Welcome to issue #116 of Ocean magazine.
This edition, we review three exceptional boats, including our cover star, the Iliad 53F, a versatile power catamaran that brings together long-range cruising capability and true luxury.
Other reviews include the Bluegame BGX63, which has just arrived in Sydney. Rugged yet stylish, this yacht is made for the Australian boating lifestyle, blending Italian design with outdoor-ready features that make it stand out. Also the new Selene 66 Moon Shadow, which has been crafted with family gatherings and relaxed cruising in mind, this yacht beautifully captures the bond between a vessel and its owners.
“I can honestly say, my trip to Barcelona was one of the most unforgettable events in my 20 years in yachting.”
If you’ve been following Ocean magazine for a while or keep up with my weekly OceanLIVE news, you’ll know I’m a huge America’s Cup fan. So, when Barcelona was announced as the host city for the 37th edition, I didn’t hesitate – I booked my flight immediately. And, I can honestly say, it was one of the most unforgettable events in my 20 years in yachting.
Of course, I was cheering hard for Emirates Team New Zealand – and it’s always more thrilling when you come away with a win – but the real marvel is the technology the America’s Cup brings to the table. Just as F1 technology filters down into everyday automotive, innovations from the Cup will influence every corner of sailing. When the AC75s were first announced in 2018, most people thought they’d tip right over! Look at what they’ve evolved into today. It’s mind-blowing.
I know there’s plenty of debate around the Cup’s direction – with all the automation, the cyclors and the fact it’s almost sailor-free – but I have a feeling they might dial it back a bit in the next edition, likely to run again in 2026 or 2027.
For now, I’m revelling in ETNZ’s three-peat victory. The racing was spectacular, and exploring Barcelona for the first time was an adventure in itself – the city’s culture, not to mention the tapas and wine, nearly stole the show. Wherever ETNZ heads next, I’ll be booking my flight the moment it’s announced!
In this issue, our cover star is the Iliad 53F, a versatile power catamaran that brings together long-range cruising capability and true luxury. With spacious interiors and all the comforts of home, it’s the perfect yacht for those who crave both adventure and elegance.
We also profile the Bluegame BGX63, which has just arrived in Sydney. Rugged yet stylish, this yacht is made for the Australian boating lifestyle, blending Italian design with outdoor-ready features that make it stand out.
Yachting, of course, is a world of unique personal stories, and few vessels embody this more than the Selene 66 Moon Shadow. Crafted with family gatherings and relaxed cruising in mind, this yacht beautifully captures the bond between a vessel and its owners.
One of my favourite stories this issue is our Endeavour profile on James Ashwell, whose journey on his Oyster 62 Uhuru through the South Pacific epitomises yachting at its most adventurous. His exploration of remote, untouched destinations like Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu showcases the pure joy of discovering these hidden gems and connecting with incredible cultures on the way.
We also explore the growing trend of yacht refits, with insights from owners and industry experts who explain how refits bring together the best of both worlds – modern technology and bespoke styling on classic, well-loved yachts. For many owners, this is the ideal way to breathe new life into their vessels, adding personal touches and cutting-edge features.
On the environmental front, we feature Reef Design Lab, a Melbourne-based team making waves in marine conservation. Their eco-friendly artificial reefs, including the Living Seawalls, are brilliant examples of how our industry can help protect marine ecosystems. From Australia’s coastline to the reefs of the Maldives, Reef Design Lab is pioneering new methods to safeguard the ocean environments we all care about.
Finally, I’d like to extend a big congratulations to Sydney Superyacht Marina on its 25th anniversary. Since opening just before the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the marina has become a true cornerstone of Australia’s superyacht industry, welcoming some of the world’s finest yachts to our iconic harbour.
With this issue, we wrap up another incredible year and are especially excited to head into 2025 – its our 20th year of publishing Ocean magazine and it’s going to be huge!
For now, I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas and New Year and hope to see you out on the water soon.
Until next issue,
Hillary Buckman
Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief
Ocean Media Pty Ltd
PS. Don’t wait any longer to subscribe to Ocean magazine – with an incredible 30 percent off the cover price, it’s time to get on board! ⚓️
