The call went out several weeks ago on social media. 

An impressive crowd cheered Prince Albert II below the Palace windows in honour of his 66th birthday. The square had started to fill up at 11 am. Tourists, employees, residents and Monegasques all held miniature flags bearing the Monegasque inscription: “Bon aniversari!” (happy birthday).

“We’re like a family and we love him,”  said an emotional local a few minutes before the Sovereign’s arrival. “We don’t necessarily come every year, but it was important for us to be here – he needs our support,”  she added.

Her words echoed a message we received from Franck Lobono, a member of the National Council, a few days ago, supporting the idea of a gathering : “It’s vital that we show him our support, especially at a time when he is the victim of a painful betrayal. The Monegasque people stand with him.”

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A few minutes before noon, the entire Princely Family appeared at the Palace windows. After waving to the crowd for a few minutes, Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene, Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella all made their way down to the square, to much applause. The Sovereign was cut a huge birthday cake to the sounds of “Happy Birthday”, played by the Carabinieri Orchestra, with the whole crowd singing along.

The population certainly answered the call. Among them were several hundred pupils from the Principality, accompanied by their teachers, as well as a number of well known and local figures. “We’re very happy to be here, very proud of our Prince. Happy birthday to him,”  smiled Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, Monegasque resident and easyJet founder. A little further on, some young friends were enjoying the moment. “The Prince runs our country,  his rules are cool, so it’s nice to be here for his birthday,” says Mathilde, a primary school pupil in Monaco.

The moment of public celebration concluded with an extended walkabout for Prince Albert II in the Monegasque sunshine.

Princess Charlene radiant at second charity gala in Courchevel

The town of Beausoleil’s famous stairs will host the annual competition, on Saturday, March 23.

The race requires both physical performance and strong concentration. Open to anyone born in 2008 or earlier, the 24th edition will give you a chance to push your limits.

The course has 427 steps over 350 metres in length, with a positive altitude difference of 70 metres over five flights. The race starts at 10 am at the foot of the Riviera stairs, on the boulevard de la République, and finishes at avenue du Professor Langevin. Participants can collect their bibs from 8 am to 9.30 am ahead of the event. There is a fee of 10 euros.

Unusual sports: the Beausoleil stairs

In parallel to the individual event, the town is also hosting the relay race again. The event was a great success last year, with local clubs taking part, such as the Beausoleil Football Club, the PTA, and Bellevue middle school’s sports association. The price per team is 20 euros.

Registration is open. To sign up, head over to the town’s website or sport-up.fr.

Practical information:

• When: Saturday 23 March – preparation: from 8.30 am – races from 10 am
• Where: Boulevard de la République, 06240 Beausoleil
• Bib collection: Foyer Restaurant, 7 avenue Maréchal Foch, 06240, Beausoleil
• Registration: sport-up.fr
• Price: 10 euros per bib for the individual race and 20 euros per team
• Telephone: +33 4 93 41 72 82

On Wednesday 13 March, the Principality club organised a special day for its fans, with a training session open to the public, followed by an Elite Group match.

Under a spring sun, despite a few clouds that sometimes cast a shadow over the training ground of the La Turbie Performance Centre, nearly 400 AS Monaco fans filled the stands to attend the morning session of Adi Hütter’s men.

It’s becoming a habit! ASM let its fans get up close to the players, who came over to greet them and sign autographs after the match.

The Elite Group in the spotlight

However this was the first time since the fans returned to the Performance Centre that a whole day was set aside for them, with not only the training session but a host of activities (giant targets, table football, etc.), plus an Elite match in the afternoon to finish off a full day. 

Unfortunately for the young Monegasques, they lost out to the Stade Rennais youth team (1-4).

Created by Jean Imbert, the brunch will be served every Sunday at the restaurant Le Sud in the Hôtel Martinez in Cannes, until May 12, 2024.

You can’t miss it if you’re out for a stroll on the Croisette. A genuine icon of the Riviera’s luxury hotels, the Martinez is the favourite hangout of the biggest stars when they come to Cannes. Its 1930s style certainly catches the eye, but its cuisine is also a major attraction.

For the 2024 season, the 5-star hotel invites guests to come and enjoy its Brunch du Dimanche (Sunday Brunch) from 12 pm to 3 pm at the restaurant Le Sud. Everyone can select their favourite items and create their own menu from its top-quality buffet.

