How does anyone create consistently unique, fresh and beautiful flower arrangements from the confined space of below deck, with limited resources, in extreme weather conditions, extreme temperatures, within a really tight timeframe? We tracked down one of the UK's Superyacht Florists to find out.  Gemma Zannoni, freelance florist, has become a bit of an expert when it comes to creating beautiful floral arrangements on board superyachts.   Have you always been a florist? No, but I've always been creative. I studied fashion textiles at University.  I have built-in creative flair, I think it's because I'm half Italian, half British! But I didn't get into floristry until about 4 years ago.   What qualifications did you need? I di...

Working on superyachts can be anything from hard work to exhilarating, great fun to utterly exhausting and frustrating!  With exacting standards and well-established protocol to follow, you'll learn loads of new skills and get pushed to the limit! But there's no two ways about it, sometimes living and working in a confined space with a bunch of strangers, of differing ages, experience, backgrounds, culture and attitude can sometimes be testing. With mental health at the forefront of our minds, Captains and Owners are shipping in the experts to mentor and trouble-shoot, sorting out any crew problems, dispelling the old-school myths and empowering stewards and First Officers to bring on their crew, giving them the skills whether it's; silver service, table pla...

This month we caught up with Superyacht Charities. Founded by a team of influential figures in the Superyacht Industry and born out of a desire to generate funds for a whole host of charitable causes, regardless of global location.   Bringing with them a wealth of expertise, knowledge and contacts, from executive board member of International Superyacht Society, to yacht builders and key figures in superyacht crew training and development, this 'dream team' are doing plenty to make a difference. Co-founder, Vanessa Hodgson explained "most of the funding we raise comes from kind donations, in support of our many events, we've done all sorts, from a sponsored 24 hours in a life raft, a bike ride and of course our Pre-Med Ball, which has become so po...

This year's Superyacht Forum is just around the corner, a 3-day event held in Amsterdam, from 12th– 14th November.  Bringing together the great and the good from the world's superyacht industry. Over 3 days, approximately 800 of the most influential and innovative superyacht delegates from across the globe, will attend a series of topics and workshops following the theme 'The Perfect Customer Journey'.  They'll be encouraged to discuss and debate during think tanks, social interactions and keynote speeches, the current customer experience and how the industry can improve and sustain better ways of engaging and connecting with tomorrow's Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW) customers. Looking at new business models, innovators and investo...

We all know that too much plastic ends up in our oceans, it's damaging wildlife and if we continue will adversely affect our entire ecosystem.  Something has to be done. Behaviour change is obviously key, removing single-use plastic from our everyday lives and ensuring we all dispose of plastics responsibly, every time.  Meanwhile, extensive clean up operations are being conducted, coordinated by action groups along beaches, rivers, in forests and now in the Pacific Ocean. The team over at The Ocean Cleanup are making great strides in doing something positive to make a difference. Their mission?  To develop advanced technology to rid the world of the ocean's plastic, ultimately reducing the concentration of plastics in the oceans by 90% in 2040. Having unde...

A brand new luxury charter yacht IRISHA, measuring in at 51m/167ft has won one of the most coveted awards in nautical circles, Best Interior Design Award at the World Yacht Trophies 2018 in Cannes. As a new motor yacht to the charter fleet, Heesen's IRISHA accommodates a crew of 9 and features breathtaking interior styling from London based design firm, Harrison Eidsgaard. IRISHA is the ultimate showcase of innovative design, combining beautiful furnishings, sumptuous fabrics and bold artwork, so charter guests can relax and enjoy every comfort.  Designed with those who love the outdoors in mind, the interior features sliding glass doors from the main saloon leading to the aft deck, so guests can move seamlessly from inside out, making the most of the contemporary styled li...

A superyacht might the perfect way to travel the world, but the electric bike is a quick and easy way to get about once you've arrived.  Either around the marina, into town for supplies or checking out the location. This increasingly popular method of electric transport comes in a range of styles, sizes and offers varied performance, convenience and flexibility.  When folded, they're ideal for stowage in the cockpit locker, lazarette or tender garage. With the combined advances in lithium iron batteries and mobile app technology, electric bikes can convert to the battery power once you pedal, maintain momentum when you've had enough pedal power and can even be controlled via an app on your smart phone. The Vello Bike for example, a lightweight (12kg) ...

For over four generations the Lurssen family have operated the floating dock in Bremen-Aumund, Germany. The shipyard is one of the global leaders in the megayacht industry and was established by Friedrich Lurssen back in 1875. The companies origin was smaller motor yachts but around 1962 they expanded to larger vessels after delivering the 55m Pegasus. Since then they've cataloged some of the worlds largest yachts such as Dilbar, Pelorus, Rising Sun and Azzam. Lurssen have also dipped their toes in the military waters and built frigates, mine warfare vessels, and patrol boats.   In the news this week you may have seen reports about an early morning fire breaking out on the floating dock and spreading across the vessel that was housed inside. Emergency services attended ...

  The YachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show is officially open (14 - 23rd September) and showcasing the best in global marine brands.  Britain's best-loved boating festival celebrates half a century this year, with the finest yachts, innovative technology, dive and boating experiences, tall ships as well as products from over 600 marine brands. For added luxury, they're offering participants the chance to sign up to The Platinum Experience package during the show.  With exclusive access to the Platinum Lounge, guests will have the opportunity to sit back and enjoy views across the marina, peruse your show guide and plan the day. With hostess in attendance throughout the day, you'll be welcomed with a glass of prosecco on arrival, morning...

  You have just finished your first busy season as a crew member and now have more experience, new skills, a good reference to offer your new employer.   The first thing to do is to weigh up your options and make a list;   Caribbean/ Pacific season?   Do you want to carry on and obtain another position on board, travel to the Caribbean or some other exotic destination and leave the Mediterranean winter behind?   If you enjoy travelling and enjoyed your first season and want to extend your yachting career. There is no need to sit and wait and spend all your hard earned wages waiting for the next Med season to kick off. You could find another position on a large vessel and go over to the Caribbean either on its own steam or on the Dock express. You will...