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Telegraph
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Portofino banned tourists from picnics, going barefoot or lying down. I found the rulebreakers
Sailboats bob gently in the water, overwhelmed by the massive superyachts squeezed in beside them. The early morning sun is already bouncing off the pastel-coloured buildings that frame the charming horseshoe-shaped bay. An Italian flag flutters above my head and church bells toll from a hidden location. It's just gone 8am and there's barely a tourist in sight in the main piazza of Portofino as I take a sip of my first cappuccino of the day with a spectacular view of the water. The tranquillity tastes nearly as good as the coffee. But it won't last. Portofino has been transformed from a sleepy fishing village into the biggest drawcard on the Italian Riviera. Once an exclusive playground for the world's rich and famous, it now attracts thousands of day-trippers and Instagrammers who pour through its piazza and cram its narrow alleys in the summer season. Today, the temperatures are steamy when the cruise ship passengers start spilling out on to the wharf and racing to the gelaterias for their first ice cream of the day. Some of the tourists kick off their shoes and dip their feet in the bay, others stroll around in their bathing costumes or strip off their shirts altogether. But in doing so, they are breaking Portofino's anti-tourist rules. Under its tight restrictions, picnics are also banned, and dogs must be kept on a leash. And sitting on a bench with a beer in your hand or taking an afternoon snooze in the wrong place might also cost you. Yet most visitors have no idea they are liable for fines from €25 (£22) to €500 (£435) for violating the strict new laws, which were recently approved by the local council. Portofino's mayor, Matteo Viacava, has banned bad behaviour in a bid to restore decorum to one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. It has a weighty reputation to uphold. Over the years, Portofino has welcomed Hollywood A-listers from Charlie Chaplin and Ava Gardner to VIPs such as Princess Grace of Monaco, Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Winston Churchill. In recent years, Rod Stewart, Elton John and Madonna have holidayed here, and the quaint town's luxury boutiques and designer stores are testament to the well-heeled clientele it continues to attract. Perhaps that's why poor behaviour can no longer be tolerated by the town's 350 permanent residents – unless you are lodging in a five-star hotel or on a private yacht of your own. But while I find one sign banning bare chests and bathing suits, there is no signage advising tourists of the entire list of the new restrictions, and no one in uniform seems to be patrolling the alleys or the pristine piazza enforcing the new rules. On top of that, the mayor is not available for comment and not responding to my calls ('He spoke to the press a few weeks earlier and has nothing further to say,' a council employee tells me). The chief of police is also away from the office during my visit. If anyone is curious about checking the finer details, it takes quite a bit of research to find the new ordinance on the council website. When I ask for help, one council employee tells me he can't find it either. Finally, I root it out… and, of course, it is in Italian. There's no clarity on which misdemeanour warrants a mere €25 fine and which will see you slapped with a €500 one. Back in the piazza, Danny, Harry and Otis have just landed from Huddersfield, and have immediately stripped off their shirts to soak up the sun. The bare-chested 20-year-olds are taken aback when I tell them the move could cost them a few hundred euros if they're caught. 'We got a few funny looks, we didn't know that,' says Danny, a maths student at Leeds University. 'I don't think I could even afford that,' he adds with a grin. Nicole, a 22-year-old cruise ship passenger from St Louis, Missouri, is also surprised she could be fined for taking off her shoes and putting her feet in the shallows. 'I am not interested in a fine,' says Nicole, as she rubs the sand off her feet. 'I think we need to cut this short and put our shoes on,' says her now-panicked mother, Julie. The following morning, local police are spotted patrolling the streets and stopping for coffee, but there is no indication of whether they intend to fine any of the tourists for flouting the rules. 'I am not authorised to speak to you,' one police officer tells me. 'But are you issuing any fines?' I ask. 'You have to go to the town hall. I can't say anything.' Outside Gepi, one of Portofino's most popular gelaterias, tourists are lining up for their favourite flavours, which are sold at a premium. In keeping with the mayor's sentiment, local residents have taken the initiative and placed their own signs saying 'Do not sit here' to deter ice-cream lovers from any errant licks or loitering. 'They were put here by my neighbours because they are annoyed by the mass influx of people,' says 29-year-old Gianluigi Mariotto Rocca, who opens the doors of his ice-cream parlour from 7am to midnight in the summer. He's unapologetic about the enthusiastic ice cream lovers. 'I sell gelato, I don't sell big-name designer brands. There are a lot of people so there's plenty of business.' Mariotto Rocca thinks the council is doing a good job representing the best interests of Portofino and insists bad behaviour is not confined to the tourists who visit the town. 'They're everywhere. It has nothing to do with the tourists here. There are badly behaved people all over the world. It's not just here.' As the sun goes down, the day trippers return to their cruise ships docked in Portofino Bay, the streets empty out and the town recaptures its quiet equilibrium and timeless elegance. Cocktails are being served at the Splendido Mare Hotel overlooking the square and the superyachts have switched on their lights. The aroma of fresh fish and garlic wafts across the alleys from the windows of the restaurants in silent anticipation of their guests. Michela Nicosia, the manager of the Splendido Mare, has worked in Portofino for 30 years and insists the town has lost none of its charm. And no amount of restrictions is going to stop tourists from making the most of their experience. 'Portofino is special during the day, but when you see the VIPs coming down from their mega yachts in the evening, you can still feel la dolce vita because at the end of the day, this is la dolce vita. This is what people are here for.'
