Month: April 2024

Four diplomats from Turkey, Germany, Malta and the European Union have been formally installed in their new roles as Ambassadors to the Principality of Monaco following a meeting with Prince Albert II. 

On 11th April, Monaco’s sovereign met with the four new representatives, who presented him with their official Letters of Credence.  

Then it was on to the Hôtel Hermitage for a traditional luncheon with Marie-Catherine Caruso-Ravera, Monaco’s Director of Diplomatic and Consular Relations. Caruso-Ravera was standing in for Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, the Principality’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, who typically hosts these kinds of events.  

MEET THE AMBASSADORS 

The EU’s new Ambassador to Monaco is Christina Kokkinakis of Austria. She joined the Austrian diplomatic service in 1995 and has served in various positions, primarily in multilateral diplomacy as well as within the European Service for External Action. Since 2023, she has been a Permanent Representative of the European Union to UNESCO and the OECD.

Turkey’s Yunus Demirer (far right in picture) began his diplomatic career at the nation’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He has held numerous positions within the ministry, both domestically and abroad, including postings to Baghdad with NATO, Bucharest, Washington, Beirut and Strasbourg. In September last year, he was appointed as the Ambassador of Turkey to France. 

Germany’s new Ambassador to the Principality is Stephan Steinlein (second from left), who worked at the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bonn and Warsaw before becoming Director of the Federal Chancellery in 2003. During his long career, he has worked as State Secretary to the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin and Diplomatic Advisor to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva. Last summer, he was formally appointed as Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to France.  

Alberto di Luca, Malta’s new representative, began his career in the private sector before ascending to the Chamber of Deputies in Rome from 1994 to 2006. At a diplomatic level, he was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to the Republic of Serbia between 2010 to 2023 and is currently the Permanent Representative of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to the Assembly of Parliamentarians of the Mediterranean. 

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Photo credit: Manuel Vitali / Monaco Communications Department

Working as a crew member on a yacht can offer adventure, travel and a career with boundless opportunities, but the long hours and the need to maintain impeccable standards while living a long way from home can be demanding and, for some, lead to struggles with mental health. That’s where Blue Ducks Fundraising comes in. 

Blue Ducks Fundraising, a philanthropic company launched by three former yacht crew, is seeking to raise awareness on mental health in the yachting industry and provide financial support to the ISWAN Yacht Crew Helpline, which provides essential advice and support to crew in need.  

To achieve these goals, Tony Stout of YACHTNEEDS and Ed and Jessica Dunnett of Onshore Cellars, the Riviera-based co-founders of the Blue Ducks movement, are combining their expertise as ex-crew and now business owners in affiliated sectors of the industry.

They’ve created a line of Blue Ducks branded merchandise, from blue stress ducks featuring the ISWAN helpline number to hoodies, t-shirts, aprons and tote bags with phrases such as ‘Let’s Give a Duck’ and ‘I Give a Duck’, to help generate funds for their chosen partners. They’re also leading a global call to action to inspire other workers in the industry to get on board and spread their message.  

“Yachting offers so many opportunities to crew, both those who are new to the industry and those with years of experience, but it’s a high-stakes and high-pressure environment. As former crew members, we understand the unique challenges faced by crew,” says Jessica Dunnett. “Our goal is to foster a culture of support and awareness among yachties, as well as among management companies and owners. We envision a future where mental health is openly discussed and where support systems are the norm. Every crew member deserves to feel understood and valued.”

According to an industry-wide survey organised by the Blue Ducks team in early 2024, 62% of crew say they are not aware of any policies or practices to address mental health issues while almost three quarters would like access to dedicated support and resources. 

“Essentially, the superyacht industry needs to take urgent action,” says Dunnett. “We want Blue Ducks to be a catalyst for change and to help steer the industry towards a future where better mental health practices and awareness are standard.” 

On 3rd May, at the Villa Djunah in Antibes Juan-les-Pins, the trio will host their inaugural charity event in support of the ISWAN network and the Welfare of Yacht Crew project. The evening will feature a charity auction, gourmet accoutrements and a selection of fine wines and cocktails suitable for any luxury yacht’s menu. Tickets cost €100 and can be purchased here. 

Further information on the ISWAN helpline can be found here.  

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Photo source: Bobby Stevenson, Unsplash