The Royal Air Force Red Arrows & Aston Martin
The Hamptons are synonymously known for their lavish sophistication and charming exclusivity. But leave it to the elite to make even the most intimate of summer gatherings more grandiose.
Held at the private estate of Marigay McKee and Bill Ford in Southampton, a select group of hand-picked (and pre-screened) guests were invited to join Ross Allen, the Director for North America Department of International Trade as well as Group Captain Tony Franklin of the Royal Airforce’s Red Arrows in celebration of their 55thAnniversary season tour.
Guests were taken by golf cart up to the property where they were then greeted by the familiar symbol of refined British luxury, Aston Martin who showcased several of their latest models including the Vantage and the DBS Superleggera in partnership with Long Island Sports Cars. Cocktails by Hattingely and Berry Bro & Rudd were on hand as the evening soiree kicked off with a warm welcome by the host and evening’s honored guests.
But it wouldn’t be in true Hamptons form to not include one over the top element – perhaps a specially arranged flyover by the Red Arrows? Held to just a ten-minute window of cleared airspace, the nine Hawk T1 Jets flew from New York Stewart International Airport and guests watched from the lawn as they assembled overhead in several flight formations and passes. The show which was narrated by Captain Tony Franklin, proved to be a brilliant display of ability and national pride as they ended by streaking the sky with red, white, and blue – the national colors of both Great Britain and the United States. The spectacle was reportedly seen from all of the Hamptons area to Montauk.
“The Hawk T1 has been flown in the fleet since 1979.” remarked Franklin, “While it is now 40 years old, still the Hawk is a true dependable aircraft and is a testament to the British engineering behind those who built them.”
