In an interview with Monaco Life‘s Niki Borisova, Anna Maria Benedetti, the co-founder of the Eugenio Benedetti-Gaglio Benevolent Association, shares her views on art as therapy and spoke of how her association’s innovative and creative programmes are transforming mental health support at the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace.
Since its inception, the Eugenio Benedetti-Gaglio Benevolent Association, a Monaco-based organisation, has established itself as a strong advocate for mental health support in the Principality and further afield. Its founders, Anna Maria and her husband Eugenio Benedetti, are dedicated to promoting the study of and research into psychotherapy, with a particular focus on art therapy.
The association works closely with the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace (CHPG) to offer enhanced and alternative therapy for people suffering from mental health issues, notably through its art programmes, and runs workshops in the hospital’s Psychiatry Department that encourage artistic creation as a form of emotional and psychological support.
Benedetti’s involvement in art therapy is closely tied to her family’s legacy. The field was pioneered by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung, who taught her brother-in-law, Professor Gaetano Benedetti. ‘Red Book’, a collection of Jung’s studies and observations from between 1914 and 1930, serves as a critical reference for those in art therapy, and she shares how both Jung and her brother-in-law regarded preventive therapy for psychoses, particularly among young people, as essential.
This approach was somewhat overlooked in the past, but Benedetti has noticed a shift in perspective in recent years.
“Today, this form of prevention has become a reality,” she says. “Preventing mental disorders is the best form of therapy.”
Collective healing through art therapy
In 2018, the Eugenio Benedetti-Gaglio Benevolent Association formally partnered with CHPG’s Unité de Psychiatrie et de Psychologie Médicale (UPPM). This collaboration has facilitated the integration of art therapy workshops within the hospital’s psychiatric unit, enabling patients to express themselves and process their emotions through artistic creation. Over the years, the Eugenio Benedetti-Gaglio Benevolent Association has consistently supported the UPPM, which serves approximately 100 patients daily. Recently, this partnership agreement was renewed for an additional two years.
Benedetti tells Monaco Life, “The art therapy for patients at the UPPM is particularly effective because it treats the patients not only as single individuals, but also within a group following their hospital stay.”
At the UPPM, a dedicated team of doctors and nurses, supported by the association, engages patients through various art forms, such as drawing, sculpture, painting and theatre. This artistic stimulation aids in their recovery and creates a sense of community among participants. The selection of creative activities is guided by the therapeutic needs of the patients and their individual preferences.
Anna Maria Benedetti leading an art therapy workshop at the UPPM. Photo supplied.
Benedetti explains, “We offer models for patients to copy or interpret. This is the hard work of art therapists, and the more they meet patients, the more positive feedback they receive.”
The association is always open to new ideas and concepts, with Benedetti revealing, “We aim to constantly improve and extend the therapies to other sectors as well, such as gymnastics and music, for the well-being of Monaco residents dealing with stabilised psychiatric conditions.”
In addition to these local efforts, the association has also participated in a number of international events with the goal of gaining fresh and valuable insights into art therapy across different cultural contexts. For example, the association facilitated the participation of a CHPG delegation, led by Dr. Valerie Aubin, at the International Congress of Art Therapy for Psychoses (ISPS) in Perugia, Italy in September 2022.
A significant milestone for the association came in 2021, when the Monaco Government issued a commemorative stamp honouring the Eugenio Benedetti-Gaglio Benevolent Association and Carl Gustav Jung. The tribute marked 60 years since the passing of the celebrated psychiatrist and psychotherapist.
“We were delighted to pay tribute to the founder of psychoanalysis and to the memory of Professor Gaetano Benedetti, who was a faithful disciple of Jung’s therapies,” says Benedetti.
With the 2024 Monaco Yacht Show well underway, Monaco Life Editor in Chief Cassandra Tanti catches up with Jamie Edmiston, CEO of leading yacht brokerage company Edmiston, to talk about his formula for success, what the ultra rich are into nowadays, and what challenges lie ahead for this fast growing industry.
Jamie Edmiston is the CEO of Edmiston, one of the world’s leading yacht brokerage firms, known for its expertise in the sale, charter, and management of luxury super yachts.