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Meticulously prepared by Jean Imbert, the legendary French chef, you may well be in for a tasty treat. With live jazz on the piano, you can enjoy your brunch in a relaxed atmosphere with friends or family.

Cold meats, shucked oysters, crudités, sushi, pastries, cheese platters: it’s enough to make your mouth water. For those with a bigger appetite, a hot dish from the menu is served next to the buffet.

Every Sunday, four of the chef’s different specials are on offer, featuring eggs, fish, meat, pasta or risotto. There is also something for dessert: a slice of giant cookie, crepes, or fresh seasonal fruit. And, for the real gourmets, a menu with champagne is also available!

Practical details:

• Réservations by email or on +33 4 93 90 12 34
• Price: €105 including a glass of Champagne, soft drinks and hot drinks or €135 including unlimited Champagne, soft drinks and hot drinks, or €52 for children from 6 to 12 years, (non-alcholic!) drinks included
• Every Sunday until 12 May 2024

The MPL helps attract influential figures to the Principality and retain those who already live here.

After a brief presentation in February on the development of the Monaco Private Label (MPL), the new director, Chloé Boscagli-Leclercq, agreed to provide more detail on her ambitions for the community, whose purpose is to attract, integrate and retain future and current Principality residents. Its network has an international reach, with 2,000 entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders from over 60 countries. It is an integral part of the Attractiveness Unit, headed up by Frederic Genta, Interministerial Delegate for Attractiveness and the Digital Transition, with Chloé Boscagli-Leclercq as its Director.

• Your career has been very varied to date, can you tell us about it?

Absolutely. I left the Principality after passing a scientific baccalaureate at the Lycée Albert 1er, then went on to take a preparatory course at the Lycée Henry IV before attending HEC. At the same time, I enrolled at the Sorbonne to specialise in taxation and business law. I’ve always been very interested in a wide range of subjects, and I began my professional career with a Parisian tax firm. After several years, I returned to the Principality, and was with the SBM for 9 years, where I was in charge of cross-functional projects. Elected as a local councillor in 2015, I was and still am responsible for fabulous and exciting portfolios: early childhood, youth, but also parity and gender equality. I’ve always had a wide range of activities. Even as a child I took ballet, piano, violin and music theory all at the same time. So yes, as a mother hen to my two children, I have a particularly busy life, but I love it!

• What is your role at the MPL?

The MPL was created 15 years ago. It is a tool that serves to identify well-known entrepreneurs and investors abroad, who are friends of the Principality. The first step is to meet them in their home country. Through the consular and diplomatic network, the aim is to identify exceptional figures, who have impeccable moral character and are consistent with Monaco’s values. Generally, these individuals with very considerable assets are drawn towards charitable causes. We meet with them so that they have a dedicated contact in the Principality. We then invite these elite personalities to come to Monaco, to prove to them that the Principality is a unique, business-friendly place, with a soul. The members of the MPL help to promote the Principality and pass on that message.

• What trips have you made since taking up your post?

Frederic Genta wanted us to focus in particular on developing the European community, and specifically the most prevalent nationalities in the Principality: the British, the Swiss and the Belgians. We went to London, Brussels, Stockholm and Davos. This year we’d like to go back to London, then Athens and Oslo.

• Can we call it a luxury concierge service?

I’ve already hear that term used, but I don’t think it’s quite right. The aim is to give these figures the best possible welcome by supporting them through the initial formalities in the Principality. Whilst retaining our governmental role, and without trying to replace the experts, we try to satisfy their requests and provide our members with a special connection with the Principality.

• What are your ambitions with the MPL?

Our ambition is for Monaco Private Label to be the Attractiveness spearhead. We would like to enrol more members aged between 30 and 50, and we know that the Principality has what it takes to meet their aspirations. To help with this, we now work with residents who share the quality of life they enjoy in the Principality with their friends. Our aim with the MPL is to create human connections that are based on trust. Of course, the system set up by my predecessor has proved itself, with certain residents settling here as a result. We are trying to provide a dual boost: we are keeping up our activities abroad through the Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), the Association Monégasque des Activités Financières (AMAF), the Monaco Economic Board (MEB), and we have the support of the diplomatic and consular corps. We are also working with an array of public and private partners to bolster the local network and strengthen the bonds between resident members and the Principality.

