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Masters Padel Tournament coming to Monaco

by: Stephanie Horsman
07/09/2021

The APT Padel Tour has chosen Monaco as the latest location to host a leg on their international tournament schedule and fans of the wildly popular sport will get a chance to get in on the action.

The APT Hublot Monaco Masters Padel Tournament is coming to the Principality from 13th to 19th September at the Terrasses du Soleil at the Monte-Carlo Casino, in collaboration with the Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), featuring exciting padel action and top seeded players.

The event is organised by Monte-Carlo International Sports with the support of the Federation Sportive de Padel, who will be offering prizes to winners totalling €60,000.

Though centre court will be set up at the Casino, additional qualifying matches will be played at the Tennis Padel Soleil in Beausoleil, giving fans the chance to visit two venues.

“I would like to thank H.S.H. Prince Albert II and Mr Biamonti, President of the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, for helping us to make history by hosting the Hublot Monaco Masters in one of the most iconic places in the world,” said Fabrice Pastor, APT President.” Thank you to everyone including the sponsors for helping us in such difficult times.”

Games played from Wednesday 15th September will be broadcasted live on the APT Padel Tour YouTube channel. The schedule will be announced on the APT website prior to the opening of the competition.

But the fun isn’t limited to the players only. This year, fans are also invited to play on centre court like the pros from 7th to 12th September. For €100, participants will be offered a one-and-a-half-hour session including use of rackets and balls. Reservations can be made online at https://tennispadelsoleil.matchpoint.com.es/Login.aspx.

Padel, also known as paddle tennis, is an increasingly popular sport worldwide. Usually played in doubles on courts roughly one quarter smaller than regular tennis courts, it is fast-paced and exciting. The balls have slightly less pressure than their tennis counterparts and scoring is the same.

 

 

Prince donates €1 million to Ireland’s Old Library during visit

by: Cassandra Tanti
06/09/2021

Prince Albert took his children on their first official visit to Ireland last week, where he met with Irish President Michael Higgins and was recognised for his generous donation to the historic Old Library at Trinity College.

Sixty years after his parents’ visit and a decade after his own first State visit with Princess Charlene, Prince Albert II returned to his ancestral homeland on Friday with Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella by his side.

The tour began with a trip to UCD Michael Smurfit university, accompanied by Sir Michael Smurfit, Honorary Consul of Ireland in Monaco and Dean of the prestigious university.

Along with Ambassador of Ireland in Monaco Patricia O’Brien, the Prince was also taken on a guided tour of a museum dedicated to Irish literature before being welcomed for lunch at the official residence of Irish President Michael D. Higgins and his wife, Sabrina Coyne. There, the Prince was shown photos of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace’s official visit to Ireland in 1961.

Photo of Prince Albert with Irish President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabrina Coyne, by Eric Mathon / Prince’s Palace

In the early afternoon, Prince Albert and his children, Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, went to the Old Library at Trinity College where he was shown the Book of Kells, a 9th century Irish medieval manuscript famous around the world. This national treasure has been on display in the Old Library since the 1800s.

But the Princely family’s trip was more than just a cultural visit. Prince Albert was at Trinity College for the official unveiling of two friezes in his name. One, in the dining hall, sets in stone the name of himself and his wife Princess Charlene. The other, in the Old Library of the university, recognises his donation of €1 million towards the €90 million restoration of the library, which will see the removal of all 750,000 of its books into storage.

Photo of the frieze recognising HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco in the Old Library at Trinity College, by Eric Mathon / Prince’s Palace

“It is with great pleasure that through this donation I follow in the footsteps of my mother who had a deep affection for Ireland and signals the link to Princess Charlene’s forebears who were instrumental to the founding of Trinity,” said Prince Albert during the ceremony. “It is a great privilege for me − with this benefaction – to be part of this ambitious programme to conserve the 18th century Old Library building, creating a sustainable protective environment for the many extraordinary treasures it holds for Ireland and the world.”

During his visit, the Prince was also given a special viewing of the library’s collections related to the work of his grandfather Prince Albert 1, who was a keen oceanographer and explorer.

