Prince visits Setouchi islands

HSH Prince Albert II has made a cultural visit to the Setouchi islands in Japan, taking in local art exhibitions and famous museums.

The Prince visited the region on 29th and 30th October for the 4th edition of the Setouchi Triennale which presents outdoor art works. The Prince journeyed to the island of Naoshima and was able to meet the artists, and discover contemporary art creations and places transformed into works of art.

Guided by the internationally renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, Prince Albert also visited the Ando Museum and the Chichu Art Museum.

Designed by Ando and opened in 2013 during the 2nd Setouchi Triennial, the Ando Museum looks like a simple traditional house while the concrete interior presents a retrospective of the architect’s work.

The Chichu Art Museum, also made of concrete and designed by Ando, opened its doors in July 2004 and offers a direct relationship between light and nature.

© Photos: Eric Mathon / Prince’s Palace

In 1995, Tadao Ando was the third Japanese to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize, considered the Nobel Prize in architecture.

Meanwhile, at the port of Uno in the city of Tamano, the Prince, accompanied by young students, discovered the Black Sea Bream of Uno, a sculpture by the artist Shibata according to the Yodogawa technique, which uses waste and floating objects derived from the sea to create works of art.

© Photos: Eric Mathon / Prince’s Palace

 

 

Monaco strengthens bond with China

Monaco’s interest in China, and an increasing interest of the Chinese in Monaco, is being highlighted with two recent events in the People’s Republic showcasing the Principality and what it has to offer.

The Monaco Embassy in Beijing organised ‘Monaco Day’ in advance of the Principality’s National Day coming up on 19th November. The goal of the event was to put forward Monaco as a destination of choice for the discerning Chinese tourist market. The Tourism and Convention Department, SBM, the Monaco Economic Board, the Fairmont Hotel and the Metropole were all represented and were able to share with a targeted audience the reasons to make the Principality a primary destination whilst travelling in Europe.

Additionally, Air China, who last summer started a Beijing-Nice direct flight, and Sparkle Tours, a leading luxury tour operator, invited upward of 100 of their most prominent regular patrons to sit in on talks about the Monegasque economic model and tourism opportunities.

Photo: MEB

Another high-profile event currently taking place is the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, where Monaco has erected a 136m2 marquee within the hall of the National Pavilions. A dozen Monaco companies have joined the Monaco Economic Board to feature import and trade opportunities with the Principality for Chinese businesses.  

The exhibition is only in its 2nd year, yet it has attracted the participation of 40,000 exhibitors from over 150 countries. Created by President Xi Jinping, the event is touted as being the only truly global international trade and import exhibition.

Chinese tourism has skyrocketed since the March 2019 visit of President Xi and is expected to continue to grow with the advent of the new direct flight. Monaco is now on the Chinese radar as an exclusive destination for worldly travellers who are looking for first class services, restaurants and accommodation, as well as easy access into France and Italy.

Monaco’s financial involvement in China has grown, with an estimated €3.6 million being pledged to two dozen projects in the People’s Republic, and the Chinese have reciprocated by pledging to cooperate with Monaco on environmental protection initiatives under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Read more:

Interview with Ambassador to China Catherine Fautrier

Chef’s World Summit in Monaco

Three days of workshops, classes and conferences for chefs and culinary professionals from around the world will be the basis for the Chef’s World Summit at the Grimaldi Forum later this month.

These gastro-pros are coming together to discuss the changes in their professions under three main themes: eco-responsibility, training and recruitment methods for a new generation, and the latest in catering concepts.

Under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II, this 4th annual congress will see Christophe Bacquié, Executive Chef of his eponymous restaurant in Le Castellet, as Honorary Chairperson and Executive Chef at Geneva’s Hotel President Wilson, Michael Roth, as the International Sponsor. 

The event will touch on hot topics ranging from gastronomy, bistronomy, wines, trends, marketing, youth training, teamwork, and cooking for those with allergies.  

But the event is not just for those already in the culinary arts business, it is also a place for people interested in the high-end food and beverage industry, those wishing to advance their skills and knowledge, and those who are considering this career path.

In addition to the many talks, exhibitors and workshops, there will be special events such as the unveiling of the 2020 ‘100 Chefs’ from Le Chef Magazine, who will also be awarding the top 10 chefs as they see it, the International Cuisine Cup/Prince Albert II of Monaco Trophy which grants the prize to the chef who executes the best all-around meal using their own creativity mixed with adherence to French culinary heritage, the International Culinary Photography Festival exhibit, and a Chef’s Gala.

The conference runs from 24th to 26th November. For more information go online at www.chefsworldsummit.com

 

 

Monaco’s rowing team brings home bronze

Despite a day of ups and downs, the Monaco Nautical Society’s Rowing Team has been able to secure a bronze in the men’s doubles race at the World Rowing Coastal Championships in Hong Kong.

Mathieu Monfort and Giuseppe Alberti snagged the only medal of the tournament in a day of disappointments and penalties that saw the Monegasques scratching their heads.  

The bronze medal win was marred however as the Spanish team, who had been penalised giving Monfort and Alberti the silver, argued against the penalty. To the astonishment of all, the judges capitulated leaving the Monegasques firmly in third place.