• The idea is also to attract more of the existing residents?

Exactly. Many things have been put in place to integrate residents from outside Monaco into our country, and we want to maintain this, while increasing the number of MPL members who are already Monegasque residents so that we can work towards full integration in Principality life. At present, 10% of our members are residents and we hope to increase this to 20% in the near future. This will create a virtuous circle, since they in turn will be able to help us. To that end, we will be increasing the number of our annual events from eight to around twenty. This will also help to develop members’ sense of belonging.

• What arguments do yo use to attract these figures?

The Principality has a number of unique assets, not least of which is its stability. That’s what people look for if they want to develop their business or make plans for their family. On that front, we have solid arguments in terms of security and institutional, economic and budgetary stability. But while we are stable, we are not static – far from it.

• How do people join the MPL?

Potential members are recommended and carefully selected. We then meet with them and, once these two stages have been completed, they may be enrolled. Without naming names to respect our members’ privacy, we tend to focus on economic leaders and brilliant entrepreneurs.

The 3rd edition of the Monaco International Investment Forum (MIIF) is due to take place on March 15 at the Yacht Club de Monaco.

As the saying goes, together we’re stronger, and the Monaco International Investment Forum was created with that in mind, bringing together entrepreneurs from all over the world to create useful connections at a networking event.

Monaco was not chosen at random, as it is one of the most sought-after destinations for its concentration of wealth, its exclusivity and the key figures who make the event and the networking unique.

Major companies such as Auxasphere, Giano Capital and Woodville Litgation Funding will be represented, along with hand-picked private individuals from Germany, Luxembourg, the Middle East, Romania, Monaco and Switzerland.

On the programme: eight conferences featuring investment professionals will be held throughout the day, on fascinating subjects such as artificial intelligence and microfinance.

Please note that the forum is an invitation only event.

In its article entitled “Comment Monaco modernise son image pour mieux séduire” (How Monaco is updating its image to be more attractive), Le Figaro sets out the new challenges ahead of the Principality as it seeks to revamp its reputation.

Renowned for its wealth and affluent residents, the Principality has a luxury image that it cannot deny. And Le Figaro was quick to point that out. “On the Rock, we picture the Princely Family behind the thick wall, remembering the Grace Kelly of the 1970s,” writes journalist Marie Visot. A cliché that is no longer enough to bring in the crowds, let alone big investors. “We must attract, welcome, integrate and retain the economic powerhouses that the country needs,” as Frédéric Genta, who is responsible for developing the Principality’s attractiveness, told the journalist. Far from wishing to shake off its image of “a rich real estate paradise”, Monaco now faces a different challenge: breaking down stereotypes.

The French daily focused on sketching a portrait that reveals Monaco’s strengths, but also its flaws. A number of points were listed to illustrate the Principality’s determination to modernise.

Monaco: a great place to live for entrepreneurs

An even more attractive digital environment

As Le Figaro points out, Monaco is far from being on the back foot when it comes to digital technology. The first country to be 100% covered by the 5G network, Europe’s first sovereign cloud and the world’s fastest broadband. Not to mention its start-ups, such as MonacoTech, which the author describes in detail, with its glass offices and ideal workspace for “growing start-ups.”

Interviewed by the newspaper, the sovereign cloud development director Stéphane Caillet even compares the high-end business centre to a “mini La Défense” [Paris’ major business district – Ed.].

MonacoTech: a fairy godmother for Monaco’s start-ups

New businesses still slow

It’s no secret that it’s difficult to set up a business in the Principality. Between old-fashioned regulations and soaring prices in the real estate and financial sector, Monaco still has a long way to go. And yet Le Figaro has no doubts about the Principality’s “traditional strengths” in terms of business: finance (15% of GDP), tourism (25% of Monaco’s income), events and yachting. Marie Visot of course had to mention the Café de Paris, the lively beaches and the legendary Michelin-starred chefs.

To become “the biggest resort in Europe,” as SBM CEO Stéphane Valeri told the newspaper, Monaco is betting on future international exhibitions. The goal is to have other ‘hits’ like Claude Monet, whose exhibition attracted 120,000 visitors in the summer of 2023, as Le Figaro reports.

