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Month: May 2023

Government action: Monaco news round-up

by: Stephanie Horsman
22/05/2023
monaco government

The launch of a new water management plan, foreign language scholarships and a raft of new ambassadors arrive in the Principality: here’s the weekly Monaco government news round-up.  

GAMERDINGER REPRESENTING MONACO IN INDIA 

Didier Gamerdinger (pictured above) has been assigned as the latest Ambassador for Monaco to India. He presented his Letters of Credence to President Droupadi Murmu at the Presidential Palace in New Delhi on 11th May.  

During his trip, Gamerdinger met with heads of the Western Europe Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and several regional players from the worlds of investment, energy transition, culture and university education. 

NEW AMBASSADORS ARRIVE 

On 17th May, the Principality welcomed four new ambassadors. After presenting their Letters of Credence to Prince Albert II, Marie-Catherine Caruso-Ravera, Monaco’s Director of Diplomatic and Consular Relations and representing the Government Counsellor-Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, held a luncheon at the Hermitage Hotel for the newcomers.  

New ambassadors to Monaco (left to right): Bojana Kondic-Panic of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Unnar Orradottir Ramette from Iceland, Jan Theophile Versteeg from the Netherlands, and Asim Iftikhar Ahmad of Pakistan. Photo credit: Monaco Communications Department

The incoming diplomats are Bojana Kondic-Panic from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iceland’s Unnar Orradottir Ramette, Jan Theophile Versteeg from the Netherlands and Asim Iftikhar Ahmad from Pakistan. 

WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN

The government has adopted a system to ensure “the rational use of water resources” as the Principality faces up to drought conditions this summer and potentially beyond. Made up of four alert levels ranging from vigilance to crisis, the plan was developed to significantly reduce water use, prolong reserves and delay the necessity of using emergency crisis measures.  

A breakdown of the measures can be found here. 

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS MADE EASY 

The government has rolled out a new online system for Monegasque students to apply for foreign language scholarships via the monguichet.mc portal under the education section.  

To be eligible, the pupil must be: enrolled in a Monaco-based secondary or higher education establishment; and of Monegasque nationality, a spouse of a Monegasque or of foreign nationality dependent on a Monegasque, a foreign nationality or an orphan dependent on a state employee, or of foreign nationality residing in Monaco for at least 10 years.

The chosen language must already be on the curriculum of a state or private school in the Principality, and applications must be submitted no later than 31st July 2023 to be considered. For more information on the programme, please click here. 

 

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Photo credit: Monaco Communications Department

Monaco Grand Prix fever: Tickets and packages still available

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/05/2023

The Monaco Grand Prix is the most famous F1 race on the planet, so it’s no wonder that everyone is vying for a spot on a superyacht, rooftop or grandstand. And with just days until lights out, you’d be surprised to see what’s still available.

The Monaco Grand Prix is famous for a reason. It takes place in the legendary Principality, with A-list celebrities and sports stars pouring in off their helicopters, and spilling out onto the superyachts that line the race circuit.

The energy during the Monaco GP is palpable, and everyone must experience it at least once in their lifetime. 

If you think you’ve left it too late to secure a place at Monaco’s biggest event of the year, F1 Experiences shares with our readers some of the options that are still available.

F1 Experiences

F1 Experiences has strengthened its strategic position in hospitality in the Principality, teaming up with local company Monaco Star Events and extending its multi-year contract with the Automobile Club de Monaco.

F1 Experiences provides official F1 Ticket Packages to Formula 1 races worldwide and offers a range of exclusive grandstand seats and hospitality packages for the Monaco Grand Prix. It also provides access to pit lane walks, driving tours of the track, behind the scenes tours of the F1 Paddock and team garages and priority access to the post-race podium ceremony. There’s also access to the Formula 1 Paddock Club, and Q&A sessions with some of the sport’s biggest names.

