Welcome Connoisseur.

F1, private jets, carbon-fibre day boats and super GTs, what else could you want to motivate you on a Monday morning? Grab yourself a coffee and let’s read about your latest Santa list for being great.

Here in the UK we have a bank holiday, but you know what Gordon Gecko said!

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Aston Martin DB12

The DB12, Aston Martin's latest addition, offers enhanced power and performance, earning it the title of "the world's first super tourer". The reworked extruded-aluminium structure and suspension system lend the vehicle a seven per cent increase in overall structural rigidity.

Unique features include a rear-wheel drive, eight-speed automatic transmission, adaptive dampers, stiffer anti-roll bars, a stability control system, and Aston Martin’s inaugural electronic rear differential (E-diff).

At its heart, the DB12 boasts a reimagined version of Aston’s 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, capable of producing 671bhp and 800Nm of torque.

Exterior enhancements encompass 21-inch forged-alloy wheels and new Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres. The interior design includes a 10.25-inch high-res screen with wireless Android and Apple connectivity. Physical controls balance the digital display, complemented by luxurious Bridge-of-Weir leathers on seats and door panels.

The Rabbit Hole

Avanti EVO

For busy executives or time-starved individuals, the Avanti EVO, third generation of Piaggio Aerospace’s P.180, provides a timely and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional business jets. Termed the 'Ferrari of the skies' in Italy, this turboprop offers similar speeds to light jets while reducing CO2 emissions by up to 40%.

The Avanti EVO is not only eco-conscious but also impressively efficient, reaching cruising speeds of 402 knots at an altitude of 41,000 feet. It boasts a maximum range of 1,809 nautical miles, sufficient for trips like London to Moscow, making it a practical choice for short-haul flights across Europe or within the United States.

The Avanti EVO's design draws inspiration from the 1980s Learjets, giving it a modern, innovative look. As remarked by Piaggio Aerospace CEO Renato Vaghi, its design continually impresses, appearing fresh and new despite its 25-year history. The EVO's revolutionary design combines luxury, speed, and environmental stewardship, offering a new standard for travel.

Inside, the cabin provides ample space and comfort. With a headroom of 1.75 metres, only the tallest individuals might feel cramped. Once seated in one of the eight spacious leather seats, passengers will find plenty of room. The EVO's impressive performance extends to its ability to handle challenging weather conditions, and its quick ascent rate is notable. It requires only 974 metres of runway for takeoff, significantly less than a Boeing 747's 1,500 metres, allowing it to reach cruising altitude swiftly. Thus, the Avanti EVO combines a unique design, performance efficiency, and environmental sustainability, presenting an appealing alternative to traditional business jets.

The Rabbit Hole

Flying Private

I have flown a private plane before, with a qualified friend obviously, but I have never ‘flown private’ myself. These are two totally different experiences. However, due to the kind of acquaintances that frequent my WhatsApp groups, I am often living the Private Jet lifestyle vicariously.

Also because I have a passion for machines of all sorts I often end up down the YouTube rabbit hole and this week somehow I found myself researching Private Jet ownership. If you are at all interested I have posted a couple of videos below that I found interesting.

There are really two main ways to live the Private Jet lifestyle and they build down to Ownership and Renting. Within both of those categories there are many other options so I will try to break them down, as obvious as some may seem.

Ownership - Offers the highest degree of freedom, convenience, and privacy.

Key factors to consider are; the type of Aircraft: Consider the range, speed, size, and carrying capacity of the aircraft.

Costs: Purchasing a private jet involves upfront costs, which will vary on the aircraft type and age. Ongoing operational expenses such as fuel, maintenance, insurance, crew salaries, hangarage, and depreciation.

Management and Maintenance: Many owners opt to hire a professional aircraft management company to handle maintenance, crew recruitment, regulatory compliance, flight planning, and other logistics.

Renting - Offers the lowest cost and most flexible option for the Private Jet lifestyle.

Ad-hoc Charter: This is essentially a pay-as-you-go model where you book a specific aircraft for each trip.

Jet Card Membership: These prepaid programs offer guaranteed availability on a range of aircraft.