With a deep-rooted family legacy in the industry, Jamie has built a reputation for steering the company toward growth and innovation. His leadership has seen Monaco-based Edmiston take a prominent position in the global yachting market, particularly in the large superyacht and sailing yacht sectors, where the company excels in delivering top-tier service and sustainable advancements.
You can listen to the Podcast interview or read on for the transcript…
Monaco Life:
Monaco Life: Let’s kick off the interview with perhaps the most impressive super yacht on your books, Oceanco’s 105m H3, which is the world’s most expensive yacht for sale at €295 million. What makes H3 stand out from other superyachts on the market – apart from the price?
Jamie Edmiston: H3 is an extraordinary yacht. She comes from one of the world’s leading shipyards, Oceanco, and has a stunning interior designed by Reymond Langton. They’ve done an exceptional job with her. She has 10 cabins, which is quite rare even for large yachts, offering extensive accommodation. One of the standout features is a fantastic VVIP cabin, which is on par with the owner’s cabin. It’s located at the aft, and the design throughout is exceptional. She’s a beautiful boat, ticking all the boxes, and definitely one of the most remarkable yachts on the market today.
H3 is on the market for €295 million. Photo credit: Guillaume Plisson
Let’s talk about Wayfinder, the 68-metre catamaran support vessel. It offers unique features like a helipad that doubles as a pickleball court. How does this vessel appeal to today’s luxury yacht clients?
Wayfinder is a vessel I know well, as I was involved from its conception. It’s the ultimate support yacht, designed to provide high levels of support to the mothership it accompanies. It’s fast, allowing it to cover large distances quickly, which is key for positioning around the world. It also accommodates a full-time crew and 12 additional staff for security, aviation, or diving. It has a helipad that doubles as a pickleball court, and can carry large helicopters. It’s an outstanding example of a support yacht, essential for the growing number of large yachts today.
Support vessel Wayfinder. Photo source: Edmiston
The Monaco Yacht Show always draws a high-profile crowd. How does Edmiston leverage this event to solidify its reputation?
The Monaco Yacht Show is, in my view, the most important show in the world. It’s focused and geographically compact, allowing easy access to the largest and most important yachts, both new builds and those in the brokerage market. It gives us, particularly those focused on large yachts, a great opportunity to showcase our products to visiting clients and engage with industry colleagues. Monaco is exclusively focused on large yachts and related luxury products, making it the ideal platform for us. We’re based here, with a large team, so this show is a key event for us.
Monaco Yacht Show 2024. Photo by Monaco Life
Fidelis, Olympus, and Spirit are some of the iconic yachts in Edmiston’s lineup. How do you create such a diverse portfolio to appeal to different clientele?
Ultimately, our job is to sell boats, so when owners ask us to sell theirs, we assess whether it fits our client base. For example, Fidelis is a stunning Perini Navi, and we have clients who specifically seek that kind of yacht. We have a very experienced sailing yacht division, so we’re likely to be the first call for anyone selling a large sailing yacht.
Spirit is a fantastic Amels yacht, and Amels has been highly successful in building semi-custom yachts. Then you have Olympus, a beautiful classic yacht with a rich history, meticulously maintained and a great opportunity for someone looking for a pedigree yacht at a competitive price.
Olympus is for sale at $26,500,000 and for charter from €290,000 per week.
The Monaco Yacht Show is often about more than just yachts. How do you see this event shaping the future of luxury and superyacht culture?
The Monaco Yacht Show brings together leaders from across the industry. Everyone involved in the large yacht business is here—shipyard owners, brokers, designers, and support companies. It’s a place where business gets done, ideas are exchanged, and trends are set. While selling yachts is a big part of it, the show also offers a glimpse into the broader luxury market. You can see what ultra-premium customers are interested in, gauge market activity, and witness the unveiling of new technologies and innovations.
The cinema on the owners deck of super yacht H3. Photo credit: Guillaume Plisson.
Edmiston has already surpassed €1 billion in sales this year. What factors do you think contributed most to this impressive milestone?