Photos by Éric Mathon, Prince’s Palace

Monaco backs global agreement to tackle marine plastic pollution

by: Cassandra Tanti
06/09/2021

With the volume of plastics flowing into the ocean set to triple by 2040 unless drastic action is taken, Monaco is among a number of countries calling for an international convention to control the making and disposal of plastics.
Monaco joined a long-list of countries participating in the Ministerial Conference on Marine Litter and Plastic Pollution, initiated by the governments of Germany, Ecuador, Ghana and Vietnam, on 1st and 2nd September. With support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), its aim was to “create momentum and political will to advance a coherent global strategy to end marine litter and plastic pollution with an aim to ensuring a future with clean seas.”
It also prepared the ground for the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly on this subject, to be held between 28th February and 2nd March 2022.
In his speech to the conference, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen said: “The forthcoming UNEP report, from Pollution to Solution, shows that marine litter is inescapable. Unless we take drastic action, by 2040, the volume of plastics flowing into the ocean will triple. Micro and nano plastics are pervasive. The pandemic is compounding the problem.”
Inger Andersen also highlighted new research which found that 80 per cent of plastic waste comes to the sea through 1,000 rivers. Scientists used to think 20 rivers at most carried the majority of plastic into the oceans, but now they know that it’s far more, complicating potential solutions.
“Humans generate almost 1.3 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste every year,” he said. “Yet many major cities lack adequate solid waste infrastructure. Poor waste management adds to the overall health cost of plastics in the environment.”
The UNEP Executive Director pointed to another new report from the Plastic Waste Makers Index, which has revealed the 20 companies that are responsible for producing more than half of all single-use plastic waste in the world, fuelling the climate crisis and creating environmental catastrophe. Among the global businesses are ExonMobil, Dow – the largest chemicals company in the world based in the US, and China’s oil and gas enterprise Sinopec.
“Climate change. Nature and biodiversity loss. Pollution. Plastics are wrapped up in all of them,” said Andersen. “The conclusion is obvious. Marine litter is best addressed by rethinking how we design, use and dispose of plastics. We need to revisit and inform the entire supply chain. And if we do this, we can make our economies, societies and planet greener and healthier.”
Monaco, in line with most participating countries, agreed on the need for an international convention dealing with the production, recycling, recovery and disposal of single-use plastic and plastic waste.
 
 
 
Photo of waterway pollution in Guatemala by Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash
 
 
 

Roca team takes “friendly” win in Athens

by: Stephanie Horsman
06/09/2021

AS Monaco Basketball, playing in Athens for the Bwin Tournament Against Covid-19, had a last-minute substation for opponents, but were clearly up for the challenge, beating Peristeri 90 to 78.

When the Roca team arrived in Athens to play a friendly match, they had thought they would be up against Maccabi-TelAviv, but due to the Israeli team’s withdrawal, ironically due to Covid, they ended up in a game against local faves Peristeri.

The game saw the debut of two new players to the AS Monaco roster, Jerry Boutsiele and Brock Motum, though they were forced to play with Rob Gray and Léo Westermann who are both out with injuries.

The injuries allowed newbie Alpha Diallo to be part of the starting line-up and it turns out he was a fantastic choice. Almost immediately he intercepted the ball and converted it into a points-making slam dunk. This was soon followed up by three long-distance beauties from Motum, Yak Ouattara and Danilo Andjusic.

The Greeks were no slouches though and kept pace, ending the first quarter only one point behind Monaco at 23 to 22.

This spurred on the Roca team who used their fire to pull way so that by the halftime break they were comfortably ahead 53 to 40.

Peristeri picked up the pace after returning from the locker room, and whilst never surpassing Monaco, they pulled closer to even at several points during the second half, notably with only three minutes left on the clock where they came within one point of the Roca team.

In the end, AS Monaco pulled off the win, 90 to 78, taking them to the final round of the tournament where they will face off against Olympiakos Monday night at 7:30pm.

“This is only our second friendly match, and our first victory,” said Coach Zvezdan Mitrovic. “It’s a little too early to analyse this meeting but there have been efforts on the part of the players. We had good times, but also bad times during this game.”

Monaco made 28 shots out of 58 attempts, with seven out of 21 in three-point range. They had 20 assists, made six steals and picked up 15 stray balls. Andjusic was high scorer with 23 points, followed by Diallo with 19.