Fractional Ownership: This involves purchasing a share of a specific aircraft type. You have access to the aircraft for a certain number of hours per year, dependent on your share size.

Empty Leg Charter: This is the lowest cost way to get access to the lifestyle and in some cases can be cheaper than first class travel on regular airlines.

I have placed a number of links below if you want to dive deeper into the world of Private Jet Flights or Ownership.

The Rabbit Hole

SAY 42

As you may know I do like a fast day boat and whilst this boat is not new I thought you may like me to introduce you to the SAY 42.

Built by the German-based SAY Carbon, the SAY 42 yacht embodies the pinnacle of high-performance sailing. Constructed entirely from carbon fibre, the vessel boasts an unrivalled strength-to-weight ratio, providing it with extraordinary speed and agility.

The yacht’s innovative wave-cutter bow design effortlessly cuts through water, reducing drag and ensuring swift, smooth navigation. Depending on the chosen model, the SAY 42 can reach astounding top speeds of up to 50 knots.

Further elevating its performance, the SAY 42 offers various propulsion options, including inboard engines and advanced electric propulsion systems. This not only allows customisation to match specific performance needs, but also provides a sustainable cruising option for environmentally conscious mariners.

While speed and performance are at the heart of the SAY 42, comfort isn't compromised. Its cockpit is designed for relaxation and socialising, and below deck, there's a comfortable cabin and restroom.

In essence, the SAY 42 represents a fusion of state-of-the-art engineering and high-quality design, creating an unparalleled high-performance yachting experience.

The Rabbit Hole

F1 Private Jets

I found a great little video combining the above Private Jet lifestyle and my favourite motorsport below by Kym Illman.

The Rabbit Hole

Formula One

Monaco

If there is one race to see for the F1 spectacle, it's the Monaco Grand Prix.

That was the last sentence of my piece last week and I have to say Monaco did not disappoint the viewers this weekend. The Monaco build-up is often a little like Christmas, it’s all promise, which is the exciting thing, then sometimes it’s over and done and you are left unfulfilled. However, 2023 must go down as one of the better F1 weekends in many years.

Qualifying was a thrill to watch, but maybe not for Perez who managed to hit the wall hard at the end of the start/finish straight. Some argue he may have been distracted by an Alpine, but either way, he threw away his chance of pole and started from the back.

Perez had put a lap in that was good enough for 15th at one point but the track just got better and better and the times just kept on falling, leaving Perez last. As we entered the final few minutes of Q3 pole was anyone's guess. Ocon crossing the line to take provisional pole and then Alonso snatched it. Verstappen was down 3 tenths in the last sector meaning that it looked like Aston Martin where going to start on pole, only for Verstappen to drive the qualifying lap of his life, bouncing off the Monaco walls, to cross the line and rob Alonso of his pole.

The Race

Now I am not a Verstappen fan, but you have to give credit where it is due, and this weekend he rode his luck all the way, he did exactly what he had to achieve the win. Though it was a convincing win for Red Bull it was anything but simple. No red flags, no safety car, but so much drama on track especially when the rain came down around lap 57.

The rain really spiced things up as many teams had held out, rather than pitting earlier, as they saw the rain coming. And when it did it took a few laps for the field to adapt to it. Sadly for Alonso who had had a brilliant race up to this point in second place, Aston Martin called him in for fresh dry tyres only for the rain to really start. Inters were the tyres to be on and eventually, everyone switched, but because Mercedes switched first they managed to leapfrog both the Ferrari cars.

But the best drive was from Ocon who managed to take his Alpine all the way to the third step of the podium. And I think even the whole paddock can enjoy brief moments like this. There may have even been some more pace in that car.

Next Race - Spain - 2nd - 4th June

2nd Jun Practice 1

2nd Jun Practice 2

3rd Jun Practice 3

3rd Jun Qualifying

4th Jun Grand Prix

Other News, Links and Stuff

Whats-The-Fuss

Other dates for your diary:

Gumball3000 - 10 – 17 June

Atlantic Road Trip - 30 June– 09 July

Silverstone Grand Prix - 7– 9 July 

Goodwood Festival of Speed - 13 – 16 July

Goodwood Revival - 8 –10 Sept

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