10 of the best scenic rail journeys in Europe

Nothing quite beats the romance of travelling on a steam train or shunting through mountains. These rides showcase Europe’s spectacular landscapes

A profusion of power and sail multihulls are on show at Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show – SCIBS

 

 

Bali 4.1 catamaran, Beneteau Oceanis 41.1, Dufour 412, Leopard Catamarans, Lagoon 40, and Iliad 50 power catamaran are some of the power and sail multihulls presented at 2019 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS 2019 at The Marine Village, Sanctuary Cove, 23 – 26 May 2019).

Seawind 1600 catamaran
Seawind 1600 catamaran; @seawindcats.com/models/seawind-1600/

A profusion of power and sail multihulls will be on show at this year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS), joining some of the world’s most respected monohull sailing craft in tempting yachties keen on coastal cruising, racing, circumnavigation and charter.

“Given the Gold Coast is the gateway to the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef, SCIBS 2019 is the ideal place to inspect and compare the various brands and their attributes,” said SCIBS Sales and Partnerships Manager Dominic O’Brien.

“Visitors will be impressed by the amazing range of ‘cat’ brands and selection of sailing vessels, with experts on hand to answer all their questions on cruising and charter options.”

Laggon 40 Catamaran
Lagoon 40 Catamaran; @cata-lagoon.com/en/40

Lagoon 40

Among an array of multihulls specialists, The Multihull Group (TMG) will proudly present the latest Lagoon 40, designed by VPLP Design and Patrick Le Quement with interiors by Nauta Design.

This classic cat boasts a spacious layout dedicated to a social lifestyle and enhanced performance, taking the Lagoon range to the next level.

According to TMG Queensland Manager Rowan McMahon, the Lagoon 40 comprises all the features that suit family- friendly cruising, including four cabins in the massive hulls, galley up adjacent to a large lounge and helm, foredeck trampolines and fantastic living and entertaining spaces.

“It’s perfect as a family boat or if you were considering entering it into the charter fleet,” said Mr McMahon.

“The Lagoon 40 has a mast step positioned further aft than her predecessors, providing numerous advantages, and a self-tacking jib and shorter boom for simplified manoeuvres.”

TMG will also display the sensational Dragonfly Sport 25 – the pocket rocket trailer-sailer trimaran from Denmark that appeals to racing sailors and the weekend variety looking to enjoy time on the water with family and friends.

Iliad 50 catamaran
Iliad 50 catamaran; @multihullsolutions.com

Iliad 50 power catamaran

Fellow big-name Multihull Solutions will host the world premiere of the Iliad 50 power catamaran, marking the debut of this exciting brand in Australia.

Designed by world-renowned Italian naval architect Riccardo Bulgarelli, Iliad Catamarans are unique in that clients can customise almost every aspect of their boat during the build process to reflect individual style and needs, but without the epic cost of most production power catamarans.

They are ideal for extended ocean passages and offshore cruisers, with each model affording impressive range, speed and some of the longest-range capabilities in their market segment (2000nm-60,000nm).

Saona 47 yachts
Saona 47 yachts

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 sailing catamaran

SCIBS 2019 will also see Multihull Solutions host the exclusive Australian launch of the Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 sailing catamaran.

“We will also have the brand new Astrea 42 on display and the Fountaine Pajot Motor Yachts MY 44,” said Director Mark Elkington.

Aquila 36 yacht
Aquila 36 yacht; @aquilaboats.com

Aquila 36 and 44

Multihull Central, representing Aquila powercats and Seawind sailing cats at SCIBS 2019, is anticipating plenty of interest in the latest model Aquila 36 and 44, along with the announcement of larger models joining the Aquila fleet in the coming year.

“The Aquila 36 is a brilliant boat, providing an exceptional sea ride,” said Multihull Central Director Brent Vaughan.

“It’s a great entertainer and looks great as well. The 44 is a magic multihull and offers the volume of 55ft monohull, which is incredible.”

Seawind 1600 catamaran photoos
Seawind 1600 catamaran; @seawindcats.com

Seawind 1600 yacht

The perennially popular Seawind 1600 yacht will also take pride of place in the Multihull Central display at 2019 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

Designed by renowned naval architects Reichel Pugh, Seawind’s flagship performance catamaran is 52 feet of the perfect balance of cruising comfort and performance sailing, targeting sailors looking for something with a little extra.

Featuring simple sailing systems, twin protected helms and a large open cockpit space, this blue-water luxury cruising catamaran sets the standard for offshore sailing.

