Peter and Katarina Sagan. Photo: Twitter Peter Sagan
Monaco resident Peter Sagan and his wife Katarina have announced the birth of their first child, a boy named Marlon. The Slovak cycling champion broke the news on October 25 Twitter, his favourite means of communication.
Sagan, who is idolised in his home country, last month became the first man ever to win the road world championship for the third year in a row.
After his disqualification from the Tour de France in July, Sagan’s fortunes on the road have markedly improved. In September, he took his 100th professional win at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Quebec, and then followed that with his third consecutive rainbow jersey in Bergen, Norway.
Sagan said he had stayed in Monaco to be at his wife’s side instead of attending the UCI World Gala in Guilin, China. “I think you understand that family comes above all, so I want to be by the side of my wife,” he said.
Sagan has said that he prefers to live in Monaco rather than Slovakia since his celebrity at home would make his life difficult. In Monaco, he enjoys relative anonymity, he said.
Monaco Japan Week, held in the Principality from October 12 to 14, was an undoubted success. Sponsored by the Japan National Tourism Organisation, the Embassy of Japan in Monaco, the Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Bureau and the Monaco Japan Association, the event was a natural development from the Japan-Monaco Cultural Exchange Tea Party, which was held last year and recognised by the Japanese Embassy of Monaco and the Monegasque Government as a “Project to Commemorate 10 Years of Japan-Monaco Friendship”.
In addition to this year’s Tea Party, a drawing competition and Japanese sake tasting also took place. The Tea Party was held in the Japanese Garden, where guests were served “Suzuka Matcha”, which has been offered to Monaco’s Princely family, along with sweets. Around 200 guests attended the Tea Party including the Mayor of Monaco, Monaco’s ambassador to Japan, the Director of the Monaco Tourism Board, and other VIPs.
The drawing competition featured a total of 150 drawings by Japanese children on the theme of “Future Travel”. The judging was done during the Tea Party by the guests.
The Japanese sake tasting event was held over two days at the Condamine Market Hall in Monaco where many guests, including the Mayor, tasted three carefully selected Japanese sakes. There are plans to make Monaco Japan Week an annual event from next year.
Christopher Foyle, President of the Monaco Air League, has reported a very successful and busy few months for students and members, with several young grant recipients undergoing flight training in both powered aircraft and gliders.
“We have had the busiest year ever, so far, in respect of awarding the largest number of scholarships and prizes to the young people of Monaco, and their participating in a diverse array of aviation activities,” Mr Foyle told Monaco Life.
Several leading members, including Patron Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and Roger Shine, Chairperson of the Strategic Committee of the Friends of the CHPG Foundation, have been particularly supportive and generous.
One of the highlights of the past few months is that HSH Prince Albert has agreed to be Principal Patron of the Monaco Air League. “We are enormously grateful to have His Serene Highness as our most interested and supportive Principal Patron, bearing in mind how unbelievably busy he is with his government duties and many other charities,” Mr Foyle commented. “His patronage has greatly raised our profile and is helping to propel us forwards at a faster rate.”
The Monaco Air League continues to support Clemens Toussaint in his bid to bring aviation to Monaco. Clemens has renamed Villanova-Albenga Airport in Italy as Riviera Airport. Riviera Airport is now attracting a growing demand from private jet operators, with a increasing number of hangar clients, and has just signed an MOU with one of the major global players in private jet management to become their main European base.
This winter, the airport will start work to extend the 1,500-metre runway by 200 metres, which together with its existing high maximum take-off weight limit of 60 tonnes – double that of Cannes-Mandelieu – will enable it to accommodate the largest private jets arriving from anywhere in the world – even the Boeing BBJ and Airbus equivalent, Mr Foyle said.
The League is still looking at the possibility of an air display over the sea in front of the Principality, as well many other ideas and events.
