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Day: 24 July 2024

Interview: CEO Rodi Basso on what to expect from E1 World Championship in Monaco

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/07/2024

This weekend, the first-ever UIM E1 World Championship will unfold in the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Monaco. For two days, the port and the Yacht Club will come to life with the excitement of this remarkable race boat series, which will showcase the world’s first high-performance electric powerboats, the RaceBirds.

E1 champions green technology and provides spectators with an exhilarating new race on the water. To fill us in on all the excitement, Monaco Life’s Editor in Chief Cassandra Tanti speaks to Rodi Basso, Co-Founder and CEO of E1.

E1 Co-Founder Alejandro Agag, RaceBird Designer Sophi Horne, and E1 Co-Founder and CEO Rodi Basso

Monaco Life: How are the preparations going for this weekend’s UIM E1 World Championship in Monaco, the first-ever competition to be held here?

Rodi Basso: The team moved to Monaco a few days ago, and we’ve been fully immersed in preparations. Leading up to our arrival, we conducted extensive due diligence to ensure that the event runs smoothly and safely. This means not only focusing on the water but also ensuring the safety and enjoyment of fans, guests and sea life. We’ve invested significantly in making sure that our impact on the environment is minimal. This involves a meticulous approach to event management, covering everything from logistics and safety protocols to environmental preservation strategies. There is a lot of energy and excitement among the team, and we feel well-prepared for this historic event.

This is the inaugural series. Can you tell us more about the E1 World Championship and these world-first electric race boats called RaceBirds?

Yes, this is the very first season of the E1 World Championship. We kicked off in Jeddah on February 2nd and 3rd. The project began three years ago with funding from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. Since then, we’ve been working tirelessly to build not just the boats, but the entire brand and championship from scratch. The boats, known as RaceBirds, were conceptualised by Norwegian designer Sophi Horne. She drew inspiration from the efficiency of surfing foils and the graceful gliding of birds on water.

See also: Revealed: the RaceBird final design

As an engineer, I took her concept and defined the technical parameters needed for the boats. This included everything from the battery and propulsion systems to the overall race format. We assembled a top-tier team of engineers, partners and suppliers to deliver the first prototype in just nine months, an impressive feat given that there had never been a powerboat based on foils and electric propulsion before. We’ve tested the RaceBirds in various water conditions, and they have performed exceptionally well.

Photo credit: Sam Morris, Spacesuit Media

The RaceBird was launched and unveiled at the Yacht Club de Monaco. How does it feel now to see your creation in action on the water?

Unveiling the RaceBird at the Yacht Club de Monaco was a monumental moment for us. Back in September 2020, we announced the birth of the E1 World Championship in Monaco, marking the city as a pivotal part of our journey. Seeing our creation come to life here, especially with the support of Prince Albert II and the Yacht Club de Monaco members, is incredibly rewarding.

The initial unveiling event was attended by around 300 people, right after we validated our first prototype, and the reaction was overwhelmingly positive. Monaco, being the capital of yachting, holds a special significance for us.

The championship focuses on sustainability and the future of marine technology. Has this contributed to the success of the race, particularly with securing team owners like Will Smith, Tom Brady and Rafael Nadal?

Sustainability is indeed a cornerstone of the E1 World Championship. We aim to promote eco-friendly navigation because scientists warn us about the urgent environmental issues we face. Awareness is very important, and during our events, we hold panels and discussions to inform people. But sustainability is in a delicate phase. Awareness is important, but it is now crucial to overcome the anxiety and provide solutions. Our RaceBirds are part of that narrative. They produce zero emissions, create minimal waves and generate very limited noise, all of which are crucial for protecting marine ecosystems. Working with experts like Carlos Duarte, one of the world’s leading marine biologists, we’ve learned how significant noise reduction is for marine life.

Sustainability is not just a goal but a delicate and complex challenge. I believe that the word efficiency is now more important than sustainability because this allows us to avoid the unhelpful debate that I often hear, which is ‘let’s go back to diesel because the technology is not ready yet’.  

Photo: E1 in Venice, credit: Marta Rovatti, Spacesuit Media

We recognise that while we are making strides, there is still much to be done. Our focus is on continuous improvement, efficiency and innovation. We’re collaborating with technology suppliers globally to test new solutions that can address the next level of efficiency. Last year, $1.8 trillion was spent in the clean tech landscape to find new solutions, and these are the kinds of people we are talking to: those who are solution driven and who want to develop more efficiency in the industry. 