Mr Vaughan and his team will present various options for owners to enjoy “Seabatticals” – extended breaks from work – aboard their cats, as well as inform people of the benefits of putting their boats into charter.

Multihull Central, representing Aquila powercats and Seawind sailing cats at SCIBS 2019, is anticipating plenty of interest in the latest model Aquila 36 and 44, along with the announcement of larger models joining the Aquila fleet in the coming year.

“The Aquila 36 is a brilliant boat, providing an exceptional sea ride,” said Multihull Central Director Brent Vaughan.

“It’s a great entertainer and looks great as well. The 44 is a magic multihull and offers the volume of 55ft monohull, which is incredible.”

Leopard 51 catamaran
Leopard 51 catamaran; @leopardcatamarans.com

Leopard 51 powercat and Leopard 45 sailing cat

Leopard Catamarans, the versatile, Cape Town-built brand in high demand with both private owners and charter operators, will present the Leopard 51 powercat and the 45 sailing cat.

Sales Manager Australasia David Flynn said: “Multihulls are the growing trend over the past decade, with people attracted to their extra space, value, stable platform, performance, design and liveability.”

Leopard offers handovers for Australian owners in Europe and America so new owners can enjoy cruising the Med and Caribbean, and also operates global charter options in all regions through The Moorings and Sunsail.

“Leopard cats are ideal for charter,” said Mr Flynn.

“They are suited to offshore cruising and coastal, for couples and families, bareboat or with crew.

“They are spacious, great for large groups and the quality of build means longevity and cost-effective maintenance. There are various spaces on the boats and multiple areas for entertaining, which offers so much variety especially for making the most of the climate and delights of the tropics.”

Bali 4.1 catamaran
Bali 4.1 catamaran; @bali-catamarans.com

Bali 4.1 catamaran

Dream Yacht Sales will launch the Bali 4.1 catamaran, built by Catana in France and demonstrating the innovation of the new rear seating and storage area and interior styling by Lasta Design Studio.

Signature features that make Bali Catamarans ideal for charter and private ownership are the galley with full-sized fridge with freezer drawer, a forward dining and sunbathing area in place of the standard trampoline, and the garage-style rear door that opens up the whole space.

The team at Dream Yacht Sales will be promoting its new long-term charter option offered aboard the Dream Yacht Charter “Sabbatical”.

A secure “turnkey” solution, Dream Yacht Sabbatical has many advantages to yacht ownership and provides customers with a tailor-made package of support and assistance throughout their voyage. They also benefit from expert coaching throughout the trip and the support of Dream Yacht Charter teams located in more than 50 bases worldwide.

“At SCIBS we will be running a competition offering a bareboat charter holiday in either New Caledonia or the Whitsundays,” said Dream Yacht Sales’ Amara Vanek.

For sailors who prefer monohulls, there will be impressive examples from French yachting giants Beneteau and Dufour.

Beneteau Oceanis 41.1
Beneteau Oceanis 41.1;@beneteau.com

Beneteau Oceanis 41.1

Spirit Marine will have the Beneteau Oceanis 41.1 on show, with Operations Manager Ian White saying it is one of the most popular in the range due to the ease of single-handed management, ideal for a cruising couple but still a large volume boat and comfortable below decks.

“The master cabin, with its own ensuite, is separate from the saloon and lounge, and Beneteau offers customers a wide scope for personalisation, with the option of European pick-up or delivery to Australia,” he said.

“There is also a performance pack, which can make this model quite competitive.”

Dufour 412 yacht
@Dufour 412 yacht;

Dufour 412 yacht

Performance Cruising Yachts will show a Dufour 412, which Sales Manager Bob Vinks says is a good example to indicate the range and “our most popular model to date”.

“Dufour makes yachts from 31 to 56 feet,” he said.

“The Dufour 412 is 40 feet with a wide beam throughout. It offers three separate cabins, generous combined WC and shower, large cockpit with seating convertible to two large daybeds, and at the aft transom, a combined barbecue and sink, plus hot and cold shower.

“Basically everything that opens and shuts, which is great for the cruising family.”

Sustainable tourism: why the Faroe Islands closed for maintenance

When the north Atlantic islands shut for a weekend to all but ‘voluntourists’ doing conservation projects, it was a win-win for locals and visitors

Super rich buying up Italy’s mansions under new tax regime

‘You get the same sort of tax savings you get in Jersey but you get to live somewhere you actually want to live’

Top 30 Startup Solutions for Crafting the High-End Customer Experience of Tomorrow

 

 

 

Discover the customer care solutions proposed by the 30 startups joining LVMH at Viva Technology Paris 2019, the world’s rendezvous for startups & leaders.