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Condé Nast Traveler
14-07-2025
- Condé Nast Traveler
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Brings Michelin-Inspired Dining to the High Seas
There is much to admire about The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's fleet of three superyachts, like their elegant designs, legendary service, and easy access to some of the world's most sought-after destinations. Amidst the luxuries large and small is the backbone of any voyage worth taking: an exquisite culinary program. A slate of impressive dining concepts spans Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara, the latter launching in July 2025. Each venue emulates the laid-back luxury of the yachting lifestyle, with dishes inspired by the regions visited and ingredients sourced from local purveyors. Upon arrival, guests are encouraged to meet with a maitre d' to plan out their meals for the duration of the voyage. There are no buffets and no lines—mealtimes are always experiences to be savored. To further elevate the epicurean experience, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection enlisted a trio of world-renowned chefs to curate exclusive on-board culinary concepts. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at each, including insights and inspiration from the award-winning chefs behind them.
Sustainability Times
12-07-2025
- Business
- Sustainability Times
'He Spent Millions for a Single Thrill': Zuckerberg Crosses 5,300 Miles on Twin Superyachts, Helicopters to a Peak, and Skis Down Like No One Else
IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 Mark Zuckerberg orchestrated a 5,280-mile journey to Norway's fjords using his two superyachts, the Launchpad and the Wingman . orchestrated a 5,280-mile journey to Norway's fjords using his two superyachts, the and the . 🛳️ These yachts served as a floating base for a high-end heliskiing adventure, cleverly bypassing Norway's strict helicopter landing regulations. adventure, cleverly bypassing Norway's strict helicopter landing regulations. 🎿 Known for his adventurous spirit, Zuckerberg skied down remote Norwegian peaks, blending extreme sport with ultra-luxury. with ultra-luxury. 🌍 The escapade raises questions about sustainability and the environmental impact of such luxurious undertakings. As the Easter holiday arrived, many sought sunshine and relaxation, but Mark Zuckerberg had a different plan in mind. The Meta CEO orchestrated a grand adventure, mobilizing two of his superyachts for an epic journey stretching over 5,280 miles to Norway's breathtaking fjords. While the sheer scope of this voyage is impressive, the underlying purpose adds layers of luxury, adventure, and a hint of controversy. This escapade not only highlights Zuckerberg's adventurous spirit but also raises important questions about sustainability and the environmental impact of such opulent undertakings. A $330 Million Logistical Luxury The vessels at the heart of this ambitious journey are the Launchpad and the Wingman. The Launchpad, a 387-foot yacht, is valued at a staggering $300 million, while the Wingman, a support vessel equipped with a helipad, adds another $30 million to the equation. Together, these yachts embarked from the United States, traversing the North Atlantic to reach Norway's icy shores. Serving as a floating base, they set the stage for a high-end heliskiing adventure for Zuckerberg and his family. Norway's stringent environmental regulations restrict helicopter landings for tourism, but Zuckerberg skillfully navigated these rules. By utilizing the helipad on his yacht instead of landing on Norwegian soil, he sidestepped the legal requirements. This strategic maneuver meant no permits were necessary, as the helicopter never touched land. This blend of luxury and logistical mastery underscores the ability of high-profile individuals to leverage resources to carve their own paths, both literally and metaphorically. 'California's Electric Train Revolution Slashes Toxic Pollution': 89% Drop in Carcinogens Marks Historic Win for Public Health and Climate Between Extreme Sport and Ultra-Luxury Heliskiing is an elite sport, reserved for those with a taste for adventure. It allows skiers to descend pristine, untouched slopes that are inaccessible by conventional means. Zuckerberg, known for his adventurous pursuits like martial arts and surfing, indulged in this unique experience. Skiing down remote Norwegian peaks in one of the world's most isolated settings, he epitomized the intersection of extreme sport and ultra-luxury. In 2024, Zuckerberg had already showcased his penchant for opulence by dispatching the Launchpad to Tahiti for a luxurious cruise, without even stepping onboard. His fleet remains on standby, ready to accommodate his desires at a moment's notice. Recent maritime data reveals the Launchpad's current station in Longyearbyen, within the Svalbard archipelago, one of the northernmost inhabited places on Earth. This readiness and capability highlight Zuckerberg's commitment to pursuing extraordinary experiences, regardless of location. 