Our primary goal is to sell yachts, and we have an exceptional team that excels at it. Selling large yachts boosts our sales figures quickly, and we’re known for handling very large yachts. A few quick sales of such yachts can significantly increase our total sales. We also have a diverse team of brokers from various nationalities and backgrounds, which broadens our reach. Combined with a bit of luck, we’ve had a great few years and are now in a strong position within the industry.
With a 30% market share in yachts over 45 metres, how does Edmiston ensure it remains a leader in the superyacht industry?
It’s never an exact science. Sometimes you lead the industry, and other times you don’t. Right now, we’re in a strong position, and our focus is to keep doing what we do best—selling yachts at the best possible price in the shortest time frame. Performance is key. If you consistently perform well, clients will come to you. That’s how we’ve maintained our leadership position, and we hope to continue doing so.
Sailing yacht Red Dragon is for sale at €25,900,000 and for charter from €230,000.
Edmiston will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026. What do you envision for the company’s future over the next five years?
The yachting industry has changed dramatically over the past 20 years, becoming highly professional. We’ve played a role in creating that professional marketplace. Looking ahead, I don’t think what we do will change drastically—our core business of marketing and selling yachts will remain. However, how we do it may evolve, with new technologies and yacht designs playing a part. Sustainability will also be a big factor, but fundamentally, our mission will stay the same.
Speaking of sustainability, Edmiston has focused on innovation and sustainability. Can you share more about your collaboration with Levidian Nano Systems and its impact on the industry?
Sustainability is something the entire industry takes seriously. We’re all mindful that for the yachting business to remain relevant, successful, and accepted in the future, everyone needs to contribute to driving forward innovations and technologies that make the industry greener. Leading brokerage houses, shipyards, designers, engineers, and naval architects all share this common goal. It’s a journey that will take time—these changes can’t happen overnight. However, I’m optimistic that as an industry, we will continue to lead the way.
If you look at the global shipping industry, the contributions from the yachting sector are significant and often underappreciated. We have owners, shipyards, and designers investing in developing advanced, sustainable technologies, and clients who are equally committed. All of this ensures that the yachting industry will play a key role in delivering greener solutions.
We’re seeing new technologies emerge, like hydrogen and methanol power systems, and I believe this will continue. As for Levidian, it’s a climate technology company I’m personally involved with as an investor and chairman. They’ve developed incredible technology that converts methane—one of the worst greenhouse gases—into hydrogen. We collaborate with Levidian to raise awareness and to offset our emissions at the Yacht Show, helping us work towards a NetZero goal.
H3 at sea. Photo credit: Guillaume Plisson.
With the rise of environmental concerns, are there any new sustainable technologies or designs that Edmiston is promoting in its yacht sales and charters?
We’re currently selling a yacht that will be delivered soon in Holland, featuring a hydrogen power cell system. This is one of the greenest yachts ever built, with the owner committed to using the latest technology to make it as environmentally friendly as possible. It’s the first hydrogen-powered yacht, and we’ve worked closely with Royal Van Lent, Feadship, and RWD designers to bring this project to life. It’s an exciting step forward in sustainable yachting.
Looking to the future, what challenges do you foresee in the yachting industry, and how is Edmiston preparing to address them?
One of the challenges we face is finding enough space to berth all these yachts. There are many large vessels being built in leading shipyards, especially in Northern Europe and Italy, which are delivering a significant number of new yachts. A legitimate concern is where all these yachts will be docked. Beyond that, another challenge is ensuring these boats are environmentally conscious and culturally accepted.
There’s often a misunderstanding about the yacht business, particularly in tabloids where large yachts are often portrayed as symbols of excess. But a yacht employs thousands of people throughout its life cycle, from engineers, plumbers, electricians, and technicians involved in its construction, to the crew required to operate it. Once in use, a yacht buys goods, services, fuel, and supplies, supporting vendors and local economies wherever it operates. Yachts also require maintenance, refits, and repainting, contributing further to the economy.
In regions like the South of France, yachting is a vital part of the local economy. I believe the yacht industry will remain relevant as long as it continues to evolve, and based on what I’m seeing and hearing, I’m confident that it will.
The Ballets de Monte-Carlo will open its upcoming season with La Dispute, an innovative and modern “multidisciplinary creation” inspired by the works of Pierre de Marivaux.