With Viva Technology 2019 event ready to kick off in a few days, discover the solutions from these 30 startups welcomed by LVMH luxury group during the world’s premier event celebrating innovation.

Viva Tech x LVMH luxury Group
Viva Tech x LVMH luxury Group; @LVMH

“This year’s group of 30 startups with the best solutions for “Crafting the Customer Experience of Tomorrow” represent nine countries and span ten categories. Their solutions range from omnichannel to supply chain, clienteling to customer service, and from data analytics to artificial intelligence,” said LVMH conglomerate, the French multinational luxury goods conglomerate headquartered in Paris.

AWARENESS-focused startups

CareOS
@CareOS

CareOS

CareOS is the first health and beauty platform specifically designed for all areas of wellness. With its Artemis smart mirror, CareOS combines artificial intelligence, augmented reality, 4D, voice commands, object recognition and facial recognition into an immersive personalized experience. From the connected shower to the scale to the toothbrush, more than 50 IoT (Internet of Things) devices and products are integrated into the CoreOS platform, for a fully connected bathroom. Find out more: care-os.com/index-fr.html

Antvoice

The “predictive targeting” solution from this French startup, which was founded in 2015, uses advanced machine learning to predict the purchase intentions of web users. Antvoice allows brands to optimize investments in new customer acquisition by proposing 100% personalized advertising recommendations. This unique technology predicts consumer intentions to enable smart space buying and real-time optimization of campaigns. Find out more: antvoice.com/fr

Lululab

An offshoot of Samsung Electronics, this Korean startup has developed LUMINI, a smart skincare assistant that analyzes the balance of facial skin. After a scan that is completed in just seven seconds, users receive a complete analysis of their complexion and personalized recommendations based on the specific features of their skin. Find out more: lulu-lab.com/

 

EXPLORATION

Allure Systems 2019
@alluresystems.com

Allure Systems

Allure Systems is a made-in-France solution that debuted in 2017. It uses digitized garments and models to create on-figure images for e-commerce fashion businesses. Allure Systems visual studios let fashion brands generate images corresponding to all body types without models or photographers. Find out more: alluresystems.com.

Qloo

Qloo taps into “cultural artificial intelligence” to predict consumer taste across domains including media, entertainment, consumer products, fashion, hospitality, and travel. Qloo’s artificial intelligence platform is a market leader in leveraging consumer insights to solve real-world problems for leading companies in these sectors. Find out more: qloo.com/

Slyce

Slyce uses visual recognition to find products inspired by objects seen in the real world, scanning photos or catalogues. Slyce runs a visual search from a photo on a mobile phone to reinvent the customer journey. By converting a photo into a detailed product description Slyce helps users find exactly what they want and connects them to content thanks to a navigation experience based on visual matching and automatic categorization. Find out more: slyce.it/

 

STORYTELLING

OpenDataSoft - turn data into action
OpenDataSoft – turn data into action; @opendatasoft

OpenDataSoft

OpenDataSoft believes that organizations can only create value from their data if they share it. The startup offers market-leading data sharing solutions that redefine enterprise data management. These solutions give organizations a one-stop hub for organized data and tools to access, visualize, analyze and share this data. Find out more: opendatasoft.com/

netxtail -Automated inventory optimisation for commerce
netxtail -Automated inventory optimisation for commerce; @nextail.co

OMNICHANNEL

Nextail

Using powerful predictive analytics and artificial intelligence, Nextail has developed a solution that lets stores optimize inventory allocation in record time. Because clothing companies lose billions of dollars each year due to either insufficient or excess inventory, Nextail has developed a solution to transfer surplus inventory geographically from one store to another where stock needs replenishing and vice versa, thus offsetting the losses from inability to meet demand or from unsold inventory. Nextail takes charge of inventory transfers between points of sale thanks to its application and manages logistics with delivery partners, allowing distributors to maximize sales both locally and internationally.Find out more: nextail.co/

 

Revers.io

The Revers.io platform digitizes the entire after-sales process with a range of solutions designed for all distribution channels: stores, e-commerce websites and marketplaces. Revers.io reinvents traditional logistics flows to meet the need for cross-channel integration and traceability of returns thanks to two dedicated solutions, one for merchants and another for enterprises. The merchant solution provides e-commerce websites and marketplaces with a single platform that centralizes reverse logistics and after-sales messages across Europe. The enterprise offer is designed for retailers who recognize that an omnichannel organization of reverse logistics is essential to a positive customer experience. Find out more: https://www.revers.io/

