Jonathan Tan

The Balancing Act

June 17, 2018 • Jonathan Tan

Photos by Mark Teo

He may be a seasoned Ironman triathlete with a preference for the shorter Ironman 70.3 events, but when Timothy Cosulich registered for his first ever Ironman event in Zurich, Switzerland, in 2010, it was a means to raise money for the hospital that treated his younger sister’s illness.

“I had just heard that the Ironman thing was very tough and I thought it would get people interested if I told them. I had also never cycled in my life, though I was good with swimming,” said the former professional water polo player.

When Timothy Cosulich registered for his first ever Ironman event in Zurich, Switzerland, in 2010, it was a means to raise money for the hospital that treated his younger sister’s illness.

Doing things a little differently, Timothy had asked friends and colleague to commit to donating a certain amount of money depending on how he performed during the race, and had compiled a spreadsheet with the figures.

“This filled me with a sense of responsibility because an ironman, in general, is a very selfish sport, where you do it for your own ambition, or as a personal challenge. In this case, I was doing it for a greater cause. I really felt the responsibility to train, because if didn’t I wouldn’t be able to raise enough money for the hospital,” he shared.

And despite making all the possible mistakes a rookie could make, such as focusing on all the wrong things, such as swimming because it was satisfying instead of biking which he was weakest at, Timothy had managed to raise $150,000 for the hospital after finishing the event’s 3.86km swim, 180.25km bike and 42.20km run within 10.5 hours.

Building on that experience, Timothy had gone to participate in more of the endurance events, even qualifying for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii in 2015. Taking time out of a hectic work and training schedule, we learn more about how he manages the demands of training, family and taking care of a global business with a staff of 1,000.

Davison: Ironman and Ironman 70.3 races are some of the most grueling races on the planet. What do you love most about them?

Timothy Cosulich: I’m competitive by nature, and the way triathlons work satisfies my thirst for competition. It is also a sport that allows me to interact with different people because it transcends jobs, industries, nationalities and you can find a bit of everything in it. If you’re careful in managing your work-life balance well, it is a sport that allows you to continue doing it for a relatively long time, and enjoy a variety of three sports.

Tells us more about your preference for the shorter Ironman 70.3 category (1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21.1km run).

Ironman racing is more about endurance whereas in the half Ironman distance, or Ironman 70.3, you have to push and get some speed as well. I’m currently focused on these half Ironman distances because I enjoy it more and it is more compatible with the rest of my life – family and work.

What’s your secret to managing family, work and committing to training?

My number one challenge is making sure that the people I work with don’t think that triathlons are my priority. Triathlons are a passion, it is a hobby, but my priority is work.

To cope, I do 90 per cent of my training very early in the morning. I’ll wake up at 5am, or earlier, and I’ll be done with training by 8am. This leaves me time to play with my son before going into the office.

How important is discipline?

It is super important because discipline applies to everything. I have my work schedules, family schedule, and my training schedule. I make an effort to combine everything and to plan beforehand.

I have a coach whom I have been working with for five years. He knows me and my work schedule very well, and knows when I have time and when I don’t. We share a calendar so he will tell me what to do and when. My coach gives me that structure with his expertise.

How do you maximise your time?

Here in Singapore, the logistics is very easy. I have a pool here in my condominium where I can swim and I have a gym where I can run, or go for one in or around Gardens By The Bay. For cycling, I have an indoor trainer which I can use at home, or I could go out and ride. The only other things I may do is either swim during lunch time, or take a quick run, so there is little impact to work or family life.

I’m sure there are compromises.

It is probably my social life because if I’m up at 5am, I’ll have to be in bed by 10am. But this goes back to the importance of having a balance. Sometimes when I’m out on a date with my wife, I don’t want to be obsessed about what I need to do for the sport.

On the racing front, how do you psyche yourself up?

I’ll have my routine in the morning, where I’ll get the bike ready, do a bit of warming up.

