David Gandy joins John Walker and Sons Voyager in Portofino

The world's leading luxury whisky house celebrates the launch of its new campaign as they host a series of luxury events across Europe's heartland 

Today sees the arrival in Portofino, Italy, of JOHN WALKER & SONS VOYAGER, a glamorous 1920s-style sailing yacht, whose journey reimagines the epic ocean voyages that took Johnnie Walker from the four corners of Scotland to the four corners of the world. The arrival of the yacht marks the start of a campaign to celebrate the launch of a new rare triple malt from the world's leading Scotch Whisky house, JOHN WALKER & SONS ODYSSEY. Today and tomorrow, the luxury yacht will host a series of high-profile events designed to celebrate Portofino's story of progress over the last century and recognise a series of Italian ‘Game Changers' - influencers, thinkers and celebrities who embody the pioneering spirit and vision of the Walker family. 

Portofino, an icon of Italian exclusivity, style, elegance and heritage, has been chosen as the first destination on a European tour that will see JOHN WALKER & SONS VOYAGER host exclusive events at the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix - world stages for luxury brands and events - as well as Athens, Barcelona, Amsterdam, London, Hamburg and Copenhagen. Docking in Edinburgh in August this yacht will return to the brand home of Scotland, where the John Walker & Sons story began almost two centuries ago. 

Once a small fishing village, Portofino has become a renowned luxury destination - a byword for exclusivity and refinement. Today it is the holiday home of the jet set, with recent visitors including Madonna, Steven Spielberg, Beyoncé, Eva Mendez, Denzel Washington, Heidi Klum and Rihanna. Guests on board JOHN WALKER & SONS VOYAGER during its stay in Portofino will be introduced to JOHN WALKER & SONS ODYSSEY, an award-winning triple malt that captures the spirit of luxury as it is today and continues the House of Walker's passion for whisky excellence through supreme craftsmanship, quality, heritage and innovation 

The Portofino visit is being hosted by David Gandy, the world's leading male model and JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL ambassador who will be joined by John Kennedy President of Diageo, Western Europe, and Matt Barwell Consumer Marketing and Innovation Director for Diageo Western Europe, at the launch of JOHN WALKER & SONS VOYAGER's epic European journey. Commenting on his appearance on board JOHN WALKER & SONS VOYAGER, David Gandy said: "It's a privilege to join JOHN WALKER & SONS VOYAGER on its arrival in Portofino and celebrate the start of this great adventure. As the JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL Ambassador I'm honoured to be part of this creative and innovative campaign and to celebrate the achievements of Game Changers from across the region." 

Other activities taking place on board JOHN WALKER & SONS VOYAGER's journey in Europe include:

• Game Changers including David Gandy will be sharing their own stories of progress in a modern reinterpretation of Around the World - one of the first luxury travel guides commissioned by the House of Walker almost 100 years ago. David Gandy will author the opening chapter on Portofino. 
• An exclusive lounge designed in collaboration with men's luxury goods house Alfred Dunhill and inspired by Johnnie Walker Blue Label will play host to local game changers who will share their own stories of progress.