 

SimpliField

From wholesale to retail and merchandising to training, SimpliField is a platform that automates retail excellence processes and serves as a connective tissue between the field and headquarters. With customizable dashboards, SimpliField gives each team access to the right information in real time for rapid analysis and sharing of performance data. The SimpliField mobile application empowers field teams to achieve daily goals with a personalized brief that outlines objectives, guidelines, new missions and a 360° profile of the store. Lastly, with SimpliField headquarters teams can monitor the activity of the distribution network in real time, deploying decisions and optimizing operations in real time, working seamlessly with in-store teams. Find out more: simplifield.com

 

Stockly

Stockly lets e-retail sites continue to sell even when they experience stock-outs. The software connects brand and e-retailer inventories to ship the out of stock product from another partner merchant in the Stockly network. Find out more: https://www.stockly.ai/

 

Storefront

Launched in 2014, Storefront is a marketplace that connects brands, e-commerce businesses and artists with space owners for short term rentals. Storefront democratizes access to commercial space and allows the creation of pop-up stores around the world. It is the only platform offering thousands of quality spaces across the globe. With Storefront, any brand can pop up in any location to test new markets and even launch simultaneously in multiple locations worldwide. Find out more: https://www.thestorefront.fr/

 

Inline Digital

Inline Digital is a tool designed to simplify wholesale operations. The platform automates the wholesale process, which has previously been done manually, particularly for invoicing. By reducing the time needed for this antiquated method and enabling analysis of previously inaccessible date, Inline Digital enables brands and distributors in every industry to manage the sales lifecyle for their products faster and more efficiency thanks to a platform that centralizes data. Find out more: https://www.inlinedigital.io/

 

Timekettle Technologies

Founded in China in 2016, this startup proposes instantaneous translation thanks to an AI-powered wireless earphone. With its unique interaction modes and over 36 embedded languages, WT2 can be used anywhere across the world for a flawless communication experience. Find out more: https://wt2.timekettle.co/en/mobile-app-solid/

 

PRODUCT

TerraNIS - Geoinformation services based on Earth Observation
TerraNIS – Geoinformation services based on Earth Observation; @terranis.fr

TerraNIS – Geoinformation services based on Earth Observation

Agronomic, viticultural and oenological advice and decision support tools for land management

TerraNIS is a specialist in agronomic, viticultural and oenological advice and decision support tools for land management. TerraNIS agriculture services optimize crop potential and reduce production costs thanks to the Pixagri and Fertisat tools. Its viticulture services segment vineyards according to the potential of the parcels with Oenoview. AndTerraMAP helps customers make the right decisions thanks to objective and up-to-date knowledge of their territory. Find out more: terranis.fr/

 

Artiris

Created in 2015, this French startup has created the Compoz smart scent diffuser, which delivers personalized natural perfumes. The device enables instant creation of ambient scents matched to users’ wants and needs thanks to five pods of natural essential oils, all certified organic with ethically sourced ingredients. The Compoz project is all about understanding, analyzing and retranscribing an “olfactory heritage”. This innovation bridges the best of luxury perfume making, technological excellence and luxury with a French touch. En savoir plus: artiris-parfum.com/

 

EVRYTHNG

Created in the UK in 2011, this smart platform enables brands to roll out new applications, better control their production chain and communicate directly with customers to achieve three objectives: activate, authenticate and amplify. By assigning an Active Digital Identity to products, Evrythng enhances customer confidence in brands and boosts revenue by resolving integrity issues related to their production chain. It also lets brands forge direct relations with their customers by transforming these products into communications channels that connect with consumers. With Evrythng, each product is connected to the Web via its Active Digital Identity. Evrythng is already working with Moët Hennessy. Find out more: evrythng.com/

Euveka - Smart Morphosizing - Mimeo
Euveka – Smart Morphosizing – Mimeo; @euveka.com/fr

TRIAL EXPERIENCE

Euveka

In less than 30 seconds the Euveka solution reproduces the evolution of the human body according to age or morphotype, allowing precision control over each step in prototyping clothes. This makes the production process faster, more reliable and more ethical by reducing textile waste. The Emineo robot mannequin is designed specifically for the textile industry professionals. The innovative technology lets it evolve integrally or by zone, in height or width, depending on the size of a given garment. Find out more: euveka.com/fr/

