinto, Red Square can accommodate up to 16 guests in sickeningly luxurious staterooms. In addition to the two helipads, she features an infinity pool, Jacuzzi, and massive exterior entertaining spaces. Power-wise twin 3,150 hp Caterpillar diesels deliver a maximum speed of 17 knots, a cruising speed of 14 knots and a range of 4,200 nautical miles at cruising speed - hopefully more than enough to outrun your creditors.

[via JamesList]

Tags: megayacht, Monaco, Russia, superyacht, Turkey, yacht

DeMonaco Carre d'Or Squelette Tourbillon Minute Repeater Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Shown at the Geneva Time Exhibition, but apparently not for official release until Baselworld, here is the newest creation from DeMonaco. The parts for their watches are Swiss made and assembled in Monaco. They further have their own designed movements. The main reason for the official release later on? Because of the 8 pieces they plan to produce in the limited edition, only this one has been made, and it has already been sold.

Showing great talent for design and finishing, the new DeMonaco Carre d'Or Squelette watch comes in a 46 by 50mm square-ish case in 18k rose gold with a titanium core. Movement is the new TB-RM1 manually wound tourbillon movement with a 48 hour power reserve. The tourbillon has DeMonaco's signature sapphire crystal bridge which is very cool, and a pain to manufacture. The mainplate of the movement is seen right through the skeletonized dial of the watch, that is cut to form the art deco style Roman numerals. Check out the diamond shaped titanium hour markers that are polished and neat looking. The watch hands are solid gold. Flip the watch over to reveal a beautiful and unique manner of movement decoration. Much of the shapes are small pyramids.

Aside from the tourbillon and the time, the major complication here is the minute repeater. It is operated via the slide lever on the left side of the case. The watch comes with a large wooden amplifier as part of the case that helps the minute repeater chimes sound louder. The hand finishing all over the case is really well done and I am certainly impressed with this new brand. Price for this watch is high, I don't recall the exact amount, but it is over $100,000.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: DeMonaco Carre d'Or Squelette Watch

Tags: carre dor, CarreDor, Demonaco, dMc-TB-RM, minute repeater, MinuteRepeater, monaco, skeleton, tourbillon, watch

World's Best Rolls-Royce Collection in Monaco Sale

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

It looks like the famed "Star of India" Rolls-Royce we wrote about back in the fall failed to find a buyer at its eye-popping $13 million asking price. The incredible auto, a bespoke, one-of-a-kind 1934 Phantom II 40/50 HP Continental "All-Weather Convertible" (above) custom made for an Indian Maharaja, is now slated to be auctioned off during RM Auctions' Sporting Classics of Monaco sale on May 1. The car and two dozen other highly prized Rolls-Royces on offer are from the world famous collection of Hans-Günther Zach, who had them on display at his private museum dedicated to the British marque in Germany. Among the other stellar Rolls models crossing the auction block in Monaco is a 1926 40/50 HP Phantom I Open Tourer, built for the Maharaja of Nanpara with a polished aluminum body and chassis; a Phantom II Cabriolet "Hunting Car" built for the the Maharajah of Rewa specially made for tiger shooting with a built-in gun rack; and a 1920 40/50 Silver Ghost Coupé de Ville made for cognac king Jean Hennessy and later owned by winemaker and noted car collector Baron de Rothschild.

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: Maharaja, Monaco, RM Auctions, RmAuctions, Rolls-Royce

Wally Carbon Fiber Superyacht Skis

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Sports

Monaco-based boatbuilder Wally, known for its avant-garde yacht designs, has expanded its range of high-tech, high-performance skis made using carbon fiber technology borrowed from seagoing craft. The collection now includes six different models engineered for a range of expert skiing styles and conditions. Wally's skis are 30% lighter than conventional ones and combine exceptional grip on ice with high performance on powder. The carbon fiber is accompanied by cores of ash and birch wood, titanium accents and steel edging. The models in the range are the Original, Tradition, Magic, Freewally, Minipowder and Wallypowder. At 176 cm long, the new Wallypowder is one of the widest skis ever produced and the only full carbon ski specifically developed for off-piste runs.

