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Month: May 2025

AS Monaco Basketball ready for Euroleague Final Four challenge in Abu Dhabi 

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
20/05/2025

After securing their return to the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four with a thrilling 85-84 victory over FC Barcelona two weeks ago, AS Monaco held their pre-departure press conference at Salle Gaston Medecin on Monday afternoon. Head coach Vassilis Spanoulis, French guard Matthew Strazel and General Manager of AS Oleksiy Yefimov addressed the media before the team flies to Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. 

Monaco’s previous Final Four appearance two years ago still weighs on the minds of players, with Spanoulis addressing how the team has grown since then. 

“Everything in life is a lesson,” said Spanoulis, now in his first season as Monaco’s head coach. “No need to cry, it’s not the end of the world, it happens. Take your lesson and move on and don’t let it happen again. This is the best advice that I can give them.”

Strazel, who was part of that previous Final Four squad but in a different role, expressed confidence that the experience would serve the team well this time around. 

“Even though it’s only my second Final Four, I feel like I have experience now and know what it takes to win that first game.” Strazel explained. “I’m excited but grounded, with a real desire to show how united we are as a team. All the challenges we’ve faced this season have brought us closer together, and we’ll arrive ready for this particular challenge.” 

Semifinal against Olympiacos 

Monaco faces Greek powerhouse Olympiacos in the semifinals, setting up an intriguing storyline with Spanoulis facing the club where he spent much of his legendary playing career.

“I spent a wonderful career there with great memories. The love from everybody there is undeniable, same goes both ways. And this will never change because it’s part of my life.” Spanoulis acknowledged. “Now I’m coach of Monaco and I represent Monaco. I will do everything for Monaco to win the game”.

The significance of having a French team in the Final Four was not lost on Spanoulis, who highlighted is as “a big accomplishment and big pride for French basketball”.

Strazel described the Euroleague as “the most prestigious competition in Europe,” noting growing comparisons between Euroleague and the NBA. “Obviously it’s a super prestigious competition, and winning it would be even more special,” the French guard said. 

Key Players ready to step up 

Spanoulis has particular praise for German centre Daniel Theis, who joined Monaco this season after seven years in the NBA.

“He’s a world champion, has European medals, and experience. It was a big accomplishment for the organisation to bring him here,” Spanoulis said. “Most of all, he’s a great character. If you ask his teammates, he’s a winner. He doesn’t care about trophies; he only cares about winning. Personally, I love this kind of players.”

The coach also highlighted the importance of having every player ready to contribute, pointing to Georgios Papagiannis’ crucial performance in game give against Barcelona despite having barely played in the previous months. 

“He was ready , even though he didn’t play the last one or two months, he was ready,” Spanoulis noted. “This is what I want from my players. Everybody has to be ready. They are professionals and they have to be ready to step up at the right moment.”

For Spanoulis, a three-time Euroleague champion, handling pressure is simply part of being a professional.

“We practice with the players to perform well under pressure. You cannot be at this level and feel pressure,” he insisted. “Whatever happens, we have to be mentally ready to accept pressure, take these possibilities and move on.”

The Greek coach shared his personal philosophy: “Basketball and sports have a lot of failures and very few big wins—but big wins. So, all our lives we fight for these big wins.”

The Final Four in Abu Dhabi will see Monaco face Olympiacos in one semifinal, with Panathinaikos and Fenerbahce competing in the other. The team departs for Abu Dhabi on Tuesday with dreams of bringing the first Euroleague championship to 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  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photo credit: Kyriaki Topalidou, Monaco Life

 

Interview: Sunset Co-Founder Thomas Peeters on the GP party that belongs to the people

by: Cassandra Tanti
20/05/2025

As engines roar through the narrow streets of Monte-Carlo and eyes turn to the glittering spectacle of the Monaco Grand Prix, a very different kind of magic unfolds just a few hundred metres away on the shore. Sunset Monaco, held annually at Le Méridien Beach Plaza, has become far more than a side event to the world’s most famous race. It is a cultural happening in its own right, an experience that, as co-founder Thomas Peeters tells it, “belongs to Monaco – because it’s made for Monaco.”