I’m quite lucky that I don’t feel too nervous before a race and I think this helps because I’m a decent swimmer. With my background in water polo, having people try to drown you is just normal. I think that it is my luck that I don’t feel intimidated and am actually looking forward to the start of the race.

And once the adrenaline kicks in, I will go with the flow. My typical race is trying to come out from the water amongst the first, get overtaken by a few guys during the bike leg and then try to catch them up during the run.

What’s the most satisfying part of racing?

Whether or not you’re happy about your race, that last 100m lets you feel a sense of accomplishment because you’ve finished a hard race. I always try to make sure I do my best because I’ll be happy about it regardless of the result.

Most of the time my family is spectating, my wife and my son. I will visualize making them proud, hopefully by crossing the line first. I also have this little tradition now where I will go onto the podium with my son, who is one year old now. I feels very nice, I feel proud and its nice memories I want to build for us, the time we spend together.

What are some of your most memorable races?

I think it would be the Ironman Malaysia race in Langkawi where I qualified for Kona. That marked the end of the journey to qualify for the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii in 2015. It was something I really cared about and I worked hard towards achieving it, and it was very special.

The other one wasn’t a triathlon, but the New York Marathon in 2013. That was a special race because besides my ambitious personal target, I was also racing with my family. It was nice being there sharing the experience with my father, sister and cousin, and having other family watching too.

I would also add the Island House Triathlon in November 2017. It was a very small race in the Bahamas with Cervelo as one of the main sponsors. There was only 40 participants: 15 male professionals, 15 female professionals and 10 CEOs. The race was also spread over three days of intense racing. It was nice to be on the tiny island with the best professionals in the world, interacting with them and getting to know them.

Racing with the Cervelo P5X has been a real joy for Tim.

You had the opportunity to try Cervelo’s top-of-the-range P5X ahead of the Island House. How was that experience?

As event sponsor, Cervelo had sent a P5X for us to try. It is something that never happens, to be able to try a particular bike of this level before buying it. Most times it’s a bit of a blind choice where you buy it and then hope it fits you.

I was very curious to know how it feels because it was rather new as a concept with a unique shape and aerodynamics. I was very happy riding it for a couple of months, feeling very comfortable and being able to go very fast. It is a very adjustable bike, which is important for the kinds of races that I do because you would want to find a comfortable position when you ride. It also comes with a lot of storage for long distances because you can put your nutrition, spares and everything, which is very helpful. I had went to meet with Paul from Bikes n Bites to see how we can collaborate, and I bought it.

How do you like the bike so far?

So far, I’ve used it for one race and I did very well, achieving my personal best so I am very happy with it. The biggest thing I noticed was that while the bike was fast, I was also able to run a lot faster after the bike leg. The bike really set me up for a good run. I get to go fast while remaining comfortable.

What is most important about a bike for you?

I always make sure that I have a proper bike fit. It is very important that you feel comfortable and to ensure that your power output is at its optimum. I think it’s a combination of being as aerodynamic as possible while maintaining comfort.

My Cervelo P5X already comes with top of the range components. This includes ceramic speed components, and a Rotor power meter which has been very accurate for me. I also have ENVE wheels and disc brakes that really let me feel in control. Everything else is stock from Cervelo.

#BetterTogether

January 30, 2018 • Jonathan Tan

Tucked away on Koh Yao Noi, or little long island, Ani Villas is just 30-minutes by speedboat from Phuket. (Credit: Ani Villas)

Two hours. That may be all the flight time needed to skip away from bustling Singapore and land where the Tom Yam is deliciously spicy, the beaches expansive and the views spectacular, thanks to the limestone karsts that seemingly rise up from the sea like totems to the gods.

But while the idyllic Southern Thai resort island of Phuket is a lovely place, having to share in that experience can be a strain on the senses, especially when you are constantly aware of a stranger’s presence. The numbers don’t lie: Thailand attracted nearly 32 million visitors in 2016, with nearly a fifth of them making their way to Phuket.

