Yacht Club de Monaco set to compete in Admiral’s Cup for first time

10/02/2025

The Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) is poised to make history as it prepares to compete for the first time in the Admiral’s Cup, one of the world’s most prestigious sailing competitions. Often referred to as the “Unofficial World Cup of Offshore Racing”, the Admiral’s Cup is making its grand return in Cowes this summer after an absence of more than two decades.

Organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), the event will take place between 17th July and 1st August in Cowes, the legendary seaport town on the UK’s Isle of Wight. Established in 1957, the competition attracts the world’s elite sailors for a rigorous series of inshore and offshore races, including the legendary Rolex Fastnet Race. The last edition was held in 2003.

The initiative to enter the Admiral’s Cup was led by Peter Harrison, a YCM member and owner of the Jolt boats set to compete. He had the enthusiastic backing of Pierre Casiraghi, Vice-President of the Club and the founder of Team Malizia.

“Peter is a great sailor with a great team. When he suggested that we take part in the Admiral’s Cup with the Jolt boats, I immediately accepted this incredible challenge,” says Casiraghi.

The Monegasque team will field two exceptional boats: the TP52 Jolt 3, with Harrison at the helm in the IRC Big Boat class, and the Carkeek 40 Jolt 6, skippered by Casiraghi.

“We have a solid training programme, high-performance boats and a determined team,” says Casiraghi. “Consistency will be key: two bad races, and everything becomes complicated. We’ll have to stay focused and approach each day as a new challenge.”

This ambitious endeavour aligns with the YCM’s outward-looking sporting strategy. Championed by Club President Prince Albert II, the YCM is seeking to broaden its horizons with the goal of promoting high-level sailing and inspiring younger generations.

For this significant challenge, the Monegasque crew will benefit from the expertise of renowned sailors such as Vendée Globe alumni Boris Herrmann and Will Harris, both from Team Malizia, as well as Cole Brauer, the first American woman to complete a solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the world in 130 days and the runner-up in the 2024 Golden Globe Solo Challenge.

Harrison, who is also the CEO of haute horology brand Richard Mille, is equally enthusiastic about the prospects of the YCM and its teams, saying, “The Yacht Club de Monaco is a major force in world sailing. Competing in the Admiral’s Cup offers a unique opportunity to showcase our expertise and passion.”

The Admiral’s Cup 2025 will feature more than 15 teams representing prestigious clubs such as the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and the New York Yacht Club, a three-time winner. Australia, represented by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, returns as the defending champion, having won the last edition in 2003.

Read related:

Boris Herrmann finishes 12th in Vendée Globe after battling tough conditions

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: Yacht Club de Monaco

Booking made easy: how Detec’Table is reshaping restaurant reservations in Monaco

by: Niki Borisova

10/02/2025

Detec’Table, a new app concept developed by Monaco resident Denis Thomas, is set to revolutionise how restaurant bookings are made in Monaco. With its curated selection of top dining spots and a seamless reservation process, its objective is to forge stronger – and lasting – connections between food lovers and local restaurants that are rated and reviewed according to strict criteria.

In an interview with Monaco Life, Thomas, who arrived in Monaco 20 years ago and spent eight years working at the Hôtel Métropole, explains his inspirations behind the Detec’Table concept and how he hopes it will improve the restaurant scene in the Principality for both patrons and venues.

It was during the Covid-19 pandemic, when Thomas was studying the hospitality market, that the idea for an app such as Detec’Table came to him.

“I asked myself: if I were a restaurant owner, what would I need? And as a customer, what would I want?” he explains.

Through his research, Thomas discovered that 90% of people check online before choosing a restaurant and prefer to book through a digital platform rather than by phone. He also observed that 80% of bookings are made by women, who often check ratings and menus before deciding where to dine.

“The goal is always to get people to book, and they want a clear and easy way to do so,” he says.

Instead of focusing solely on high-end gastronomy, Detec’Table prioritises restaurants based on key customer needs, such as child-friendliness, accessibility for people with disabilities, quality service, seasonal menus and good value for money.

“It’s not just about fine dining—it’s about what truly matters to customers,” he adds.

