VUE

ough they had owned several smaller sailboats since the '80s, the 138-foot Vijonara would be their first-ever new-build project. With a taste for both top performance and classic charm, they began their research by chartering the Atalante, the first Truly Classic 128 design by Dutch designer Andre Hoek. Aboard the Atalante at the Monaco Yacht Show, Hoek would introduce them to MCM's Nigel Ingram to handle the project's management. ere was instant chemistry among the group, and it wasn't long before the project was underway. Being experienced sailors, the owners were aer more than just a carbon copy of ships past—something symbolic of their journey and unique to their own vision. ey entrusted Ingram—a former racing sailor and yacht captain himself—to help bring their ideas to life. As a co- founder of MCM—one of the industry's leading yacht management firms for over 30 years—Ingram and his business partner, Peter Wilson, have handled the new construction of over 80 superyachts. Perhaps Vijonara's greatest challenge—outside of her stunning details—was the project's short construction schedule, which had to be completed in time for the owners' sailing plans. "I had completed two refits at the yard and knew what they were capable of," says Ingram. "When the owners visited the yard in Falmouth, they just clicked with the people there and a contract was signed pretty quickly." "e owners had a very clear vision of what they wanted to achieve and it was my job to make sure all the parties pulled together to achieve that vision," Ingram explains. "Understanding what the owner wants is paramount, but then we have to explain what the constraints are and be very clear about the challenges. Building a superyacht is all about teamwork and the tight build schedule was achieved largely because everyone involved worked so well together." V U E N J . C O M 94

• Cover