What has been the reaction from fans and the general public to this new racing concept?

The reaction has been very positive. We are in our first season, and Monaco will be our fourth race. We started in Jeddah with 8,000 people registering and 5,000 attending, which was a strong turnout for our debut event. By the third race in Puerto Banús, attendance had grown to 10,000. The interest and excitement from the public are growing steadily.

Watching the RaceBirds is a unique spectacle. We’ve designed the race format to maximise unpredictability and excitement. Features like the Boost button, which gives pilots extra power for 20 seconds, and the mandatory Long Lap add strategic depth to the races. The foils allow the boats to glide at high speeds, but managing them requires great skill and sensitivity from the pilots.

Our modern format includes sprint races of 10 to 12 minutes, match races and knockout rounds. Each team has one male and one female pilot, and one is, of course, Lisa Caussin-Battaglia (Team Blue Rising) from Monaco, who is very strong.

The response from fans, guests and viewers on social media and TV has been enthusiastic. They appreciate the modern, fast-paced racing format and the innovative technology behind the RaceBirds.

The RaceBird in Venice, photo credit: Sam Morris, Spacesuit Media

What can people in Monaco expect this weekend?

This weekend’s event spans two days. On the first day, we’ll have free practice sessions, allowing pilots to get a feel for the course, and qualifying rounds in the afternoon, which include sprint and match races to determine starting positions for the final race on Sunday.

The final day includes semifinals and finals. The top teams from the semifinals will compete in the finals, while the slower teams have a chance to improve their positions. We also have a placement final to determine positions 5th through 9th.

In terms of hospitality, our main focus is on Sunday 28th July, where guests can enjoy the exclusive experience at the Yacht Club de Monaco. They’ll have prime viewing spots and access to live feeds and race information, ensuring they don’t miss any action.

It looks like a fun family event, do you encourage families to get involved? 

Absolutely, it is a family-friendly event. Our marketing analysis showed that our races appeal to families, especially those passionate about water sports. We’ve seen positive family engagement in Jeddah and Puerto Banús, and we hope to see the same in Monaco.

Engaging the younger generation is crucial for us, as we want them to enjoy and protect coastal areas for the future. We hope to inspire boys and girls to dream of a motor racing career, showing them that it’s possible to pursue their passions while also caring for the environment.

Photo credit: Jake Osborne, Spacesuit Media

You’ve just launched the new Pilot’s Academy. Are you looking for the next generation of pilots?

Yes, we have launched the Pilot’s Academy to find and train the next generation of pilots. Our rules state that each team must have one powerboat pilot, while the other pilot can come from any water or speed-related sport. This has brought in a diverse group of talents, including those from car rally, jet ski, BMX and sailing backgrounds.

E1 aims to be a convergence point for motorsports, powerboats and sailing enthusiasts. We focus on competition and sustainability, ensuring minimal environmental impact while fostering a vibrant sports community. The academy is crucial for nurturing new talent and ensuring the future growth of our sport.

You’ve chosen some luxurious locations for the championship, such as Jeddah, Venice, Marbella and Monaco. Next is Lake Como, followed by Hong Kong…

Yes, we are fortunate to host our events in some of the world’s most iconic locations. Lake Como, and specifically Villa d’Este where our event will be hosted, is a prime example. The area is deeply committed to sustainability, hosting important conferences on electric mobility and using electric boats for their guests.

Lake Como is a global icon and a place worth preserving. Hosting our events in such prestigious locations helps us attract fans and guests who appreciate both the beauty of the surroundings and the importance of our mission. These events also provide a platform for discussing technology, innovation, and sustainability. We’ve had notable guests, including prime ministers and C-level executives, and we expect an even more distinguished delegation in Monaco. Our goal is to combine exceptional experiences with meaningful discussions on protecting our planet for future generations.

For more details on the UIM E1 World Championship in Monaco, visit the website: www.e1series.com.

Listen to the full interview with Cassandra Tanti in our Podcast on Spotify…

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

Main photo credit: Oscar Lumley, Spacesuit Media

 

Real estate: Villa Belgica set for modern makeover, announces UBS Monaco

by: Niki Borisova
24/07/2024

The historic UBS Monaco headquarters, Villa Belgica, is about to undergo a major redesign, combining its Belle Époque heritage with bold modern architecture.