Serena Hawkins Yacht Club Photo: Kaidi Photography
Q&A with Serena Hawkins, Commercial Director VIP Market, Avinco
ML: Tell us a little about yourself and how you ended up in Monaco in 2012? SH: Monaco is undeniably an ideal base if you work in the luxury market, which both my husband and I happen to do. The weather is also significantly better than back home in the UK, though I do travel back and forth regularly for my job.
ML: You are currently Commercial Director VIP Market at Avinco Helicopters. Tell us about the company and also the competitiveness of the helicopter market. SH: Avinco is one of the largest helicopter sales specialist and has been based in Monaco since 2008, although it also has offices in New York, Dublin and Singapore, and a fully international team of experts to advise its customers worldwide.
As commercial Director at Avinco Private, I take care of the purchase and sales of corporate and VIP aircraft – primarily helicopters.
This is a very competitive market on a global scale, but with the backing and reputation of Avinco and our worldwide network it has proven a strong segment for us.
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ML: Who is Avinco’s market? SH: Avinco caters for all types of customers, a large portion of which are in the commercial and public markets, which include emergency services, offshore Oil & Gas operations, utility operations, aerial filming, firefighting, police.. and of course, corporate and VIP owners.
ML: Why would someone choose to buy a pre-owned aircraft versus new? SH: There are significant advantages to buying pre-owned aircraft. First and foremost, buyers avoid lengthy lead-times from manufacturers, which can take up to several years. There is also clear added value for money spent in purchasing a pre-owned aircraft. The aircraft can also be customised to the new owner’s tastes and requirements.
Avinco can also act as a consultant and assist with buying a new aircraft by establishing an ownership strategy and selecting the aircraft best suited to each customer’s needs and negotiating the best possible deal on the buyer’s behalf.
ML: On the aviation side, what is the profile of a client who would benefit from owning an aircraft instead of chartering? SH: A typical client profile for us would be a business executive whose time is limited and may need to attend important meetings at the drop of a hat. Having your own helicopter on call gives you this flexibility and spontaneity, and enables you, as an owner, to use your time efficiently.
Serena Hawkins
ML: Does Avinco provide helicopters suitable for yachts? It can’t be as simple, as not any helicopter can fly to any yacht so what should you take into consideration? SH: Yes we do, and you are correct, there are many criteria for us to consider with our customers before proposing a suitable helicopter for their yacht. Size and weight are obviously critical on a yacht. The flight range is important depending on the distance one might want to travel to and from the boat. And, last but not least, equipment requirements, storage and passenger capacity may vary greatly from one owner to the next depending on their lifestyle.
ML: What role does Avinco play in the Monaco Yacht Show? SH: This is an ideal opportunity to catch up with people we work with in the luxury industry, such as yachting specialists and shipyards with whom we collaborate during the yacht purchase and design process. Many of our VIP clients attend the Monaco Yacht Show. Some will pick this time to discuss their intention to sell and replace their helicopter. We are routinely involved in both the sale and acquisition process for our customers.
We were actually meant to have an AW109 on show on a yacht but as it happens we are in the process of finalising its sale!
ML: You have worked within the luxury market for a number of years. What is the key to customer service? SH: The key to keeping our customers happy is to listen to what they want to buy, how they intend to use their aircraft, get to know their lifestyle and sell them the aircraft they need.
I always tell my customers there are five golden rules when buying a helicopter:
1. Identify your usage – lifestyle, frequency, passengers, destinations.
2. Don’t be geographically limited in your search. Thanks to our network we can find the right helicopter anywhere in the world and assist in all aspects of its delivery.
3. Be open-minded about your choice of aircraft model. Experts like Avinco can introduce you to a large scope of helicopters across all makes, and objectively advise you in your selection according to your requirements.
4. Always take on highly qualified experts to carry out technical inspections on your behalf.
5. Call Avinco, of course.
ML: What makes Monaco a strategic location for luxury marketing? SH: Though Monaco is renowned for its high-profile residents and visitors, we do not limit our focus to the Principality. We have customers across the world through our various offices, and attend strategic high-end events worldwide.