*The app currently lists 23 restaurants in the south of France and Monaco, including Castelroc, Chez Pierre, Il Pacchero, Amici Miei, Norma, La Môme, The Niwaki and Azzurra Kitchen. Photo supplied*

Building trust

Launching the platform wasn’t easy. Thomas spent time analysing customer preferences and speaking with friends to refine Detec’Table’s quality criteria, then faced the challenge of convincing restaurants to trust the platform.

“It took a while to get restaurants on board, but once they saw the concept, they understood the value,” says Thomas.

So far, eight Monaco restaurants have joined Detec’Table – such as Castelroc, Chez Pierre, Il Pacchero, Amici Miei, Norma, La Môme, The Niwaki and Azzurra Kitchen – and others are in the pipeline.

“I hope to have Quai des Artistes soon in the Detec’Table collection,” he reveals.

However, the goal is not to list every restaurant in Monaco.

“If we included all restaurants, we would become just another large platform like The Fork. Our aim is quality, not quantity,” he says.

Dining made simple

Detec’Table operates via a website and app, allowing users to browse restaurants, view menus and check availability. Each restaurant listing on Detec’Table includes six photos showcasing the venue and its dishes. The profile provides details on the cuisine type and pricing, along with a message from the chef that offers insight into the restaurant’s philosophy. Users can view speciality dishes and event menus, as well as check the accepted payment methods. A rating out of five is also displayed, helping diners make informed choices.

The platform also offers a membership programme for €4.99 per month, which includes benefits such as a complimentary welcome drink for the table and access to exclusive events, such as wine tastings and business dinners.

“Monaco is known for hosting major events, and our platform allows members to book restaurant spaces for corporate or private gatherings,” he says.

Beyond Monaco, Detec’Table has expanded to restaurants in Beaulieu, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Villeneuve-Loubet and more. In total, 23 restaurants are currently listed.

“We are close to 800 members now. The challenge is keeping them active, but we offer a lot in return for the membership fee,” he notes, adding that to keep members engaged, a bi-monthly newsletter provides updates on new restaurants in the area, upcoming events and special offers.

A local and personal approach

While expansion is on the horizon, Detec’Table’s focus remains on local and quality-driven partnerships.

“By being local, we can be more precise. We personally know the restaurants and their staff, and they know us,” he says. “This makes the partnership clear—we both understand what we can do for each other.”

Thomas’s focus is now on growth and development.

“Nice is a natural next step for us. There’s demand, and we want to bring the same quality-driven approach there,” he explains.

Detec’Table is not currently available on the App Store but can be downloaded directly from the website: www.detectable.fr.

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Why Marlow is Monaco’s new must-try dining destination

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 by Monaco Life

Basketball: AS Monaco extend winning streak to eight with dominant display in Strasbourg

by: Elsa Carpenter

10/02/2025

After a tough start to the weekend with a game against Partizan Belgrade, AS Monaco Basketball returned to winning ways in Betclic Elite by beating Strasbourg 95-81. The victory earned the Roca Team their eighth consecutive win in the domestic French league.

Just 48 hours after their hard-fought battle against Partizan Belgrade in the EuroLeague, Monaco faced Strasbourg at the Rhénus Sport arena on 9th February. The team was without Elie Okobo and Vitto Brown, but their absences didn’t hamper the spirit of the Roca Team—every Monaco player got on the scoreboard.

Coach Vassilis Spanoulis opted for a starting five of Mike James, Matthew Strazel, Terry Tarpey, Petr Cornelie and Mam Jaiteh. Strasbourg, eager to make a statement at home, opened the scoring with back-to-back three-pointers, but Strazel responded in kind. Monaco quickly tightened their defence, allowing Tarpey to score in transition with a dunk. The early exchanges were intense, but the visitors soon took control.

Jaiteh asserted his presence in the paint, while James drained a contested three-pointer to give Monaco a 15-12 lead. Strazel added a driving finish before Jordan Loyd found his rhythm with two consecutive long-range shots. By the end of a high-paced first quarter, the Roca Team had moved further ahead.

