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Month: September 2025

Team Malizia begins Leg 4 of The Ocean Race Europe with Monaco fly-by

by: Cassandra Tanti
01/09/2025

The Mediterranean set the stage on Sunday 31st August as Team Malizia, led by skipper Boris Herrmann, set sail from Nice towards Genova for Leg 4 of The Ocean Race Europe 2025. The 550-nautical mile leg, expected to last three days, includes a tactical loop around Corsica and a passage through the challenging Strait of Bonifacio, with weather conditions forecast to shift dramatically along the route.

The IMOCA fleet of seven yachts departed from the Promenade des Anglais under light winds and late summer sunshine, heading first towards a scoring gate off Monaco. Spectators were treated to a lively send-off when big-wave world record holder Sebastian Steudtner leapt from Malizia’s outrigger into the sea, offering a dramatic salute to the team before the race began.

While Biotherm and Team Holcim-PRB claimed the early points at the Monaco gate, Herrmann described the moment as symbolic. “The Monaco fly-by was a big moment for us,” he said. “Monaco has been a great partner for nearly 10 years and a strong ally for ocean protection. Sailing past was really iconic, even if the winds didn’t work out as hoped.”

Testing conditions ahead

As the fleet pushes towards Corsica and Sardinia, strategy will be critical. “A low-pressure system is moving from the Balearics towards the Gulf of Genova, so strategy will be interesting again,” Herrmann said. “We might see strong westerly winds in the Bonifacio Strait. I’m hoping the conditions will play in our favour so we can collect valuable points up until Genova.”

Local knowledge in the Mediterranean

Co-skipper Francesca Clapcich underlined the importance of timing through the notorious Strait of Bonifacio, where swirling currents and accelerating winds can create sudden challenges. “This is a stunning place but a tough passage,” she explained. “Conditions in Genova look light again, so it could turn into a restart near the end.”

Clapcich added that the Mediterranean’s unpredictability makes it a special racecourse: “Forecast models don’t always match reality here. It often comes down to the instincts of the sailors and how well they can read the local effects.”

Eyes on Genova finish

With a complex mix of light airs and stronger breezes in the forecast, Leg 4 promises to keep crews on their toes. Team Malizia and the fleet are expected to reach Genova on 3rd September, where another chapter of The Ocean Race Europe 2025 will be written.

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Photo source: Malizia

MonacoUSA to take part in 81st Liberation anniversary commemorations

by: Cassandra Tanti
01/09/2025

On Wednesday 3rd September, Monaco will mark the 81st anniversary of its Liberation from German occupation, with a series of official ceremonies paying tribute to the Allied forces and the local Resistance. This year, five American members of MonacoUSA will join citizens of Monaco, France and Italy in the commemorations, highlighting the international bonds forged in 1944.

The commemorative parade will set off from Avenue Saint-Laurent and make its way to the Place du Palais, pausing at the Maison de France, the Conseil National and the Mairie. At each stop, wreaths will be laid in remembrance of Resistance fighters, wartime victims and those who restored the Principality’s freedom. Participants from MonacoUSA will wear authentic 1944-style U.S. military uniforms and travel in restored World War II jeeps, carrying the American flag and distributing chocolate bars to residents – a symbolic gesture recalling the camaraderie of the Liberation.

Annette Ross Anderson will be among the MonacoUSA members taking part in the commemorations

Remembering personal histories

For many of those involved, the occasion carries personal resonance. Annette Ross Anderson, Director of MonacoUSA, explained that the ceremony is also about honouring family legacies. “My father was a decorated U.S. sailor and Prisoner of War during the Second World War. He would be very proud to see his daughter honouring those who fought for Europe’s freedom,” she said.

Tribute at Monaco Cemetery

The day’s commemorations will conclude at the Monaco Cemetery, where MonacoUSA will join officials in laying wreaths at the Monument aux Morts and at the graves of Resistance heroes René Borghini and Joseph Lajoux.

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Photos source: MonacoUSA

Ferrari suffer double Dutch GP disaster as Hamilton and Leclerc crash out

by: Cassandra Tanti
01/09/2025

Ferrari endured yet another catastrophic weekend at Zandvoort, with both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc forced to retire from the Dutch Grand Prix on 31st August, just a week before the team’s home event in Monza.

Hamilton’s much‑anticipated debut season with Ferrari has hit more turbulence. After crashing into the barriers on Lap 23 amid damp conditions, he will now start from five places down on the grid at Monza due to a yellow‑flag infringement during qualifying—further heightening the pressure on the seven‑time champion ahead of Ferrari’s home race.

Double DNF compounds Ferrari woes

Then, after Hamilton’s exit, Leclerc collided with Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli on the same turn, resulting in a second retirement for Ferrari. The team now head into Monza—traditionally a fortress for the Scuderia—without a single car finishing Zandvoort.

“Today hurts. It was a difficult weekend all along, and it ended in the worst way,” Leclerc said after the race. “In terms of pace, we were quite strong, which was a positive turn of events, and it was good to gain some positions.

“Heading to Monza now, which is a special place for me and the whole team. I don’t think we are in the same position as last year, but we will give it everything to recover and make it a great weekend for all our tifosi at home.”

McLaren dominance and title race shake-up

At the front, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri took a commanding win and extended his championship lead, while team-mate Lando Norris retired just laps from the finish in a devastating blow to his title hopes. Max Verstappen claimed second, while rookie Isack Hadjar sealed a stunning career-first podium. McLaren now hold a dominant position in both Drivers’ and Constructors’ standings.