'UN Defies US Threats': Global Carbon Tax on Shipping Passed in Historic Move That Shakes Oil Giants and Trade Routes Logistical Mastery or Legal Loophole? This remarkable escapade raises questions as much as it garners admiration. Is it a demonstration of logistical prowess, unabashed luxury, or legal ingenuity? By navigating over 5,280 miles, Zuckerberg not only showcases his capability to orchestrate such a complex operation but also his deftness in operating within, yet on the edge of, regulatory frameworks. His approach offers a glimpse into how high-profile individuals can leverage resources to carve their own paths — both literally and metaphorically. Whether it's the audacity of transporting luxury yachts across the ocean or the thrill of skiing untouched mountains, Zuckerberg's adventure underscores a unique intersection of wealth, adventure, and legal navigation that few can emulate. It is a testament to how individuals of significant means can transcend conventional boundaries, creating bespoke experiences that are as awe-inspiring as they are controversial. Swiss Startup Stuns the World by Powering Trains With the First-Ever PV Solar Plant Built Directly on Active Railway Tracks The Broader Implications of Such Adventures While this high-profile journey showcases the possibilities available to the ultra-wealthy, it also prompts broader discussions about the ethical and environmental implications of such exploits. The massive expenditure and environmental footprint of transporting superyachts across oceans raise questions about sustainability and responsibility. These voyages, while impressive, draw attention to the broader societal impacts of wealth concentration and environmental stewardship. The juxtaposition of extreme luxury against the backdrop of global economic disparities invites reflection on the societal impacts of wealth concentration. As we marvel at the logistics and legal maneuvering, we must also consider the broader implications for both environmental stewardship and social equity. In the grand scheme, Mark Zuckerberg's Norwegian adventure serves as a testament to the lengths some will go for unique experiences. But it also challenges us to think about the balance between indulgence and responsibility. How do we reconcile the allure of luxury and adventure with the pressing need for sustainable practices and equitable resource distribution? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (21)
Daily Mail
12-07-2025
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Inside the REAL world of 'yachties' you DON'T see on Below Deck: After Bahamas superyacht 'murder', insider warns staff often face sex attacks and danger... and hit reality show is only making things worse
The world of luxury superyachts appears to many outsiders to be glamorous, booze-fuelled and one which gives youngsters the chance to earn some cash while safely travelling the world. But the truth of what goes on between staff and wealthy clients is often darker than the public know, insiders say, kept under wraps by NDAs and threats of unemployment in a sector popularised by reality show Below Deck and social media. The harrowing death of 'golden girl' crew member Paige Bell earlier this month on board a 43-metre vessel in the Bahamas sent shockwaves across the global, yet tight-knit industry. For many women staffing some of the world's most expensive yachts, it brought the troubling daily realities of a life on the sea to the surface. 'When something like this happens that can't be swept under the rug, people say "wait, what is going on?"' Sandra Jordaan, a respected former crew member and coach, told the Mail. She described how within the industry, some yachts are known for their 'toxic' culture, with male and female crew members falling victim to sexual harassment and bullying from both other staff and clients. 'Below Deck hasn't done the yachting industry any favours,' Sandra said. 'In terms of safety, we don't want to attract people who just want the lifestyle, who think "Okay, I'll work on a yacht. I'm going to sit in the jacuzzi, drink on the deck. It's not all like that, it's one of the hardest jobs out there.' Maritime charity ISWAN's Yacht Crew Help helpline reported a spike in violence and abuse on superyachts in recent years, with an 125 per cent increase in reports in 2023. The annual report for last year, out later this month, is expected to be similarly dismal. The high-pressured environment on superyachts, which sees staff share work in close proximity and share sleeping quarters, often lead to tensions running high between staff and professional boundaries being crossed. ''If you think about land-based industry people can go to work and leave work, they don't have to stay at work. On a yacht you're stuck, you can't leave,' Sandra said. 