Offering an exclusive experience, Ani Villas only hosts one group of guests at any one time. (Credit: Ani Villas)

The alternative would be to pack friends and family away on a ‘Togethering’ experience at Ani Villas Thailand, an elegant 10-villa private resort. Tucked away on Koh Yao Noi, or little long island, the resort is just 30-minutes by speedboat from Phuket. Designed with the collective experience in mind, the time is all yours as everyone in your party enjoys an exclusive time together amidst stunning views of surrounding Phang Nga Bay while soaking in Southern Thailand’s rustic charm. There will even be ample opportunity to take walks down unspoilt beaches where the only impressions on the sand are yours.

Ani Villas Thailand_14_Living Sala_highres — Staying at Ani Villas is akin to returning to your very own private island resort. (Credit: Ani Villas)

The concept, according to Ani Villas CEO Ira Bloom, is all about travelling and enjoying the moment with friends and family. “People want to travel. They want to be with family and friends. They like the amenities of a resort but want to have their own space. With a private resort, you can have it all. You can do almost as much at a traditional resort, of course. But when you have the whole place to yourselves, the experience is more personalised, deeper, richer and more memorable,” he says.

It’s All Yours

With that exclusive experience in mind, the five-star Ani Villas Thailand (one of four in the world), only hosts one group at any one time, with an entire team of staff dedicated to facilitating that entire holiday. The other Ani Villas properties are on Anguilla in the Carribean, Sri Lanka and the Dominican Republic.

From the stunning pictures here, time spent at Ani Villas is akin to visiting your own private seafront estate on the eastern coast of the Koh Yao Noi with food, drinks and on-site activities arranged specially for you and your guests.

Let the hotel staff mesmerise you with your very own private tour experiences to the surrounding islands. (Credit: Jonathan Tan)

There, you’d find life dialled down a couple of notches, with views of the Phang Nga Bay and its characteristic limestone karsts dotting the horizon. You could while away your days doing absolutely nothing by the pool and then spend your evenings strolling down the serene beaches. Alternatively, one could take to the sea for some kayaking or paddle boarding, and then relax your muscles with massages by the trained in-house therapists at the spa – the choice is entirely yours.

Mealtimes, though, is when everyone comes together as the resort’s Chef Yao whips up scrumptious meals that includes local Thai, Asian and international favourites with unique touches of local flavours. Where possible, the ingredients are all sourced locally from the island. Depending on the weather, the resort’s staff will also organise Instagram-worthy seafood BBQ dinner parties by the seafront, styled beautifully with fresh cut flowers and fairy lights.

Chef Yao whips up meals customised exactly to taste. (Credit: Ani Villas)

Elaborating on the ‘togethering’ concept, Ira says: “The entire grounds belong to a single party. ‘It’s all yours,’ as we like to say. That waterslide, it’s all yours, same with the yoga studio and fitness centre. The spa, only you and your people use it. The bar, likewise, it’s your bar. Not many people are accustomed to this. All of our guests have been to other resorts, and they’ve all experienced what it’s like to sit at a resort bar or go to the spa and have a treatment, but there is this whole other dimension of experience that comes from a place being entirely at your disposal. They tell me it’s a liberating kind of feeling. We’re never as comfortable as we are when we’re in our own home… It’s the same thing at Ani.”

Freedom and the sense that you’re right at home with your loved ones is exactly what Ani Villas feels like.

Fashioned in the Northern Thai Lanna-style architecture, Ani Villas comprises a total of 10 villas. These include pool suites, ocean front master suites and family suites – each of them spacious, cosy and tastefully sumptuous with king-sized beds and ensuite bathrooms.

spacious, cosy and tastefully sumptuous with king-sized beds and ensuite bathrooms. (Credit: Ani Villas)

Opened officially in October 2016, the 8,000sqm property offers everything one would expect to see in a luxury beach resort, complete with 42m beachfront infinity pool, private dining sala, beach bar and even a two-story waterslide all tastefully integrated into the space.