Safety: a trump card

600 police officers and 1057 surveillance cameras. With the figures listed by Le Figaro, you’d be hard-pressed not to feel safe in Monaco. There is constant surveillance at every street corner, but also inside the Principality’s establishments. The Controller General of Monaco’s Police Department, Richard Marangoni, explained that “hotel registrations are systematically sent to the police services, who check that the individual is not wanted by Interpol,” every day. In a nutshell, Monaco is looking out for everything and everyone.

Money laundering: The Principality is determined

As the author of the article mentions, Monaco has been under increased scrutiny since January 2023, as the European Council body considers that, despite “considerable work”, the Principality has to do better in terms of surveillance, investigations and enforcement. Casinos and jewellers are in the firing line given the low number of suspicious transaction reports, despite the large number of customers and the importance of these sectors in Monaco.

Monegasque Red Cross compliant with Moneyval requirements

Since then the government has been “on edge” according to Le Figaro. “Enforcing compliance with Moneyval’s recommendations” is therefore the challenge, as Prince Albert II told Le Figaro  in an interview last July. Two laws will create a new independent authority to combat money laundering and financial corruption. A third will bolster its judicial arsenal.

Invited by the Société des Bains de Mer de Monte-Carlo (SMB), the jury had the difficult task of choosing between the five competing pastry chefs. Monaco Tribune takes you behind the scenes.

Easter is just around the corner. And that means eggs!

On 11 March 2024, five teams from Monegasque patisseries competed to win the prize for the season’s best Easter egg. The winner has the honour of being Monaco’s signature egg. It will then be replicated and put on sale to the public. A major responsibility for the jury, comprising members of the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) establishments’ management. Experts on the subject, the Prince’s Palace chef Christian Garcia and chocolatier Pascal Lac were also invited to judge the creations.

New edition, new theme: «Monte-Carlo: a Blue, Pink and Red Spring». Blue for the sea, pink for the famous Rose Ball, and red for passion. The competitors had to be ‘on-theme’, and of course tickle the critics’ taste buds. “I think there could be a few surprises when it comes to the tasting,” said Chef Garcia.

Blind tasting

This year, there was a change to the rules. Before finding out who was behind the creations, the jury had to taste and grade them. Time to find out whether the different teams had met the required criteria: originality, theme and weight compliance, transport practicality, not forgetting visual and taste appeal. A brief outline of the recipe and history of each piece was also provided. And it was only after ranking the different eggs, that the pastry chefs’ identities would be revealed.

“The weight limit of 430 gr is tricky, it’s hard to express yourself freely in an egg this size. And the three colours aren’t always easy to achieve on chocolate pieces. Good luck everyonel!” said Chef Lac. The competition was on!

And the winner is… 

Cue drum roll… Pôle Sucré, for its «Le Jardin du Casino». A first for the pastry shop, located at One Monte-Carlo, and taking part in the competition for the first time! “I’m going to be 56 soon, and this is the first time I’ve entered a contest. I think we pulled it off!” smiled creator Pascal Tenailleau.

Representing the legendary Monte-Carlo Casino, with sweet touches of Menton lemon, the egg was not an easy one to make. “The hardest part was to come up with the idea, because the theme was quite complex. Knowing how to put the colours together was also a difficult task, they needed not to be too bright,” he said. “It took us a day, all in. Initially, I wanted to take inspiration from Fabergé, the Russian jeweller, and then the Spring idea won out,” added his teammate Xavier Panaget.

That said, Pascal and Xavier had decided to take the easiest route. “We work a lot on the Monegasque theme, we often represent the Casino on our creations, so it seemed natural to go with what we know best,” Pascal said.

Tempted?

The Yes Women project, led by Fight Aids Monaco and Coalition PLUS, an international coalition of community AIDS NGOs based in France, was presented to the press at Monaco’s Port Palace Hôtel on Monday March 12.

On 13 June 2024, the Hôtel InterContinental Paris le Grand will be hosting an exceptional event, a charity gala named Yes Women. This project was Nicole Dionne’s idea. Originally from Quebec and now retired, she has lived in Monaco for 10 years, and soon became involved with Fight Aids Monaco, becoming one of the charity’s patrons. “I woke up one morning and said to my husband: most of the time it’s men who get awards. Why don’t we create an event to honour women?”

