Page 60 - Bespoke Issue

Monaco, that’s the reason for my meeting with Alison MacKintosh of Impulse F1, as we sit in a coffee shop just off Pall Mall,
the cold damp March weather of London seems a stark contrast to our discussion. It’s time to plan the Monaco Grand Prix weekend.
There are many reasons why the Monaco Grand Prix is the most glamorous sporting event on the planet, it attracts hundreds of celebrities, business VIPs and even royals every year. OK, quite a lot of them live there already... The intimacy of the race is like no other, the track’s combination of narrow, tight turns, sweeping bends, fast straights and hills is a challenge to any driver and has not changed much since 1929. The challenges and prestige of this iconic circuit make a win at Monaco every drivers dream... From a spectator’s point of view, it is very crowded, there are far more spectators than places to see the action. Monaco itself only occupies just over 2 square kilometres and most of them are on a hill side.
Maybe it is because Monaco is hard to do properly that makes it so compelling. It’s not a race, it’s a garden party, it’s a fashion show, it’s a dining experience and if you get it right, it’s a yacht party... The many balconies overlooking the circuit become ‘hospitality suites’ for the weekend, but honestly, if someone asked me if I would like to be their guest on their balcony or if I would like to join them on their yacht, for me, there is no choice. The yacht wins every time, this is why I’m here to see Alison.
WORDS CRAIG BLAKE-JONES IMAGES IMPULSE F1
Alison runs Impulse F1 who host yachts in Monaco. We discuss the stunning Port Hercules, the beautiful marina that hugs the track and how many yachts are berthed there for the Grand Prix weekend, they are packed side by side, but the best views are on the chicane and the straight where the triple deck superyachts are berthed, big enough to see right over the Armco. But the key for me is that Alison does not crowd her yachts. When you are paying a premium, and you’ll pay a premium everywhere in Monaco on race weekend, you want to be relaxed, you want to be surrounded by like-minded people and this is what Alison does really well.
Impulse F1 have a team of experts with extensive experience of events and Monaco under their belts, her caterers prepare gourmet food, all drinks are premium brands, which is something I’ve noticed is not always the case at other events where you’ve paid for a high price ticket and are greeted with the obligatory glass of bubbles (even if it is 9am), but as the day goes on the standards fall. This leaves me feeling they’ve had my money now it’s about their pro t, but certainly not with Impulse. They actually go one better and source the best champagnes, nest wines, artisan gins and award
winning spirits served in style by quali ed bar staff, no cocktail is out of bounds. It really makes the difference.
Alison explains the basic schedule to me. You are met at Nice airport, clients usually arrange their own ights, possibly private jet or the Impulse team are happy to arrange this for you. The team is waiting to guide you to the Heli Port from which a quick Helicopter ride drops you in Monaco to a waiting luxury speedboat to transfer you directly to your superyacht – so you’re already feeling like James Bond as you enter the vista of Monaco in style.
Once aboard the yacht, if you have opted to take a cabin you will be met by your professional crew and the Impulse team, your bags will be taken whilst you enjoy a welcome refreshment of your choice, as Alison’s team have taken time before hand to understand all their guests’ individual tastes. Her packages can include a cabin aboard the yacht, or just a day on board. Whichever you choose you are exceptionally well looked after. All your meals are served, and the menus and presentation wouldn’t look out of place in the nest
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