The trappings may be amongst the best that money can buy, but Ani feels more like a home as the staff smile and greet you like family. Be it cocktails shaken to your liking, fruits selected to whet your palette or meals cooked to suit individual tastes – every little detail is noted for every single guest. Exclusivity here is all down to the details, with each stay customised and personalised down to individual details like dietary preferences to specific activities to be experienced.

Highly recommended activities to build shared experiences include exploring Koh Yao Noi on scooter or bicycle to soak in views of the island’s mangrove forests, padi fields and fruit plantations. There will even be an opportunity to visit the Ani Art Academy, an independently run art school which gives talented artists a platform to develop and gain recognition with full art scholarships.

Experience art at the Ani Art Academy. (Credit: Ani Villas)

Those inclined for more adventurous pursuits can consider Muay Thai classes on the island, and exploring the many little outcrops that dot the bay on a Longtail boat. Instead of outsourcing such tours, the same staff from the villa will lead the tours and shape your experiences by taking you to secret lagoons, hidden sea caves and the most scenic beaches only the locals will know about. The end result? An unforgettable holiday experiences that have everyone remembers for a long time to come.

Create memories with these unforgettable views. (Credit: Ani Villas)

The Last Word

Luxury could mean the finest things in life, perfection in the everyday and supreme comfort. But nothing beats being able to share in those experiences and build common memories with those closest to you. With that in mind, Ani Villas Thailand has created a perfect oasis for bonding with a’ togethering’ concept in a fantastic location supported by a team of staff that takes care of your physical needs so guests can focus on what’s most important – bonding.

Chef Yao is the main man creating some of the most delicious Thai fusion meals around. (Credit: Ani Villas)

A Culinary Treat

Dining together and sharing in the simple pleasures of eating, drinking and communication is what makes a stay at Ani Villas so special. We catch up with the man behind the culinary magic every guest will remember fondly, 39-year-old Kanawat Iadnuch, or Chef Yao as everyone knows him by.

What kind of culinary experience do you hope to share with your guests?

The first thing is giving people a chance to experience and enjoy local Thai food. The ingredients used are the same as those used in traditional Thai recipes which I’ve learnt from my teacher and from my family. When I serve the guests, it’s more of a fusion, with Thai tastes but presented in a contemporary modern style.

Where does your inspiration for creating these dishes come from?

I used to teach home economics in university and I use what I learnt in floral arrangement to my food, to see how different elements can come together in harmony. I’ve had the good fortune to have been able to travel around Thailand, and taste different types of food from the different regions. This experience allows me to set up a taste balance which can be altered to suit different people. Experimentation and seeing the reactions from my guests allow me to better refine my recipes.

How would you like people to remember your food?

I want guests to be able to discover something that they love, a dish that they would love to have every day. Preparing a variety of different dishes every day lets me give them that opportunity.

Going All In: Porsche Macan Turbo With Performance Package

October 1, 2017 • Jonathan Tan

On first impressions, it seems little ostentatious to clad a Porsche Macan Turbo in the carmaker’s racing colours. After all, crossovers, especially something mid-sized like the Macan, aren’tknown for being racy.

But this isn’t just a Macan Turbo, but the Porsche Macan Turbo with Performance Package. A mouthful to pronounce, this is the new range-topper in Porsche’s Macan line-up. Visually, the car gives little away of its abilities. Save for a specially developed (and larger) set of brakes, you would have to peek under the bonnet to tell that the 3.6-litre twin-turbo V6 receives the ‘Exclusive Powerkit’ treatment, or stare hard enough to make out that it sits closer to the group, 15mm to be precise.

