Last autumn Axioma went into a refit shipyard in Mallorca, Spain, and emerged sporting a brand new hull colour. The transformation from neutral grey to sparkling Erica Blue was simply stunning, so much so that Axioma now looks even better and brighter. Her repeat guests, in particular, were both taken aback and pleasantly surprised.

“The unique colour totally rejuvenates the look of the yacht,” said one enthusiastic guest. “The turquoise shade of blue is cool, modern and subtly changes depending on the time of day. It totally makes Axioma stand

NEW COLOUR NEW LIFE

N E W S PA P E RA X I O M A

T H E

WORLD-RENOWNED PAINT SPECIALISTS RECENTLY COMPLETED AXIOMA’S REPAINT

EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE

out and when we flew over her on arrival she was unmistakable.”

The bold colour was actually chosen by brokers last year when they were invited to vote in a secret ballot during a fam tour in St Barths. The exterior soft furnishings and cushions have also been refreshed to match the new colour palette.

A few brokers were unsure when they saw the first photographs, but any doubts were blown away when they were able to see the result in real life. They all agreed the bright

blue totally reinvigorates the brand and perfectly reflects the vibrant adventures and picturesque places Axioma visits while on charter in the sunny Caribbean and Mediterranean.

“The Astilleros shipyard did an amazing job,” says Captain Charles Rowlands. “The quality of the paintwork is outstanding and we even repainted our Fjord limo tender to match the mothership. The young, vibrant colour is very popular with our existing guests and sure to attract new ones.”

#2

MAY - 2020

DISCOVERAXIOMA’S NEW

FJORD & CASTOLDI TENDER

L AT E S TN E W S

“The quality of the paintwork is outstanding and we even

repainted our Fjord limo tender to match the mothership.

The young, vibrant colour is very popular with our existing guests and sure to attract new ones.”

Axioma Captain

CHARLIE AND HIS ANGELS-NEW ANGEL NO.1Just as Axioma was finishing her repaint last autumn, a new rotational captain joined the yacht in time for the Caribbean season. Captain “Charlie” Rowlands (or the Incredible Hulk as he is known on superhero theme night!) has been sailing since he was six years old, successfully racing dinghies, catamarans and keelboats, as well as sailing superyachts. He has been yachting professionally since 1996 and is also a trained rescue diver. Having circumnavigated the globe three times in his extensive career, he has accumulated some very special memories, from diving with

humpbacks in Tonga to out-running pirates off Africa.“Charlie is a really nice captain to work with and extremely popular with the guests,” says head stewardess Heather Campbell.

Because Axioma is a very busy charter yacht with a season lasting 8-9 months, Heather has also been joined by a new rotational chief stewardess. Leanne Cilia is from Malta and the sea is in her blood, so having started her hospitality career at the Hilton Malta it wasn’t long before she developed a passion

for yachting. With nine years of experience on superyachts such as 85m Sunrays, 95m Indian Empress and 88m Illusion Plus, in her free time she loves to visit her family back in Malta, dancing, water sports, the outdoors, and travelling to experience different cultures and .cuisines.“Calm, serene and hard-working, Leanne is a devoted wife and step-mother who is well-liked by both guests and crew,” says Heather. “Because we rotate in our roles as chief stew we haven’t had much opportunity to get to

know each other personally, but I’m looking forward to making up for lost time this coming season!

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SUCCESFUL WINTER SEASONACCORDING TO YACHT EXPERTS LAST WINTER WAS ONE OF THE

BEST EVER FOR AXIOMA

SPA & WHAT ELSE? NEW ANGEL NO.2DISCOVER THE NEWEST PROCEDURES & THERAPIES ON BOARD

A highlight for many of Axioma’s charter guests – both men and women alike – is the exclusive onboard spa that offers personalized well-being services in a calming oasis of serenity. Surrounded by water and fresh sea air, this relaxing retreat with sauna, steam bath and massage room is overseen by our expert crew member Milly Bishop, who began her wellness career aboard cruise ships before migrating to the yachting industry.

