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Month: December 2025

Monaco’s historic yachts Tuiga and Viola to sail in USA Independence 250th anniversary

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/12/2025

Prince Albert II has announced that two of Monaco’s most celebrated classic yachts will participate in celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the USA Declaration of Independence in 2026. The Yacht Club de Monaco flagships Tuiga and Viola will sail to America for the historic commemoration.

The announcement came during the YCM Winter Cocktail and Awards ceremony on 17th December, where Prince Albert addressed the yacht club community about the significance of the transatlantic voyage.

“It will be a unique and symbolic moment in the history of our flagship, reminding us that classic yachts embody a heritage and know-how that bring generations together and unite cultures,” the Prince said.

Historic vessels representing Monaco

Tuiga, built in 1909, stands as one of the world’s most prestigious classic racing yachts. The 15-metre gaff cutter has represented Monaco at regattas and maritime events globally, serving as a floating ambassador for the Principality’s maritime heritage. The yacht underwent extensive restoration in the 1990s and remains in pristine condition, maintained by the Yacht Club de Monaco.

Viola, another jewel in YCM’s fleet of classic yachts, complements Tuiga as a representative of traditional yachting craftsmanship and Monaco’s longstanding maritime traditions.

Cultural diplomacy through sailing

The participation of Monaco’s classic yachts in America’s 250th Independence anniversary represents both sporting and diplomatic dimensions. Classic yacht gatherings serve as cultural exchanges, bringing together maritime enthusiasts and showcasing traditional boat-building techniques and seamanship that have been preserved across generations.

The 2026 celebrations are expected to attract historic vessels from around the world, creating a maritime spectacle that honours both American independence and the international sailing community’s shared heritage.

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Photo Tuiga credit: Michael Kurtz

 

Prince Albert II welcomes La Vuelta’s Grand Depart to Monaco

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
18/12/2025

Prince Albert II attended the official presentation of La Vuelta a España 2026 on December 17th at the Sporting Monte-Carlo, with the Principality set to host the first two stages of the prestigious cycling race next August. 

The grand tour will begin with a 9km time trial through Monaco on August 22nd, followed by a second stage on August 23rd, which will see riders depart Monaco for a 215km hilly stage to Manosque in France. This marks the third time La Vuelta has started from a foreign country.

The race will then continue through Andorra, making La Vuelta’s 23rd visit to the country, before spending the final 10 stages entirely in Andalusia.

The race, which will cover 3,275km over 21 stages, will conclude in Granada on September 13th. The Alhambra finish marks a historic moment for La Vuelta as Granada becomes only the eighth city to host the final stage, and the first race finale outside Madrid or Santiago de Compostela since 1986.

During his address, the Prince highlighted Monaco’s commitment to international sporting events alongside sporting development. “Beyond the international competitions organised here – the F1 Grand Prix, the tennis Masters, and the Herculis athletics meeting among others – the Principality actively develops a proactive policy for sports practice, both in schools and clubs,” he said.

He noted that Monaco currently has more than 5,500 sports licences across 190 clubs and 51 federations, highlighting the country’s dedication to sport at all levels.

“Hosting la Vuelta, a competition with global reach and impact, is much more than a celebration of sport,” Prince Albert added. “It’s a symbol of openness and international outreach for my country.”

During La Vuelta 2026 presentation, photo credit: Monaco Life

Athletes as role models for youth

However, he also stressed the broader importance of sporting, stating his conviction that the values carried by sport are “crucial in the construction and shaping of personality.” He called on athletes to serve as role models for youth by promoting fair play and respect.

Four time Tour de France winner Chris Froome also attended the presentation and spoke warmly of the race. “It’s a special race for me,” said the cyclist, who was recently hospitalised. He described the Vuelta as “more brutal” than the Tour de France but with less pressure.

Javier Guillén, general director of La Vuelta, was present as well, presiding over the presentation.

La Vuelta 2026 will cover 3,275km over 21 stages, featuring seven mountain stages, four medium mountain stages, and two time trials, with over 58,000 meters of elevation gain, promising to be one of the most challenging editions in the race’s history.

