Notes From The Editor

Week Ending 09/09/2011

In an attempt to put Big Fish into the eyes of London’s major press, YCO welcomed a number of guests aboard for a windy night on the Thames this week. Furthermore, as I stood on Big Fish, staring across at the looming Abeking & Rasmussen yacht Aviva, sat neatly behind Tower Bridge, I began to think about how exactly superyachts will transform the Thames over the 2012 Olympics.

Come 2012, the world’s eyes will turn to Britain as London hosts the Olympic Games, one of the oldest traditions in the history of civilisation.

High-net-worth individuals from across the globe will undoubtedly be vying for access to the capital, and no matter the argument, for or against the games, this is London’s chance to show the world how the city has evolved.

Albeit London has rarely ever been seen as an idyllic superyacht location for owners, maybe due to a lack of facilities comparable to other renowned yachting hubs or the somewhat ‘characteristic’ British weather, the Olympics will surely help highlight the positives of bringing a superyacht to a capital which is filled with history, culture and luxurious hotspots.

Entrance to the Thames through Tower Bridge was the preferred option for Aviva and Big Fish this week, and with other berthing locations dotted just a short distance from the Olympic venues, it becomes clear to see how the Thames will fill up with superyachts; especially with the increasing rarity and exclusivity of event tickets and luxury accommodation around London.

Also, given the pending mayhem which will ensue on London’s roads, rails and pavements, it seems like travelling by water may be the way to go for those who have the option, not to mention a good captain.

So with numerous well-equipped locations around the Thames, such as Docklands, Canary Wharf and the Royal Docks acting as easily accessible ports of call for superyachts - alongside other locations reportedly stating their intent of opening up easier access points for tenders - an evening on board Big Fish seemed to give me a taste of what London will feel like come the big day and how London can change its image as a European superyacht location.