Now in its 12th edition, Sunset is the Principality’s largest beach party and the most inclusive celebration of the Monaco GP weekend. Co-founded by Thomas Peeters and Cédric Houdrouge, the event is not a velvet-rope affair for the few, but a shared moment for thousands. “Seventy to eighty percent of the people who attend Sunset are locals,” says Peeters. “That’s what makes this event so special. We’re not just entertaining visitors. We’re creating a space for the people who actually live here to celebrate one of Monaco’s greatest weekends together.”

Sunset Monaco gathers thousands of people every year for a seaside GP celebration

While the Principality is no stranger to luxury and exclusivity, Sunset stands apart by offering an experience that feels deeply personal and unmistakably communal. Over three days, more than 8,000 guests pour into the beachfront venue for an immersive programme of music, performance, and atmosphere, wrapped in the breezy elegance of the Principality of Monaco. It’s part music festival, part social ritual, and every bit the heartbeat of Monaco’s modern-day Grand Prix scene.

“We’ve reached a point where Sunset is synonymous with the Grand Prix,” Peeters says. “People ask, ‘Are you going to Monaco for the race?’ and the answer is, ‘Yes—plus Sunset.’ For a lot of locals and even international fans, it’s become part of the Grand Prix DNA.”

DJs Honey Dijon and PAWSA will be performing on the Sunset stage this year

This year’s lineup underscores that reputation, with high-calibre talent spanning continents and genres. “On Friday we welcome PAWSA, one of the biggest names in the scene right now—his sets are groovy, powerful, hypnotic,” says Peeters. “On Sunday, we have Honey Dijon, who’s become known as the queen of house music. She’s had a residency at Pacha in Ibiza, and this year she’ll be with us. It’s a big deal. Also returning are Parallells and Salomé Le Chat—names that our audience already loves.”

But as much as DJs drive the atmosphere, Sunset’s scope has long extended beyond the turntable. The beach is transformed into a multi-sensory playground. “This year, we are bringing in what we call the Nereids,” Peeters explains, “aerial performers who dance and glide above the swimming pools, suspended in the air. It’s poetic, elegant, and completely unexpected.” Guests can also expect a first-of-its-kind lighting show projected onto the façade of Le Méridien itself. “It’s very Monaco, very cinematic. A moment you won’t forget.”

Sunset attracts a diverse crowd, the majority of which are locals

Inclusivity remains at the heart of Sunset’s philosophy. Ticket prices start at €60, making it a rare democratic space during a notoriously expensive weekend. “Of course, we offer premium experiences—tables can reach €20,000,” says Peeters. “But the idea has always been to offer options for everyone. We don’t want this to be something only the elite can access. That’s why our local audience keeps returning. They feel that this is their party, and they’re right.”

The crowd is also striking in its diversity. “The average age of our guests is about 35 to 38,” he says, “but the mother of my business partner—she’s 75—she comes every year and parties like the rest of us. We have all ages, all backgrounds. That’s what makes the atmosphere so rich.”

In 2024, Sunset expanded its footprint with new lounges and a beachfront restaurant—Casa Sunset—serving up fusion Latino dishes, signature cocktails, and a curated DJ lineup from midday through to 3 a.m. It was a move that has extended the celebration well past the sunset itself. “We’ve added a whole new dimension,” Peeters says. “People can now stay long after the music stops, enjoying food, drinks, and a second lineup into the early hours.”

Casa Sunset offers a new restaurant and DJ experience

Though Sunset Monaco has already made waves internationally, with recent editions in Miami and cross-over events in Cannes, Peeters insists its soul remains rooted in the Principality. “We’ve done Sunset in Miami four times now, and it’s amazing—people fly in just for it. But Monaco is the flagship. It’s where we began, and it’s where the identity of Sunset lives.”