One of the most unique positions to watch F1 in the world – from a super-yacht in the Monaco harbour. Photo provided

Superyacht trackside

Superyacht parties are synonymous with the Monaco Grand Prix. Tickets are still available onboard Tatiana I and the Formula 1 Paddock Club Yacht. Both have prime position in Zone 1 near the Nouvelle Chicane where the drivers will navigate turns 10 and 11. Prices start at around €3,200 per person.

Grandstands

Grandstand tickets tend to sell out fast, so it’s refreshing to know that some are still available for the big weekend.

The last free positions with F1 Experiences are in Grandstand K, which stretches from Tabac to the Piscine chicane section. It is a great spot to see the impressive performance of an F1 car as they corner at high speed between the unforgiving barriers. This stand also provides a view up to the Tunnel exit chicane, and a panorama of the harbour.

Grandstand V is situated on the outside of turn 19 just after the La Rascasse corner, and fans can even drop in to the nearby Norma Restaurant for food and beverages in between all the action. Priced at around €2,600.

Up close in a Monaco GP grandstand, photo provided

Rooftops

Thankfully, Monaco is a state of high-rises, so there are some great vantage points to be found on private terraces and hospitality establishments. Among them is the Miramar Terrace, which overlooks turn 12 (Tabac). This hospitality package combines premium views with an open bar and gourmet food, as well as Grandstand T access. Prices start at €2,500.

There are also places still available on the Heracles Terrace, a fifth-floor rooftop terrace situated on the left of the swimming pool with views of the pit lane exit, starting grid and the harbour. Once again, an open bar and premium hospitality are matched by one of the best views Monaco has to offer for €4,450 per person.

The Heracles Terrace overlooks the starting grid and Port Hercule, photo provided

 

The Shangri La Rooftop, on the 11th floor, also offers incredible panoramic views of the starting grid, pit lane, podium celebration. Grandstand K seating is included in the package, together with reserved table dining, bar, driver appearances and live music. All priced at €3,995.

The Monaco Grand Prix kicks off on Friday 26th May, with the main race taking place on Sunday 28th at 3pm.

F1 Experiences is a sponsor partner of Monaco Life. For more information on their packages, visit their website: www.f1experiences.com

 

SEE ALSO:

How Monaco’s most famous Grand Prix corners got their names

 

 

 

Basketball: Epic capitulation destroys Roca Team’s shot at Euroleague glory

by: Luke Entwistle
21/05/2023
AS Monaco Final Four v Olympiacos

From a position of strength, AS Monaco Basketball suffered a capitulation of epic proportions against Olympiacos in the Euroleague Final Four semi-final on Friday (76-62) on their way to defeat, before salvaging third place in Sunday’s playoff. 

Monaco won’t follow in the footsteps of Limoges and become the first French European champions since 1993. During a cagey first half, during which both sides struggled at times, the Roca Team took the ascendancy, thanks in large part to their talisman Mike James (17 points). However, just like his team, he couldn’t replicate his first-half form (13 points) in the second half.

Sasa Obradovic by AS Monaco Basket

A capitulation, the likes of which have never been seen in the Euroleague Final Four, took place in the third quarter, leaving Sasa Obaradovic and his players shell-shocked.

Coming into the second half with a 12-point lead, Olympiacos quickly reversed the trend, netting a 14-point unbeaten streak. The Roca Team showed signs of revolt, levelling the tie, before going on to concede another 13 points without reply before the buzzer (27-2).

“We can be proud of this historic run.”

Monaco couldn’t recover from the mental blow. The Principality side leaned on its individuals to get themselves back into the game, but to no avail, as they registered a seasons-lowest points-tally in the Euroleague. The Roca Team’s chances of Euroleague glory, in their first Final Four appearance, slipped through their fingers (76-62).

“It was already a historic and exceptional exploit,” said General Manager Oleksiy Yefimov post-match, who was determined to look for the positives in the defeat. “You can’t buy experience, sometimes you pay the price for it. This evening, we didn’t lose, we gained an experience that will help us in the future and will certainly make us stronger. We can be proud of this historic run,” he continued.

