From space to sea, the Sea to Sky event offers a glimpse into the future of luxury living
Apr 09, 2025
How the Sea to Sky event brought innovation, luxury and purpose together at The Ritz-Carlton
On Sunday, March 30, The Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong became a hub for visionaries, adventurers, and innovators. The Sea to Sky event promised more than a showcase of luxury—it offered a glimpse into how technology and human ambition are reshaping our world.
The day began with a welcome reception at 11 am. Guests were greeted with Dom Pérignon and the music of Zoie Tse, a concert pianist and former Miss Hong Kong contestant. This elegant start set the tone for what was to come: a series of conversations exploring the intersection of wealth, innovation, and responsibility.
At noon, Alpha Lau from InvestHK raised a toast to Hong Kong as the host city. This was followed by fireside chats that delved into topics ranging from space travel to ocean conservation.
Conversations that matter
Eytan Stibbe, a private astronaut and philanthropist, opened the discussions with insights on how space travel shifts perspectives on wealth and our planet. His message was clear: seeing Earth from above changes how we value it.
Michael Swift of Gulfstream Aerospace followed with a talk on private aviation. He argued that owning time is the ultimate luxury, highlighting how private jets redefine efficiency and freedom for individuals.
Nick Stratton from Simpson Marine shifted the focus to superyachts. Far from being mere symbols of extravagance, he explained how these vessels can play a role in ocean conservation. He pointed to innovations in sustainable yachting as a way forward for marine ecosystems.
The conversation then turned to space again with Olivier Farache of VAST and George Weinmann of Wei Li Capital. They discussed plans for the world’s first commercial space station, presenting it not as science fiction but as an imminent reality.
Matteo Atti from VistaJet introduced the concept of "invisible luxury," where experiences are treated as assets. He suggested that unique journeys hold more value than material possessions in today’s world.
Marc Ghaly of Bombardier closed this segment by sharing human stories behind jet design and production. He emphasised the craftsmanship and personal dedication involved in creating these machines.
Racing towards innovation
Vivian Siu, a Formula 4 driver and banker, brought energy to the afternoon with her talk on racing. She spoke about risk-taking and resilience—qualities she believes are essential both on the track and in finance.
The discussions concluded with a toast by Paul Jebely, host of Sea to Sky, who encapsulated the day’s themes of innovation, purpose, and connection.
A cinematic finish
At 3:30 pm, attendees gathered for the screening of Zero to Macao. The film documented journeys aboard Gulfstream G700s and Bombardier 7500s, offering an intimate look at modern aviation’s capabilities. It was a fitting end to an event that celebrated extraordinary machines both on land and sea—and even beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Beyond luxury
Sea to Sky was not merely about showcasing jets or yachts; it was about redefining what these machines represent. Whether it was through discussions on sustainability or space exploration, each session challenged traditional notions of luxury by linking it to purpose and progress.
By the end of the day, one thing was clear: innovation is not confined to any single domain - it spans sea, sky, and space alike.
Also see: Tai Kwun Art Week: A look back at Hong Kong’s cultural celebration