[via Duncan Quinn]

Tags: carbon fiber, CarbonFiber, Monaco, skiing, skis, Wally, winter sports, WinterSports, yacht

Chopard Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Time Attack MF Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Cost cutting is "in" for watch makers as profits are down, and making new and complex mechanical movements is a practice that is frowned upon. So watch makers get creative, and this is typically good news for consumers. Take for example this interesting new watch that I like from Chopard. Model is the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Time Attack MF. The watch is the first digital LCD screen I have ever seen on a racing watch from the brand - it is also one of the few or only watches in this line to have a Swiss quartz movement. I like how they combine "historic" and LCD panels. Styling is simple yet very satisfying. The 42.5mm wide steel case has has a nicely rendered style and the dial is extremely easy to read and live with. The negative color LCD screen makes operating a series of functions such as a chronograph, alarms, second timezone, calendar, and countdown timer easy. The screen looks to be of a high quality so it won't look like you are wearing some odd Frankenstein replica watch. Actually the movement is likely to be a thermo-compensated quartz, because it is certified as a COSC Chronometer - which has special requirements for quartz watches in terms of accuracy and giving them such certification.

I love the retro styling of the watch as well. The portholes in the leather strap as well as the thinner lugs and tachymeter style on the bezel all have a 1970s feel to them. Some people are no doubt going to complain that you shouldn't have to pay Chopard prices for a quartz watch - but the brand is worth something, and their ability to design a nice watch is worth more. Plus, like I said above, the price of this watch is likely to be less than mechanical watches due to the type of movement. Overall I like that watch. It may not be the perfect Chopard racing watch for all people, but it will be the perfect one for enough people.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: Chopard, chronometer, grand prix, GrandPrix, historique, mf, monaco, quartz, time attack, TimeAttack, watch, watch of the day, WatchOfTheDay

$1.5 Monaco Grand Prix Gift Package With Custom Supercar

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Luxury Cars & Autos, Wings, Events, Sports, Holiday Guides, Wealth

Last month we reported that the glossy chronicle of the filthy rich Robb Report is offering the world's most expensive Christmas gift this year - a matching custom private jet and megayacht set costing $500 million. The profligate publication has a few more eye-popping offerings as part of its Ultimate Gift Guide, a seasonal smorgasbord of over-the-top exclusives. Among the most enticing is a $1.5 million Monaco Grand Prix gift package, consisting of the following: a VIP experience at the 2010 Monaco Grand Prix F1 races in May; round-trip private jet travel from North America to Nice, France, and helicopter transfer from Nice to Monte Carlo for a party of four; five nights' accommodation in the top-floor suite at the luxe Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort; privileges aboard a private 170-ft. yacht that will provide a prime vantage of, and tender service to, four days of racing and activities; and last but not least a custom Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder (above) "as a keepsake".

Tags: Christmas, Formula 1, Formula1, France, holiday 2009, Holiday2009, Monaco, Monaco Grand Prix, MonacoGrandPrix, Monte Carlo, Monte Carlo Bay Hotel Resort, MonteCarlo, MonteCarloBayHotelResort, private jet, PrivateJet, racing, Robb Report, RobbReport, Spyker, yacht

'62 Ferrari Stars in New Monaco Auto Auction

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

On May 1st RM Auctions will inaugurate a new annual sale in Monaco headlined by a rare Ferrari expected to fetch up to $3.5 million. The Sporting Classics of Monaco event will be held at the Grimaldi Forum during the same weekend as the 7th Grand Prix Historique de Monaco. 80 of the world's finest motor cars will be on offer, headlined by a stunning 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Cabriolet Pininfarina (above). One of only six short wheelbase examples bodied by Pininfarina, the Ferrari, chassis no. 3309SA was the last example built, and displayed as a factory show car at the Geneva and New York Auto Shows in 1962. The car, which recently underwent a no-expense spared, nut and bolt restoration by top tier marque specialists, won an award at this year's famed Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Widely regarded as more exclusive, powerful and luxurious than the SWB California Spider, its offering is set to garner significant attention from collectors around the world.

