Elite Traveler January-February 2018

DISCOVER

elite traveler JAN/FEB 2018 37

Aviation

If you’re feeling the January blues and need a warm-weather getaway this winter, Air Partner has joined forces with leading yacht brokerage house Camper & Nicholsons to create a series of ‘sky to sea’ packages. Vincent Kavanagh, senior vice president for sales at Air Partner, explains the motivation for the partnership: “Our clientele is always seeking a lavish private adventure, and partnering with a leader in the marine space gives them the opportunity to enjoy the finest in secluded travel in the air and at sea. We can’t think of a better winter escape than flying private to catch a yacht bound for the open water.” Neither can we! Fly to yachting hub Fort Lauderdale with Air Partner, who works with guests to customize their onboard flight experience to complement their destination choice — enjoy custom menus inspired by local cuisine: fresh seafood and Cuban fare, paired with a selection of wines and tropical cocktails to get you in the mood. Then sail to a number of destinations, including the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos and Florida’s Elliott Key, Key Largo and Newfound Harbor, aboard vessels like the aptly named 180.4-ft Benetti-built Ocean Paradise (pictured, middle) or unwind on the deck of the 221.4-ft Icon (pictured, right). SKY TO SEA

FLOTILLA New York Metropolitan (Teterboro) to Fort Lauderdale Eight to 10 passengers 90ft superyacht from $80,000 115ft superyacht from $112,000 Two passengers 70ft sailing yacht from $67,000 Chicago (Midway) to Fort Lauderdale Eight to 10 passengers 90ft superyacht from $117,000 115ft superyacht from $142,000 Two passengers 70ft sailing yacht from $97,000 Los Angeles (Van Nuys) to Fort Lauderdale Eight to 10 passengers 90ft superyacht from $155,000 115ft superyacht from $180,000 Two passengers 70ft sailing yacht from $125,000 Contact charter@ airpartner.com, +1 888 247 7278, airpartner.com

Seastar The most advanced amphibious aircraft in the world, the Seastar is the best way to explore, as it’s engineered to operate from both runway and water surfaces, even in rough conditions. And Winch Design has collaborated with Dornier Seawings Gmbh to create interiors as innovative and unique as the aircraft itself. Jim Dixon, head of aviation at Winch Design, enthused, “The seaplane allows us to draw on both our yacht and aviation experience to create a very special amphibious aircraft with a unique flying environment. It is a very exciting project for the team.” Taking inspiration from the 1930s golden age of air travel and classic 1950s Riva lake cruisers, the design features natural woods, grained leather upholstery and polished metal accents. The attention to detail is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional: the bleached teak decks, for example, allow guests to jump on board with wet feet and head to the next beach. Both the exterior and interior can be fully customized with a choice of materials, colors and seat styles to suit your taste. dornierseawings.com, winchdesign.com

The amphibious aircraft can operate from both runway and water surfaces

Words Samantha Coles. Photos Superyacht Media, Quin Bisset