Where it matters, the car’s performance has been cranked up a few notches. With a remapped engine, the car now makes 440hp with torque hitting a peak of 600Nm. If these numbers hint at 911 territory, consider also the 4.4 seconds it takes for the car to blast from 0 to 100km/h.

The figures though, do more than just stoke egos. They have been put together harmoniously with stoppers, sports chassis, Sports Chrono Package and sports exhaust system all combining to permanently leave a smile etched on this writer’s face.

As the car gets to speed with thunderous ease, it’s the buttery smooth manner in which power surges from the engine to all four wheels that impresses. The car’s seemingly inexhaustible ability to continue building momentum indulges any desire to enjoy speed and all its raw grace.

Depending on tastes, one could dial performance to your desired levels with the Sport Chrono Package and take revs to the limit in Sport Plus as the dash-mounted chronograph tracks progress while the deep throaty exhaust note adds aural effect. Worthy of special mention, is the agility, precision and assuredness of the car as it grips corners seemingly on rails while the active dampers and stiff steel springs combine to soak up body roll.

The best part? The Macan Turbo with Performance Package is one of those cars you’d love to have without any buts. Because as you trade fastest lap times with your mates in sports cars, you won’t be thinking “what if the family could have come along to see this…”? In this car, they can, and you could even haul luggage in it.

Porsche Macan Turbo with Performance Package
Engine: 3,604cc, 24V, V6, twin-turbo
Power: 440hp
Torque: 600Nm at 1500-4000rpm
Gearbox: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Top Speed: 272km/h
0-100km/h: 4.4 seconds
Fuel efficiency: 9.7L/100km

Lethal Weapon

February 20, 2017 • Jonathan Tan

There are few endeavours in life that are as physically gruelling and mentally draining that that of a triathlon.

In its Olympic format, athletes have to push their personal limits through a 1.5km swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run. Either stage may be manageable on its own, but to manage each leg of the race in succession requires supreme discipline. Up the ante and Ironman versions of the race can involve swim distances of 3.8km, a bike segment of 180km and a full 42.2km marathon run.

That challenge though, is something the sport’s athletes eagerly relish with glee. At its elite level, it is the tiny details that make all the difference between achieving a desired target and failing to even complete the race. The latter, obviously, is not an option. This is precisely where equipment manufacturers like Cervélo come in.

Sharing that same relentless hunger for success, the bike manufacturer has been a major player in developing two-wheeled sprint machines to help triathletes combat both fatigue and the elements with their race bikes. The cycling leg, you see, is the middle-ground in a race of physical conditioning, endurance and tactical nous, much like that of an automotive endurance race.

To that end, Cervélo has developed the P5X.

Intended as the ultimate triathlon bike, the P5X is designed for speed. It boasts the ability to enable an athlete to propel him- or herself down the bike leg of a triathlon race with the maximum amount of speed and the least amount of effort.
Built entirely from scratch around the needs of the unique needs of every rider under the premise that Speed = Comfort + Power + Aerodynamics. In the design phase of the bike, engineers had spent countless thousands of hours on data gathering from hundred of elite races all over the world and an additional 180 hours spent in the wind tunnel to achieve maximum aerodynamic efficiency. The result of that is clearly apparent: an exotic two-wheeled rocket fashioned with a one-piece monocoque frame, disc brakes and an integrated front end and looking like a race-special two-wheeled Lamborghini for the Triathlon.

Expectedly, the P5X will go fast, and do so very efficiently and steadily. The extra special bits are what else it can bring along with it. The bike features three storage areas dubbed the Smartpak (behind the stem on the top tube), Speedcase (attached to the downtube of the bike), and Stealth Box (located between the crank and front wheel). While they could all be removed at will, these easy-access storage areas will enable a rider to pack in valuable nutrition, spares and additional weather gear for races in dodgy weather.