Fitle

Fitle is a simple and intuitive smart shopping app for online clothing retailers. Sizes may vary from one brand to the next and size guides are not always easy to understand. Fitle takes the guessing out of shopping for clothes online with a system that recommends the right size for the body shape of each e-shopper. Brands benefit from less hesitation at the moment of purchase, improving their conversion rates and reducing product returns while learning more about their customers. Fitle recommendations are based on body shapes and customer purchase history. Find out more: fitle.com/

 

3D Look

3D Look of the U.S. has developed a solution that creates a 3D model of the body from smartphone photos, enabling businesses to create a hyper-personalized shopping experience for customers that is intuitive and available anywhere. Customers simply take two photos of themselves, one from the front, one from the side and 3D Look computers their measurements and body shape to generate an accurate 3D model. 3D Look integrates three solutions in a single interface. Perfect Fit recommends the right size for each customer, while Virtual Try-On lets customers see how the product fits their actual body size and shape. Lastly, the app can generate instant human body measuring with a list of 24 measurements. Find out more: 3dlook.me/

 

VOIR

Founded in 2016, this U.S. startup brings beauty products into the digital world. Thanks to its augmented reality solution digital try-on of makeup has never been so real. The innovative technology creates a 100% digital vision, drawing on machine learning, neural networks and strong expertise in makeup. It precisely digitizes the unique colors and textures of makeup products from different brands. The application scans the face and analyzes the complexion to generate a realistic, textured 3D rendering using AR. Since the beginning of April 2019 Guerlain products can be tried out digitally using the Voir app. Find out more: voir.me/

WannaBy - Wanna Jewelry
WannaBy – Wanna Jewelry; wanna.by

Wannaby

Wannaby uses augmented reality to let users running its application try on shoes, jewelry, clothes or makeup directly from their mobile phone camera. Find out more: wanna.by/

 

PAYMENT

SilkPay

Used by over 650 million Chinese consumers, the mobile payment application Alipay has become one of the most powerful tools to gain recognition among this clientele when they travel abroad. The first application to reach one billion users, the WeChat platform has quickly become the second-largest mobile payment giant in China. SilkPay has
developed payment solutions for payments outside of China via these two applications, coupled with digital marketing services to enable European businesses to attract Chinese customers by allowing them to use their habitual payment solution when they travel. Find out more: silkpay.eu/

CRM

automat - ai
Automat’s Unified Conversational AI Platform Provides Grace Across Every Customer Interaction in Any Channel; @automat.ai

Automat startup

This Canadian startup accompanies the customer journey from the purchase through support using a conversational AI platform. The platform lets brands communicate directly with their customers via interactive display advertising, voice searches, virtual sales assistants and product Q&A in conversational mode. Live agents can then provide relevant answers to more complex customer queries. Find out more: automat.ai/

Chattermill startup

Chattermill applies artificial neural networks to customer feedback to let brands make customer-centric recommendations. Find out more: chattermill.io/

DigitalGenius startup

Recognizing that customers want customer service that is fast, efficient and compatible with their preferred contact channels, DigitalGenius has created a platform that automates this stage in the customer journey. Using artificial intelligence, the platform enables brands to communicate with their customers wherever they are and turn customer
service into a competitive advantage. Find out more: digitalgenius.com/

Ocheng startup

Ocheng applies artificial intelligence to WeChat retailing. A marketing platform leverages this powerful technology to propose both marketing solutions and payment services for brands in China. Find out more: ocheng.me/

Octipas startup

A specialist in in-store digital experiences, Octipas has developed a solution that lets brands manage different steps in the customer journey, from clienteling to payment lines to stock management and order taking. The solution is based on connected tablets for sales staff, removing borders between digital and physical to ensure a seamless omnichannel customer journey.

replika for sales associates
@replikasoftware.com

Replika startup

Sales associates no longer have to wait for customers to come to them. The Replika clienteling solution lets them inspire sales beyond the store and lets customers engage online with sales associates, avoiding periods of in-store inactivity in order to maximize sales.

Yilou Software

Yilou Software has developed an application that lets sales staff communicate with their customers via their WeChat account to help them make purchase decisions thanks to customer data and recommendation algorithms.

Jaguar Classic and David Gandy restored a 65-year-old XK120 to its former glory

      Always dreamt of turning up at Casino Monte-Carlo in my very own Jaguar XK120 and a Dinner Suit….. Tick that one off the list! – David Gandy Jaguar Classic has completed a bespoke XK120 sports car restoration commissioned by renowned British male model and life-long Jaguar enthusiast David Gandy. The 11-month project, … Read more