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Day: 27 August 2020

Tour de France festivities kick off

by: Stephanie Horsman
27/08/2020

The 107th Tour de France celebrations started off in Nice on Thursday with the presentation of teams, the opening of the fan park as well as live entertainment, and not even health and safety restrictions could dampen the crowd’s spirits.

There was considerable fanfare surrounding the postponed 107th edition of the Tour de France despite the health measures that limited the crowd to 1,700 people, down from the previously thought 7,000. Nonetheless, the excitement surrounding the day and evening was palpable as the most famous and popular cycling race in the world began to gear up for the official Saturday start.

The Tour de France, along with the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España, is one of three grand tours and is usually held in July. Due to the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic, it was postponed until now, and at one point was very nearly cancelled outright.

The race has been a staple in the sporting world since 1903 and was founded by the editor of l’Auto, Henri Desgrange. Since then, it has captured the world’s imagination and can boast the most live spectators of any sporting event, surpassing those of even the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.

With a total distance of 3,470 kilometres, the race is known for its brutal climbs and endurance-testing length. The first two days will be focused around the region which include a 156 km mostly flat first stage and a 186 kilometre second stage featuring vertical climbs of nearly 3,700 metres in a single day.

Saturday’s races kick off at 10:05am with the Women’s Race from Boulevard Jean-Jaures, followed at 2pm by the Grand Départ with arrivals anticipated at around 6pm. After the race, there is a free concert in the Théâtre de Verdure at 9pm given by the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra.

On Sunday, the race begins at 1:05pm from the Avenue de Verdun with arrival time at roughly 6:15pm.

The race is due to end in the Champs-Élysées on Sunday 20th September.  

Commuters should expect heavier than usual traffic due to diversions. A8 Motorway

Information for the duration is as follows:

Friday August 28 from 9pm to Monday August 31 at 3pm

Exit 51.1 – closed

Saturday August 29 from 9am to 7pm

Exit 49 Valleys access compulsory St Laurent exit

Exit 50 Exit ramp to Promenade Des Anglais closed

Exit 51 towards Digue des Français and Airport only

Exit 52 Impossible access to valleys beyond the Charles Albert Bridge (only access to shopping centres and the right bank of the Var to La Manda) (only access to shopping centres and residents)

Sunday August 30 from 9:45am to 2pm

Exit 49 St Laurent du Var: difficult access to the valleys

Exit 50 Exit ramp to Promenade des Anglais closed

Exit 51 towards Digue des Français only and Airport

Exit 52 Impossible access to valleys beyond the Charles Albert Bridge (only access to shopping centers and the right bank of the Var to La Manda)

Sunday August 30 from 2:30pm to 4:30pm

Exit 55 Nice is not recommended

Monday August 31 from 9am to 1pm

Exit 51: Recommended exit for access to shopping centers

Exit 52: Closed

 
 

What does it mean to be in a “red zone”?

by: Cassandra Tanti
27/08/2020

The French Riviera has now been declared a “red zone”, meaning the Covid-19 virus is actively circulating in the region and tough restrictions could be reintroduced.
The government announced on Thursday that 21 regions in France are now in the “red zone” – including the Alpes-Maritimes, the French department surrounding Monaco.
French Prime Minister Jean Castex has urged local authorities to impose new restrictions to slow infections and prevent another economically devastating national lockdown.
“The epidemic is gaining ground, and now we must intervene,” Mr Castex said. France “must do everything to avoid a new confinement.”
The fact that the French Riviera has been classified a “red zone” means that there were more than 50 new cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 inhabitants in the last seven days.
Being in a “red zone” gives local authorities the power to increase restrictions if they deem it necessary.
This means authorities could reintroduce a restriction on movement similar to that seen in May when all non-essential trips of more than 100km were banned, order the closure of bars and restaurants or limit bars and cafés to serving on outside terraces only, reintroduce limits on gatherings, and enforce stricter rules on mask wearing, however Nice has already done so.
Prime Minister Jean Castex said that France’s reproduction “R” number is now 1.4, indicating that the overall epidemic is growing.
In order to protect the most vulnerable, grandparents are being told not to pick up their grandchildren from school, however Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer said France’s 12.9 million students will be heading back to class next week.
“All children should return to school,” he said.
The number of virus patients in French hospitals remains lows despite the jump in infections, and government ministers have insisted that the French hospital system is better prepared to handle new Covid-19 cases.
More than 800 coronavirus patients are being admitted to hospital every week on average, compared to 500 six weeks ago.
 
