the rotary club


ONBOARD talks to Nigel Watson about his experience over the past 35 years of working with VVIPs, superyachts and the world of helicopter operations


“No matter what I tell you, I never have to be anywhere.” This is a client quote; it has stayed with me for years.


I


have been in command roles in the luxury yachting and aviation industries for over 35 years — initially as part of the Golden Fleet, then for the past 22 years founding and managing HeliRiviera and Luviair. We provide a range of services in VVIP helicopter operations, specialising in those embarked on superyachts. This overseeing of VVIP operations with seaplanes and helicopters has led to my famed expressions. Anyone who has worked with me will have heard at least one of these before. I have chosen to share with you a few of them below.


YACHT CHOICE, DESIGN & BUILD “Yachts last longer than helicopters, so build it for the helicopter of tomorrow” When owners begin to look for a new vessel — whether purchasing an existing one, or beginning a new build —


I urge them not to choose a yacht that meets their needs today, but rather to anticipate what they may want in the future. The lifecycle of yacht ownership is longer than that of helicopter ownership, so one vessel may see multiple aircraft landing on its deck over the course of its lifespan. Helicopters become bigger, more capable, and heavier.


Owners must anticipate the helideck dimensions, storage, equipment and safety facilities for normal and emergency operations. The helideck should be big enough, strong enough and optimally placed on the vessel to be able to safely accommodate the largest model of helicopter that the owner may wish to operate — keeping in mind that the helicopter in question may not have been designed yet! There are published standards for a reason. Follow them.


62 | AUTUMN 2022 | ONBOARD


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