La Compagnie des Ballets de Monte-Carlo never ceases to reinvent itself, and this season’s opening event, a performance that reaches far beyond the scope of ballet’s usual realm, is yet another example of its innate creativity.
La Dispute brings together five Monegasque teens from local cultural organisations, two dancers from La Compagnie, and a choir of 40 singers currently enrolled in the Ballet’s Choré-Voix training programme, a 16-month course that focuses on the body and gives teachers the tools they need to help students express themselves through movement, choir, and theatre.
The story is based on the works of the 18th-century French novelist and playwright Pierre de Marivaux, who is considered one of the country’s most important comedic writers of all time. His most celebrated pieces include The Triumph of Love, The Game of Love and Chance, and False Confidences, each considered a classic even by today’s standards.
La Dispute will also give a few nods to other notables, such as singer Edith Piaf and the Ballets de Monte-Carlo’s own Jean-Christophe Maillot.
It has been created in partnership with Monaco’s Department of Education, Youth, and Sport, the Académie Rainier III, and the Inspection Académique de Nice, with the support of SOGEDA.
Catch La Dispute at the Théâtre des Variétés on 21st October at 8pm for just €10 or on 22nd October at 2.30pm for €5.
AS Monaco will be welcoming some big European names to its home venue at the Stade Louis II over the next few months, including Red Star Belgrade, Benfica and Aston Villa, as well as fellow competitors in the French Ligue 1.
Monaco’s leading men’s football team has gotten the 2024/25 season off to a flying start, with wins against Barcelona and four French teams already under their belts.
The games will keep coming over the next few months, and here’s a rundown of all the important home games set to be played at the Stade Louis II in Monaco.
The Rouges et Blancs will next play Montpellier in a special Ligue 1 match at 9pm on 28th September. The club was founded 100 years ago, and this game has been designated as a centenary event. With hopes of attracting as many spectators as possible, AS Monaco is offering fans a buy-one-get-one-free on tickets. To reserve a seat – or two – click here.
Next up is a match against Lille, which will start at 8.45pm on 18th October.
From there, the club has three UEFA Champions League games pencilled in. The first of the trio will see AS Monaco play Red Star Belgrade at 6.45pm on 22nd October. Then comes a visit from Portugal’s Benfica at 9pm on 27th November. Moving into the new year, the Monegasques will host Aston Villa at home at 6.45pm on 21st January.
Tickets are not yet available for these Champions League games, but fans can sign up for notifications regarding their launch by clicking here.
More games are expected to slot into the calendar in the weeks to come. For the complete schedule, click here.
As the Monaco Yacht Show rolls into day two, Kismet has stolen the spotlight as the standout superyacht, showcasing unmatched luxury and innovative design. Available for charter at €3 million per week, it’s the ultimate floating escape.
On 26th September, Monaco Life’s Niki Borisova got an exclusive tour of Kismet during the Monaco Yacht Show 2024, one of the standout superyachts at this year’s event. Chartering for an impressive 3 million euros per week, Kismet has garnered attention for its price tag and groundbreaking design and technological innovations. The 122-meter yacht, delivered by the German shipyard Lürssen in April 2024, is the culmination of five years of engineering and design, blending high performance with luxury.
Kismet, formerly Project JAG, is the third yacht commissioned by the same experienced owner from Lürssen. “We are very proud of Kismet, which is yet another statement of Lürssen’s ability and desire to build yachts that meet all of our exacting owners’ requirements,” said Peter Lürssen, managing partner at Lürssen.
The Italian studio Nuvolari Lenard designed the yacht’s exterior, and Reymond Langton Design crafted the interiors. One of Kismet’s most unique aspects is its blend of glass, steel, and LED, which resulted from years of testing and incorporates what Lürssen claims is the largest piece of structural glass ever fitted to a yacht.
The LED engine room corridor leading to the cinema. Photo supplied.
Kismet also stands out for its integration of cutting-edge technology, including a hybrid propulsion system that allows the vessel to cruise for up to 15 minutes on electric power alone. “None of our previous yachts had this fully electric propulsion capability,” noted Lürssen project manager Thorsten Göckes. The system, developed in-house, uses two diesel engines and electric propulsion, allowing for quieter and more eco-friendly cruising at slow speeds.
