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Month: February 2020

Prince receives lifetime achievement award

by: Cassandra Tanti
12/02/2020

Prince Albert II of Monaco has been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award presented by American actress Uma Thurman, in recognition of his commitment to the preservation of the Ocean, biodiversity and the fight against climate change. 
The award was presented on 6th February at the Hollywood for the Global Ocean Gala 2020, attended by numerous celebrities.
“Your Highness, we are honoured to present you this award in recognition of your work as an environmental leader and your steadfast commitment to protecting the world’s Ocean,” said Uma Thurman. “As a head of state, you have aligned leadership of your country with the preservation of our planet. (…) The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, which you established in 2006, is regarded worldwide as a flagship project for environmental protection. All of your life, your name and your actions have been an integral part of the battle to protect the environment.”
The gala dinner, held in a private property in Beverly Hills, gathered 250 privileged philanthropists who wanted to commit to the protection of the Ocean and support the projects led by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
“I am deeply honoured to be presented with this lifetime achievement award and be welcomed at this outstanding event,” said H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco in accepting the prize, specially created by Chopard. “This determination to act and the ambition to change the world with knowledge and intelligence are the most valuable assets we have today.”
Meanwhile, film icon Sharon Stone presented the ‘Grand Earth Pledge’, which brings together philanthropists wishing to act alongside the Sovereign Prince.

Sharon Stone speaking at the awards, courtesy Getty Images for the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

“This event is so important to me because I have three sons and I’m looking out for their future,” said Sharon Stone. “I have the opportunity to engage people to be part of this effort and create a team who will continue to work together and care about this as a group.”
The evening, presented by Maison Chopard and Milutin Gatsby, included private concerts by Chris Isaak and Macy Gray.
More than 535 projects have already been supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, in the three priority geographical regions of the Mediterranean Basin, the Polar Regions and the Least Developed Countries, which are strongly impacted by the effects of climate change, the loss of biodiversity and threats to water resources.
 
 

Rolex Masters 2020 unveiled

by: Stephanie Horsman
12/02/2020

A new and improved venue and firm commitments from the world’s top players points to an exciting time at the 114th edition of the Rolex Masters Tennis Tournament coming in April.
Tournament Director Zeljko Franulovic on Tuesday revealed plans for the 2020 Rolex Masters, which takes place from 11th to 14th April 2020 on the famous clay courts of the Monte-Carlo Country Club.
Amongst some of the highlights for this year are the opening of a new bar in place of the Rolex Boutique on the terraces of the country club, as well as a new restaurant, player’s lounge and interview room. Famed American artist Lee Wybranski, known for being a staple of the golf art world, will be designing the event poster this year.
It was also announced that the renovations made at the site last year did not go unnoticed by the ATP. The ‘Award of Excellence for most improved venue in 2019’ was awarded for the vast improvements made for both spectators and players like.
Novic Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, ranked numbers one and two in the world respectively, are pre-registered, as are a growing list of world-class players. The final list will be announced on the Rolex Masters website from 19th of March.
Defending champ Fabio Fognini will kick-off the series in a live broadcast taking place on the terraces of the Thermes Marin de Monte-Carlo on 10th April at 6:30pm.
Finally, the tournament welcomes Chris Kermode, former CEO of the ATP World Tour, to the organising team of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters as a “privileged consultant.”
Organised by the Monaco Society for the Operation of the Tennis Tournament (SMETT), the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters is the first European tournament in the category of ATP Masters 1000.
 
 

The unstoppable Roca Team

by: Stephanie Horsman
12/02/2020

Roca Team has nabbed another victory at home in front of more than 200 fans, this time against Châlons-Reims Champagne Basketball on Tuesday night.
As Monaco Basketball plays to win, and win they do! In a very physical game against Châlons-Reims which saw both Eric Buckner and Will Yeguete with two fouls before the end of the first quarter, the Roca Team kept their offence as aggressive as their defence, though the game was evenly matched.
Early in the 2nd quarter, Buckner committed a third foul and was benched, but not before he helped put the team up by 30-24. Châlons-Reims played a very inside game, making it difficult for Monaco to keep too far ahead in the scoring, and by halftime, it was a tie at 43-43.
After play resumed, CCRB went on the attack, putting them four points up. It was at this critical moment that Norris Cole landed a three-point missile. This time the Roca Team wings and they made a huge push, scoring nine points in quick succession making it 52-47 in the 24th minute. Two minutes later Norris Cole made the difference by going for a superb “coast to coast” widening the gap to 58-49.
CCRB weren’t giving up, though. By the end of the third quarter, the lead shrunk to 64-60. It was now that Norris Cole went for it, and in just 10 minutes, scored an incredible 14 points. The Roca Team had the game all but sewn up, but this didn’t stop Dee Bost from landing two dazzling layups, ending the game with Monaco’s 28th straight win at home.
The final score was 88-74. Roca Team plays again on Valentine’s Day against Nanterre.
 