The fight against AIDS was a natural choice. Nicole’s husband, Gervais Dionne, is a scientist and co-founder of BioChem Pharma, a Quebec company set up in the 1980s to create and market 3TC, a molecule that is able to slow down persistent HIV replication. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against the disease, and is still used in many treatments today. In 2022, the HIV epidemic affected 39 million people worldwide, over 70% of whom live in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Monegasque resident then contacted Hervé Aeschbach, Director of Fight Aids Monaco. “He immediately went with the idea and then made the connection with Coalition PLUS.” The initiative was launched with the backing of Princess Stéphanie, President of Fight Aids Monaco. As a member of the Yes Women organising committee, Nicole Dionne was involved in selecting the 6 women who will be “honoured” on the evening of 13 June 2024. “Women who, through their foundations or charities, have really devoted their lives to the cause,” she says, proud to announce the first edition of an event that she hopes will become a permanent fixture.

We are showcasing dedicated women who, through their tenacity and determination, have succeeded in making a difference in the fight against AIDS

Hervé Aeschbach

In the presence of Princess Stéphanie, these six women from all around the world will be honoured in the luxury hotel’s Salle Royale: Professor Barre-Sinoussi (France), Professor Hakima Himmich (Morocco), Jeanne Gapiya-Niyozima (Burundi), Christien Roos (Namibia), Anu Karunanithy (Malaysia) and Valeriia Rachinska (Ukraine).  “We are showcasing dedicated women who, through their tenacity and determination, have succeeded in making a difference in the fight against AIDS,” explained Hervé Aeschbach, adding that “the aim of the event is to raise funds for women living with HIV.” 

And to do so, the event has a dinner format, preceded by a cocktail reception, at a cost of €1,000 per cover. “We’re hoping for 250 to 300 guests,”  said the director of Fight Aids Monaco. The money raised from the dinner will be supplemented by a raffle on the night. The evening will be hosted by journalists and presenters Marc Toesca and Charlotte Lipinska.

“The aim is to finance three projects,”  Hervé Aeschbach continued. These include “La Maison de Vie”, created in 2010 by Princess Stéphanie. The structure in Carpentras offers short stays for people living with HIV to recharge their batteries and receive support. “La Maison de Vie” will share the funds raised equally with the Penduka charity, co-founded by Christien Roos in Namibia, and the Association nationale de soutien aux séropositifs et malades du sida (ANSS – natioanl AIDS and HIV positive support charity), which operates in Burundi and whose president is Jeanne Gapiya-Niyonzima. With a clear aim: to help women with AIDS, for whom financial hardship is “compounded by the disease, rejection and stigmatisation.”

To reserve a table and take part in the gala, visit the Coalition PLUS website or e-mail gala@coalitionplus.org.

Cécilia Marcacci, 2024 Female Leader of the Year

On Tuesday March 12, tournament director David Massey announced the list of players who will be taking part in the 2024 edition of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, which runs from 6 to 14 April. 

After revealing the key new features of the 2024 event last month, David Massey listed the players who will be vying to succeed Andrey Rublev this year.

Unsurprisingly, the top ten players in the ATP rankings will be present. Starting with Novak Djokovic (No.1), winner of three Grand Slam titles last season, Carlos Alcaraz (No.2), recent winner of the Netflix Slam, and Jannik Sinner (No.3), the most recent Australian Open winner.

Defending champion Andrey Rublev (No.5) will also be taking part, as will Daniil Medvedev (No.4), Alexander Zverev (No.6), Hubert Hurkacz (No.8), Casper Ruud (No.9), Alex de Minaur (No.10), Stefanos Tsitsipas (No.11) and Holger Rune (No.7), the 2023 runner-up.

Question mark over Rafael Nadal

Although there was no official confirmation of Rafael Nadal’s participation, the tournament director was optimistic that the Majorcan would be back on clay at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, a tournament he loves and which he has won eleven times.

Seven players from the qualifying list will make up the final draw, along with four wild-cards, which may include players from the Monegasque Tennis Federation such as Valentin Vacherot and Lucas Catarina, for a total of 56 participants.

It took place on Saturday 9 March at the Sporting Monte-Carlo, after almost two successful decades at the LIDO in Paris. 

175 finalists of 23 different nationalities were featured on Saturday at the spectacular show, watched by celebrity guests such as rapper JoeyStarr. This year, the patrons of Top Model International (TMI) were none other than actress, presenter and top model Adriana Karembeu, and Satya Olette. Discovered by Jean-Paul Gaultier and Kenzo, the actor and international top model is known for his unique style and his charity work.