Milly combines her expertise with carefully crafted products by Sothy’s, a French luxury brand founded in over 70 years ago that

Last winter season was one of the best ever for Axioma with more than six weeks of charters focused in the northern Caribbean. Lasting from December to April and covering many miles, it was also one of the longest. Stunning ports of call included St Barths, St Kitts, Antigua and the British Virgin Islands, as well as the Bahamas – a new destination for Axioma, where she will surely return next year.

“The Caribbean charters were a great success and the feedback from guests is that they thoroughly enjoyed themselves aboard Axioma,” says chief stew Heather. “The itineraries are organised to minimise the distances between destinations and

Guests could choose from a host of tailored itineraries, including a Cuban-themed BBQ in St Barths; water sports and sunset cocktails off Nevis; visits ashore in St Kitts; hikes to bubbling hot pools in the BVIs; feeding grapes to the rock iguanas of the Exumas; sports fishing and feeding nurse sharks in the Bahamas; exploring the beautiful beaches of Barbuda, as well as sunset cocktails and Arabian themed dinner on board in Antigua, to name just a few.

The yacht also welcomed aboard ten charter brokers for the annual fam tour, many of whom were experiencing Axioma’s new hull colour for the first time.

“Axioma is a very popular charter vessel and having spent a few days on board I can see why,” says one charter broker. “The itineraries can be action-packed or more sedate and tranquil – it all depends on the preferences of each charter group. The constant is that the crew is totally committed to making sure that everyone goes away with fond memories.”

Don’t miss out! Axioma is currently offering special rates for charters for the upcoming summer season in the Med and next year’s Caribbean season.

“Axioma welcomed aboard ten charter brokers for the annual

fam trip, many of the whom were experiencing Axioma’s new

colour for the first time.”Axioma Captain

maximise the time for guests to enjoy the sights, take part in water sports, or just take it easy and relax on board.”

draws on the finest eco-friendly ingredients sourced from its very own botanical garden. Signature Sothy’s treatments for skin in need of a boost of hydration before catching some sun, followed by a nourishing body mask filled with vitamins and essential oils leaving the skin feeling silky smooth and radiant.

But there are plenty of other onboard treatments, from Swedish and Deep Tissue massages for releasing tension, rejuvenating the mind and alleviating muscular stress, to the Axioma Bespoke Facial and Invigorating Body Scrub, perfectly tailored to individual skin types to reduce the appearance of

fine lines while boosting cell renewal and collagen production for visibly smoother, plumper and glowing skin.

Not forgetting the full range of pedicures, massages, manicures and hairdressing services. We even have a light full-body massage for kids using factor 40-50 sun cream so they too can enjoy the same spa experience, but also get prepped and protected for fun in the sun at the same time!

“From a young age I was taught the importance of wellness, mindful living and alternative healing therapies,” says Milly.

“I like to bring a bespoke approach with my treatments to enhance the guests’ experience

of personal rejuvenation and renewal.”

THEATRE ON BOARD

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CHARTER WITH KIDS? THERE’S ONE THING FOR CERTAIN: NO ONE WILL BE BORED!

NEW ANGEL NO.3KIDS FRIENDLY

Not all Axioma’s charter parties include children, but most do and last Christmas one group included three generations of the same family. The yacht is a dream come true for most kids and it is well equipped to keep them entertained. We even have deckhand Harry Adams who doubles as our very own super nanny.

“I’d never worked with children or even really been around them before Axioma,” Harry admits. “But on the first trip I was on we had six kids on board and I had the best time looking after them and playing with them. I’ve been aboard now for a year and most of the trips have included children. One charter family even invited me to their house to look after their kids for ten days when the regular nanny had a break.”

For outside fun and games, Harry can rely on the host of water toys: the water slide, the Jungle Joe, Seabobs, Jet Skis, kayaks, sailing dinghies, stand-up paddle boards, a pedal board, a towable banana, as well as snorkels and masks, boogie boards and small

inflatables for the pool. For beach set-ups in the Caribbean there are also portable goal posts, various balls and rackets, frisbees and petanque.

For inside entertainment there is the 3D cinema room with its updated library of films and video board games, as well as PS4 and Nintendo. But Harry feels it is also important to expose children to more educational and traditional activities such as arts and crafts, or just a classic game of hide and seek around the yacht.