In other races, one of Monaco’s four-man strike teams had a good start in the finals, especially as the Spanish favourites jumped the starting line too early, giving them a two minute penalty. They were doing well until the Russian team slammed into the side of their boat, throwing them completely off and leaving them a discouraging 8th place finish. Even this was thrown into chaos as the offending Russians claimed that they were the ones who had been rammed, and again, the judges sided with them, so the Monaco team slid to 13th place.

More collisions in the women’s doubles and the four-man pair added to the frustrations of the Monegasque delegation, until finally the day of misery was finally over. Despite all the setbacks, the Rowing Team is looking forward to next year, where they can prove themselves at the championships in Portugal.

Nearly 500 athletes from 27 countries participated.

 

Get involved in waste reduction week

Ever wondered how you can join a growing global movement and produce zero waste in your home? Well, head to Stars n’ Bars in November as the planet-conscious restaurant hosts an action-packed day of information and activities as part of European Waste Reduction Week.

This will be the first time that Monaco is participating in European Waste Reduction Week, which kicks off on 16th November. Always keen to educate the community on sustainable practices, Stars n’ Bars will be spearheading the initiative by hosting an information day on 17th November featuring zero-waste workshops, stands and games as well as fashion and art projects.

In a major show of support for Monaco’s commitment to saving the planet, an unrelenting passion of HSH Prince Albert II, an incredible number of local businesses, individuals and associations will be taking part, determined to demonstrate that the best waste is the one that is not produced.

Throughout the day, visitors will have several opportunities to participate in various waste pickups. Philippe Marengo, CEO of Suncy Concept, and Sebastien Uscher, founder of Stand up for the Planet, will be on board a 100% electric and solar powered boat to raise awareness on the impact of marine debris on the ocean and wildlife. Equipped with dip nets, they will pick up litter and explain that we all have the power to save our sea.

The company MonecoBike will organise a waste collection contest on electric bikes, highlighting how clean and practical those means of transports are.

Visitors will be able to discover everything from how to enjoy a waste-free Christmas to DIY workshops on how to make your own hygiene and cleaning products; from how to give a second life to your clothes to garbage truck tours.

Even the animals will have their green moment with the Hepburn Bio Care mascots Monty and Panda presenting their range of 100% organic dog shampoo.

The Mission for the Energy Transition will be on hand to help visitors sign up to the National Pact for Energy Transition, a voluntary commitment program allowing any resident, worker, company, association or institution of Monaco to contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions. In signing the pact, each individual chooses concrete actions to implement, to reduce waste, save energy and use ecological means of transports.

The week will be punctuated by a multitude of events in the Principality as well internal actions and public events in order to achieve the goal: to cut the Principality’s overall carbon footprint by 50% by 2030, and to be carbon neutral by 2050.

The event at Stars n’ Bars will be held on 17th November from 1pm to 6pm on Quai Antoine 1er. Admission is free and open to all ages.

 

Top 5 yachts

Monaco’s yachting expert Patrick Coote is at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and he gives us his top five yachts featured at this year’s event.

Here Comes the Sun

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  1. Here Comes the Sun

Asking €155,000,000 with Fraser

Built in steel and aluminium by Dutch yard Amels to a design by Tim Heywood, the 83 metre motor yacht Here Comes the Sun was delivered in 2017 as the first in the yard’s Limited Editions 272 series. An interior by Winch Design in intricately carved walnut panelling accommodates up to 18 guests in nine cabins. Master and VIP suites are found on the upper deck, as well as two VIP suites which can partition to become four staterooms. Three further guests’ cabins are located on the main deck.

Solo
  1. Solo

Asking €71,500,000 with IYC and Northrop & Johnson

Designed by Francesco Paszkowski, the 72 metre motor yacht Solo was built in steel and aluminium by Italian yard Tankoa Yachts to RINA and Lloyds class with delivery in 2018. A luxurious interior by Margherita Casprini that is both modern and masculine accommodates 12 guests in six cabins comprising a master suite with a private terrace, a VIP suite, two doubles and two twins.

Motor Yacht T6
  1. T6

Asking $19,950,000 with Ocean Independence

With exterior styling and interior design by Pieter Beeldsnijder, the 48.53 metre motor yacht T6 was built in steel and aluminium by New Zealand yard Flyghtship to Lloyds class and MCA coded, with delivery in 2007. Accommodation is for 10 guests in five cabins comprising a main deck master suite, two VIP suites and two twins, all with entertainment centres, Samsung LCD television screens and en suite bathroom facilities.

Mizu
  1. Mizu

Asking $14,900,000 with Denison Yachting

Designed by Sam Sorgiovanni, the 53 metre motor yacht Mizu was built in aluminium by Australian yard Oceanfast to Germanischer Lloyds class and delivered in 2004 with a major refit in 2016. The refit saw her receive an extensive machinery overhaul, new teak decks and a full interior redesign. Accommodation is for 10 guests in five cabins including a master suite on the bridge deck with a media room and private dining area

Miss Moneypenny V
  1. Miss Moneypenny V

Asking $18,000,000 with Burgess

Designed by Stefano Righini, the 49.9 metre motor yacht Miss Moneypenny V was built in GRP by Italian yard Overmarine to ABS class and delivered in 2012 as hull number seven of the yard’s popular Mangusta 165 range. There are four adaptable double cabins for eight guests, each with an en-suite bathroom with shower. The guest layout is very versatile and includes Pullman berths for children that can increase the guest capacity to 12.

 

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