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Main photo credit of Prince Albert II during his speech: Monaco Life

Pierre Casiraghi and Peter Harrison named YCM Sailors of the Year

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/12/2025

Prince Albert II presided over the Yacht Club de Monaco’s 2025 YCM Awards – UBS Trophy ceremony on Tuesday 16th December, recognising outstanding sailing achievements and welcoming new members including two-time America’s Cup winner James Spithill.

The annual winter cocktail brought together the YCM community to celebrate a year marked by historic victories and international success across multiple sailing disciplines.

Casiraghi and Harrison claim top honour

YCM Vice-President Pierre Casiraghi and Peter Harrison were voted YCM Sailors of the Year for their historic victory in the Admiral’s Cup. The achievement represents the culmination of collective effort driving the Club’s competitive ambitions.

“Obviously, to win it was very special. It has meant a lot to everyone who has tried to win it and those who succeeded. My thanks go to Peter for making it possible,” Casiraghi said.

The Admiral’s Cup victory highlighted what Prince Albert described in his opening address as the Club’s foundation on “a spirit united by the sea, passion and a desire to always go further.”

Paul Cayard receives special recognition

The YCM Awards – UBS Trophy Special Prize was awarded to sailor Paul Cayard, a YCM member for nearly 33 years, accompanied by crewmate Frithjof Kleen, for their World Champion victory in the Star class.

Thirty-seven years after his first major win, Cayard continues an outstanding career that includes world titles, America’s Cup campaigns, and round-the-world races including the 1997-1998 Whitbread Round the World Race.

“I am very competitive by nature. I won my first Star title when I was 28, now I’m a grandfather. To win it today at my age was very special. It was a real battle. In the last race, we were 14th at the first mark and not leading the championship. We made up for it to finish 7th and win the title,” Cayard said.

Prince Albert noted that Cayard’s success demonstrates “discipline, unity and tenacity”—qualities the Prince said are essential to achievement.

Fifty years of loyalty

The ceremony opened with certificates presented to three members celebrating 50 years of membership, underscoring the Club’s foundation on allegiance and loyalty. The intergenerational recognition set the tone for an evening acknowledging both past achievements and future ambitions.

Photo source: YCM

Outstanding 2025 season results

The awards recognised members who left their mark on international racing in 2025. The varied season of high-level competition included Kostia Belkin’s results on the classic yacht circuit, Oren Nataf’s victory in the RORC Transatlantic Race, Vladimir Prosikhin’s fifth World Champion title in RC44, and Joost Schuijff and Remon Vos’s results in events including the Rolex Fastnet Race and Rolex Middle Sea Race.

In the Smeralda 888 class, Class President Prince Charles de Bourbon-Siciles was recognised for second place in the Smeralda 888 International Championship 2025, having already won the championship nine times. Stefano Roberti received recognition for his victory in the J/70 Monaco Championship at the end of a hard-fought season.

Both classes will compete in the 42nd Primo Cup – Trophée UBS from 5th to 8th March 2026, regarded as one of the Mediterranean’s major one-design events.

Youth development

The YCM Youth Awards – UBS Trophy was presented to Louise Debeaumont, currently competing in the Youth World Championship at Vilamoura in Portugal. From January 2026, Debeaumont will travel to Brazil for the test event before embarking on several World Cup stages.

Tuiga and Viola head to America

Prince Albert announced that YCM’s flagships Tuiga and Viola will participate in celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the USA Declaration of Independence. “It will be a unique and symbolic moment in the history of our flagship, reminding us that classic yachts embody a heritage and know-how that bring generations together and unite cultures,” the Prince said.

The announcement followed recognition of YCM’s international reputation for sporting performance, youth and inclusive sailing initiatives, and the SEA Index—now deployed in over 20 ports across the Mediterranean, Seychelles and the Caribbean.

The YCM President concluded: “Becoming a member of the Yacht Club de Monaco is a state of mind, one of approaching the sea as a space of freedom and responsibility. We are the guardians of a legacy and the builders of a more sustainable maritime future.”