“We also organise themed parties and special events for kids,” continues Harry. “These themes include pirates and treasure hunts, superheroes, outer space and the movies Frozen and Harry Potter – all tailored around the children and made as interactive as possible. Our themed dinners in particular give the kids fun opportunities to get involved in cooking, such as helping the chefs make cookies or pizza in the galley. I can guarantee they go away with memories that will last a lifetime.”

Pilates, the popular physical fitness discipline, has been shown to improve balance and enhance muscle conditioning. Mojca Mesojedec, who joined the crew as a stewardess last winter, is also a certified Pilates and physical health instructor with more than a decade of experience in leading group exercise sessions, including step, aerobics, circuit training, indoor cycling and fitness for children. “My experience has proved very handy on Axioma because of the wide variety of charter guests with different fitness preferences,” says Mojca. “During the Caribbean season last winter we did Pilates, yoga, stretching, aqua gym, full-body workouts and children’s yoga classes on board.”

The Pilates sessions focus on the body’s core strength to improve flexibility, coordination

and balance, as well as developing control and endurance. Yoga connects the body and mind to achieve deep relaxation. The aqua gym classes are all about aerobic endurance, resistance training and creating a fun atmosphere that can be held in the swimming pool or on a sandy beach. While for guests seeking a stretching and full-body workout Mojca creates a mixture of cardio and strength workouts with different equipment, or just a deep stretch of certain problematic areas.

“With all these exercises we’re challenging our body and mind, but we never forget about safety,” adds Mojca. “We follow a path that leads us towards health and fitness that contributes to the whole Axioma experience and leaves guests with fun-filled memories.”

Axioma is famous for its themed events, not just during charters but also at boat shows such as the MYBA Charter Show in Barcelona each year.

A huge array of props and costumes are kept on board for every eventuality and themes run from superheroes, pirates and outer space to Arabian Nights, Harry Potter and casino night. The themes are designed to appeal to the whole family and include special menus and music. All of the crew – even the captain – get involved by dressing up too.

“For the last superhero themed party I was dressed as the Incredible Hulk,” says Captain Charlie. “This Caribbean season we had one group go ashore in the tender with the crew in normal uniform and when they were picked up the boys were dressed as Batman and Robin! Axioma’s crew is much more involved in this respect than many other charter yachts and they have just as much fun as the guests.”

“Some guest parties are more hands-on than others, but usually they’re usually very receptive to the idea,” says chief stew Heather.

“They also give our chef Sascha a chance to be inventive and creative and really wow the guests. I’m looking forward to what he’s going to prepare for our new Bavarian theme in the Med this season.”

For guests who prefer less theatrical entertainment, mealtimes also provide an opportunity to showcase the many dining settings Axioma provides.

As well as meals in the dining room or on the upper deck aft, settings are available on the main deck, bridge deck or sundeck, and once the crew even created a very special romantic candle-lit dinner for two on the foredeck.

NEW ANGEL NO.4 PILATES AMONG THE WAVES

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Axioma’s new Fjord 44 Coupé limo tender proved its worth in the Caribbean last winter by offering the perfect balance between performance, reliability and comfort, and by performing flawlessly throughout the season. Combining an enclosed hard-top saloon with the style, seaworthiness and walkaround deck, the Fjord is powered by twin Volvo IPS600 engines for rapid transfers at a maximum speed of 36 knots, whilst also delivering a smooth and enjoyable ride and excellent manoeuvrability.

“Moreover, we’re hoping to collect a new 7m Castoldi in Italy in time for the Med season,” says Captain Charlie. “We already have a workhorse Novurania tender, but the Castoldi will be used to augment our guest operations. The water jet drive brings operational advantages in shallow water and it has a drop-down bow, so we can beach the boat and guests can simply step ashore.”

Axioma has also invested in more water toys, which are enjoyed by all the family. One new arrival is the Aquaglide Jungle Joe 2, a safe yet challenging inflatable structure that offers unlimited sliding, climbing, jumping, blasting and obstacle-type challenges for up to 10 users of all ages. Replacing the old water slide is a brand new 6.5m inflatable slide by FunAir that can be attached to the bridge deck. Based in Austin, Texas, FunAir has been making products for having outdoor fun aboard superyachts in the company of family and friends for over 20 years and its slide range is one of the finest available.