Third place secured against Barcelona

Despite the defeat, Monaco still had one objective to fight for in Kaunas – the third place. After their defeat against Real Madrid on Friday, Barcelona faced off against the Roca Team in the third-place play-off on Sunday.

Just as they did against Olympiacos, Monaco had the better of the first half against Barcelona (44-28). But the difference came in the second half, during which there was no capitulation, but instead a well-managed advantage.

The victory (78-66) is merely a consolation for the Roca Team, who are officially Europe’s third-best team this season. “We’ve accomplished something this season. We must be satisfied with third. We expect an even harder Euroleague next season as we’ll be considered as one of the favourites. We need to learn from this Final Four and come back stronger next year with renewed strength and energy,” said Obradovic post-match.

Whilst Monaco won’t lift the Euroleague this season, there is still a chance for further silverware. The Betclic Elite title is still up for grabs, and their quest to lift it begins against Strasbourg in Monaco on Wednesday.

 

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Photo by AS Monaco Basket

Built for the next generation of explorers: the Aluna 127

by: Stephanie Horsman
21/05/2023

A new yacht called the Aluna 127 will soon hit the market. It is being touted as the future of yachting; an industry that is seeing changing demands as younger generations call for vessels that match their need for adventure.  

Once upon a time, people who owned yachts typically spent summers cruising the Mediterranean and winters in the Caribbean. It was a wonderful way to chase the sun and to hold onto endless summers, but as time has gone on, tastes have changed.  

Today’s guest aboard a luxury superyacht is looking for adventure, excitement and perhaps a chance to go to places not so heavily populated or easy to access. It is a shift that has led to the creation of boats such as the Aluna 127. 

The Aluna 127, currently being built by FDC Yachts in Bodrum, Turkey and designed by Red Yacht Design, is being created expressly for the modern voyager who wants to get a bit more out of their experiences.  

Drop in by helicopter or head off to secluded coves and islands via private tender. Photo: Ocean Independence

The 38.8-metre vessel features a large aft deck where tenders or helicopters can be parked up, ready to make exploration of secluded spots a snap.  

This same space can be used for big events, making it a dual-purpose ship that can be a stand-alone or support yacht for bigger yachts.  

The steel and aluminium engine room has two 1,150 horsepower CAT diesel engines, providing top speeds of 15 knots and a cruising speed of 11 knots. At 10 knots, the tanks can carry passengers for 3,500 nautical miles without a refill.  

Inside, the yacht can host a dozen guests in style and comfort, whilst the owner’s suite has a private terrace. The main deck houses the multi-purpose area, as well as the dining room and salon. It is a great space for a gaming or movie-watching lounge.  

The 38.8-metre Aluna 127 is currently being built by FDC Yachts in Bodrum, Turkey and was designed by Red Yacht Design. Photo: Ocean Independence

Speaking about the under-construction project, Eric Trupheme, CA consultant of the Aluna 127 at Ocean Independence, says, “With the Aluna 127, we have a new type of yacht in our portfolio that comes across as very multifunctional and modern. I am sure she will generate a lot of interest. The build time is also only around two years.” 

The first Aluna 127’s delivery date is set for 2025 and the asking price from brokers Ocean Independence is €13,500,000. For more information on this refreshing concept yacht, contact marcus@ocyachts.com.   

 

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Photos supplied by Ocean Independence

New epic ‘Monaco’ film franchise announced

by: Cassandra Tanti
21/05/2023

A new ‘Monaco’ film franchise co-produced by members of the Grimaldi family is in the works, with the first instalment titled ‘Part I – The Rock’.

Variety magazine has reported that, following the success of The Three Muskateers, Pathé and Chapter 2 are teaming up again to work on a new epic saga that sheds light on the origins of the Grimaldi dynasty.

Astrea is also producing the film, a company headed by Andrea and Pierre Casiraghi – Princess Caroline’s children – Pierre’s wife Beatrice, and Dimitri Rassam – the Lebanese/French film producer husband of Charlotte Casiraghi.