UBS Monaco announced to the press on 23rd July that the company is set to redefine its presence in Monaco by transforming its iconic headquarters, Villa Belgica, on Avenue de Grande Bretagne. 

The project was presented by Alejandro Velez, Country Head of UBS Monaco, Karl Waelchli, COO and Head of Transformation UBS Europe South-West, and Ernesto de Marzio, Head of Front at UBS Monaco.

The design by renowned Architect Jean Nouvel preserves the building’s Belle Époque heritage while introducing modern architectural elements and sustainable practices.

Alejandro Velez noted that the renovation is part of a strategic effort to enhance the firm’s capabilities and client services. “Our new headquarters will reflect UBS’s international stature and our commitment to providing the highest standards of private banking,” said Velez. 

Photo source: DPUM Archives

Since 1998, Villa Belgica has been the central hub for UBS Monaco. Initially built in the 1920s and later modified in the 1930s and 1950s, the villa’s distinctive corner dome and architectural features have made it a landmark in Monaco. The current project, managed by the Michel Pastor Group, aims to expand and modernise the building, increasing its surface area to 1,636 square meters.

The first few floors will be dedicated to client reception and meeting areas, including informal lounges. 

The next floors will house executive offices and collaborative workspaces. UBS says these workspaces will be tailored to foster innovation and teamwork among its staff and will include state-of-the-art workstations, meeting rooms for team collaborations, and quiet zones for focused work. 

The Villa Belgica redesign project, image credit: Ateliers Jean Nouvel

The top floors (9th, 10th, 11th) are a new addition that introduces a unique concept of dining and living spaces. This area will be reserved for high-profile client engagements and exclusive events. It will feature a fine dining restaurant with panoramic views of Monaco, private dining rooms for intimate gatherings, and luxurious living areas designed for relaxation and informal meetings. 

Ernesto de Marzio told Monaco Life, “We are very honoured to have this new building in Monaco. The idea is to create a space where we can interact differently with our clients. We want to ensure they have a different experience at UBS.”

Photo left to right: Karl Waelchli, Alejandro Velez and Ernesto de Marzio, by Monaco Life

Sustainability is a key consideration for UBS, which aims to achieve BREEAM Excellence and BD2M Gold certifications. These certifications ensure high standards in energy efficiency, resource management, and occupant well-being. 

As Velez told Monaco Life, “I am very proud of this project. When I came to the Principality three and a half years ago, we had just chosen the project, so I feel like I’ve been part of it from the beginning… I hope it brings joy to our employees, our clients, and the Principality.” 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

Main photo source: UBS Monaco, credit: Ateliers Jean Nouvel

Important dates on the 2024/25 school calendar in Monaco and the French Riviera

by: Stephanie Horsman
24/07/2024

From La Rentrée to the many bank holidays that dot the calendar, here are all the important dates that parents and pupils need to know about regarding the 2024/25 school year in Monaco and the south of France. 

The summer holidays won’t last forever and it will soon be back to school for pupils in the Principality and beyond.  

While many of the French and Monaco dates coincide, there are some notable differences on the 2024/25 calendar. For example, students in the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var are the first to return to the classroom, with a 2nd September back-to-school date. In Monaco, La Rentrée won’t be until a full week later, on 9th September. 

Come the Toussaint half term, French Riviera state schools will shut for a two-week break at the end of the school day on 18th October. In Monaco, pupils will have to wait until 23rd October before they are free, but all students will be back in school for 4th November. 

Next up on the calendar is Armistice Day on 11th November, which marks the end of WWI. It is a jour férie (bank holiday) in France, but not the Principality. Though the Monegasque population doesn’t celebrate this day, a Monaco-specific celebration day occurs a few days later on 19th November for the Fête du Prince, Monaco’s National Day. Monaco residents also have 9th December off for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.  

The Christmas holidays will take place between the end of lessons on 20th December and 6th January 2025, when schools in the Riviera and Monaco will be back in class.  

To brighten up January, Monaco celebrates Saint Dévote Day on 27th with a bank holiday in honour of the nation’s patron saint.  

Next up is the winter half term. Establishments in Monaco and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) region will be closed from the end of school on 7th February until 24th February. This will be followed by the Easter break, when all children are out from the end of the day on 4th April until 22nd April.  

May is a big holiday month, kicking off on 1st of the month with a bank holiday for the Fête du Travail, or Labour Day. Schools in both the Principality and PACA will take this day off.  

