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Day: 20 January 2021

Superfast shuttle boat trials ahead of launch

by: Stephanie Horsman
20/01/2021

An innovative new shuttle boat called Monaco One, which combines maritime and aeronautical technology, will be able to transport passengers from the new port in Ventimiglia to Monaco in just 10 minutes. 
The eco-friendly navette is currently undergoing sea trials between the newly opened Cala del Forte marina in Ventimiglia and Monaco. It is set to be launched this spring, giving passengers a smooth and swift 10-minute journey between the two locations.
The catamaran-style boat is equipped with two 350 horsepower engines that boast lower fuel consumption and can reach speeds of 85 to 90 kilometres.
“The air which rushes under the hull makes it possible to have a boat which, finally, has little lift on the water and therefore consumes half the fuel than a normal boat,” explained Daniel Realini, the Deputy General Manager of Société Monégasque Internationale Portuaire (SMIP), to local media.
The environmentally-friendly aspects of the airplane wing-shaped Monaco One made the €1.2 million price tag more palatable, and when final testing is completed at the end of February the shuttle will be ready to take on passengers.
The 12-person service is free and will be operational in time for the Monaco Grand Prix and other planned events in spring, though casual day-trippers will not be invited to climb aboard. The service is the exclusive domain of those who are mooring in the Cala del Forte port in Italy.
Monaco One is the third aerodynamic lift vessel to be built by French company Advanced Aerodynamic Vessels (A2V). Its design gives those onboard the impression they are floating on air, and despite the speed at which it travels the ride is smooth with little to no bounce.
“The boat has an inverted wing shape. It is a design that combines marine technique with that of aeronautics,” said Mr Realini.
The Cala del Forte marina was opened to boats in October and now has 20 vessels moored out of 178 spaces. The occupation level is not high at the moment, but this is expected to change come summer time when space is at a premium in the Principality.
Facilities will be completed by April, possibly before, making it ready for the official inauguration scheduled for July. Prince Albert II will be in attendance for the event.
 
Photo by Advanced Aerodynamic Vessels (A2V)
 
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Airport meets strict international health standards

by: Cassandra Tanti
20/01/2021

Nice airport has just been awarded the ACI Health Accreditation, an international validation of the health measures the airport has implemented over the past months including the creation of a Covid testing centre.
Nice becomes the second airport in France, after Paris, to receive the accreditation, which recognises safety measures that have been introduced in all areas frequented by passengers and airport staff, including access to the terminal, check-in, inspection and screening stations, boarding, lounges, shops, catering, border control, and luggage.
“Obtaining this certification following a strict documentary audit process is a deserved reward for all airport employees who, since the start of the pandemic, have sought and implemented better health measures to deal with an unprecedented situation,” said Franck Goldnadel, Chairman of the Executive Board of Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur.
To achieve the accreditation, airports must comply with national regulations, as well as the recommendations of the ACI (International Airports Council) and the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) based on the best practices of the profession.
Disinfection, social distancing, personnel protection measures, and the creation of a screening centre are among the initiatives that were studied and approved.
“We are convinced that the resumption of our activities will not be possible without the return of confidence, of passengers as well as of our partners, companies, stopover assistants, but also traders,” said Mr Goldnadel. “This certification illustrates our sense of responsibility and our commitment to the future of air transport, which must not only be low in emissions but also completely safe from a health point of view.”
 
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Sainte Devote celebrations curbed by Covid