 

 

 

 

Monaco Life with AS Monaco Basketball press release, photo source AS Monaco Basketball

MYS Series: The Superyacht Broker

by:
02/09/2021

Key to the success of the Monaco Yacht Show are the guys that shake down the deals and act as the bridge between the buyer and the seller – The Brokers.
Patrick Coote is Managing Director, Europe, for the yacht broker firm Northrop and Johnson. With 25 years in the business, he has headed up operations at Fraser Yachts, the Azimut Benetti Group, Blohm+Voss and Vripack. He’s also been involved in initiatives such as setting up The Superyacht Show, Superyacht TV and the Explorer Yachts Summit.
Coote is upbeat and realistic as the Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) 2021 looms into view. “The MYS has become an annual celebration of the latest and greatest yachts and innovations from across the superyacht world,” he tells Monaco Life. “It brings together brokers, shipyards, designers and suppliers for four intense days of networking and socialising. This year, more than ever, we can sense that there is a strong appetite among the industry players to get out and about again and interest levels from professional visitors seems high. Conversely, we don’t really expect to see hordes of buyers on the quayside. Travel restrictions and health concerns are still a big factor and unnecessary trips are not exactly high on people’s priorities at the moment. That said, I think we’ve all pretty much given up trying to second-guess things given the current state of world affairs!”

Da Vinci will be presented by Northrop and Johnson at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show

For the professionals involved in the sector, the MYS is always a good opportunity to catch up with industry colleagues and strategic partners from other luxury sectors. The yachts are like honey, attracting interest from various fields such as wealth management, private aviation, automotive, high end jewellery and real estate. “The show effectively becomes the global epicentre for UHNW advisors for four days. It’s therefore a hive of activity for a wide range of stakeholders from the luxury world,” says Coote.
The last 18 months have seen record numbers of yacht sales and it is fast becoming a seller’s market. Good quality, well-priced yachts are not staying on the market for long at all. According to Coote, if marketed properly, yachts really should sell relatively fast. “The inventory we are promoting at the moment is extremely high quality and will not be available for long,” he reveals. “We are bringing a good number of qualified buyers to Monaco in September and have no doubt that a number of sales will be achieved.”
That said, Coote expects footfall to be lower than previous years, not only because of the pandemic restrictions, but a general lack of good quality second hand yachts will not draw the big crowds. Northrop and Johnson, however, have several yachts for sale this year and are expecting  very strong interest, particularly in the Feadship Gitana (48m) as well as Liberty (50m) by shipyard ISA.
Inside Gitana, which will be presented by Northrop and Johnson at the MYS

For obvious reasons, the Covid era boosted interest and sales in superyachts and ignited a Carpe Diem attitude among new buyers with a thirst for escape, adventure and good times, all of which a yacht can deliver in abundance. Coote adds, “The charter world has battled with its own frustrations due to travel problems, re-scheduling and positive cases among crew and guests but many charter yachts have still been booked and busy this summer.”
On the whole, shipyards are busy and order books are filling fast, so for the majority of key industry players the last 18 months could have been a lot worse. Beyond the horizon Coote believes there are strong signs that demand for large yachts will stay high through 2022 and possibly into 2023. Nothing suggests a major slow down at the present time. “Life is short and we’re living in uncertain times. If you’re thinking of buying a boat, why wait?”
The 48-metre Feadship Gitana

A stronger interest in new builds is gratifyingly matched with an increased interest in sustainability and green technology. Power generation systems are the big focus these days. “Large yachts are designed to travel the globe, give their owners access to every corner of the world’s oceans. It makes sense therefore that all stakeholders in the industry want to ensure the marine environment both above and below the water is maintained to be as clean and healthy as possible,” says Coote. Owners are also becoming more adventurous and there’s a rise in expeditions to the Artic or Antarctic regions and extensive world cruises becoming increasingly popular too.
A keen focus on super-responsible cruising is the key to the oceans’ fragile future.
 

Close Quarters with Patrick Coote:

What’s your advice to someone looking to break into a career like yours?
Any and all experience in the yachting industry is valuable. It doesn’t matter whether you work as crew, in a shipyard or as an office intern for a broker, just get started as it is all valuable.
Your worst career moment?
I have little or no regrets.
Most difficult part of your job?
Juggling both work and family life. They just seem to blend into one these days.
Best part of your job?
Seeing smiles on the faces of yacht owners and their children having the time of their lives onboard.
What are you most proud of?
Pursuing and realising my childhood dream of doing what I do today.
Favourite meal?
I’m making a sincere effort to become vegetarian but my favourite meal is still a juicy steak!
A figure you admire?
Nobody more than my own father.
If you weren’t a yacht broker what would you be?
A property developer
Hobbies?
Polo and riding motor cycles.
Favourite Monaco restaurant?
Quai des Artistes.
What’s yours called?
MY If Only!
 
