There comes a time every year when the longing for the sea becomes overwhelming. This is particularly true in winter, as summer feels like a distant memory. The distance is magnified not just in time but also physically, with coats, hats, and gloves worn indoors, emphasizing the cold. This amplifies the sense of freedom and the desire to gaze once again upon the endless blue horizon.
There are plenty of options available. The most straightforward one is to buy a plane ticket and fly directly to your chosen destination. Alternatively, you can travel using your imagination. Add in the festive spirit of Christmas to this idea, and the possibilities expand significantly. Indeed, this is the moment to select something that reflects your personality, that surprises and excites while leaving a lasting impression. Among the many gifts that embody these qualities, a book stands out for its unique potential: it serves as a gateway to new worlds, a tactile experience that you can explore. And when that book is published by Assouline, it transforms into something even more remarkable. It is not just a gift but a symbol of elegance and culture, capable of making every Christmas an unforgettable experience, especially when themed around the sea. There’s no shortage of options for this, each guaranteed to shine beautifully beneath the tree.
©-Burgess
Yacht Club de Monaco
Located by the waterfront of Port Hercules in Monaco, the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) is the vibrant heart of yachting in the Principality. Under the leadership of HRH Prince Albert II since 1984, the Club fosters connections among its members, the yachting industry, and the Principality itself, promoting a sustainable vision of yachting.
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In 2024, the Club celebrates two significant milestones: the 40th anniversary of Prince Albert II’s presidency and the 10th anniversary since the inauguration of its new headquarters, designed by Lord Foster and now a symbol of Monaco’s commitment to being the capital of yachting.
© Monaco – Principauté Archives
A variety of events take place under the yacht club’s auspices, starting with the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge and the SEA Index, reflecting its mission to innovate and promote sustainable boating. The book, authored by journalist Jill Bobrow and featuring a foreword by HRH Prince Albert II, chronicles 70 years of history, tradition, and commitment to a greener future.
©Guillaume Plisson
All of this is complemented by breathtaking images, both contemporary and vintage, that weave together the most unforgettable moments, celebrating the visionary spirit of the club based in Monaco.
©Guillaume Plisson
St. Tropez Yachting
In September 1981, Dick and Celia Jayson arrived in Saint-Tropez aboard their Swan 44, Pride. While dining at the renowned Club 55, they encountered Patrice de Colmont and skipper Jean Laurain.
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Together, they envisioned a regatta whose route came to life on a simple map: starting from the Portalet tower, passing through the Nioulargue (translated in Provençal as ‘open sea’s nest’) and finishing at Club 55. The first to cross the finish line would take home the trophy.
©Carlo Borlenghi
The next day, Var Matin announced: ‘A new America’s Cup has been born!’ This inspiration led to the creation of the legendary Nioulargue. The rest is history. Renamed Voiles de Saint-Tropez in 1999, today this event is regarded as the largest sailing competition in the Mediterranean, drawing over 250 boats to the shores of St. Tropez each year.
Photo superyacht Oceanco © Guillaume Plisson
A true celebration of sailing: century-old vintage boats and modern yachts coexist in the stunning environment of the Côte d’Azur, honoring both the tradition and innovation of sailing.
© Patrice de Colmont
This volume, created with the participation of Patrice de Colmont, provides an exclusive glimpse into decades of history and unforgettable regattas, enriched by stunning photographs from Guillaume Plisson and the stories of personalities such as Luca Bassani, Éric Tabarly, and Bruno Troublé.
© Guillaume Plisson
This narrative is punctuated by extraordinary images that tell the story of unforgettable moments, celebrating the visionary spirit of the club based in Monaco.
Benetti
More than just a chapter in Italian yachting history, Benetti represents excellence and innovation. With over 400 yachts crafted, it stands as a noteworthy symbol in the industry.
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Each creation is an artwork in itself, spanning remarkable vessels such as David Bowie’s legendary El Caran and Adnan Khashoggi’s Nabila, the Delfino—recognized as the first luxury yacht—and the impressive 108-meter IJE, the largest ever produced by the shipyard.
© Tom Van Oossanen
This commemorative book delves into Benetti’s prestigious heritage, showcasing the talents of its craftsmen, artisans, and visionary designers who have collaborated with the brand over the years. Through captivating narratives and previously unpublished images, readers embark on a journey through its major milestones, from the company’s inception to its latest endeavors reflecting an ongoing commitment to sustainability.
© Silvano Pupella
Authored by Kevin Koenig, regarded as one of today’s most authoritative nautical journalists, this book serves as a heartfelt homage not only to the brand but also to the extraordinary vessels that Benetti has envisioned and constructed over more than a century.
©Courtesy of Benetti Shipyard Archive
Yachts: The Impossible Collection
A cult favorite among nautical enthusiasts, this captivating anthology celebrates remarkable hulls that have etched their names into the annals of yachting and regattas, from the legendary schooner America to the elegant J-Class racing yachts of the early 20th century and modern high-tech megayachts.
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The pages of this volume are enriched by historic yachts that have become style icons, alongside bold megayachts that have redefined design and innovation. Additionally, it explores the theme of sustainability, which has taken on greater importance in the global nautical industry as it transitions toward more responsible choices.
©-Burgess
This stunning volume, presented in a luxurious clam-shaped slipcase, serves as a visual and narrative celebration of yachting. Written by Miriam Cain, a journalist with over two decades in the superyacht industry, Yachts: The Impossible Collection offers an exclusive insight into these remarkable marvels of the sea.
© Guillaume Plisson
Riva Aquarama
‘There are no limits to the beauty of the Aquarama. Its timeless perfection and grace make it a classic. You might own an eighty-meter yacht, but people will always admire the Aquarama first,’ noted Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group. In the realm of international yachting, few boats can compete with the timeless allure of the Aquarama in terms of style and elegance.
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Designed by the visionary Carlo Riva, this iconic wooden runabout influenced a generation, and Assouline now commemorates it with the volume Riva Aquarama, marking its 60th anniversary. With sleek lines, exquisite mahogany, chrome fixtures, and a distinctive interior of aquamarine and cream, the Aquarama epitomizes the optimistic spirit of the Italian Dolce Vita of the 1960s.
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It’s hard not to associate it with imagery of the glitzy Côte d’Azur and Mediterranean coastlines, long sun-soaked summer days, while lulled by the unmistakable sound of its engine cutting through the waves. The Aquarama is not merely a boat; it has become a status symbol that has captured the hearts of movie stars, world leaders, and royal families. Icons such as Brigitte Bardot, Elizabeth Taylor, Gunter Sachs, and the Monaguese Monarchs were all enchanted by its allure.
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Although around 760 units were produced at the historic Sarnico yard, over 650 still exist today, a testament to their enduring legacy and the following they inspire. This remarkable volume, penned by Michael Verdon, chronicles the history of this stylish icon, reflecting on its everlasting charm and the spirit of the Dolce Vita.
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Also offered in a special luxury edition, the book is housed within a sleek striped mahogany slipcase that recalls the beauty of the Aquarama’s hull, providing collectors, owners, and admirers of the brand a piece of Riva’s mythos.