'Plus, there is an inherent danger living among people that you don't know. 'You don't have any control of the crew members, especially as a junior crew member, and you don't have control over who you share a cabin with.' Sexual harassment and assault are described as 'pervasive' issues by industry experts, with a fear among many female staff that speaking out will see them 'blacklisted'. A crew member for 10 years and now a leading trainer with her firm The Yacht Purser, Sandra has supported multiple women who have suffered sexual assault at work and is campaigning to shed light on the issue. Wealthy clients, she says, often have a sense of entitlement when they board their boats, which can in some instances create a 'toxic' environment for staff. 'We see a lot of debauchery and partying,' Sandra said. 'Sometimes they try to involve staff, who are essentially taught that you are not allowed to say no the guests,' she added. 'What often happens is that the victims are plied with alcohol and or drugs, and so it becomes a matter of "well, you were drunk, or you were under the influence, and therefore it's your fault."' When the situation crosses a line, Sandra said, 'people don't know about it because we can't talk about it because crew NDAs. 'There's an imbalance of power. Wealthy yacht owners have lawyers on standby, it's really easy for them to hide behind layers of corporate protection. 'I've had a situation where a guest - the yacht owner's brother - grabbed one of our stewardesses and gave her a kiss. As a senior crew member I stepped in and said "no, absolutely not."' Super wealthy clients often feel protected from repercussions due to the lack of recourse precariously employed staff have to take them on, she added. 'Yachts often hop from country to country, you're at sea for long periods of time. 'They cover so many different jurisdictions, the flag, port, the management company is in a different location, your contract is usually with a completely separate company. 'So when things go wrong, crew don't know where to turn. Often the safest thing is for them to just get off the vessel.' Sandra said that unlike in merchant shipping, which is run by major companies, 'there is no HR department in yachting.' 'It's run by private individuals. It's almost like an extension of their estate, how they do things in their house,' she said. 'If you look at the traditional hierarchies on board, it's a very patriarchal. There's the captain, then management companies are often run and owned by men, and they don't want to hear about it.' She described how, as a Chief Stewardess, she was in a situation herself where a charter guest tried to force her to drink alcohol with him. 'I point-blank refused. I said no, I don't feel comfortable, I don't feel safe, and I had to call the captain to intervene.' She said while her captain was supportive, far too many are failing to ensure the safety of their crew. 'When incidents are reported they have to be thoroughly investigated, a lot of captains lack the resources and skill to actually sit down and figure out what happened.' She said sometimes this 'toxic' guest behaviour translates to staff, and that some yachts are known for being 'party' boats. 'As a crew member it is very difficult to know when you're joining a yacht whether it's a good yacht or a bad yacht, you have no idea. Often you've been sold something that is not what you thought it was. 'It's very difficult once you've got to another country, you're stuck there and how do you get off. And then your livelihood is threatened. 'Often they will say "don't speak up" or "don't say anything otherwise we're not going to give you a reference." 'If you report something you get labelled as 'bad', you get 'blacklisted'. It's very difficult for people to come forward, and even when they do, they sometimes have been so traumatised, they don't want to retraumatise themselves, it's not worth the effort.' Jessie Frost, who worked for a decade on yachts and is now director of recruitment UK firm Crewfolio, said that 'too many crew are still being harmed onboard'. She started a petition two years ago calling for criminal background checks to be made a legal requirement for all seafarers, with the letter gaining momentum following news of Paige's death. 'It was only when I moved into crew recruitment that I began to see the industry from a broader perspective - and frankly, the lack of safeguarding shocked me,' she wrote for industry magazine Dockwalk. 'Sadly, themes of bullying, harassment, sexual and physical violence, theft and even murder surface year after year - often quietly accepted, normalised, or brushed aside. 