The French side also has a bank holiday scheduled for 8th May, a date commemorating the end of WWII in Europe, while the Monaco population will enjoy an extended break from 22nd to 26th May for the Grand Prix. 

Ascension on 29th May rounds out the month’s holidays for both nations, though the French make it a pont, giving themselves the Friday free as well. 

In 2025, Pentecost Monday, another bank holiday, falls on 9th June ahead of another Monaco-only holiday on 19th June for the Fête Dieu, or Corpus Christi Day.  

The 2024/25 academic year in both Monaco and PACA will come to an end after classes on 4th July.  

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

 

Photo source: Mike Fox, Unsplash

Magnetic: renowned artist Alex Knapic’s first Monaco exhibition at Espace 22

by: Niki Borisova
24/07/2024

Discover the magnetic allure of Croatian artist Alex Knapic and his innovative 3D art, now on show for the first time in Monaco, featuring a dynamic blend of emotions and geometry in metal and mosaics.

From 17th July to 1st August 2024, art enthusiasts can view Alex Knapic’s latest works at Espace 22, located at 24 boulevard d’Italie. The exhibition showcases the Croatian artist’s evolution from his early work in mosaics to his current experimental art installations in metal and wood. Overall, 14 sculptures and 10 paintings are exhibited during this exhibition.  

Born in 1970 in Pula, Croatia, and currently based in Poreč, Knapic has significantly contributed to the art and design worlds. His expertise spans interior, exterior, and landscape design, utilising advanced 3D technologies to bring his visions to life. 

As a member of the Associazione Internazionale Mosaicisti Contemporanei (AIMC) based in Ravenna, Knapic’s work in mosaics has been a foundational element of his artistic journey. “Our emotions and memories can be compared to a mosaic,” says the artist.

Knapic’s recent accolades include winning the prestigious St. Mauro award in 2021 and being honoured at Art Expo Ljubljana in 2023, where he stood out among 25 artists at the Bro Estate in Slovenia.

Knapic’s work is characterised by its abstract interpretation of the world, driven by translating emotions into visual forms, with 3D infographic elements creating light and shadows. “This gives the works more dynamics, more expression, and ultimately, more power, which is what I aim to create: power works that speak loudly,” Knapic told Monaco Life.

Looking at Knapic’s works, a whole geometric world is being unveiled. “I have always been fascinated with geometry, especially since I have been doing 3D infographics for the past 33 years, which I am obsessed with,” shared Knapic.

Alex Knapic with Infinity II, photo by Monaco Life

Mosaic musicality

The ongoing Magnetic exhibition features some of his most notable works. Knapic’s favourite piece, Infinity II, is described as a development of the sculptural form of Infinity I, and it took him eight months to complete. This piece invites viewers to explore its intricate textures and colours. It is a harmonious blend of glass, marble, enamel, and aluminium, creating a visual symphony that Knapic calls mosaic musicality. 

“The Infinity series is all about expansion, which can go on forever,” Knapic told Monaco Life. Each Infinity series, of which there are three, tells a story and builds onto each other, creating a perfect sequence.

A piece that stood out for me is Infinity Expiration Date, which explores themes of order and chaos through a profound arrangement of materials and shapes. The artwork presents a symbolic construction divided into two parts: an upper section representing chaos and a lower section symbolising cosmos, connected by a red thread that challenges viewers to question the boundaries between these states. “This piece essentially shows our expiration date, hence the red line going through it,” revealed Knapic.

Meanwhile, Knapic’s sculptures all take a cube form since cubes are symmetrically perfect, as Knapic explains. Part of the exhibition is a unique sculpture called Cube Zero, the first sculpture that Knapic made, all pure bronze weighing 20 kilos. 

“This was very difficult to make because it’s challenging to create a mood, a feeling, through this kind of complex design made from such a heavy material,” reveals Knapic.

Visitors will notice that the cube’s structure becomes increasingly complex with each of Knapic’s sculptures. “I like to challenge myself and move forward with my creations, each becoming more difficult,” says Knapic.

When asked what his favourite material to work with is, Knapic says, “… metal isn’t just a material I work with; it’s a part of me, and I am a part of it.” Knapic uses bronze mainly because, as he says, “Bronze lives forever and gets only better with time.”

A magnetic attraction

Knapic has previously exhibited in New York, London, Florence, and Ravenna and is now in Monaco for the first time. 

