SILVER ANGEL is a 64.5 Metre, 14 Passenger Benetti newly launched in 2009. She was designed by Argent Design of London together with Stefano Natucci. She is not subtle or sober, but neither is she ostentatious in the traditional way. She is totally deco in style, and every detail is a modern take on this theme. She is almost entirely grey, silver and black, with hints either side towards purple and auburn.
The most defining feature is the abundance of Lalique throughout, including table lamps radiating a soft magical light among the shiny silver silk and satin, the lacquered cabinets and fur throws. Lalique also features on the wall lights, the door handles and bathroom taps, as well as the bathroom accessories made to match. She is very luxurious indeed, with exquisite fabrics and furnishings and an abundance of plump cushions in every size and shade.
On the top deck there is a golf machine dispensing biodegradable golf balls used when the yacht is under way, and floating balls for when she is at anchor, so the Crew can gather them up for future use! There is a pool on the fore deck, depicting the Silver Angel herself, where guests can properly swim against a power jet. She has all the toys you would expect as well as fishing equipment and diving gear. She will not be for everyone, because of the sheer formality of her luxury. She is not a family yacht, but for corporate or private luxury, she is rather special!
After nearly 5,000 miles, the competition is still very tight in the fifth leg of the Volvo Ocean race. In fact, only 40 miles separate the first boat and the last boat. This tight competition has led to some tactical decisions more appropriate for an in-shore race than a 12,000 mile ocean race. As the fleet approached the island nation of Fiji, the crews needed to decide whether to pass to the east or the west. While most felt that going to the east was the best route, in spite of the upwind sailing, two yachts, PUMA and TELEFONICA BLUE chose, in fact, to pass between the two main islands.