With its growth and cultural impact, Sunset has arguably become a Monaco institution—something that, each year, residents count down to with the same anticipation as the race itself. “Every year when we end Sunset with the fireworks, people cry,” says Peeters. “It’s emotional. They tell us, ‘We have to wait a whole year again.’ That’s when we know we’ve done something meaningful.”

Sunset Monaco at Le Meridien Beach Plaza

Indeed, in a city defined by spectacle and velocity, Sunset Monaco offers something refreshingly lasting—a ritual of connection that grows stronger with every edition. It is a celebration that doesn’t just complement the Grand Prix, but completes it. Rooted in local pride and elevated by international flair, Sunset is more than a party. It’s a tradition, a movement, and a reflection of a modern Monaco that embraces both its elegance and its energy. As the Principality welcomes the world once again this May, one thing is certain: the race may stop the city, but Sunset makes it dance.

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

Main photo: Cédric Houdrouge and Thomas Peeters, Co-Founders Sunset Monaco. All photos provided

Charles Leclerc reveals baby blue and white race suit for Monaco Grand Prix: “It reminds me of home”

by: Cassandra Tanti
20/05/2025

Charles Leclerc has unveiled a striking new race suit ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, paying tribute to his hometown with a custom white and baby blue design that includes matching shoes and a cap.

In a video message to fans, the Monegasque driver offered a first look at the special edition racing gear that he’ll wear during one of the most important weekends on the Formula 1 calendar—his home race in Monte-Carlo.

“It’s one of the most important weeks of the year, and I have something very special to show you,” said Leclerc from what appears to be the balcony of his Monaco apartment. “This is the race suit for this year. And you might wonder why baby blue—but if you’ve been following me for enough time, you know this is my favourite colour.”

Leclerc explained that the soft blue hue is more than just a stylistic choice. It’s deeply personal, tied to memories of growing up in Monaco, spending time by the sea, and afternoons at the beach. “It reminds me of the colour of home. As you can see behind me, there’s the sea. Baby blue is a colour I really love—it also reminds me a lot of the swim shorts I used to wear to the beach. That’s where the inspiration comes from.”

The Ferrari driver also teased more pieces of the ensemble, including a “super cool” cap and a helmet design to match. “The full kit just makes sense together. I really like it,” he added. “I just love it, and I hope you do too.”

Leclerc is aiming to replicate his fairytale victory at Monaco last year, when he finally claimed his first win on home soil—an emotional and long-awaited triumph for both him and the Principality. “I hope we can reproduce the same result as last year, which was to win at home. That would be great. It’s going to be tough, but we’re going to give it all. Thank you.”

The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix takes place from 23rd to 25th May, with Leclerc once again carrying the hopes of a nation—and this year, doing it in his favourite colour.

See also:

Charles Leclerc to launch Ferrari fashion line at Nikki Beach Monte Carlo during Grand Prix weekend

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

Image taken from Scuderia Ferrari merchandise website

Mixed fortunes for Monaco-linked drivers as Formula E hits turbulence in Tokyo

by: Cassandra Tanti
20/05/2025

Tokyo delivered a weekend of highs and lows for Monaco’s Formula E contenders, as local fan favourite Maximilian Günther and Maserati MSG Racing endured a bruising double-header in the Japanese capital.

Returning to the site of his maiden Tokyo E-Prix victory in 2024, German driver Günther arrived brimming with confidence. He wasted no time in proving his pace, clocking the second-fastest time in the opening practice session. But unpredictable weather and mechanical misfortune soon shifted the narrative.

Saturday’s race was thrown into chaos by extreme rain, forcing the cancellation of Qualifying and resulting in a grid set by Free Practice 2 times. Starting ninth, Günther made an early charge with a bold Attack Mode move before a battery issue on lap 13 brought his race to a premature end.