Inside, Kismet exudes luxury, featuring design elements inspired by the owner’s favourite places and passions. Jaguars, a nod to the NFL team based in Jacksonville, feature prominently in the yacht’s decor, with a striking silver jaguar figurehead mounted beneath the bowsprit. According to Carlo Nuvolari of Nuvolari Lenard, the project was challenging but rewarding. “This was important because it allowed us to make proposals knowing they would be understood from all points of view: functional, stylistic, and technical.”
One of the yacht’s most distinctive features is its Art Deco-inspired master suite, which spans the ship’s width and includes a private jacuzzi, his-and-hers bathrooms, and a dressing area lined with gold and black oriental marquetry. The master suite is also linked directly to the owner’s office, a masculine space in black and silver colours that Nuvolari likened to the office of a 1930s Chicago film director. Then, each of the remaining seven guest cabins that sleep up to 18 people are designed according to brands such as Hermes, Lalique, Dior, etc.
The Art Deco-inspired master suite. Photo supplied.
Regarding entertainment, Kismet features a unique cinema located below water level, allowing guests to peer into the ocean when the screen is raised. Additionally, the yacht boasts a cigar lounge, a bar, a dedicated champagne room, and a music room.
The under water level cinema. Photo supplied.
In addition, the yacht also features a full wellness centre on the lower deck, complete with a gym, spa, cryogenic chamber, a thai massage room, and beauty salon with crystals sewn into the wallpaper.
The spa on Kismet. Photo supplied.
On the upper deck, Kismet offers a versatile space that can transform from a helipad into an outdoor cinema, a basketball court, or even a dance floor for parties. There is also a teppanyaki outdoor kitchen, a barbeque, and a pizza oven, offering diverse dining options. Additionally, the superyacht encompasses two pools, a smaller one next to the helipad and a bigger one on the upper deck, as well as an outdoor fireplace.
The pool deck area. Photo supplied.
Beyond its visual appeal and luxurious accommodations, Kismet is a highly functional yacht for long-range cruising. Its diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system allows it to reach speeds of up to 18 knots and has a range of 6,000 nautical miles.
“Kismet is truly a masterpiece,” said Pascale Reymond of Reymond Langton Design. “It’s a floating land of contrast, where many concepts, ideas, and a sense of history unite beautifully in harmony.”
Kismet is available for charter with Cecil Wright. For more information, click here.
New luggage rules, similar to those implemented by airlines, have been introduced by SNCF on France’s national rail service. Here is all the information you need to avoid landing in hot water with conductors, who have been given the authority to fine overpacking passengers up to €150 for non-compliance.
Since 16th September, passengers travelling on OuiGo, TGV, and Intercités trains are subject to new regulations regarding the amount of luggage they can bring.
The rules aim to limit the size, number, and types of luggage allowed on board, and passengers who ignore these regulations could face a fine of up to €150.
UP TO THREE BAGS
Travellers are permitted to bring up to two pieces of cabin baggage, with maximum dimensions of 70 x 90 x 50 cm. This covers most types of suitcases, sports bags, and hiking backpacks. An additional smaller bag, no larger than 40 x 30 x 15 cm, is also permitted.
All bags must be clearly labelled, and travellers must keep their luggage with or near them during the journey. Unattended bags will be subject to France’s Vigipirate security protocols, potentially causing delays.
Larger and bulkier items, such as pushchairs, folding scooters, skis, bicycles, and musical instruments, will be accepted but will count as an item of cabin baggage. Specific rules apply to these items: for example, only one pair of skis per passenger is allowed, and if a bicycle cannot be folded, a space for its storage must be booked and paid for in advance, typically costing €10 per journey.
To summarise, the SNCF advises passengers: “You simply have to be able to carry all of your luggage in one go.”
FINES
Travellers who fail to adhere to the baggage rules may face penalties. A €50 fine can be issued for exceeding the permitted number or size of luggage. If a bag causes an obstruction in the train aisles, the fine increases to €150.