Last but not least, Axioma also took delivery this winter of a Hobie Mirage, a sit-on pedal kayak designed for carefree fun without breaking into a sweat getting to and from the water. Just hop on and go!

AXIOMA KEEPS IMPERSSING WITH NEW TENDERS AND NEW WATER TOYS

Axioma is planning a busy charter season in the Med to make up for a spring overshadowed by coronavirus. The routes have yet to be decided, but with only one charter postponed to date the idea is visit more isolated destinations with small populations.

“Anything could happen right now but we’re already making plans,” says Captain Charlie. “The Adriatic has been less affected by the health crisis than other destinations in the Med, so we’re looking to visit secure but beautiful places like Dubrovnik and Montenegro.”

The Adriatic itinerary will also include the stunning Liska Fjord in Croatia, the Brijuni

Islands, the the capital of Istria Pula, the pretty city of Dalmatia, the car-free island of Kaprije, the marbled city of Split, the famous Golden Horn beach on the island Brac, the pristine Lastovo Archipelago and the evergreen island of Mljet. Venice can easily be added to the list if deemed without risk.

“Croatia and Montenegro were among the very first places I visited when I joined the crew of Axioma,” says chef stew Heather. “I’d heard the cruising grounds were beautiful, but I was blown away. I’d love to have the opportunity to go back there.”

One thing is for sure: every effort will be taken to ensure that your cruise is pleasurable, memorable and utterly safe.

SUMMER ROUTES TO SAIL

We wish you youenjoyable summer

season with AxiomaNew Colour!

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“For me it’s always inspiring to adapt my cooking style to meet the diverse needs and requirements of our guests,“ says Axioma’s masterly chef, Sascha Lenz.

Born in Germany, Sascha has spent the most of his career traveling the world working at Michelin-starred restaurants or 5-star hotels in Bangkok, Switzerland, Austria, Croatia and Slovenia. He has won numerous awards, hosted TV food shows and holds a Michelin-star ranking in Austria, Switzerland and Germany. In his spare time he enjoys hiking, skiing, playing football and going to the cinema.

Sascha and his team in the galley start planning menus and sourcing ingredients well ahead of each charter by following a list of guest preferences provided in advance. Fresh fish and seafood are clearly popular choices at sea, but tastes often change as the charter progresses.

“People don’t always realise that you get more hungry at sea,“ says Sascha with a knowing smile. “So the ladies in particular may start off with light vegetarian choices like slimming salads, but by the end of the cruise they want more filling food and may be asking for juicy steak.“

Unlike in high-end restaurants where Sascha worked regular hours with a huge staff, on Axioma he and his sous chef are available round the clock to serve up virtually any culinary request. In addition, they also prepare all the meals for the hungry crew.

“Offering top cuisine and a wide range of menus is a challenge when you have to consider all the variables involved,” says Sascha. “Many guests these days are vegetarian or even vegan, gluten intolerant or allergic to certain ingredients. But that just motivates me even more to exceed expectations.”

Themed meals provide Sascha with an opportunity to show off his creative skills. This may involve coming up with a tasty and healthy kids’ menu with a Shrek theme, or creating Mediterranean-style haute cuisine for discerning adults.

“One project I want to develop is to involve the guests more in the whole onboard cooking experience at the dining table,” he says. “So in the case of the outer space theme, that could mean flying in the starters by drone and doing the final prep at the table in front of the seated guests, perhaps with frozen nitrogen for dramatic effect!”

#2MAY 2020

AXIOMA’S GASTRONOMY: A

JOURNEY WITHOUT FRONTIERS

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CREATIVE CUISINE THE AXIOMA WAY

“For me it’s always inspiring to adapt my cooking style to meet the diverse needs and requirements of our guests. People don’t always realise that you get more hungry at sea. So the ladies in particular may start off with light vegetarian choices like slimming salads, but by the end of the cruise they want more filling food and may be asking for juicy

steak!“

Chef Sascha Lenz.