 
 

Completing a cruise ship during Covid

by: Cassandra Tanti
27/08/2020

Silver Moon, the new ultra-luxury ship by Monaco-based Silversea Cruises, has successfully carried out her sea trials – no mean feat considering the ship had to be completed during a worldwide pandemic.
The trial was carried out between August 8th and August 20th with a reduced crew of around 320, due to precautionary health protocols. The ship journeyed between Fincantieri’s shipyards in Ancona and Trieste, Italy, undergoing a week-long dry-dock period. With a delivery date set for October 30th, Silver Moon will become the second ship to join Silversea’s ultra-luxury fleet in 2020, following the delivery of Silver Origin on 3rd June.
 Silversea’s senior officers, external engineers, and representatives from both Fincantieri and the Royal Caribbean Group put Silver Moon through a series of preliminary tests in the Adriatic Sea – including noise, and vibration tests – for three days. Once Silver Moon was out of the water in Trieste, stability tests were performed; public spaces were inspected; and engineers applied the finishing touches to the ship’s exterior, including the cleaning and painting of the hull, and the polishing of the ship’s brass propellers. Secondary tests, including speed tests, were then carried out on the return sailing from Trieste to Ancona. Work has now recommenced on the ship’s interior, ahead of the vessel’s official delivery in October.
The sister ship of Silversea’s Silver Muse, Silver Moon represents the latest accomplishment in the cruise line’s long-standing partnership with shipbuilder Fincantieri. During the peak months of Silver Moon’s construction in Ancona, over 1,000 skilled professionals were working on the ship simultaneously, with over 390 companies contributing to the build. Painted using almost 100,000L of paint, over 15,000 steel plates and profiles were cut to form the ship’s superstructure – 920t of which were transported from 755nm away. Approximately 1,690,000m of electric cable were installed by 18 contractors, as well as 60,000m2 of insulation, 450,000kg of air conditioning ducts, and 92,000kg of ventilation ducts. Moreover, around 5,000 automation channels have been installed to link the ship’s mechanisms.

Left to right: Hotel Director Paolo Percivale, Captain Allesandro Zanello, and Chief Engineer Guido Capurro

With over 20 years of experience at Silversea Cruises alone, Captain Alessandro Zanello was at the helm for the launch of Silver Moon’s sister ship, Silver Muse, back in 2017, and was also present for the sea trials of Silver Spirit in 2009.
“As my third with Silversea, I must say that Silver Moon’s sea trials felt a little surreal after everything that happened in the months prior,” says Mr Zanello. “Enhanced health and safety protocols were in place, including temperature screenings, physical distancing, and the wearing of face coverings both on the ship and in the shipyard. I must admit, sea trials can often be stressful, with too many people on the bridge; it was quite pleasant to have a more tranquil environment. Perhaps we will be forced to review our processes going forwards – this could be a positive thing.”
Promoted to the position of Chief Engineer aboard Silver Spirit in 2017, Guido Capurro participated in his first sea trials with Silversea aboard Silver Moon. Not only is Capurro responsible for the operation of the ship’s main and auxiliary engines, but he also directs the onboard technical department, with responsibilities that include air conditioning, plumbing, lifeboat engines, and launching apparatus.