 
Photos courtesy Northrop and Johnson
 
 

Rosberg X Racing lose out in thrilling Arctic X Prix

by: Luke Entwistle
02/09/2021

Nico Rosberg’s X Racing (RXR) team’s efforts at securing a third consecutive Extreme E victory were foiled by technical issues in a thrilling spectacle. The Arctic X Prix, the third race in the novel Extreme E series and the first motorsport event to take place in Greenland, saw victory for the Andretti team, with RXR finishing last.
RXR came into round three of the inaugural Extreme E series with high expectations, thanks to victories in both of the previous rounds which took place in Senegal and Saudi Arabia. This most recent installment saw the environmentally-conscious electronic rally series head to Greenland. The racing took place against the breathtaking backdrop of the ever-retreating Russell Glacier in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Whilst enthralling, it also sought to raise awareness of the impact of climate change on the Arctic region.

Arctic X Prix final. Molly Taylor (AUS)/Johan Kristoffersson (SWE), Rosberg X Racing Catie Munnings (GBR)/Timmy Hansen (SWE), Andretti United Extreme E Mikaela Ahlin-Kottulinsky (SWE)/Kevin Hansen (SWE), JBXE Extreme-E Team. Photo credit Colin McMaster

Former F1 driver Nico Rosberg’s team got off to a promising start after coming through a difficult semi-final race in difficult, sodden conditions. Having taken the lead early on, things quickly changed for RXR, with driver Johan Kristoffersson picking up a 10-second time penalty for taking out a flag on the first lap, putting them firmly on the back-foot. Kristoffersson, a two-time FIA World RX champion, managed to keep pace with the leaders and on the approach to the pit interval took the lead thanks to some brave late braking. Molly Taylor, taking over on lap two, managed to match the pace of the impressive Andretti team, finishing only a second behind, but with the added 10 second time penalty. The result was, however, sufficient to take them through to the final.
Weather conditions improved for the final race, with the persistent rain and thick mist of the semi-final rounds giving way to slightly clearer skies. Fans can be grateful, for this greater visibility allowed us to witness the enthralling, topsy-turvy battle that ensued. Legendary French rally driver Sébastien Loeb, racing for Lewis Hamilton’s X44 team, quickly opened up a large lead. By the pit interval, he had opened up the gap to over 15 seconds on the nearest driver. It was, however, during this pit interval that disaster struck for the X44 team, with a puncture and subsequent tyre replacement costing them their lengthy lead and demoting them to the back of the field in fifth position. The second lap was closely contested by RXR and the Andretti team, with some breathtaking wheel-to-wheel racing. RXR’s chances of victory were thwarted though when Kristoffersson’s car launched into the air on a bumpy section of track. The subsequent landing was heavy, and the damage sustained relegated them to last place, where they ultimately finished.
Molly Taylor (AUS), Rosberg X Racing crashes. Photo credit Colin McMaster

The Andretti team took the chequered flag, and in doing so claimed their first victory of the Extreme E series. This moved them up to third in the championship and closes the gap to the leading teams. RXR, despite a disappointing weekend, still lead the championship with 93 points, and Hamilton’s X44 team are close behind on 84 points. Hamilton and Rosberg’s respective Extreme E teams have so far mirrored their on-track rivalry, with only a fine margin separating them.
The official RXR twitter account said that the weekend was “a bittersweet experience”, adding that they were “proud of the team for overcoming extreme challenges”. They also vowed to “come back stronger for Sardinia” – the next round, which takes place on 23rd to 24th October. Despite the inevitable disappointment, Rosberg was notably upbeat on social media. Following the result, he sought to point out that RXR are still in P1 in the championship, despite what he described as a “rollercoaster weekend”.
Rosberg was understandably in high spirits having received the European Culture Award for Environment prior to the race. He revealed the receipt of the award in a video posted on Twitter in support of his RXR team, where he wished the team good luck ahead of the race. The award highlights the importance of the RXR team both on and off the track. Whilst they continue to entertain and amaze on-track amidst these harsh, extreme environments, they also continue to inspire and inform off track, through raising awareness about the environmental issues that pose an existential threat to our planet.
 
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Nico Rosberg receives European Cultural Award
 
 
Top photo: Catie Munnings (GBR)/Timmy Hansen (SWE), Andretti United Extreme E , 1st position, race winners in front of the Russell glacier. Credit Sam Bagnall