From Horsepower to Helicopters: A Day at Aviation Polo

Polo is one of those sports that manages to be both thrillingly fast-paced and delightfully refined, all at the same time. Horses thunder across immaculate lawns, mallets swing with the precision of a surgeon’s hand, and the crowd responds with a polite cheer before returning to their canapés.

It is, in many ways, the quintessentially British spectacle: centuries old and fiercely competitive, yet wrapped in an atmosphere of leisure and luxury. You don’t watch polo with a pie in one hand and a Pepsi in the other. You watch it with champagne on ice, oysters on a silver tray, and the occasional discreet glance at the helicopter landing nearby. In other words, polo is more than a sport; it’s an experience.

That’s precisely why Charatan was delighted to be a guest at a very special event in beautiful Surrey.

James Quantrell of Surrey Cigars, Captain Merlin of London Biggin Hill Airport, and Carlos Zúñiga of Charatan London.

A throw-in with an airborne twist

On Saturday, 6^th September, Hurtwood Park Polo Club was transformed into the scene of one of the most unique fixtures on the polo calendar: Aviation Polo, hosted by Luxaviation and Castle Air. The clue is in the name, as this isn’t just about horsepower on the ground, but also in the skies. One unforgettable moment was when the match ball was delivered by helicopter, which may just be the most dramatic start to a game we’ve ever seen.

Guests gathered in their finery to watch the Castle Air team go mallet-to-mallet against Luxaviation, with Castle Air emerging as worthy victors. The setting was every bit as glamorous as one might hope, with the manicured fields of Hurtwood, rolling countryside in the distance, and the sort of atmosphere that blends competitive sport with effortless socialising.

Taking a moment with a Charatan

Of course, no polo event is complete without its fair share of indulgence. The afternoon was a veritable parade of luxuries, with rosé, champagne, cocktails, oysters and caviar aplenty. Amidst this setting, it felt only right to enjoy something equally timeless and distinguished: a Charatan.

Our cigars have always been about more than tobacco; they’re about savouring a moment, taking a breath, and enjoying life’s finest experiences with good company. At Aviation Polo, surrounded by spectacle and sophistication, a Charatan was the perfect companion.

We were especially pleased to attend as guests of James Quantrell, a great friend of Charatan and the discerning owner of Surrey Cigars. James is a true cigar connoisseur, and his appreciation for the craft mirrors the passion that goes into every Charatan blend.

Flying high for a good cause

Whilst Aviation Polo is undoubtedly a glamorous affair, it also has a serious and deeply worthwhile purpose. The event proudly supports Fly2Help, a charity dedicated to changing lives through aviation. From offering unforgettable air experiences to inspiring young people with opportunities in the aviation industry, Fly2Help proves that flight is not just about machines in the sky but also lifting people’s horizons and ambitions.

To see polo and aviation come together in support of such a cause is proof that luxury and philanthropy can, and should, go hand in hand. For Charatan, being part of a day that balances celebration with purpose felt exactly right. Cigars have always marked moments of significance, from personal milestones to grand occasions, and this event was no exception. Between the clink of champagne glasses, the thrill of horses at full gallop, and the laughter of friends old and new, there was also the satisfaction of knowing that the day’s festivities were helping to make a difference.

When the smoke clears

So, what remains after the last glass is emptied, the horses are stabled and the final ash of a Charatan cigar has settled? A sense of occasion, certainly. A memory of an afternoon that was at once dazzling and meaningful. Aviation Polo at Hurtwood Park is more than a fixture in the sporting calendar, as it also serves as a reminder of how tradition, spectacle and generosity can combine to create something truly memorable.

A Charatan Claro paired with a glass of Rosé

For Charatan, it was an honour to attend, to light a cigar in good company, and to celebrate both the artistry of polo and the spirit of giving. As we look ahead to the next event, one thing is clear: the horses may be the stars of the field, but the cigars will always have their moment in the sun.