“I chose the title Magnetic for this particular exhibition because I wanted to establish a correlation between the people of Monaco and my works, creating an emotional magnetic attraction between the two,” explains the artist.

Magnetic runs daily from 10am to 9pm, and Knapic himself is present throughout so visitors can gain personal insights. 

See more in our Instagram reel below…

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

Photo credits: Monaco Life

Monaco must strengthen anti-corruption measures for top ranking officials, says GRECO report

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/07/2024

The Council of Europe’s anti-corruption body, GRECO, has published a new report on Monaco, calling for stronger measures and penalties for high-ranking officials and transparency in the issuing of residency permits. It also recommends that Prince Albert II recuse himself from decisions involving personal interests.

The Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) delivered its report on Wednesday 24th July, in which it evaluates the effectiveness of the framework in place in Monaco for preventing corruption among persons with top executive functions and members of law enforcement agencies. 

The 5th evaluation follows a visit by GRECO evaluators in November 2023, for which Monegasque authorities had been preparing for several months. 

The report commends Monaco for establishing a number of anti-corruption measures, including governmental anti-corruption regulations, the appointment of an ethics officer, the formation of an ethics committee, the creation of a risk mapping strategy, and the initiation of a draft law on whistleblowers.

However, GRECO calls on Monaco to “take resolute steps to supplement and extend the recent legislation applicable to members of the government in order to make the anticorruption system more consistent and provide all the requisite guarantees of integrity.”

The watchdog recommends that the rules of ethics and the obligation to declare interests and assets be applied to people who work most closely with ministers, the Secretary of State for Justice, and to the Prince’s advisers. 

“For all of the most senior posts in the executive, these rules need to be supplemented with better assessment of the integrity of appointees, greater transparency of their activity and more monitoring of compliance with the rules, as well as a system of penalties. The rules on outside activities and jobs taken after leaving office also need to be made clearer,” said GRECO in its report. 

More transparency in the dealings of Prince Albert II 

In the Principality of Monaco, where Prince Albert II also serves as the Head of State, it is not uncommon for him to perform key executive functions. GRECO therefore recommends that “some of these transparency and integrity measures be made applicable to the Head of State, in particular those relating to contact between him and third parties and gifts received in the course of his executive functions, prevention of conflicts of interest and the use of public funds allocated to the running of the Sovereign household.”

Noting that a culture of discretion exists in Monaco, GRECO recommends that access to information be improved, pointing out, for example, that “there are no rules governing dealings between public decision-makers and lobbyists, and no system to facilitate the intervention and protection of whistleblowers.”

GRECO’s report calls for greater transparency in the government buying process, especially in businesses where the state is a majority shareholder. It suggests that the Prince formally recuse himself from public decisions in which he or his family have a private interest. 

Increased ethics training and transparency in police force

While acknowledging the good organisation and public reputation of the Monegasque police, GRECO recommends increased transparency in senior appointments, enhanced integrity checks, and better ethics training. It also advises implementing a comprehensive anti-corruption strategy for the police and improving the asset and interest declaration system. 

Finally, GRECO highlights the need for careful oversight of the police’s power to issue residence permits and the establishment of whistleblower protection rules within the police force. 

“Monaco remains committed to anti-corruption legislation”

In it’s public response to the report, the Monaco Government said, “Monaco remains committed to advancing its anti-corruption legislation in line with its institutional framework. This dedication aligns with over a decade of consistent efforts and improvements in anti-corruption measures as part of previous GRECO evaluation cycles.”

The Monegasque authorities now have 18 months to present a progress report detailing the measures taken to implement GRECO’s recommendations.

See also: 

Georges Marsan returns as mayor amid corruption charges

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

Photo by Monaco Life

 

Podcast: Rodi Basso, Co-Founder and CEO of E1

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/07/2024

This weekend marks a historic moment as the first-ever UIM E1 World Championship hits the dazzling Mediterranean waters off the coast of Monaco. 

E1 is not just about thrilling races; it’s a celebration of cutting-edge green technology. Today, we’re diving into the heart of the action with Rodi Basso, Co-Founder and CEO of E1. We’ll explore the meticulous preparations, the innovative RaceBirds, and how this championship is setting new standards for sustainable marine sports.

Read the interview in our article below:

Interview: CEO Rodi Basso on what to expect from E1 World Championship in Monaco

 

Photo: Co-Founder and CEO of E1 Rodi Basso