The film will focus on the Grimaldi family’s conquest of Monaco in the late 13th century. Martha Hillier (The Last Kingdom, Versailles) is writing the first instalment of ‘Monaco’ which is titled ‘Part I — The Rock’. Beyond that, the producers reportedly plan to expand the franchise into several movies and a TV series that will chart the adventures of the family throughout the centuries.

The project was initiated by Andrea Casiraghi after he started exploring the Palace archives.

“We were overwhelmed by the amount of untold, intriguing and epic tales that were hidden in ancient documents and private correspondence throughout the centuries,” Andrea said in a statement. “Ultimately, we decided to start at the beginning. Martha Hillier brought her passion and talent into telling the Grimaldi’s origin story by carving from those archives the most layered, witty and authentic characters.”

The House of Grimaldi was founded in 1160 by Grimaldo Canella in Genoa and became the ruling house of Monaco when Francesco Grimaldi captured Monaco in 1297. The House of Grimaldi has produced every Prince of Monaco since.

“I thought I knew this story but it turns out I had only scratched the surface. Simply said it is epic in every way: family, adventure, intrigue,” said Rassam. “The true story of the foundation of the Grimaldis of Monaco some seven centuries ago is one of the most captivating stories I have had the chance of discovering thanks to the initiative of Beatrice, Andrea and Pierre,” added the producer.

 

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Photo by Monaco Life

 

 

Football: Monaco’s Europa League spot under threat after latest defeat

by: Luke Entwistle
20/05/2023
Breel Embolo: Lyon v Monaco

AS Monaco suffered their third defeat in their last five matches, the latest coming against Lyon on Friday (3-1). The club’s Europa League spot is now under threat. 

Monaco’s end-of-season form is a far cry from what we saw last season. Nine wins in their last 10 games propelled Les Monégasques to the Champions League spot. This year, the club must stop the rot if they want to hold onto fourth place, although their latest defeat will only stoke belief amongst their rivals that they can be caught.

Rayan Cherki runs the show

Victory would have all-but wrapped up fourth place, and Monaco made a perfect start to the match, Wissam Ben Yedder converting from the spot within 120-seconds of kick-off.

However, that was as good as it got. Monaco lacked control of the match, and were extremely vulnerable in transitional phases. Alexander Nübel was called upon multiple times before Alexandre Lacazette deservedly levelled for Les Gones. 

Monaco had chances of their own, but they couldn’t procure them with the some frequency, and they lacked the efficiency to make them count. Instead, it was Lyon that took the lead in the second-half. The Lacazette-Rayan Cherki combination hurt Monaco throughout. This time it was the latter who produced a brilliant bit of skill to find himself 1-v-1 against Nübel. The German goalkeeper produced a stunning save, but it ultimately counted for nothing as the ball fell to Maxence Caqueret who slotted home the rebound.

Caio Henrique, fielded in an unfamiliar left-centre-back role, was involved in both of Lyon’s goals, and he was then beaten for the third, Cherki cutting inside to put the game to bed.

Philippe Clement not worried about his future

Post-match, Philippe Clement was once again critical of his team’s mindset. “In the second half, we were no longer the same team. We are a very young team with less experience in these difficult moments. We need to learn things,” he said.

However, lessons don’t seem to be learned. “We haven’t learnt anything from our errors this season. We’re always doing the same thing,” said Youssouf Fofana after the final whistle.

Despite the result, which leaves Monaco with just one win in their last five, Clement isn’t worried about his future. “The question of my future isn’t being asked. I still have one year left on my contract. I want to stay at Monaco, but we have to grow as a team, and recently, we haven’t proven what we have previously proven,” said the Monaco manager, who had been linked with a return to Club Brugge in the Belgian press this week.

Monaco still have two games left to secure their Europa League qualification with their chances of Champions League football now mathematically over. They face another direct rival for European football, Rennes, before welcoming Toulouse to the Stade Louis II in the final game of the season.

 

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Photo by AS Monaco