Art de Vivre were extremely honoured to be involved in the London Boat Show 2016 and to support Sunseeker London’s chosen charity Princess Alexandra Hospital breast cancer trials helping them raise £35,000. We would like to thank the many generous visitors who took part in the charity raffle and silent auction. Art de Vivre were delighted to offer the Golden Raffle prize of a 7 night stay in the stunning Li-Al-Do Maison, one of our finest Seychelles luxury properties, kindly donated by its owner. Items in the auction included a signed Tracey Emin print and a rare Pure Evil print. The winners can enjoy these prizes, knowing they have helped a great cause.

Sunseeker kindly hosted an invitation only party for the charity in their VIP lounge nestled amongst the largest yachts. This VIP space has a welcoming atmosphere with deep sofas, crew manned bar and dotted with intricate models of the Sunseeker yacht range. Our team also admired the design and craftsmanship of the Boodles counter with its Patek Philippe men’s watch collection and for the ladies, beautiful diamond necklaces, bracelets and rings. The party kicked off at 6pm with an electric string trio playing some classical and contemporary hits live. The owner of Li-Al-Do Maison flew in from Italy as an honorary guest to the private VIP event and experienced a private tour of the very best of Sunseeker’s yachts, stating their favourite as Stardust, an 86 ft yacht available for charter. The show was followed by the champagne and canapés whilst networking with everybody involved in the charity and raffle.

Welcoming owner of Li Al Do Maison to VIP charity party at Sunseeker stand, London Boat Show 2016 - Art de Vivre

Sacha Gauthier, Art de Vivre at London Boat Show 2016

Art de Vivre staff enjoyed the 10 days participation immensely, working alongside the charity and the friendly and dynamic Sunseeker staff whilst being able to chat to visitors about our villa collection. Sunseeker’s hospitality was exceptional and Art de Vivre made friends with Sunseeker staff from London to the many hot Mediterranean locations. Another highlight for Julie was to welcome Art de Vivre’s Chinese business partner to tour the beautiful yachts and watch her admiration of the high level of marine craftsmanship and design.

Much like our fundraising, the show itself was a huge triumph. Thousands of visitors to London’s ExCel Centre were treated to tours of some of the finest yachts in the world, courtesy of Sunseeker and other yacht manufacturers like Princess and Pearl. The most stunning was possibly the Sunseeker 131, named after it’s 131-feet length, this huge motor superyacht is the largest boat to debut at the London Boat Show - so immense that it had to be exhibited by-appointment on the river. Accommodating up to twelve guests in sublime surroundings, the sheer scale and layout of this immense tri-deck yacht is awe-inspiring. Expertly finished using ultra-modern materials and techniques, the 131 Yacht is one of the finest examples of modern day motor boat building. The main deck features a lounge, separate dining area and full galley, while on the upper deck you’ll find the sky lounge, cocktail bar and access to the skydeck; where comfort and lavishness reach new levels. The largest yacht on the Sunseeker stand itself was the 86 ft Yacht called Stardust. A seductive combination of style and exclusivity, the 86 stood tall at the Sunseeker stand, with constant queues to experience a tour around the impressive vessel.

The show was a great display of British marine engineering and design. Nearly all of the marine companies present were UK based and exporting around the world.

Being a part of such a large-scale prestigious event was very exciting for the Art de Vivre team as it gave us the opportunity to work with our lovely friends at Sunseeker, to spend valuable quality time with our clients, support the charity and to experience the pivotal British marine industry for ourselves.