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: classic cars, ClassicCars, Ferrari, Monaco, Pininfarina, RM Auctions, RmAuctions

Roger Moore Helps Launch "Bentley of the Seas"

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Events, Celebrity Shopping

Sir Roger Moore, famed for his portrayal of James Bond in the '70s and '80s, helped launched Swedish boatmaker J Craft's "Bentley of the Seas," the J Craft Torpedo (above), at the Monaco Yacht Show the other day. The Swedish boat building tradition is one of hand shaped hulls, rock solid construction and meticulous craftsmanship. The bespoke 42-ft. motorboat takes this practice to its extreme in every detail. The eco-friendly mahogany deck is lacquered 18 times for the perfect combination of gloss and strength. Every detail is meticulously hand finished, from the stitching on the leather upholstery to the finish of the bow chocks. No two Torpedos are exactly alike. Its Volvo Penta IPS engines can push the vessel up to speeds of 44 knots, the hand made steering wheel is from the same manufacturer that made the Ferrari 250 GTO a winner on racetracks and it even comes with a set of silver cutlery designed by HRH Prince Carl Philip of Sweden.

Tags: J Craft, James Bond, JamesBond, JCraft, Monaco, Monaco Yacht Show, MonacoYachtShow, motorboat, Roger Moore, RogerMoore, Sweden

Eurocopter EC155 B1 Dauphin Concept for Superyachts

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Wings

Eurocopter has just unveiled a new nautical-themed helicopter concept designed specially for use on superyachts at the Monaco Yacht Show, in partnership with luxury yacht broker Edmiston. The exterior of the twin engine Eurocopter EC155 B1 Dauphin by Andrew Winch Designs (AWD) is meant to evoke the contours of ocean waves via curving raised polished stainless steel trim lines. Yacht-inspired interior teak flooring, leather wrap-around adjustable sport seats fitted with carbon fiber back shells, fold-down central armrests, and "floating" LCD screens with headphones combine to offer the ultimate in luxury transport, along with bespoke touches such as the yacht's name etched in the rear windows. "The key idea behind my concept is endless comfort, be it on land with a Range Rover, at sea with a yacht or in the air with a helicopter," Winch notes.

[via JamesList]

Tags: Edmiston, Eurocopter, helicopter, Monaco, Monaco Yacht Show, MonacoYachtShow, superyacht, yacht

Ulysse Nardin Monaco YS Maxi Marine Diver Limited Edition Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Ulysse Nardin says "I love you Monaco" with the Monaco YS Maxi Marine Diver watch. The principality is the locale for many a sold luxury watch, so luxury brands are keen on showing Prince Albert, the sovereign of Monaco the love. This time the watch is pretty nice, though far from original as it is just a redressed Maxi Marine Diver watch. Unlike the recent Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Black Surf Diver watch that I recently discussed, while both of these watches share black tones, the Monaco YS watch does the black with DLC (diamond like carbon) coated over the steel.

Like the Black Surf, this watch has 18k rose gold accents, just not as much of it. The watch also feature gray colored lume on the dial for a more stealthy look.There is also the "Monaco" branding on the dial. This Ulysse Nardin Monaco YS Maxi Marine Diver watch also has the UN caliber 26 automatic Chronometer movement with power reserve, and comes in a limited edition of just 100 pieces. Ceramic links are placed into the otherwise rubber strap. Pretty much everything else is the same as the outgoing Maxi Marine Diver watch, expect for the price, that will be more.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: limited edition, LimitedEdition, maxi marine diver, MaxiMarineDiver, monaco, ulysse nardin, UlysseNardin, watch, ys