This being a bike design and built around the needs of the rider, every adjustable component both major and minute can be tweaked to suit individual preferences. Admittedly, riders looking for a racing machine don’t want bling that may weigh them down. They want a bike that is connected to their very being for the most efficient movement with the least energy expended—all of which can be slid and shifted manually with assistance from a proprietary sizing tool on the P5X microsite.
In fact, the P5X is so user-focused that it even comes with its own easy-pack travelling case that cocoons the bike so perfectly, you can check it in without any worry.

Striking good looks, ultra-fast, efficient and stable ride and athlete-focused build, few, if any, bikes come as close to perfection as Cervélo’s P5X.

For a race machine this sharp and precise, the P5X is available in a choice of builds. To find out more, visit Bikesnbites.com.

Cape Paradise

February 13, 2017 • Jonathan Tan

Expansive white beaches, idyllic islands, cool tropical weather, delicious food; these are just some of the characteristics which make the Southern Thai island of Phuket much loved for a beach getaway. Coupled with the island’s bustling nightlife scene and glamorous resorts, one can very easily live it up in style.

For some, the glitz and glamour of living it up may be fun, but for others, the appeal is in the opportunity to retreat from the hustle and bustle of life and imbibe in the peace and serenity of Phuket’s tropical landscape. Nestled on the hills that make up Cape Panwa on Phuket’s Southeastern tip, the Sri Panwa Phuket offers the perfect canvas for your very own personalised experience.

An Escapist’s Fantasy
The standard bearer for private escapes, Sri Panwa eschews the ostentatious in favour of subtlety. Rather than frame the guest experience with structure, the resort lets them paint their own versions of a holiday from the moment they seemingly disappear up Cape Panwa’s verdant hillside and head off towards their private retreats.

Save for a sign at the road that turns into the property, one won’t ‘see’ the Sri Panwa estate. Rather, the sprawling 40-acre estate slowly reveals the elements that appeal to you as one soaks in the views from the accommodation, explore the dining options available and live out the holiday you intended.

Perched on the highest section of the cape’s ridge some 50 metres above sea-level, this writer’s hideout for the two nights at the property was a single-bedroom villa that afforded breath-taking views of the of the Andaman Sea, rounded off with azure blue skies and pillowy clouds, the first revelation of what was on offer at Sri Panwa.

Trendy, full of flair and tremendously fun are a few ways to describe the homely living space that I shared with my better half during the stay to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Shaped around the natural landscape of the area and styled with a ‘tropical contemporary’ design, the villa was tricked out with everything from outdoor day beds to lounge in, high thread count bedsheets and even a shower that can double as a steam room.

Despite all that, the seduction of the private infinity pool, especially with all 12 metres of it surrounding the spacious 280sqm villa proved hard to resist. Giving in, much of the day was spent watching yachts in the distance swaying with the wind in slow-motion as they navigated around the neighbouring Coral, Racha and Lone islands. It proved to be an exceptionally cathartic experience where life’s worries could drift away and be replaced by carefree conversation and plenty of laughter.

Sunrise to sunset: time seemed to drift by serenely as we did absolutely nothing besides enjoy the spacious villa. It’s not often we get to devote an entire day to spend uninterrupted in the lap of luxury and alternate between taking dips in the pool, tanning by the deck chairs, sipping beers by the sala and lounging on the day beds—which is ideally what a trip in paradise should be about.

Building the atmosphere, it wasn’t just chemistry that made everything come together, but thoughtfulness in the little details such as having the surround-sound system pipe music throughout the villa’s indoor and outdoor areas of the villa that helped set the mood. Meticulous and with a sharp eye for detail, Sri Panwa’s owner Vorasit Issara had actually personally mixed each of the playlists in the iPods available in the villa.

Things to See, Places to Eat
Each villa may be private, but it is not isolated. Staff-operated tuk tuks are just one call away and will take guests around the property, even outside to the surrounding seafront. At the ready to offer help, being greeted by their warm smiles went a long way towards feeling very welcome and comfortable.
And as you leisurely find your way around the resort, that warm personable character of the estate begins revealing itself like a person you’re getting to know better; surprising you with places and experiences.