Bouncing back with determination on Sunday, Günther showed top-10 pace in FP3 and narrowly missed out on a place in the duels, starting 12th after a yellow flag interrupted his flying lap. Despite a frustratingly timed Safety Car that neutralised his final Attack Mode strategy, the DS PENSKE driver clawed his way back into 10th on the final lap to secure a valuable championship point.

“Saturday was especially disappointing because it was a race full of potential,” Günther said after the weekend. “We showed good speed in practice and were on track for a strong result until the technical issue. On Sunday, the race was tough from the start and I lost time behind the Safety Car. But we’ll regroup and be ready for Shanghai.”

In the Monaco-based Maserati MSG Racing camp, the euphoria of their recent Round 8 victory quickly evaporated. Neither Jake Hughes nor Stoffel Vandoorne advanced past the group stages in qualifying, with Hughes hampered by tyre temperatures and Vandoorne’s effort cut short by a red flag.

Their split race strategies showed promise until late drama disrupted the team’s hopes. Hughes was on course for points until a Safety Car in the final laps derailed his Attack Mode window, forcing him to slow significantly to avoid penalties and dropping him to 18th. Vandoorne’s race ended altogether following a collision with Nissan’s Norman Nato, damaging his car and forcing retirement.

“It feels like a missed opportunity,” said Hughes. “We had the pace to score, but the timing of the Safety Car left us exposed.” Vandoorne echoed the frustration, adding, “It could’ve been P9 without the contact. We need to start stronger in qualifying.”

Team Principal Cyril Blais acknowledged the setbacks, stating, “We executed well in the race, but starting further back made recovery difficult. The Safety Car didn’t help, and Stoffel’s clash was simply unlucky.”

Despite the result, Maserati Corse Head Maria Conti remained optimistic: “We leave Tokyo with important learnings, one win already this season, and the drive to bounce back stronger in Shanghai.”

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship continues on 31st May and 1st June with a double-header in Shanghai – rounds 10 and 11 of the 16-race season.

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

Photo source: Maserati MSG Racing

Cluster Yachting Monaco’s Spring Pop-Up puts sustainability at the helm

by: Cassandra Tanti
19/05/2025

Monaco’s yachting industry came together on Wednesday 15th May for the annual Spring Pop-Up hosted by Cluster Yachting Monaco at the Yacht Club de Monaco, where sustainability, innovation, and practical solutions took centre stage. With Monaco’s marina as the backdrop, the event offered a snapshot of the sector’s evolving priorities — from smarter refits to digital diagnostics — and underscored a collective ambition to steer yachting towards a greener future.

The event drew a broad spectrum of the industry’s key players, including owners, designers, engineers and brokers, as well as the Cluster’s newly appointed Vice-Presidents: Arthur Bohr of Monaco Marine and Olivier Lavagna of SEPM. Their presence signalled renewed momentum for industry-wide cooperation.

Learning from the wider maritime world

The day opened with a roundtable led by Vincent Huens de Brouwer, focusing on innovations from the cruise and commercial shipping sectors. Vianney Vautier of Orient Express shared details of the 220-metre sailing yacht Corinthian, calling it “the largest in the world for premium cruises” and noting its use of 6,000 sensors to optimise every voyage. “The best fuel is one that doesn’t combust,” he said, highlighting the ship’s rigid sails and intelligent energy systems.

Victor Gibon of JIFMAR GROUP detailed the Canopée, a hybrid cargo ship built to carry Ariane 6 rocket parts. It’s already seen fuel reductions of up to 50%, and even 100% in sail-only mode. Meanwhile, Victor Collazos of V.ERDE reminded the audience that regulation is coming fast: “Yachting may only account for 0.3% of global maritime emissions, but it won’t escape scrutiny. Europe now imposes an energy rating system from A to E.”

What owners want

In a candid second panel moderated by renowned designer Espen Øino, yacht owners shared real-world perspectives. For Laurent Reiss (M/Y Asteria), family adventure was central to his design priorities. “We wanted to explore the planet and show our children the world,” he said, stressing the need for autonomy and robustness at sea.

