Try a little experiment: ask an image generator three times to create an "ideal yacht." In just seconds, artificial intelligence will produce three completely different pictures. Now imagine the complexity of human creativity! The ideal yacht is unique to each person—and it changes every time.

Dreams come true without warning, and answers often appear unexpectedly. Some answers make life easier, but the most important ones make it more exciting. I’ve seen cases where a client started building a large yacht, delved into every detail, and halfway through construction realised they wanted something entirely different. They completed the yacht they had started, only to begin again. It was as if the first project was a warm-up, a way to gather ideas and knowledge, until inspiration struck and they exclaimed, “Eureka! This is it!”

Every yacht owner is extraordinary. Shipyards strive to reflect their tastes, desires, habits, outlook on life, and travel experiences. This is where the motto truly shines: “Everything for the individual, everything for their benefit.” The result? Exceptional modern yachts.

We’re kicking off the year with a focus on diverse people and diverse yachts and on how shipyards boldly push boundaries in pursuit of perfection. Since its inception, Custom Line has built yachts from composite materials. Now, they’re entering a new size range—50 meters—and transitioning to aluminium. One client has commissioned a superyacht designed like a cruiser with a central control console. Meanwhile, RIBs, originally small inflatable boats, are now reaching lengths of 20 meters, offering comfort, design, and power comparable to superyachts. And the owner of an ultramodern racing team has assembled an entire fleet of unique vintage sailboats for sheer pleasure.

At the same time, out on the water, differences between people seem to fade, and solidarity grows. Everyone becomes simply a yachtsman, regardless of the type or size of their vessel. Water has special magic. It can humble us and often favour us, but it always unites us and brings joy.

You’re holding this magazine at just the right moment, as it’s time to make a few important decisions. Before the season begins, there’s still time to plan where to keep your yacht, where to set off from, and what to explore in your local waters.

And now, as we look at rivers bound in a single chain of ice, it’s the perfect time to wish each other: “Soon the ice will melt, leaving only memories and a shard in a glass of rum and lime. See you on the water!”