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Photo credit: Liam Fabre

Monaco reviews anti-money laundering progress as grey list exit remains priority

by: Cassandra Tanti
17/12/2025

Monaco’s coordination committee for anti-money laundering strategy met on Thursday 4th December to review progress on reforms required to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. Minister of State Christophe Mirmand chaired the meetings, which brought together government services, the National Council and private sector representatives.

The Principality was placed on FATF’s grey list in June 2024 following identification of strategic deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework. The classification requires Monaco to address specific weaknesses under international monitoring.

Reform implementation recognised

Mirmand acknowledged advances made in 2025, thanking services, authorities, the National Council and private sector representatives for implementing major reforms in recent months. The international community has recognised this progress through FATF’s adoption of Monaco’s first two progress reports since the grey listing.

These reports represent formal milestones in the monitoring process, confirming Monaco is addressing identified deficiencies. However, grey list removal requires sustained demonstration of effectiveness across multiple criteria, not merely legislative changes.

Dual evaluation process

The meetings reviewed Monaco’s third progress report and upcoming stages in the FATF International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) monitoring process. Participants were encouraged to maintain current reform efforts.

Beyond FATF compliance, Monaco must prepare for evaluation by Moneyval, the Council of Europe’s anti-money laundering monitoring body. The meetings addressed Monaco’s third national risk assessment, which identifies money laundering and terrorism financing vulnerabilities within the Principality.

This dual evaluation requirement means Monaco faces continuous international scrutiny of its financial integrity systems, even as it works to satisfy FATF criteria for grey list removal.

Private sector impact

Private sector representatives provided feedback on how grey listing affects their operations. The classification has increased scrutiny of Monaco transactions by international banks, raised compliance costs for financial services firms, and complicated cross-border business relationships.

Grey-listed jurisdictions face enhanced due diligence requirements from international financial institutions, which can affect transaction processing times and banking relationships. For Monaco’s financial sector, which depends on international connectivity, these operational impacts are significant.

The private sector’s inclusion in coordination meetings reflects government recognition that grey list removal serves both regulatory compliance and economic interests.

Path to delisting

FATF grey list removal requires jurisdictions to demonstrate measurable improvements in their anti-money laundering frameworks. This includes not only legislative reforms but evidence of effective implementation—enforcement actions, prosecutions and disruption of illicit financial flows.

Monaco’s progress reports to FATF document reforms enacted and their implementation. The ICRG monitors whether actions taken address the deficiencies that led to grey listing. Countries typically remain on the grey list for 12 to 24 months, though timelines vary based on progress demonstrated.

The coordination committee serves as Monaco’s internal mechanism for maintaining reform momentum and ensuring different sectors—public and private—work towards the common goal of restoring the Principality’s standing in international anti-money laundering frameworks.

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Photo credit: Stephane Danna, Government Communications Department 

 

Monaco health authorities urge flu vaccination as epidemic arrives

by: Cassandra Tanti
17/12/2025

Monaco’s government is encouraging residents to get vaccinated against seasonal flu as the epidemic reaches the Principality ahead of the year-end holiday period. 

The Princely Government stresses that flu vaccination helps reduce the risk of severe forms, complications and transmission, particularly among vulnerable populations including those over 65, people with chronic conditions, those with obesity, and pregnant women.

Barrier measures remain essential

Health authorities remind residents of simple but effective barrier measures to limit virus transmission, including regular hand washing, frequent ventilation of enclosed spaces, wearing masks when symptomatic, using disposable tissues, and avoiding close contact with vulnerable people when ill.

Vaccination access

Vaccines adapted to circulating strains are available at all pharmacies in the Principality. Residents can be vaccinated directly at pharmacies or obtain the vaccine and arrange administration through their general practitioner or a nurse.

Flu vaccination is covered for social security beneficiaries in Monaco.

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Photo source: Pexels

 

Monaco honours tennis stars behind historic breakthrough season

by: Cassandra Tanti
17/12/2025

Monaco Town Hall celebrated a breakthrough year for the Principality’s tennis on Thursday 11th December, honouring five players whose achievements have rewritten the record books. Mayor Georges Marsan presented medals to Valentin Vacherot, Lucas Catarina, Benjamin Balleret, Hugo Nys and Romain Arneodo—a group that includes the lowest-ranked player ever to win a Masters 1000 title and the first Monegasque to claim an ATP singles trophy.

