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Month: August 2026

Divers prepare for Monaco’s underwater photography contest

by: Cassandra Tanti
31/08/2026

The Monaco Underwater Exploration Club (CESMM) will stage the 21st edition of its National Underwater Photography Competition on Saturday 5th September, sending photographers into the waters off the Principality for two dives across four categories in a one-day contest that pairs the search for a standout image with a wider message about protecting the Mediterranean’s fragile marine life. Held under the honorary presidency of Prince Albert II, the event runs alongside the 13th edition of the junior competition, ‘Regards sous la mer’.

The competition opens with the traditional briefing before participants head out for two dives at two sites in the heart of the Principality. Working with natural light, water movement and the marine life they encounter, photographers must come back with the images that will carry them before the judging panel.

Four categories will shape this year’s contest: macro, fish, wide-angle and a compulsory theme of ‘Shellfish & Crustaceans’. After the two dives, each competitor selects one photograph per category, submitting four images in total to the jury. A further distinction is drawn by equipment, with separate categories for interchangeable-lens and fixed-lens cameras, so that photographers are judged against others using comparable gear.

“This event is important because, through the competitions we organise, it helps make the invisible visible. Most people only see the surface of the water; they are unaware of the beauty of our seabed and how fragile it is,” said Roger Mullot, President of CESMM.

A summer to prepare for the juniors

Alongside the national event, CESMM is holding the 13th edition of ‘Regards sous la mer’, its junior competition, which follows a different format. Rather than a single competition day, young participants are given two months over the summer to take their photographs in Monaco’s waters, diving as often as they wish in search of the image that best reflects their view of the marine environment. Each entrant submits a series of three photographs, with no set theme, and the club ran two supervised sessions over the summer for those taking part.

“We are deeply committed to keeping the Junior Competition alive, which is open to children aged 8 to 18. With the growing accessibility of digital underwater cameras, these young people are becoming true enthusiasts, capable of capturing and sharing exceptional moments,” said Mullot.

The club also backs the Munegu Photo-Sub Academy, which introduces children to underwater photography. “Looking ahead is essential. That is why the Club supports the Munegu Photo-Sub Academy, which offers children introductory courses in underwater photography. They discover the art of photography in a particularly demanding environment and learn from an early age to observe and understand the ecosystem around them,” Mullot said.

Warming seas raise the stakes

For CESMM, the contest is as much about awareness as competition, in a Principality that has made ocean protection a long-standing priority. Mullot links the event directly to the pressures now facing the Mediterranean.

“This summer, the Mediterranean reached exceptionally high temperatures. These marine heatwaves are having consequences for biodiversity: just a few meters below the surface, ecosystems are being profoundly disrupted. Faced with these changes, photography plays an essential role. It can generate far more emotion than a simple speech. An image can raise awareness of the consequences of human activities on the marine environment and of the need to protect this exceptional underwater heritage,” he said.

Between them, the two competitions frame photography as a discipline that is at once sporting, artistic, educational and environmental, turning Monaco into a showcase for its underwater world for a single day.

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Photo credit: Pascal Parry

 

Superyacht sales surge to €4 billion ahead of Monaco Yacht Show

by: Cassandra Tanti
31/08/2026

The global superyacht brokerage market recorded €4.05 billion in sales during the first half of 2026, putting the sector on course for one of its strongest years in recent history ahead of the Monaco Yacht Show.

The figures come from BoatPro, Boat International’s specialist market-intelligence platform, which tracks more than 13,000 superyachts worldwide and analyses brokerage sales, new-build orders and fleet movements. Its latest data show that 281 yachts measuring at least 24 metres were sold between January and June, comprising 129 transactions in the first quarter and 152 in the second.

That compares with 272 sales during the same period in 2025 and 225 in 2024. The combined value rose more sharply, from €2.21 billion in the first half of 2024 and €3.61 billion last year to €4.05 billion in 2026.

The figures are based on each yacht’s last-known asking price at the time of sale, as final transaction prices are generally confidential.

Buyers turn towards larger yachts

The growth was driven largely by demand for bigger vessels. Sales of yachts measuring between 50 and 70 metres increased by 52.9% compared with the first half of 2025, rising from 17 transactions to 26.

The 40-to-50-metre category also grew by 10%, while sales of yachts between 30 and 40 metres fell by 6%.