One such spot is Sri Panwa’s own private beach and pier where guests can partake in complimentary activities such as kayaking and paddle boarding. Day trips to nearby islands can also be arranged for a cost.

Another is Habita, the latest development on the property with some 30 pool suites and penthouses, each with their own private pool. A must-see is the beautiful Forest Waterfall Pool which is not only a fun place for a swim, but an ideal spot to lie back and chill out with a cocktail, or two, as you catch some rays. Should you feel peckish, consider getting something off the grill from Baba Hot Box.

Where food is concerned, breakfast at Baba Poolclub (the all-day dining restaurant) is where you’d go to start the day. With a combination of a la carte and buffet line offerings, there’ll be something to suit any palate and dietary preference.

For local fare, Baba Soulfood is a fantastic option for a hearty Thai meal in a cosy setting. Rich in flavours and cooked to perfection, we couldn’t get enough of appetisers like the Khao Tang Ghoong Pirod & Lhon Ghoong (mixture of shrimp in green curry and shrimp in coconut dip, served with crispy rice crackers), Yam Neur Yang (Crispy duck with herbs, cashews and chilli with Thai coconut-chilli dressing) will certainly whet your appetite before you tuck into delectable mains and fresh seafood like the Khat Liew Poo (Crab meat omelette) and Moo Hong (Phuket-style braised pork belly).

Prized Fighter

February 1, 2017 • Jonathan Tan

Flying aficionados will know that few experiences in life come close to the satisfaction of being the master of your own aircraft and navigating it between your destination choices. But how about being able to do a same in a light aircraft designed as radically as the Blackbird of X-Men fame?

Well, come the summer of 2017 that may soon be a reality when Californian-based private aircraft manufacture Cobalt makes the first deliveries on its stunningly futuristic Co50 Valkyrie airplane. Ultra-sleek and super cool, these sketches of the Valkyrie reveal a personal aircraft that is akin to a supercar concept—except that unlike those concepts that debut in motorshows, this is the actual aircraft. It’s about bringing the pleasure back to aviation, said Cobalt founder David Loury in a conversation with Popular Mechanics. “The ‘cool-effect’ will be preserved when we can,” he said in the same conversation.

To deliver the same sex appeal that fighter jets exude, Loury opted for a canard-style design with a massive single-piece glass canopy offering unparalled views for the five persons the aircraft can accommodate within a luxurious interior that can be finished completely to the tastes and preferences of the Valkyrie’s discerning owners. While the exterior colours of the plane are available in a range of custom finishes, the interior promises to plush, with leather seats hand-stitched by craftsmen who used to ply their craft with luxury fashion house Hermes.

Where it matters, the plane is engineered to make use of a turbocharged single piston rear-mounted propeller engine that puts out 350bhp. Touted as one of the fastest in its class, the Valkyrie will boast a top speed of 260knots or 481km/h and a range of 1,945km, making it more than capable of flying from Singapore to Bangkok in just about three hours.
A plane for the enthusiast, the Valkyrie will be as easy to fly as it is pleasing to the eye.

Helping the pilot manoeuvre the nine-metre long by nine-metre wide aircraft in the air is a full pushrod-bellcrank mechanism and Garmin G3X Touch avionics system. Aesthetics aside, the Valkyrie has also been designed to prioritise safety. The forewing on the fuselage prevents the plane from stalling in mid-air. Onboard parachutes are also available for all passengers for greater peace of mind.

At present, flight testing is underway for the Cobalt Co50 Valkyrie but the company is keeping the details on the plane’s performance under wraps till a later date. That said, the Valkyrie is currently available for pre-order with a base price of US$595,000. With first deliveries scheduled for mid 2017, a $15,000 deposit will be necessary to secure a place on the production line.

For more information, visit Cobalt-aircraft.com.

Jonathan Tan

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