Ready for Takeoff If you’re attending this October’s NBAA conference in Orlando, be sure to check out the Sino Swearingen SJ30-2, one of three scheduled for customer delivery this year. This light business jet has the capabilities and performance of a medium jet and exceeds the competition in speed, range, and altitude. The overall aerodynamics and 32.6º sweptback wings of the SJ30-2 contribute to its ability to cruise 60 to 100 knots faster than other light jets. The $6.195-million jet performs on par with aircraft two and three times as much in cost. For more information about the SJ30-2 please visit sj30jet.com or call 888.JETSJ30 (888.538.7530). —Chris O’Connell
Time Zones Perfect for the man who prefers the ski-in/ski-out black-tie affair, Linde Werdelin’s Biformeter “power of two” design smoothly blends classic Swiss elegance with state-of-the-art detachable digital functionality. The Biformeter acts like a high-tech computer performing compass, baro-meter, and altimeter functions while charting and graphing personal information including heart rate and ambient temperature. Prices start at $3,930 for the Biformeter ($4,720 for the two time-zone model) and $2,080 for the detachable instrument. The watch is also available in 18-carat yellow gold starting at $17,260. For more information please visit lindewerdelin.com or call +44.20.7727.6577.
Louis Vuitton’s exclusive Speedy DuoJet Movement GMT Quartz watch’s two synchronous dials are perfect for the smartest of jet travelers. This innovative adaptability to new time zones is matched only by the DuoJet’s car dashboard-inspired style and neo-retro design accented by an ice-blue dial and steel bracelet. The watch, which is available at select Louis Vuitton locations, costs $3,830. For more information please visit louisvuitton.com or call 866.VUITTON.
The movement of Jacob & Co.’s Quenttin, the first timepiece created with a 31-day power reserve, is not based on a single axle, but on several axles horizontally lined. You view the vertical dials indicating hours, minutes, and power reserve as well as the watch’s inner workings through the large crystal face. It carries a price tag of $360,000. For more information please visit jacobandco.com or call 877.JACOB01 (877.522.6201). —JC
Soft Landing The Hilton Vancouver Washington successfully blends advanced environmentally-friendly features with local style to create a truly progressive retreat—one of the most innovative hotels in the industry. Registered with the U.S. Green Building Council and scheduled to become the second Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified major hotel in the country, this Hilton implements key energy-saving and pollution-reducing strategies in hotel design and structure. And you will be pleased to know that the hotel has cut all the right corners in its energy-saving operations while losing nothing in comfort and atmosphere.
Inside the Hilton a fully functioning carbon dioxide-detection system recognizes room and hall occupancy, which enables the heating and cooling system to shut down when not in use. Every guest room also has fresh-air access through operable windows, which helps control indoor pollutants. In addition the low-emission paint and carpet give off less hazardous chemicals than traditional materials.
The building itself was constructed with recycled steel and brick, and 75 percent of the construction waste was recycled. The white roof helps reflect heat from the sun back into space, helping lower energy costs as well as combating the “urban heat island effect” that traditionally stews over cities. The landscaping features local native plants that require little watering during the region’s long, dry summer, and storm water is funneled directly into drywells, which provide a natural filter for polluted water draining from the building’s roof and other areas.
Interested in reservations? Visit Hilton.com or call 800.HILTONS (800.445.8667). —John Crow
Yachting Location, location, location. That is only one of the unique aspects of Killian Yacht & Ship Brokers. Be sure to visit their new offices at Bahia Mar Yachting Center, the undisputed epicenter of international yachting, during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (October 26-30). Killian, which specializes in large yachts and ships, offers sales and marketing along with a full scope of management services to a select international clientele. Joe Killian, the firm’s president, explains that the “move to the Bahia Mar Yacht Center demonstrates Killian Yacht’s continued commitment to providing premium service along with the highest profile location possible representing our clients and displaying the world’s finest yachts.” Stop by the Killian Yacht & Ship Brokers offices to visit with Private Air during the Boat Show. For more information please visit killianyacht.com or call 954.522.9577. —CO
Whirlybird Imagine traveling from a Chicago helipad to your destination in downtown Pittsburgh in less than an hour’s time—then to Washington, D.C., New York City, and back home before dinner. Flying Bell/Agusta Aerospace Company’s BA609 Tiltrotor makes that commute more than possible by combining the vertical takeoff and landing capabilities of a helicopter with a winged turboprop’s 316 miles per hour cruising speed, altitude of 25,000 feet, and distance range of 750 nautical miles at 275 knots. The Tiltrotor’s approach to executive transportation includes seating up to nine passengers and traveling through the harshest conditions—all at twice the speed of traditional helicopters.
For more information on the BA609 Tiltrotor please visit bellagusta.com or call 817.278.9600. —JC