“These were my first sea trials with Silversea and it is always spectacular to see the ship at its peak performance, and to see how the automation and safety devices react to the sudden change in demand. Everything went really well and the ship’s responses exceeded expectations,” adds Mr Capurro.
The son of a Captain, Hotel Director Paolo Percivale proudly participated in the launch of both Silver Spirit in 2009 and Silver Muse in 2017, before bringing his expertise aboard Silver Moon. As Hotel Director, he will oversee the entire hotel operation on board, managing a team of over 350 crewmembers to deliver exceptional service to Silversea’s guests.
“Just 10 days after we joined the shipyard at the beginning of March, the lockdown was implemented and everything came to a halt,” says Mr Percivale. “It’s great to finally see Silver Moon nearing completion and to experience the various enhancements we have made from Silver Muse. In the Dolce Vita Lounge, for example, a beautiful bar has been installed as the space’s focal point, while La Dame Restaurant has been enriched with hand-crafted Lalique crystal panels. All public areas and suites are looking remarkable – I just can’t wait to welcome our guests on board, enjoying these new atmospheric venues. I am especially excited to see the reactions of our guests to our inspiring new S.A.L.T. programme, and our new S.A.L.T. venues, which is sure to be more than positive. She is a beautiful vessel, indeed.”
“Silver Moon will be an innovative addition to our expanding fleet of ultra-luxury ships,” says Roberto Martinoli, Silversea’s President and CEO. “Building on the success of our beloved flagship Silver Muse, Silver Moon will push boundaries in travel to unlock meaningful experiences for our guests around the world. Our pioneering new S.A.L.T. programme is just one way in which travellers will delve deep into destinations, and I look forward to personally welcoming our guests aboard Silver Moon in the near future. The fact that our beautiful Silver Moon nears completion, despite such challenging circumstances, is a testament to the exceptional resilience and expertise of all involved in her build. For this I am very proud.”
 
 
 
 

Discount SNCF Zou Passes available

by: Stephanie Horsman
27/08/2020

SNCF has adapted its popular Zou Pass packages to the new work and commuting patterns brought on by the Covid epidemic.
Since 20th August, SNCF has been offering the new telework Pass Zou packages. Originally set up for workers, but open for all to take advantage of, the pass was meant to be a convenient and cost-effective way to commute. With the advent of telecommuting, the needs of employees have changed drastically. Working remotely has become the norm rather than exception for many, and the need to travel to the office four or more times a week has vanished.
Compared to the regular full price option, users can save up to 70% by going for the 30-trip package, and save 60% by choosing the 20-trip one. For trips between Nice-Ville and Monaco, which costs around €5.20 according to calculations by South SNCF Region, this same journey costs €1.20 to a user benefiting from the 30-day offer, and €1.70 if using the 20-day pass.
SNCF’s Ivan Bellais told La Gazette de Monaco that for the moment the rail traffic for September is “supposed to resume as before the crisis of Covid-19, that is to say a train every 15 minutes in rush hour and one every 30 minutes in off-peak hours”. He also reiterated that “employee transport must concern everyone and that it is a collective effort to be made”.
It is estimated that over 40,000 workers travel to Monaco by car to work every weekday, usually with only one person in the car. The carbon footprint of this kind of travel is immense and switching to train travel would reduce that footprint enormously.
 
 

Watch Monte-Carlo Opera’s La Bohème

by: Stephanie Horsman
27/08/2020

The beloved opera La Bohème, performed by the Monte Carlo Opera, will be available for viewing on the OperaVision website until February 2021.
The Monte Carlo Opera’s La Bohème played to four sold-out audiences in January 2020 in a time before social distancing and Covid were in the vernacular. Now, audiences everywhere can enjoy the spectacle created by Giacomo Puccini on the OperaVision website until 26th February 2021.
With Opera 3.0, viewers can watch opera broadcasts on demand and free of charge with subtitles in English, French or an auto-translation option into over 100 other languages, including Jean-Louis Grinda’s version of the classic La Bohème.
Set in Paris in the inter-war period during a particularly cold winter, a poet lives with three flatmates living a bohemian lifestyle. He falls in love with his fragile neighbour, but illness comes between them and the ailing neighbour and he part ways. She finds a new lover, but as she nears death, she finds her way back to the poet and dies peacefully with him near.
The Monte-Carlo Opera’s rendition featured the Russian soprano Irina Lungu, who played the touching role of Mimì, Mariam Battistelli (Musetta) and Davide Luciano (Marcello), all three first-timers in Monaco. They were joined by a captivating cast with Andeka Gorrotxategi (Rodolfo), Boris Pinkhassovitch (Schaunard), Nicolas Courjal (Colline), Fabrice Alibert (Benoît) and Guy Bonfiglio (Alcindoro).
Rudy Sabounghi was set designer, Diane Belugou was costume mistress and Laurent Castaingt was lighting director. In the orchestra pit, the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra played, and were conducted by Maestro Daniele Callegari.