by: Stephanie Horsman
20/01/2021

Regulations surrounding the coronavirus situation have led organisers to make some adjustments to the Sainte Dévote celebrations on Tuesday. Here is how it will work.
Sainte Dévote, the patron saint of Monaco, will still be commemorated on Tuesday 26th January, although celebrations will be scaled back somewhat.
Only those authorised may take part in the Receiving of the Relics, the Procession and the Salvation of the Most Blessed Sacrament in the Church of Sainte Devote.
The traditional boat burning ceremony will go ahead on the north side of Quai Albert I however the fireworks have been cancelled. Additionally, the entire celebration will be completed by 7pm in respect of the curfew.
To allow some public viewing, an area will be set up with 150 socially-distanced seats and equipped with a giant screen broadcasting the event. Those in the area are asked to follow health measures and will be required to wear masks.
The public will not be allowed to recover nails from the symbolically burned boat this year, contrary to the usual custom.
In order to access the train station, passengers will be restricted to using the Sainte Dévote corridor from 4:30pm. The Sainte Dévote stairs will also be closed to access at that time.
Meanwhile, traffic disruptions are expected. From 4:30pm to 5:30pm, the road to the swimming pool will be closed between Avenue John F. Kennedy and the Jules Soccal jetty. Between 5:15pm and 6:20pm, punctual traffic cuts will be made on Boulevard Albert 1er and Avenue d’Ostende to allow the event to run smoothly.
Slight delays will be expected on urban bus lines 1, 2 and 6 and interurban transport lines 100 and 110 during the traffic cuts referred to above.
With regard to public car parks, information will be given at the access.
The Sainte Dévote event celebrates the Corsican-born Monegasque patron saint, killed in 303AD during the Christian persecutions of the Roman Empire. Tradition states that, after being martyred, her body was placed on a boat bound for Africa by fellow Christians rather than being burnt as was the edict demanded by the Romans in an effort to prevent her veneration.
Legend states a storm overtook the boat and with the aid of a dove she was guided to the shores of Monaco. In her honour, a chapel was built on the site of the current church. It is said that flowers bloom before 27thJanuary, ahead of season, on the site.

Through the eyes of a prince

by: Stephanie Horsman
20/01/2021

Prince Michael of Yugoslavia has combined his love for Monaco and passion for photography in one exhibition titled ‘Promenade dans Monaco’ at the Banque Havilland Monaco.

Prince Michael of Yugoslavia has worn many hats in his life. He has tried his hand at careers as diverse as investment executive, real estate broker, socialite and philanthropist. But his true passion is photography.
Using his love of the medium combined with considerable talent, he joined with Banque Havilland Monaco to organise an exhibit of his works “inspired by life in the Principality”.
Promenade dans Monaco is a series of snapshots of life in the Principality featuring unique seaside perspectives, iconic landmarks and beautiful landscapes to portray the country in all its diversity.
“I am happy to present my exhibition Promenade dans Monaco held at the Bank Havilland in Monaco,” Prince Michael said on his social media page alongside sample pieces from the event.
The exhibition was made possible through Banque Havilland’s programme to promote local artists and personalities.
Son of Prince Alexandre of Yugoslavia and Princess Maria Pia of Savoy, Prince Michael cultivated a passion for photography in his childhood and has participated in several exhibitions both in the US and across Europe. He credits his love of art to his mother, who had an excellent eye.
“Since we were not rich, rather than buying, my mother was often changing the placement of furniture (in our home). Volumes and perspectives were always evolving,” he says, reminiscing on his entry into the world of visuals.
As a young man, his royal family was forced to live in exile. As a result, he spent a lot of time travelling and this is where his appreciation was cultivated further. “On each trip I would visit art fairs. I was reunited with a whole group of friends in all these large cities. During these years, I would sharpen my look on art and paintings, but also on photography.”
Prince Michael’s style has been called “well-groomed and rigorous, where every detail is thought of” allowing people to see Monaco with fresh eyes and new angles.
The exhibition began on 1st January 2021 and will run until the end of April at Banque Havilland Monaco on Boulevard des Moulins. Visits can be made by appointment only.
 
Photo © Michel de Yougoslavie
 
 

New official photo of Princely family

by: Cassandra Tanti
20/01/2021

The Prince’s Palace has unveiled the new official portrait of the Princely family for 2021, and there are some cute similarities between the generations.
The photograph was taken inside the Palace and features Prince Albert of Monaco wearing a blue suit and tie, a look replicated by his young son Hereditary Prince Jacques.
Clutching his hand lovingly is Princess Charlene, dressed in a floor-length white dress accentuated by a large necklace. Sporting the same bob and bangs is little Princess Gabrielle, who is also being embraced by her mother.

The Princely Family, by Eric Mathan / Prince’s Palace

The portrait, taken by the Palace’s official photographer Eric Mathon, is now on sale in the Principality’s Souvenir Shop, on Place du Palais at the entrance of the Louis II tunnel near the Yacht Club.
Profits from the sale of the photo will be donated to humanitarian works in the Principality.