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Photo credit: Scuderia Ferrari Media Centre

Major disruption expected as France’s largest air traffic control union calls September strike

by: Cassandra Tanti
01/09/2025

Thousands of passengers are bracing for travel chaos later this month after France’s largest air traffic control union, the SNCTA, confirmed a 24-hour strike from the morning of 18th September to the evening of 19th September.

The SNCTA, which represents around 60% of France’s air traffic controllers, announced the walkout following what it described as a complete breakdown in dialogue with France’s Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC). In a statement, the union accused the DGAC of “mistrust, punitive practices and degrading management methods”, adding that fruitless discussions had blocked any chance of progress.

Widespread disruption across Europe

Controllers at all French airports, including Paris Charles-de-Gaulle, are being urged to take part, while flights crossing French airspace are also expected to be affected. This could see journeys between the UK, Spain, Italy and beyond heavily impacted. The DGAC will publish details of cancellations and delays two days before the strike, but airlines are already warning passengers to stay in close contact for updates.

Lessons from July’s strikes

The strike follows July’s industrial action by smaller unions UNSA-ICNA and USAC-CGT, which forced the cancellation of thousands of flights and disrupted over one million passengers, according to Eurocontrol. On that occasion the SNCTA held back, but its involvement this month has raised fears of even greater disruption, given its size and influence. Ryanair estimated the cost of the July strikes at more than €100 million, calling the chaos “unacceptable”.

Demands for reform and inflation-linked pay

At the heart of the SNCTA’s grievances are calls for salaries to be adjusted in line with inflation, alongside what it terms a “profound change” in operational management at the DGAC. While the union insisted it has long favoured dialogue, it says the strike has now become a last resort. With Europe’s skies already strained by staff shortages and high demand, the Principality’s travellers are advised to check their flight schedules carefully and prepare for possible long delays.

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Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti

AS Monaco handed high-profile Champions League clashes for 2025/26

by: Cassandra Tanti
01/09/2025

The Grimaldi Forum hosted the UEFA Champions League group stage draw at the end of August, where AS Monaco discovered a line-up of fixtures that promises glamour and intensity. The Principality’s side will host and travel to some of Europe’s biggest clubs, alongside challenging encounters against less familiar opponents, as they seek to progress deep into the competition.

Monaco open their group-stage journey on 18th September away to Club Brugge, a fixture that will be the first step in their quest for European progress. The focus then shifts to Stade Louis-II, where Manchester City arrive on 1st October, followed by Tottenham Hotspur three weeks later, promising back-to-back nights of footballing drama in the Principality.

Autumn challenges across Europe

On 4th November, the Monegasques travel to Norway to face Bodø/Glimt, a tricky test on unfamiliar turf, before returning home for a clash with Cypriot side Pafos on 26th November. Their December encounter with Galatasaray, scheduled for 9th December, could prove decisive in shaping the group standings.

Giants loom in the new year

The new year will open with a bang as Monaco host Real Madrid on 20th January, a tie steeped in Champions League history. The group phase will conclude with another glamour fixture on 28th January, when Juventus visit Stade Louis-II, ensuring a grandstand finish to the opening round.

See also: 

Football: Monaco win “rollercoaster” five-goal thriller against Strasbourg

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Photo credit: Luke Entwistle, Monaco Life

Ludmilla Raconnat Le Goff to lead Monaco’s attractiveness strategy

by: Cassandra Tanti
01/09/2025

The Strategic Council for Attractiveness (CSA), the body that drives Monaco’s international image and competitiveness, has a new leader. By Sovereign Ordinance published in the Journal de Monaco on 1st September, Ludmilla Raconnat Le Goff was appointed Delegate in charge of Attractiveness to the Minister of State and Secretary General of the CSA. A respected senior official, she will now be responsible for ensuring the Principality continues to shine as a destination for talent, investment and innovation.

Reporting directly to Minister of State Christophe Mirmand, Raconnat Le Goff will shape the Principality’s attractiveness policy in all its dimensions. According to a government statement, she will develop a strategic roadmap for 2025–2026, foster greater collaboration between public and private players, and coordinate a unified editorial line for all partners. Another key part of her mission will be the relaunch and ongoing activity of the CSA, ensuring that Monaco’s voice remains strong and distinctive on the global stage.

A career devoted to public service

Raconnat Le Goff, a graduate of Kedge Business School, has built her career within the Monegasque State. Since 2021 she has served as Director General of the Department of Social Affairs and Health, where she led reforms on pensions and teleworking, launched the Caisse Monégasque de Retraite Complémentaire (CMRC), and oversaw Monaco’s Covid-19 response. She has also represented the Principality on the boards of the Princess Grace Hospital Centre, the Cardio-thoracic Centre of Monaco, and the IM2S.

From economic promotion to senior leadership

Her early experience at the Monaco Economic Board between 2007 and 2009 saw her involved in international economic missions and promotional campaigns for the Principality. This foundation in economic diplomacy now aligns closely with her new responsibilities, where showcasing Monaco’s strengths abroad is a central task.

Following in Frédéric Genta’s footsteps

Raconnat Le Goff succeeds Frédéric Genta, who stepped down in April to take up the role of Chairman and Head of Europe at Azura Partners. With her appointment, the CSA enters a new chapter, bringing continuity and fresh impetus to the Principality’s long-term attractiveness strategy.

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Photo credit: Stéphane Danna, Government Communications Department