Monaco’s physical edge proves decisive

Early in the second quarter, Monaco continued to dominate physically. A well-timed assist from James allowed Donatas Motiejunas to extend the lead to double digits, followed by a powerful dunk from Jaron Blossomgame.

When Blossomgame picked up a technical foul, Monaco needed a response. Strazel provided it with a mid-range jumper, followed by another deep three from James. Monaco maintained control, but Strasbourg stayed within reach thanks to some sharp shooting. A late first-half push brought the hosts closer, but Alpha Diallo restored Monaco’s cushion.

James leads the charge after halftime

Returning from the break at 42-39, James immediately imposed himself—first with a tough baseline jumper, then with a signature three-pointer off an inbound play. Strasbourg attempted to increase the tempo, but Cornelie and James responded well, while Diallo cleverly drew an offensive foul. Blossomgame then broke free for a thunderous dunk to maintain Monaco’s momentum.

Midway through the third quarter, the game became more physical, with both sides intensifying their defence. Blossomgame was ejected after receiving an unsportsmanlike foul, but Monaco stayed composed. Loyd and Motiejunas capitalised on Strasbourg’s mistakes to keep the visitors ahead.

Strasbourg missed a series of crucial opportunities to close the gap, while the Roca Team remained clinical—Loyd struck from deep, Cornelie converted free throws and added a dunk, pushing the lead to eight points entering the final quarter.

Monaco finish in style

Determined to close the game out, Monaco found their shooting rhythm, with Juhann Begarin, Strazel and Tarpey all hitting from beyond the arc, while the defence stifled Strasbourg’s attacks. A lightning-fast transition, finished by Strazel, extended the lead to 20 points (86-66).

Despite a late Strasbourg surge, Monaco controlled the final minutes. A three-pointer from Georgios Papagiannis helped maintain their advantage, and when Strasbourg cut the deficit to 10, Jaiteh responded with an and-one to put the game beyond doubt.

With a solid collective performance, AS Monaco have reinforced their status at the top of Betclic Elite. They now turn their focus to the Leaders Cup this coming weekend.

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Photo source: AS Monaco Basket

February at the Médiathèque de Monaco: music, films, workshops and more

by: Niki Borisova

10/02/2025

The Médiathèque de Monaco’s February 2025 programme offers a vibrant mix of cultural events, including film screenings, live jazz, creative workshops and literary discussions across its three locations: the Bibliothèque Louis Notari, the Vidéothèque-Sonothèque José Notari and the Bibliothèque Princesse Caroline – Ludothèque.

Starting with the former, the Bibliothèque Louis Notari, the Manga Blabla association is inviting participants aged 10 and above to discuss manga, manhwa, webtoons and anime on 19th February. Then, on 21st February, a family screening of Le Tableau (2011) by Jean-François Laguionie will be presented at the venue by Jean-Paul Commin. The event is open to children aged six and above, accompanied by an adult.

On 25th February at the Vidéothèque-Sonothèque José Notari, the Hot Coffee Jazz Trio will perform their signature blend of jazz, gypsy jazz and pop live just after midday.

At the Bibliothèque Princesse Caroline – Ludothèque on 10th February, a creative workshop will guide children aged six and up through making a book-object inspired by winter. From 13th to 14th February, a two-day comic book creation workshop for children aged eight and above will cover scriptwriting, drawing and colouring techniques.

In connection with the Printemps des Poètes festival, a creative session titled Poèmes sur Galets will take place at the same site on 18th February from 2pm to 4pm, encouraging artistic expression through poetry. On 20th February, an afternoon of classic card games—rummy, belote, tarot and more—will be open to all, with no registration required. On 26th February at 3pm, a parent-child mask-making workshop will welcome children aged three and up.

For infants and toddlers, Petites Mains, Grands Mots: Atelier Langue des Signes will take place on 25th February from 10am to 11am, offering an introduction to sign language.

The full schedule is available here.

