Editor's Note: Exclusive Insights & First Glances

　　From the buzz of Barcelona on the shores of OneOcean Port Vell, to one of the biggest, boldest, and blushing Top 100 launches by Feadship in 2018, this week the superyacht industry had lots to brag about, look forward to and reveal...

　　Following the announcement of Auckland, New Zealand as the home of the 2021 America's Cup it was a gift to have been joined at Barcelona's OneOcean Port Vell to speak to the Patron of Emirates Team, Helen Clark. We gained a privileged insight by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand into how the region plans to revolutionise the sailing landscape for women, as well as the progressive shifts entailed to evolve the yachting industry.

　　Excitingly, this wasn't our only exclusive look-in. Our Feature Writer, Anna Solomon spoke with Peter Thompson, Managing Partner at TWW Yachts, about the quintessentially Italian M/Y Spectre, the Benetti beauty on everyone's radar. The build process for the 69m? "[Exterior Designer] Cassetta had the vessel 3D modelled, and turned up in Florida with an oculus headset, and put in on Mr Staluppi’s head so that he could walk or fly around the outside of his boat prior to it even coming out of the steel shed,” Peter tells us. That’s dedication for you!

　　The week continued with a series of big announcements. The finest of Feadship's revelations finally made its debut on Saturday morning where onlookers had the opportunity to capture the stunning elegance of Michael Leach’s 93m external design as the Feadship Top 100 member left the shed.

　　The 'biggest and best' of the superyacht industry didn't end there. Turning our attention to the quickly approaching Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, we continued our list with another hot line up of showstoppers. Think the unconventional 53m M/Y Kinta with its asymmetric main deck, or the elaborate 53.9m M/Y Noble House and its eye-catching spiral staircase...the show has enough head turners to predict the biggest year yet.

　　Into the Captain's quarters, Feature Writer, Catriona Cherrie got word on all things S/Y Aquarius this week with an interview with Captain, James Turner who, having sailed Aquarius from destination to destination, shares his experiences onboard the dazzling sailing yacht.

　　While we can't seem to adapt to the shifting seasons here in London, we hail the hedonistic sanctuary of Cote D’Azur, the volcanic beauty of the Aeolian Islands and the rustic paradise of the Tuscan Archipelago as the charter spots of next year worthy of cult-status. These spots are of course best captured onboard a charter with M/Y Cloud Atlas, available with Flying Charter.

　　While the balmy beaches of the sublime Franco-Italian region are what make it a time-honoured retreat, nothing quite says starting an ocean voyage than on your very own home on the water. Burgess announced as C.A for the sale of 92m Equanimity, a Top 100 dime that might make this a reality.

　　To conclude was the YXT 24 Evolution from Lynx Yachts touched the water for the first time on Monday 19th October in the Netherlands, proving superyacht support vessels are where practicality, style and excitement marry for discovery.

　　While the industry prepare for FLIBS, keep up to date with the latest news and exclusive insights on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.