Ambrosia. The name slips easily off the tongue. Its very sound is evocative of its definition: "food of the gods." Etymologically speaking, the word is rooted in the Greek "a" (away from) "mbrotos" (mortality) —thus, immortal. Ambrous Young, a long-time client and former major Benetti shareholder, was the driving force behind the build of his latest 65-meter (213-foot) vessel. From Azipods to astronomical décor, this yacht is otherworldly. We are pleased to offer you a first look at this masterpiece. And that is not all. Superlatives abound in this issue, from super sailing yachts at the St. Barth’s Bucket, to a super charter aboard 247-foot Mirabella V, to the super SOLAS-certified, 280-foot Alysia.

Now a word about why there is someone next to me in my editor’s photo. Not too long ago, SBI’s publisher Gary DeSanctis told me he brought his daughter to ShowBoats’ New York office when it was "bring your kid to work day." Whether Hallmark or human resources invented this day, the concept has merit. I am guilty of long hours at the office, tapping at the keyboard after dinner, frequenting boat shows around the world (nearly every Halloween of my daughter Sabrina’s 13 years I have been at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show). She chides me, "Mom, you are always working." I deny this, but the fact of the matter is, I do compulsively "keep in touch." I hear the vibration of my Blackberry and I check
e-mail. My cell phone rings and I answer it.

In an effort to pursue a guilt-free work trip, I recently brought Sabrina with me sailing on Mirabella V in the Grenadines (story in our Landfall column). There’s nothing like teenagers to test the mettle of any captain or crew, and Mirabella V’s crew proved their determination. Power, pulchritude and, oh yes, lots of fun, Mirabella V excels at extreme charter!

A few weeks later, it was my daughter’s spring break. (Why is there no break for editors?) I decided that it would benefit her to accompany me on business meetings in the south of France and Monaco. We dined with Yachting Partners International; reviewed plans for new builds at OceAnco; met with Fraser Yachts, Monaco Yacht Show, Camper & Nicholsons, YCO and more. We lunched at Le Quai des Artistes with Andreas Liveras and his charter manager, Martina Rakus, discussing the success of Alysia, new on the mega-charter market.

Andreas, grandfather of eight, was obviously charmed by my daughter. He invited us to a dinner party aboard Alysia that night for 40 guests, including Prince Albert (who had just arrived back in Monaco, fresh from his trip to the North Pole). I have known Andreas for 10 years or so, but I don’t think he would have invited me if Sabrina were not there. Andreas declared this evening to be the inaugural summer party, no ties and jackets—a shirtsleeves, barefoot barbecue. The evening was a success. His Serene Highness is personable and accessible. He sang along with the band and took turns dancing with several of the dinner guests, including a thrilled 13-year-old! Dancing with a prince will no doubt be a lifelong memory for Sabrina. This is the rarified world of yachting.

Our next day involved a foray into Ferretti Privilege Days—visits aboard the latest models. Our "vacation" didn’t end there.

We flew next to Lürssen shipyard in Germany. Donning hard hats we visited various stages of yachts under construction, from hallowed hulls to nearly complete. Michael Bremen quizzed Sabrina about materials used and methods of building. And for her part, she kept bugging me, "Mom, write that down; this is the first time Lürssen has done such and such."

Aboard Mirabella V and on business in Europe with my daughter in tow, I saw the yachting life through new eyes. There is a tendency in our business to become blasé and think that we’ve seen it all. Bring your kid to work, involve him or her. After all, our sons and daughters are our immortality. Ambrosia, food of the gods…food for thought: The next generation will be building beyond our imagination.