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Photo source: Médiathèque de Monaco

Diplomatic ties reinforced as Prince Albert II hosts Italy’s Foreign Minister in Monaco

by: Stephanie Horsman

10/02/2025

Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, paid an important visit to the Principality of Monaco last week. After receiving Tajani at the Palais Princier, Prince Albert II of Monaco and the seasoned politician sat down for a series of diplomatic discussions focused on deepening cooperation between Monaco and Italy, with their talks highlighting shared cultural heritage, cross-border collaboration, and Monaco’s role in regional affairs.

On the morning of Friday 7th February, Prince Albert welcomed the 71-year-old Rome native to the Palace for a high-level diplomatic audience with senior officials from both nations that were designed to reinforce the long-standing relationship between Italy and Monaco.

During the meeting, discussions centred on strengthening bilateral relations between Monaco and Italy, enhancing cultural exchanges, and Monaco’s ongoing participation as an observer in the Franco-Italian Border Cooperation Committee. The dialogue underscored the deep historical and diplomatic ties between the Principality and its neighbour, with both sides expressing a commitment to continued collaboration on key regional issues.

*In addition to the presence of Prince Albert II and Antonio Tajani, the talks were attended by other senior officials from Monaco and Italy. Photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais Princier de Monaco*

Tajani then met with Monaco’s Acting Minister of State, Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, for a lunch at the Yacht Club de Monaco. According to government sources, “This diplomatic visit provided an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations and the ties between the two countries in the economic and cultural spheres.”

The meetings in Monaco took place ahead of the Franco-Italian Border Cooperation Commission meeting scheduled in Nice later that afternoon. This commission, established under the Quirinal Treaty, brings together French and Italian officials to address cross-border matters. The meeting will be co-chaired by French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot and Tajani, his Italian counterpart.

Minister Tajani was accompanied by a delegation of senior Italian officials, including Riccardo Guariglia, Ambassador and Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Alberto Cirio, President of the Piedmont Region; and Manuela Ruosi, Italy’s Ambassador to Monaco.

*Antonio Tajani also met with Monaco’s Acting Minister of State, Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, for a lunch at the Yacht Club de Monaco. Photo credit: Stéphane Danna / Monaco Communications Department*

The engagement between Monaco and Italy highlights the importance of regional cooperation in addressing mutual challenges and opportunities, as well as reinforcing a long-standing cordial relationship between the two neighbours.

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Interview: Ambassador Manuela Ruosi on strengthening Monaco-Italy relations and the Italian community

Photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais Princier de Monaco

Cutting-edge skin cancer treatment arrives at Monaco’s Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace

by: Stephanie Horsman

09/02/2025

In a significant leap forward for cancer treatment in Monaco, the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace (CHPG) has unveiled two groundbreaking advancements in radiotherapy. The new acquisitions promise to revolutionise patient care, particularly for those with skin cancer.

Timed to coincide with World Cancer Day on 4th February, the unveiling of the CHPG’s latest innovations earlier this month underscores the establishment’s commitment to improving cancer treatment in the Principality.

The first addition to the hospital is a cutting-edge surface radiotherapy system, which enhances precision in radiation therapy, minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The second is an advanced treatment device specifically designed for skin cancer cases previously considered inoperable due to medical constraints.

These state-of-the-art technologies are part of a broader initiative spearheaded by the CHPG’s Skin Tumour Centre that aims to streamline patient access to specialised dermatological care. By integrating these advancements into its cancer treatment pathway, CHPG is further strengthening its position as a leader in medical innovation and patient-centred care.

The unveiling ceremony on 3rd February was attended by key dignitaries from Monaco, including Secretary of State Yvette Lambin-Berti, Minister of Social Affairs and Health Christophe Robino and CHPG Board Chair Caroline Rougaignon-Vernin. Also present were Vice President of the Board Robert Chanas, CHPG Director Benoîte Rousseau de Sevelinges and Radiotherapy Service Head Dr. Cécile Ortholan. Notably, philanthropist Lord Laidlaw, whose generous donation helped make these advancements possible, was also in attendance.

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Photos credit: Manuel Vitali / Monaco Communications Department

Month: February 2025

Yacht Club de Monaco set to compete in Admiral’s Cup for first time

Booking made easy: how Detec’Table is reshaping restaurant reservations in Monaco