Smaller yachts still accounted for the greatest number of transactions, but BoatPro said the figures indicate an increasing preference for larger vessels. Limited availability among smaller yachts may also have influenced the results.

Moonrise leads major transactions

The most valuable yacht sold during the period was Feadship’s 100.7-metre Moonrise, which had an asking price of €325 million when the transaction was completed shortly before the end of June. It was sold by Burgess in just under six months, marking the largest brokerage transaction of the year.

The 89-metre Amels yacht Mirage, formerly known as Here Comes the Sun, was sold with an estimated asking value of €165 million. Other major transactions included the 66.3-metre Hampshire, listed at €85 million, and the 61-metre Jubilee, listed at €73.5 million.

The average asking value of yachts sold during the first half reached €14.4 million, compared with €13.28 million in 2025 and €9.83 million in 2024.

The rise provides a strong backdrop for the Monaco Yacht Show, where 71 of the 116 yachts examined in BoatPro’s preliminary fleet report were listed for sale. The event will take place at Port Hercule from 23rd to 26th September.

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Photo of Moonrise, source: Burgess

 

Laurent Puons departs Monaco Mediax as Amparo Di Fede takes the helm

by: Cassandra Tanti
31/08/2026

Monaco Mediax, the company behind some of the Principality’s most recognisable international events, has appointed Amparo Di Fede as its new General Director, following the departure of Laurent Puons, a familiar figure in Monaco’s events and television scene.

The company, which organises the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, Sportel and the Sportel Awards, said the appointment marked a new chapter in its development, reflecting a commitment to continuity, innovation and the consolidation of its activities while reaffirming the values of excellence that have shaped its reputation.

Three decades with the company

Amparo Di Fede brings more than 30 years at Monaco Mediax to the role, having held several senior management positions over that time. From 2003 to 2018 she served as General Manager of Sportel, during which she launched the first Sportel event to be held abroad, in the United States, followed by editions in Asia, North America and South America, helping to develop the brand internationally.

She is currently Chief Administrative and Financial Officer, a position she will retain alongside her new responsibilities, and brings expertise in management, organisation and business development to the leadership of the company, according to a statement.

A focus on flagship events and international growth

“I am deeply honoured by my appointment as General Director of Monaco Mediax. This represents an important new chapter in my career with the company, but above all, it represents a significant responsibility given Monaco Mediax’ history, know-how and expertise,” said Di Fede.

“Together with our teams, our ambition is to further establish our position across the sports, media, television and entertainment industries, building on our unique DNA to expand the portfolio of our events,” she said. “Our priorities will be to build on the success of our flagship events in Monaco and accelerate our international growth by identifying new opportunities and creating projects that deliver lasting value for both our partners and our audiences.”

She added that the new leadership structure introduced “fresh momentum, founded on the complementary nature of our expertise, the commitment of our teams and a shared ambition for the future of Monaco Mediax.”

A wider reshuffle

Di Fede’s appointment comes with a broader change to how Monaco Mediax is run. The executive directors who oversee its individual events will take on greater responsibility, in a structure the company says is intended to make its different activities work more closely together.

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Photos source: Monaco MediaX

Designer Isabell Kristensen launches Monaco Alzheimer’s walk in memory of her father

by: Virginia D’Umas
31/08/2026

On Saturday 12th September, the inaugural ‘Forget Me Not’ walk will transform a five-kilometre journey through the Principality into an uplifting celebration of memory, couture, art, movement, and philanthropy. Organised by Isabell Kristensen Couture, the event supports AMPA, the Association Monégasque pour la Recherche sur la Maladie d’Alzheimer, under the longstanding leadership of its president, Catherine Pastor.

The initiative stems from Danish designer Isabell Kristensen’s personal experience losing her father to Alzheimer’s disease less than a year ago. Designed as a distinctly Monégasque experience, the morning weaves together fashion, well-being, and community, inviting participants to walk in honour of someone they love, remember, or wish to celebrate.

Awakening the senses across the Principality

The journey begins at 9:30am at the Isabell Kristensen boutique in Monaco-Ville, where participants gather to dedicate their walk to someone they love, remember, or wish to honour. From there, the route winds through iconic settings, punctuated by carefully curated ‘Memory Moments’ intended to awaken the five senses.