ML: For those who have never been in a helicopter, what is something we’d be surprised to learn about taking a ride on board? SH: People who have flown in small airplanes often remark on how much more stable and smooth a helicopter ride feels. I personally love how much more visibility I have of the scenic views, particularly when I fly along the Riviera coastline.
Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco, Jessica Simpson and daughter Maxwell Johnson attend the 2017 Princess Grace Awards Gala Kick Off Event with a special tribute to Stephen Hillenberg at Paramount Studios on October 24, 2017 in Hollywood, California. Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Princess Grace Foundation-USA
On Tuesday night, the Princess Grace Foundation-USA and HSH Princess Charlene celebrated the return of the annual Princess Grace Awards Gala to Los Angeles with an exclusive kick off event at Paramount Pictures, the home to where Grace Kelly made so many of her iconic films.
It was a special girls’ night out for entertainment, music and style icon, Jessica Simpson, as she attended the event with her mom Tina Simpson, and daughter Maxwell Johnson, who presented flowers to Princess Charlene upon arrival.
Jessica beamed with joy on the carpet watching her daughter fulfill her fairytale dream of meeting a real Princess.
Tom Kenny, SpongeBob SquarePants, Creator Stephen Hillenberg, Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco, guest and Karen Hillenburg attend the 2017 Princess Grace Awards Gala Kick Off Event with a special tribute to Stephen Hillenberg at Paramount Studios on October 24, 2017 in Hollywood, California. Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Princess Grace Foundation-USA
In partnership with Nickelodeon Group and Paramount Pictures, the October 24 evening also featured a special tribute to Stephen Hillenburg, creator of Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants, and introduced the Stephen Hillenburg Animation Scholarship, a gift awarded annually in support of emerging animators in the film category.
Karen and Stephen Hillenburg, who were in attendance, endowed the Foundation with a gift that will encourage and assist future animators to develop and hone their crafts. Hillenburg received his Princess Grace Award in 1991 and a Statue Award in 2002. He is the first Princess Grace Award winner to honour the Foundation with the gift of such a scholarship.
Additional attendees included Billy Zane (Legends of Tomorrow), Sofia Milos (Sangre Negra), Hon. John F. Lehman (PGF-USA Chairman), Jon B. Turk, MD (PGF-USA Board of Trustees), Lynn Wyatt (PGF-USA Board of Trustees), and more. Plus, the cast of SpongeBob SquarePants including Tom Kenny (Voice of SpongeBob SquarePants), Bill Fagerbakke (Voice of Patrick Star), Rodger Bumpass (Voice of Squidward Tentacles), Dee Bradley Baker (Voice of Perch Perkins), Clancy Brown (Voice of Mr. Krabs), Sirena Irwin (Voice of Lady Fish), Carolyn Lawrence (Voice of Sandy Cheeks), and Jill Talley (Voice of Karen) were all in attendance to support Stephen Hillenburg.
Creator Stephen Hillenberg, Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco and Karen Hillenburg attend the 2017 Princess Grace Awards Gala Kick Off Event with a special tribute to Stephen Hillenberg at Paramount Studios on October 24, 2017 in Hollywood, California. Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Princess Grace Foundation-USA?
Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco, Jessica Simpson and daughter Maxwell Johnson attend the 2017 Princess Grace Awards Gala Kick Off Event with a special tribute to Stephen Hillenberg at Paramount Studios on October 24, 2017 in Hollywood, California. Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Princess Grace Foundation-USA
Jessica Simpson and daughter Maxwell Johnson attend the 2017 Princess Grace Awards Gala Kick Off Event with a special tribute to Stephen Hillenberg at Paramount Studios on October 24, 2017 in Hollywood, California. Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Princess Grace Foundation-USA
Jessica Simpson attends the 2017 Princess Grace Awards Gala Kick Off Event with a special tribute to Stephen Hillenberg at Paramount Studios on October 24, 2017 in Hollywood, California. Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Princess Grace Foundation-USA
HOLLYWOOD, CA – OCTOBER 24: Tom Kenny attends the 2017 Princess Grace Awards Gala Kick Off Event with a special tribute to Stephen Hillenberg at Paramount Studios on October 24, 2017 in Hollywood, California. Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Princess Grace Foundation-USA
Creator Stephen Hillenberg (5th L) and the cast of SpongeBob SquarePants attend the 2017 Princess Grace Awards Gala Kick Off Event with a special tribute to Stephen Hillenberg at Paramount Studios on October 24, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Princess Grace Foundation-USA
Creator Stephen Hillenberg attends the 2017 Princess Grace Awards Gala Kick Off Event with a special tribute to Stephen Hillenberg at Paramount Studios on October 24, 2017 in Hollywood, California. Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Princess Grace Foundation-USA
Creator Stephen Hillenberg (L) and Executive Director Princess Grace Foundation-USA Toby Boshak attend the 2017 Princess Grace Awards Gala Kick Off Event with a special tribute to Stephen Hillenberg at Paramount Studios on October 24, 2017 in Hollywood, California. Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Princess Grace Foundation-USA
Princess Grace Foundation-USA Chairman John F. Lehman apeaks at the 2017 Princess Grace Awards Gala Kick Off Event with a special tribute to Stephen Hillenberg at Paramount Studios on October 24, 2017 in Hollywood, California. Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Princess Grace Foundation-USA
Article first published October 25, 2017. All photos: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Princess Grace Foundation-USA.
Images from the fifth Drugarijada – “Friendship Games” – which took place from September 18 to 23 in Kapaonik, Serbia, have just been published.
The week was organised by the Novak Djokovic Foundation (NDF) in partnership with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, and enabled more than 150 children aged 6 to 10, from disadvantaged communities, to take part in a number of activities.
From drowning prevention and water safety exercises, and from flying kites and sports competitions to Red Cross workshops, the youngsters experienced the values of working together and building team spirit. They all learned while having fun, gaining confidence and making friends.
Photo: Novak Djokovic Foundation
Photo: Novak Djokovic Foundation
Photo: Novak Djokovic Foundation
Photo: Novak Djokovic Foundation
Novak Djokovic, founder of NDF in November 2007, explained, “I want to help other kids as well to learn from my example that many things are possible if we only believe in ourselves and work hard to fulfil our dreams. I’m coming from a war torn country, a place where many kids do not dare to dream big.”
The Monaco-resident added, “I was blessed to have the support of my whole family while growing up. They believed in me and dreamed with me. Because of their trust, love and support, and all the hard work invested, I made my biggest dream come true. I’ve become one of the best tennis players in the world.
NDF opened its 11th School of Life earlier this month, in the Serbian village of Deronje, in the municipality of Odzaci, welcoming 50 boys and girls, 3-5 years old, from the village and the nearby region.
The Foundation donated €38,655 for the reconstruction and equipping of the facility “Carolija” with toys, books, didactic materials and new play sets that have been installed in the preschool yard. In cooperation with CIP – Center for Interactive Pedagogy, specialised training seminars and workshops, designed to support professional development of educators, were also held as part of the project.
Gorana Dzudza Jakovljevic, NDF project manager, commented the Schools of Life project is “extremely important” for the Foundation. “Through its implementation we try to create best possible conditions for education and development of children in economically challenged areas in Serbia and at the same time give them a chance to reach their full potential and fulfil all their dreams.”
To date, 500 children have been provided access to high-quality preschool programs and eleven preschools have received professional support to enhance the quality of their teaching practice and cooperate more with parents and local partners, added Dzudza Jakovljevic.
Monaco Japan Week, held in the Principality from October 12 to 14, was an undoubted success. Sponsored by the Japan National Tourism Organisation, the Embassy of Japan in Monaco, the Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Bureau and the Monaco Japan Association, the event was a natural development from the Japan-Monaco Cultural Exchange Tea Party, which was held last year and recognised by the Japanese Embassy of Monaco and the Monegasque Government as a “Project to Commemorate 10 Years of Japan-Monaco Friendship”.
