There always comes that time of year when the desire for the sea becomes irrepressible. It happens especially in winter when summer is now a distant memory. Exacerbating the distance not only temporally but also physically, in the truest sense of the word, are the coats, hats and gloves inside and all those garments worn to protect against the cold. Then the sense of freedom and the urge to return to rest one’s eyes on the boundless blue expanse becomes overwhelming.
There is no shortage of options on the table. The simplest and most straightforward is to take a plane ticket and fly straight to your destination. Or alternatively, you can travel with your imagination. If you add Christmas to this last thought, the reasoning takes a real leap forward. Yes, because now is the time to choose something that speaks about you, that surprises, excites and leaves a lasting impression. Among the objects capable of embodying these qualities, a book stands out for its unique power: it is a door to new worlds, a gift that you leaf through and experience. And when the book is published by Assouline, it becomes something even more extraordinary. It is not just a gift, but a symbol of elegance and culture, capable of turning every Christmas into an experience to remember. Especially if under the banner of the sea. This is an item where there is no shortage of choices, each of which is bound to make a fine impression under the tree.
Yacht Club de Monaco
Lying on the waterfront of Port Hercules in Monaco, the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) is the beating heart of yachting in the Principality. Led by HRH Prince Albert II since 1984, the Club connects its members, the yachting industry and the Principality itself, promoting a sustainable vision of yachting.
In 2024, the Club celebrated two important milestones: the 40th anniversary of Prince Albert II’s presidency and the 10th since the inauguration of its new headquarters designed by Lord Foster, and now a symbol of Monaco’s commitment as the capital of yachting.
Many events take place under the auspices of the yacht club, starting with the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge and the SEA Index, reflecting its mission to innovate and promote sustainable boating. In the book, authored by journalist Jill Bobrow with a foreword by HRH Prince Albert II, 70 years of history, tradition and commitment to a greener future are covered.
All punctuated by breathtaking images, both contemporary and vintage, that intertwine to recount the most unforgettable moments and thus celebrate the visionary spirit of the Monaco-based club.
St. Tropez Yachting
In September 1981, Dick and Celia Jayson, aboard their Swan 44 Pride, arrived in Saint-Tropez. Having lunch at the famous Club 55, they met Patrice de Colmont and skipper Jean Laurain.
Together, they imagined a regatta whose route took life on a simple road map: departure from the Portalet tower, passage through the Nioulargue (the ‘nest of the open sea’ in Provençal) and arrival at Club 55. Whoever crossed the finish line first would win the trophy.
The following day, the Var Matin proclaimed: ‘A new America’s Cup is born!’. From this intuition, the legendary Nioulargue was born. The rest is history. Renamed Voiles de Saint-Tropez in 1999, today this competition is considered the biggest sailing event in the Mediterranean, attracting over 250 boats to the waters of St. Tropez every year.
A true festival of sailing: hundred-year-old vintage boats and modern yachts coexist in the unique setting of the Côte d’Azur, celebrating the tradition and innovation of sailing.
This volume, with the involvement of Patrice de Colmont, offers an exclusive look at decades of history and memorable regattas, enriched by Guillaume Plisson’s spectacular shots and the stories of protagonists such as Luca Bassani, Éric Tabarly and Bruno Troublé.
With a preface by de Colmont himself, Saint-Tropez Yachting is the definitive celebration of a timeless passion that continues to enchant the many sailing and non-sailing enthusiasts.
Benetti
It is not just a piece of Italian yachting history. It is much more. With over 400 yachts built, Benetti is to all intents and purposes a symbol of excellence and innovation.
Each creation is a work of art, from David Bowie’s legendary El Caranand Adnan Khashoggi’s Nabila to the Delfino, considered the first luxury yacht, and the imposing 108-metre IJE, the largest ever built by the yard.
This celebratory book explores Benetti’s extraordinary history, highlighting the skills of its craftsmen, artisans and visionary designers who have collaborated with the brand over the years. Through compelling testimonies and previously unpublished images, readers are taken on a journey that retraces its most significant stages: from its origins to the latest projects that reflect its commitment to sustainability.
Written by Kevin Koenig, one of the most authoritative nautical journalists on the scene today, this volume is a heartfelt tribute not only to the brand, but also to the extraordinary vessels that Benetti has imagined and built in over a century of activity.
Yachts: The Impossible Collection
A volume that has become a cult for seafaring enthusiasts. This fascinating anthology celebrates extraordinary hulls that have written epic pages in the history 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.
The pages of this volume are enriched by the presence of both some historic yachts that have become style icons and daring megayachts that have revolutionised the very idea of design and innovation. Not to mention the theme of sustainability, which has now become the driving force behind a change in the global nautical industry towards increasingly conscious and sustainable choices.
Presented in a luxurious shell-shaped slipcase, this volume is a true visual and narrative celebration of yachting. Written by Miriam Cain, a superyacht journalist with a career spanning over twenty years, Yachts: The Impossible Collection offers an exclusive look at these authentic marvels of the sea.
Riva Aquarama
‘There are no limits to the beauty of the Aquarama, its timeless perfection and beauty.
It is a timeless classic. You could own an eighty-metre yacht, but people will always look at the Aquarama first,’ said Alberto Galassi, CEO Ferretti Group. In the universe of international yachting, few boats can rival the Aquarama’s timeless appeal when it comes to style and elegance.
Created by the genius Carlo Riva, this iconic wooden runabout marked an era and today Assouline celebrates it with the volume Riva Aquarama, dedicated to its 60th anniversary. With its essential lines, precious mahogany, chrome-plated brass details and distinctive interior in shades of aquamarine and cream, the Aquarama is the perfect symbol of the optimism of the Italian Dolce Vita of the 1960s.
It is impossible not to associate it with images of the glittering Côte d’Azur and European coastlines, long summer days spent in the sun, lulled by the unmistakable sound of its engine as it ploughs through the waves. The Aquarama is much more than a boat: it is a status symbol that has seduced movie stars, world leaders and royal families. Legendary names such as Brigitte Bardot, Elizabeth Taylor, Gunter Sachs and the Monarchs of Monaco could not resist its irresistible charisma.
Although around 760 examples were produced at the historic Sarnico yard, today there are still over 650, a testament to its longevity and the cult that surrounds it. This extraordinary volume signed by Michael Verdon traces the history of an icon of style and elegance, capturing its timeless charm and Dolce Vita spirit.
Also available in a special luxury edition, the book is housed in an elegant striped mahogany slipcase that recalls the beauty of the Aquarama’s hull, giving collectors, owners and fans of the brand a fragment of the Riva myth.
Matteo Zaccagnino