The path leads participants to the Place du Palais – a location carrying profound personal significance for Kristensen, who served as Maid of Honour at the wedding of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene. Against this historic backdrop, models wearing Isabell Kristensen couture ponchos will join ballet dancers from the Anne-Marie Symons Ballet School to fuse fashion with physical movement. Meanwhile, Monaco’s sports and wellness club, Club39, will guide the opening movement session.

Continuing toward the Princess Grace Japanese Garden, the route introduces a playful ‘Memory Lane’. In collaboration with rare-diamond house Leibish, the garden will host a treasure hunt featuring a hidden natural sapphire and diamond necklace nestled among the greenery.

A community united for a cause

Beyond the sensory installations along the route – where walkers will be kept refreshed by local water company Monacqua – the morning culminates back at the boutique for a celebratory closing. Participants will enjoy a champagne toast with Gold Tradition Champagne and artisanal gelato by Rossi – La Bottega del Gelato, alongside a short movie featuring personal video dedications from friends of the House. Live sound by DJ and vocal artist Kate Yvorra and visual installations by creative director Olivier Pocholuck and artist Vyki will round out the atmosphere.

The highlight of the closing ceremony will be the presentation of the inaugural ‘Forget Me Not Award’. Designed by artist Talia Zoref with a gemstone contributed by Leibish, the sculpture honours a life’s work that has given millions unforgettable memories.

Practical information

Registration is priced at €35, with one hundred percent of registration fees donated directly to AMPA Monaco. The recommended dress code is activewear with a touch of elegance and comfortable footwear. Registration and further details are available at forgetmenotbyisabellkristensen.com/2026.

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Photo provided

French authorities issue urgent warning on data leaks and cyber scams

by: Virginia D’Umas
31/08/2026

Data breaches have transitioned from corporate anomalies to an everyday reality across France. According to information published by the official French government portal Service Public following high-profile security failures—such as the recent illicit intrusion into the information systems of the Directorate-General of Public Finances (DGFiP)—millions of citizens face heightened exposure to sophisticated cyber frauds.

When administrative bodies, businesses, or associations suffer data leaks, Service Public says that the immediate fallout rarely stops at compromised servers. Instead, stolen assets—ranging from full names and tax identifiers to home addresses and phone numbers—flow directly into the hands of cybercriminals.

Sophisticated scams built on stolen data 

Armed with precise personal details, fraudsters launch hyper-targeted phishing campaigns and telephone scams, often posing seamlessly as banking advisors or government officials. Because the scammers quote accurate personal information, these communications routinely bypass traditional scepticism. In response to the growing volume of cyberattacks, Service Public highlights that public authorities are urging individuals to reorganise their digital hygiene to mitigate secondary victimisation. 

Securing credentials and digital vaults 

Security experts emphasised by Service Public say that password management remains the first line of defence. Standard recommendations dictate the creation of long, complex passphrases, paired with an absolute prohibition against credential reuse across multiple platforms. To combat password fatigue without compromising security, authorities advise deploying encrypted password managers. These digital vaults centralise access codes behind a single master phrase, replacing insecure habits like recording passwords in unprotected computer files or on physical notepads.

Fortifying systems against intrusions 

Beyond credential management, Service Public points to two-factor authentication as an essential barrier. Enabling 2FA ensures that unauthorised login attempts from unrecognised devices trigger immediate SMS or email alerts, granting users the power to block intrusions instantly. Regular software and application updates are equally critical, closing vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them.

Navigating communications and software safely 

When navigating digital communications, Service Public says that vigilance remains curcial. Cybersecurity specialists advise users never to disclose banking details, identification codes, or passwords in response to unsolicited calls or messages. 

In addition, internet users are urged to abandon the habit of clicking links within emails, preferring instead to navigate directly to official websites by typing URLs manually. Mobile applications should be sourced exclusively from official publisher stores to prevent the installation of malicious software. 

Managing the digital footprint and seeking recourse 

Individuals also retain legal leverage over their digital footprint. According to Service Public, citizens hold the right to demand that organisations erase unnecessary or illicitly processed personal data, including compromised files or unwanted online imagery. Regular off-site data backups—utilising external hard drives, USB sticks, or secure cloud storage—provide a vital safeguard against total data loss in the event of an attack. For those who believe they have already fallen prey to cybermalveillance, dedicated state resources are operational. 

Victims can consult guidance procedures via Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr or consult the specialised public assistance service at 17Cyber.gouv.fr to report incidents and receive immediate investigative direction.