 

Primo Cup Trophée Credit Suisse results

by: Cassandra Tanti
12/02/2020

Always traditional, whilst still keeping things fresh with new additions, the Primo Cup Trophée Credit Suisse is one of the racing seasons most anticipated events. This year’s saw two new classes added to the event, and it was exciting endings all around. 
The stats tell the story of success. A total of 450 sailors from 20 different countries racing on 100 boats in six different classes participated in this year’s Primo Cup. The regatta lived up to its reputation, with clothing from Slam awarded to the top three in each class.
The weather cooperated brilliantly. With plentiful sunshine, temperatures a pleasant 14ºC and winds ranging from 5-15 knots on calms seas, the crews will no doubt remember this regatta with fond memories.
Additionally, new classes were added to the race as announced by Yacht Club of Monaco General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri. “Alongside loyal regulars we welcomed two classes new to the event, L30 and Onefly. Every year, the Primo kicks off the season in the Mediterranean and we always aim for something new.”
The final rankings from each class are as follows:
J/70 :
1st: Mikhail Sheremetev (Elf) – RUS: 12 points
2nd: Nelson Mettraux (CER APROTEC-Ville de Genève) – SUI: 26 points
3rd: Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G-Spottino) – MON: 32 points
J/70 Corinthian:
1st: Charles Thompson (Brutus– GBR: 60 points
2nd: Cesare Gabasio (Tinnj70) – MON: 60 points
3rd: Stefano Roberti (Piccinina) – MON: 67 points
Smeralda 888 :
1st: Timofey Sukhotin (Beda) – MON: 8 points
2nd: Francesco Vauban (Botta Dritta) – MON: 10 points
3rd: Paolo Rotelli (Black Star) – MON: 14 points
Longtze Premier :
1st: Jarmo Wieland (Shensu) – SUI: 5 points
2nd: Franck Beat (Qi) – SUI: 7 points
3rd: Steffen Schneider (Outsider) – SUI: 13 points
L30 :
1st: Jonas Gerckens (Jonas Gerckens) – BEL: 9 points
2nd: Anastasia Kolesnichenko (Humphreys Conrad) – GBR: 10 points
3rd: Denis Lankin (Maria Naboka) – MON: 11 points
Melges 20 :
1st: Valentin Zavadnikov (Oleg Reps) – MON: 12 points
2nd: Alexander Mikhaylik (Alex Team) – RUS: 13 points
3rd: Anatoly Karachinsky (Path) – MON: 14 points
Onefly :
1st: Matisse Pacaud – FRA: 8 points
2nd: Nicolas Berenger – FRA: 15 points
3rd: Eliot Bourgeois – FRA: 15 points
 
Photo: J/70 courtesy Yacht Club of Monaco
 
 

Djokovic to challenge Nadal in Monte Carlo

by: Cassandra Tanti
11/02/2020

Great news for tennis fans in Monaco as Novak Djokovic has confirmed he will compete in his “home” tournament, the Monte-Carle Masters, this year.
The 17-time Grand Slam winner had previously announced he would compete in the Madrid Open and Italian Open as part of his Roland Garros preparation, but with the addition of Monte Carlo Djokovic’s 2020 clay-court schedule is now complete.
Djokovic is the defending champion in the Spanish capital after he beat Stefanos Tsitsipas from Greece in the 2019 final while he finished runner-up to Rafael Nadal in Rome last year.
The Monaco-resident has now added a third clay-court tournament ahead of the French Open as he will also compete in the Monte-Carlo Masters, an event that he won in 2013 and 2014, with the news confirmed on his official website.
Djokovic exited the ATP Masters 1000 tournament at the quarter-final stage last year as he lost in three sets against Daniil Medvedev from Russia.
This year’s Monte-Carlo Masters runs from 13th to 17th April in the Principality.
 

Extreme weather will continue

by: Stephanie Horsman
11/02/2020

Monaco is set to undergo intense storms and blistering heat once again this year, according to Focus Météo. The weather trends for 2019 have just been revealed and the experts say last year’s extreme conditions will likely be repeated in 2020 and beyond.

Since 2012, Focus Météo has been gathering weather data for Monaco from its weather station located at the Jardin Exotique. This year’s reports show that the temperatures were uncommonly warm in the Principality.

There has been a steady increase in average temperature in the region since the 1970s. Where from 1971-1980, the average high was 18.67º and the low 12.79º, 2019 saw average high temperatures of 20.4º and lows of 15.4º.  

In addition, not a single day in 2019 went below freezing, compared to the prior three decades when this occurrence was rather common in winter.

The year 2019 was “particularly hot” and punctuated by two extended periods of scorching temperatures. The summer heat waves in June and July were marked by record highs, respectively 34.6º on 27th June and 33.8º on 24th July. Autumn was warmer than usual, as well.

The Principality saw more hours of sun in 2019 than the preceding year – a total of 2,616 hours of sunlight versus 2,342 in 2018, though the number of hours in 2019 was roughly on par with 2017, and therefore in the normal range.

Last year was also punctuated by two intense Mediterranean winter storms at the end of November and early December. High winds and rain did significant damage causing waves in excess of eight metres. During these two months, 20 days had winds in excess of 60km/h, with the worst day being 22nd December, which had gusts measuring 104.4km/h.

Rainfall totals show a more positive story, especially as the region tends toward drought conditions. The average normal rainfall for Monaco is 735.4 mm per year, with 63 days of rain. The past five years have seen higher than average rain with 2019 coming in at a whopping 1,092mm. This is partly due to the two massive end of year storms which saw 132.7mm of rain in a 48 hour period at the end of November and 84.8mm in a 48 period during the December tempest. 

The conclusions drawn by Focus Météo are that Monaco is in for more of the same in 2020. It appears that intense storms and blistering heat will be the norm, so prepare for extreme conditions and hope for the best in the coming year and beyond.