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Day: 15 June 2023

Sailing: Team Malizia arrive in The Hague in third

by: Luke Entwistle
15/06/2023
Team Malizia in The Ocean Race

Team Malizia arrived in The Netherlands in third, consolidating their third place in The Ocean Race standings ahead of the final stage of the around-the-world adventure.

The shortest leg of the race provided the highest result. The Monaco Yacht Club’s (YCM) team, skippered by Boris Herrmann brought the Malizia-Seaexplorer into the port in The Hauge in third place, just one minute and 20 seconds behind Team Holcim PRB in second, and just over 13 minutes behind winners 11th Hour Racing, who look increasingly assured of taking the overall victory.

The flotilla did a fly-by in Kiel, Germany, at which point the Monegasque team were languishing in fifth place, but they rallied overnight, making up time and places to give themselves a shot at victory. Having forced themselves ahead of Holcim, some “funny lines of wind” cost Team Malizia their second spot on the podium, according to Herrmann.

Team Malizia ready for final departure

“We made a very good comeback. It was really intense and amazing racing. We did a 30-nautical mile comeback on them and we are pretty happy with that, although we are missing out by just over a minute,” added the German skipper.

There is now a tight and hectic turnaround as the flotilla prepares to depart for the final time; now towards the Italian port city of Genoa. The departure will take place on Thursday, with the epic journey, which began in Alicante back in January, set to conclude in the coming days.

 

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Photo source: Sailing Energy

Everything you need to know about the Fête de la Musique in Monaco 

by: Stephanie Horsman
15/06/2023
fete de la musique monaco

The solstice marks not only the first official day of summer, but also the annual music festival known as Fête de la Musique. Here’s a run-down of the fantastic events Monaco has on offer this year.  

Every year since 1982, the French have poured out onto the streets of their cities, towns and villages on 21st June to celebrate one of the country’s favourite occasions, the Fête de la Musique. The concept is simple: free concerts in public spaces, where musicians of every genre play for the pure love of song.  

Monaco has long been part of the event and this year’s Fête de la Musique will have offerings to suit almost every musical taste, ranging from rock to pop to bossa nova and beyond.  

To get things started, Monaco’s townhall has put together a series of family-friendly shows that kick off with the Concerts de la Musique Municipale all morning, featuring local artists playing the various neighbourhoods of the Principality.  

This will be followed up by an early afternoon event, where children and their families can visit the Princess Caroline Library to be part of an open stage show as well as play dance and music-themed games. 

Then at 6.30pm in the Condamine Market, Suspicious Minds will be performing American rock classics from such legendary stars as Elvis Presley, Nat King Cole and Chuck Berry to name but a few.  

Partygoers can then head to the Quai Albert Ier for a night of music dedicated exclusively to the get-up-and-dance music of the 1980s from 8.30pm. DJ Afroman Radio will be spinning tunes and then the night will be handed over to the group Totalement 80. Sing and swing to The Weather Girls, Bibie, Lio and more.  

Prince Rainier III’s love of music will be remembered with three concerts held in the Place du Campanin in Fontvieille as part of his centenary celebrations: at 5pm, Franck Taschini will perform Jazz and Opera Arias, followed at 7.30pm by Zingaria and La Formation Tzigan, then the final show at 9pm will feature the Eric Giausserand Group, who will play soul and rhythm and blues hits for all. As no party is complete without a good meal, a pop-up restaurant by Big T Pitmaster BBQ of Nice will be on site too.  

For a bit of Latin American flair, head to La Note Bleue at 9pm for the Dona Flor Quartet, who for over 35 years have performed a heady blend of bossa nova, samba and Brazilian music, with original tunes alongside classic favourites. 

The Yacht Club de Monaco is also hosting a unique gala evening with Ukrainian comedian, entertainer and singer Arthur Pirozhkov, who has a knack for mixing the absurd with catchy tunes to hilarious effect. 

Finally, La Vigie is hosting DJ Supa Ju for the evening, so guests can enjoy a seaside cocktail in elegant surroundings whilst dancing the day away.  

 

Do you have an event in Monaco or the French Riviera that you would like us to include in our What’s On section and events calendar? Please email editor@monacolife.net.  

 

Photo credit: Monaco Communications Department 

AS Monaco mobilise on World Blood Donor Day

by: Luke Entwistle
15/06/2023
AS Monaco CEO Ben Lambrecht giving blood

AS Monaco and Monaco’s government answered the call to arms for World Blood Donor Day, which saw more than 20 members of the club donate. 

Over 5,000 blood donations are needed every year in order to transfuse patients in the Principality’s hospitals, and AS Monaco fulfilled their responsibility on Wednesday 14th June, World Blood Donor Day, to help the cause at the Princess Grace Hospital.

For the second consecutive year, the Principality club contributed to the efforts, with the club’s CEO, Ben Lambrecht, as well as Academy Director Sébasiten Muet amongst those to give blood. Their donation has helped the hospital reach the symbolic milestone of 1,000 bags of blood this year.

Monaco providing a necessary push

“It is important for us to contribute to this cause alongside all the other local actors who have been mobilised. Giving blood is vital for many people, and that is why we wish to maintain our long-term commitment and use our influence positively to make people aware and commit our stakeholders to this cause,” said Lambrecht.

As revealed by Doctor Mélanie Rinaudo, AS Monaco’s intervention is necessary and crucial. The hospital needs 5,000 bags of blood a year, but often only fills 2,000. The remaining 3,000 are imported from France.

“Our role is to, through this act of solidarity, inform people who live and work in Monaco. Thank you to the club for their precious support,” said Rinaudo.

Christophe Robino giving blood at the Princess Grace Hospital. Photo source: Monaco Communications Department

In what is a crucial day in the calendar for the Princesse Grace Hospital, the Government of Monaco also lent its support and blood. Christophe Robino, Minister of Social Affairs and Health, was one of many donors on Wednesday.

“Blood is life. Giving blood is an altruistic, civic and united process that should be encouraged,” said Robino.

His efforts, as well as those of his fellow ministers and the Principality’s football club, will all contribute to reducing that deficit between output and demand.

 

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Photo by AS Monaco