'There are repeat offenders in our industry who are known and named, yet they continue to find work - because there's always someone unaware of their past who unknowingly gives them another opportunity.' A recent case in Palm Beach, Florida, sparked outrage across the yachting community and prompted more calls for stringent background checks. Boat Captain James Robert Magruder attempted to return to helming luxury yachts despite being on a five-year probation for a felony battery charge. 'This case reignites growing concern over the lack of consistent screening in the yachting industry,' a post by popular industry broadcaster Yachting International Radio read. 'How is it that individuals with documented histories of violence are still entrusted with roles involving crew leadership and guest safety?' Magruder was accused of sexually battering a woman he went on a date with before pleading guilty to the lesser charge of battery, which saw him spared a lengthy jail term. He also had a previous conviction for harassing an ex-girlfriend and had been arrested multiple times between 2017 and 2019 - after which he worked as a Boat Captain in the Florida area. Sandra said the case, among many others, proved that calls for background checks do not go far enough - with individual employers still willing to hire people with criminal pasts. Angelika Grigorjeva, a chief stewardess from Cornwall who documents her life on board a yacht in Barcelona for thousands of followers, is among many who have shared their fears about crew safety protocols in recent days. 'The industry is not there yet with background checks and it should[n't] take a Paige to get there...' she said in an Instagram post responding to the South African crew member's death. 'This is the industry where you're told to "suck it up" and " grow a thick skin" and it's not exactly the industry where you can openly talk about your concerns. Describing her experience starting out in the industry she added: 'It literally could have been any of your friend[s] that you know. 'It's actually so shocking when you think about it. You think the due dilligence has been done, It hasn't. You actually don't know who you're working with. People could have criminal records, offended, assaulted... We need to do better.' Sandra, who has long worked to help victims access support, says she now refuses to stay silent. 'I'm not afraid to speak up about this stuff because it's the truth. This is what is happening,' she said. Describing her feelings on fellow South African yachtie Paige, who was due to turn 21 on July 14, she said: 'As a mother, the pain is unimaginable. As a woman, I am angry. As an activist who has been working behind the scenes to make the yachting industry a safer space, I am not surprised. 'This was not a question of if, but a question of when.' If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed, the International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network's YachtCrewHelp is free, confidential, multilingual, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and provides emotional, wellbeing and practical support to yacht crew and their families of any nationality:
New York Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Nantucket's Workers Are Living on the Margins
As private jets and superyachts arrive on Nantucket for the summer season, full-time residents and government officials are warning that the Massachusetts island must shake up the housing market so that the local work force can afford to live there. Around 65 percent of the island's nearly 12,000 housing units are occupied by seasonal residents. The median home price is around $2.5 million, according to data from the local housing agency and an island real estate brokerage. That leaves little housing for workers on an island where a decades-long divide of the haves and have-nots has reached a tipping point, town leaders say. The island town of charming cobblestone streets, lined with shops selling handmade $400 caftans and high-end restaurants offering $50 lobster rolls, is experiencing the same imbalance that has racked other vacation destinations. In Spain, seasonal workers live in tent cities on Ibiza. Day laborers in the Hamptons have formed encampments. In Frisco, Colo., ski instructors, E.R. nurses and others can live in their cars and vans in a parking lot, if they can show proof that they are working in the area. 'Nantucket has 10 years or less before the entire island is owned by island conservation entities or seasonal homeowners,' said Brian Sullivan, 50, who is a principal broker at Fisher Real Estate and has lived on Nantucket for 28 years. Even families living on the island, earning well into six-figures, are struggling to find affordable options. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