Frank Binder (M/Y XEIA) criticised overly standardised designs, while Heigo Paartalu of YachtWay emphasised the need for modular spaces and introduced his tech platform for personalising yacht searches and virtual tours. But all agreed on a key concern: the difficulty in retaining crew. “The rotation system sounds great in theory, but in reality, it works more for the crew than the owner,” said Reiss.

Small changes, big impact

The third and final discussion, led by David Seal, zoomed in on the ageing global fleet and the immediate steps that can make a difference. With 70% of yachts now over a decade old, Arthur Bohr of Monaco Marine argued that each yacht requires a custom sustainability plan. Examples included replacing 520 halogen bulbs with LEDs on a 50m yacht — a move that saves up to 57,000 litres of fuel annually.

Natalie Quévert of SEA Index highlighted the importance of measurement in driving change. “Our CO2 certification is a vital benchmark. Surprisingly, some well-balanced older yachts outperform newer hybrids in energy scores.” The message was clear: improvement starts with data.

Attitudes are also shifting. Bohr recalled an owner who was confronted by his grandchildren refusing to board due to environmental concerns. “That moment was a turning point,” he said.

A market in transition

Beyond the roundtables, 16 yachts from 12 to 52 metres were on display in the YCM Marina, presented by Cluster members including Edmiston, Espen Øino, Ocean Independence, Sanlorenzo, Azimut Yachts and BehneMar. While not all featured green innovations, the lineup reflected growing market demand for sustainable design and performance.

With nearly 100 member businesses, Cluster Yachting Monaco is positioning itself as a driver of responsible innovation. In 2022, yachting represented €567 million in revenue for the Principality — 3% of the total — and supported over 1,400 onshore jobs.

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

Photo provided

Prince Albert II brings Monaco’s voice to European summit in Tirana

by: Cassandra Tanti
19/05/2025

In the Albanian capital of Tirana on Friday 16th May, Prince Albert II joined dozens of European leaders for the sixth European Political Community (EPC) Summit, lending Monaco’s voice to high-stakes discussions on energy, security, and competitiveness.

The meeting brought together heads of state and government from across the continent — both EU and non-EU — as well as senior officials from major European institutions, NATO, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE. Despite its informal format, the EPC is fast becoming one of Europe’s most significant political gatherings, offering a rare forum for unity in an increasingly fragmented world.

At a roundtable focused on Competitiveness, Energy and Connectivity, Prince Albert called for deeper multilateral cooperation and faster action on the energy transition. He stressed the urgent need for Europe to reduce its dependence on external energy sources and spotlighted Monaco’s own investments in renewable energy — a small state with big ambitions when it comes to sustainability.

“The challenges we face — whether environmental, economic, or geopolitical — demand shared solutions,” the Prince said, according to sources present. “And Monaco is committed to being part of those solutions.”

On the sidelines, Prince Albert met with several top European officials, including Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission; Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament; and António Costa, President of the European Council. The conversations touched on Monaco-EU relations and pressing global issues, including climate and ocean preservation.

In his meeting with Ms. von der Leyen, the Prince highlighted Monaco’s hosting of the upcoming Blue Economy and Finance Forum, taking place on 7th and 8th June. The event is part of the third United Nations Ocean Conference and aligns with the Principality’s leading role in marine conservation.

In a rare moment of direct diplomacy, Prince Albert also spoke briefly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reaffirming Monaco’s continued support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict.

He later held a bilateral meeting with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, congratulating him on his recent re-election and discussing regional cooperation in the Mediterranean. Rama’s fourth consecutive mandate is widely seen as a key step in Albania’s path toward EU accession — a journey Monaco has closely observed as a non-EU microstate with strong European ties.

The EPC Summit in Tirana may not have made major headlines, but for Monaco, it was an important reminder that even the smallest nations have a voice at Europe’s biggest tables — and are expected to use it.

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

Photos credit: Michael Alesi / Palais princier