The ceremony, attended by Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy, President of both the Monaco Tennis Federation and the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, recognised performances that have elevated Monaco to 44th place out of 161 countries in Davis Cup rankings—a remarkable achievement for one of the world’s smallest nations.

Vacherot’s Shanghai sensation

Valentin Vacherot’s October victory at the Shanghai Masters stands as one of the most extraordinary stories in ATP Tour history. Ranked world number 204 and not even in the qualifying draw initially, Vacherot fought through nine consecutive wins to claim the title, defeating Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals and his cousin Arthur Rinderknech in an emotional all-family final.

The 26-year-old became the lowest-ranked Masters 1000 champion in history (since 1990), rocketing from 204th to 40th in the rankings and earning more prize money in two weeks ($1.1 million) than his entire previous career combined. He went on to win ATP Breakthrough of the Year, voted by members of the No. 1 Club—former and current world number ones.

“I don’t even understand why I’m sitting here right now. It’s crazy,” Vacherot said after his triumph. “When I landed here, I wasn’t even supposed to play the tournament.”

His Shanghai run included victories over top-20 players Alexander Bublik, Holger Rune, and Tomas Machac before stunning four-time champion Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 in the semi-finals—Monaco’s first-ever top-10 win.

Doubles dominance

Hugo Nys continues to build on his historic achievements as Monaco’s leading doubles player. In 2025, partnering with French veteran Édouard Roger-Vasselin, he reached the quarter-finals of the Australian Open as the 15th seeds. The pair defeated Tomas Machac and Zhizhen Zhang 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the round of 16 before falling to eventual champions and reigning Wimbledon winners Harri Heliövaara and Henry Patten 6-3, 7-5 in the quarter-finals. Roger-Vasselin, aged 41, brought two Grand Slam titles to the partnership—the 2014 French Open men’s doubles and the 2024 French Open mixed doubles.

Nys carved his own piece of Monaco tennis history in 2023 when he won the Rome Masters 1000 doubles title with partner Jan Zielinski, defeating Botic van de Zandschulp and Robin Haase 7-5, 6-1. The victory made him the first Monegasque player ever to win an ATP Masters 1000 title, reaching a career-high ranking of world number 12 in doubles.

He also became the first Monegasque to reach a Grand Slam final, finishing runner-up at the 2023 Australian Open. His sustained excellence at the highest level has established Monaco as a serious doubles force on the ATP Tour.

Romain Arneodo matched his compatriot’s Masters 1000 success by winning the Monte-Carlo doubles title in 2025, reaching a career-high 38th in doubles rankings. Arneodo previously won the 2019 Los Cabos Open with Nys, establishing a partnership that has brought multiple titles to the Principality.

Family affair

Benjamin Balleret, who reached a career-high 135th in doubles and made the Monte-Carlo Masters 1000 quarter-finals, now serves as Vacherot’s coach. The family connection runs deeper—Balleret is Vacherot’s half-brother, whilst Rinderknech, Vacherot’s Shanghai final opponent, is their cousin. All three attended Texas A&M University together, where they were teammates.

Lucas Catarina, who reached 341st in singles rankings, announced his retirement as a player in 2025 after years representing Monaco in Davis Cup competition.

Recognition and gratitude

“It is natural and legitimate to present you with this medal today, which symbolises the recognition of an entire city and country,” Mayor Marsan told the players during Thursday’s ceremony. The work of de Massy and the entire Monaco delegation in developing the Principality’s tennis infrastructure was also acknowledged.

Deputy Mayors Camille Svara, Marjorie Crovetto, Jacques Pastor and Karyn Ardisson-Salopek attended alongside Municipal Councillors Georges Gambarini and Nathalie Vaccarezza, and Arnaud Giusti, Head of Sports and Associations. The coaching team of Guillaume Couillard, Julien Wahl, Antoine Felipe and Thomas Drocourt were also present.

The ceremony celebrated not just individual achievements but Monaco’s emergence as a tennis nation capable of competing—and winning—at the sport’s highest level.

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Photo source: Mairie de Monaco