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Photo credit: Freestocks – Pexels 

Football: Brunner brace continues Monaco’s winning start in Marseille derby

by: Luke Entwistle
31/08/2026
A beaming Brunner celebrates his goal with Monaco teammate Idumbo

AS Monaco continued their winning start to life under Filipe Luís with a dominant 2-0 win over local rivals Olympique de Marseille (2-0) on Sunday night.

After two wins over Górnik Zabrze and one over Le Havre AC, this was billed as the first real test. The new Monaco manager passed it with flying colours. There is no need to change a winning team and so it was the same side that beat Górnik 4-1 on Thursday to qualify for the Europa Conference League that took to the field against Marseille. Luís has insisted on continuity and consistency in his line-ups, despite the dense schedule, and it is a strategy that continues to pay dividends.

OM, in the midst of an off-field financial crisis, were comprehensively beaten on it. Despite away fans being banned from this game, a great number were still present in two of the stands at the Stade Louis II. Their iconic “Aux Armes” chant rang around the stadium, but their spirits were quickly dampened.

Luís salutes Brunner’s “masterpiece”

With USMNT international Folarin Balogun yet to return – and perhaps never to return for ASM – Luís needed someone to step up. As is so often the case at Monaco, the succession plan is to promote an internal candidate. Paris Brunner looks to be that candidate. He ran Geoffrey Kondogbia ragged, especially on his second goal, described as a “masterpiece” by Luís.

His first was simpler. It was an inviting cross from Aleksandr Golovin and Brunner was there to rise and head past Jeffrey De Lange. He almost doubled up straight away. The German found room inside the box again, this time at the back post. He miscued his initial effort but got a second bite of the apple; this time, De Lange was equal to it.

OM manager Bruno Genesio insisted that this was a “balanced” match, and whilst his side had plenty of possession, they didn’t work the same openings as their hosts. Lamine Camara, “unbelievable” in the words of Luís, saw to that. The Senegalese midfielder was dogged in his defensive work and excellently screened his backline throughout the game.

A response was expected, and it came at the start of the second half. It wasn’t quite a storm that Monaco had to weather, but a succession of three more presentable chances came Marseille’s way: the first to substitute Keyliane Abdallah, then one for Angel Gomes, and another for Timothy Weah, who from a very tight angle clipped the outside of the post. Lukas Hradecky, however, was not truly tested.

From bad to worse for OM

And it was from the goalkick that followed Weah’s effort that the Principality club gave themselves breathing room. Eric Dier launched it upfield and Brunner, on the halfway line, turned Kondogbia, drove into OM’s half, into the box, turned inside Kondogbia, who was left on the floor, and then did the same to CJ Egan-Riley with his next touch. Brunner then kept his cool to finish into the far corner of De Lange’s net.

“It was outstanding from Paris. He was fantastic today. Since the beginning, he has done his talking on the pitch, in training, with goals, with his pressing, coming to defend, wanting to learn. I like these kinds of players. As long as he talks on the pitch, he will be there,” said Luís.

Kondogbia was subsequently subbed off with a muscular injury, whilst Angel Gomes and Tochukwu Nnadi would also have to cede their places before the end of the game, both due to physical issues. A nightmare night for OM, a dream for Luís, who, by winning his first four matches at ASM, has bettered the start of the legendary Arsene Wenger (three wins in a row).

“I’m really happy, but I’m not even close to Arsene. I’m just starting. I’m very happy that my players are doing what I want,” said Luís. The Brazilian added that Monaco had to “celebrate this victory and enjoy the moment”. And they are right to. More difficult times could lie ahead. Before Tuesday, the Principality club could yet lose Camara and Balogun. Both are linked with exits.

Luís hopes to keep “unbelievable” Camara

“I hope to keep [Camara]. You see the player he is – unbelievable. Until the end of the transfer window, anything can happen. Everyone hopes that he stays. He’s elite,” said Luís. He would be a big miss. There are even bigger tests awaiting Les Monégasques, too. Monaco will face PSG, Strasbourg, and Lens before the international break.

It is the former that await Monaco on Friday. Luis Enrique’s side, however, have failed to win any of their first two games in Ligue 1. “It is clear that PSG are not in the best physical shape yet. When they rediscover it, they will be the best,” said Luís. He will hope that they won’t find it next week. In any case, there is great promise in the start of the Luís era.

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Photo source: AS Monaco