In a sublime pink and gold sequinned dress, Adriana Karembeu had already caused a stir the day before the final, on Friday 8 March, at the gala dinner. She introduced the competition that would take place the following day, which she would be hosting alongside English actor Ricky Whittle, best known for his roles in the series “The 100” and “American Gods”. Another familiar face is Baptiste Giabiconi. The male model, discovered and catapulted to international stardom by Karl Lagerfeld, chaired the jury for the TMI 2024 world final.

A springboard for youth 

Suzy Pemmers, aged 22, won one of the four categories of the 20th edition. As the Belgian told Monaco-Matin, this competition represents a real “springboard” for her career and a perfect opportunity for the participants to make contact with agencies and magazines.

Cécilia Marcacci, 2024 Female Leader of the Year

She and the winners in the other three categories were entitled to a photo shoot at the prestigious Monte-Carlo Casino with internationally renowned photographers. The next shoot for the young woman will take place in Zanzibar, Tanzania. “Thanks to Top Model International, my life has changed,” she said to our colleagues. 

Following completion of the Elsa and Réséda towers, the crane will be dismantled between 11 and 22 March 2024.

The 127.9-metre crane is secured to the façade of the Réséda tower at three different levels. Dismantling this kind of equipment requires a special system, involving the installation of large and cumbersome infrastructures.

Operations will require all or part of the Boulevard d’Italie to be closed. Work will be carried out at night to reduce the impact on traffic. A safety perimeter will be set up, and work crews are urging pedestrians to avoid the area during operations. In addition, local residents must keep their windows closed and not use their balconies on the crane side while it is being dismantled.

In addition, this unusual operation will cause a certain amount of noise, as metal parts are dismantled and removed by semi-trailer lorries.

Expected disruptions

The dismantling will take place over three phases:

• On the nights of 12 to 14 March, from 8.00 pm to 6.00 am, Boulevard d’Italie will be closed to traffic in the direction Monaco to Roquebrune-Cap-Martin / Menton. Vehicles will be diverted via Avenue de Saint Roman and Boulevard du Ténao.

• On the nights of 14 to 15 March and from 18 to 21 March, from 8.00 pm to 6.00 am, Boulevard d’Italie will be closed to traffic in both directions. Drivers are requested to use Avenue Saint Roman and Boulevard du Ténao to continue their journey.

• On the night of 21 to 22 March, from 8.00 pm to 6.00 am, the Boulevard d’Italie will be closed to traffic in the Monaco to Menton direction, with vehicles being diverted via Avenue de Saint Roman and Boulevard du Ténao.

With winds ranging from 8 to 18 knots, the 40^th Primo Cup – UBS Trophy was as intense as it was thrilling for the 400 competitors and 10 nations that were competing.

In J/70, the most hotly contested series with some fifty boats, the Monegasques confirmed their dominance, with a victory by Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G-Spot). In the Corinthian class, Cesare Gabasio (TinnJ70) was second, behind the Swiss team Jerry. Canard à l’Orange led by Achille Onorato of the Y.C.M. was also successful in Smeralda 888.

The Monaco Yacht Club also showcased its young talent, such as Roman Lampert (11 years old), Ludovica Bonelli (14), Louis Pompée (9) and Josephine Dobbelaere (10). “Used to Optimist start lines with 90 boats, they were unstressed and uninhibited,” said coach Margaux Meslin, who sailed with them on board the J/70 Team Optimist. “I saw them win starts from the committee boat in front of big names, or surfing, under spinnaker, with grins on their faces. It was a fantastic experience.”

Bernard d’Alessandri: “The Yacht Club de Monaco is no ordinary yacht club. It’s a meeting place”

In the Longtze Premier class, the Swiss boat Shensu won by 3 points over the German crew on Wetfeet. Switzerland also took third place on the podium thanks to QI. The UBS Primo Cup-Trophy, which gives pride of place to new classes, allowed the Cape 31s (10m one-designs) to try out Monegasque waters for the first time.

Conceptualised by Lord Irvine Laidlaw, a regatta veteran, designed by Mark Mills and built in Cape Town, South Africa, the Cape 31 is optimised for upwind and offshore performance when the wind is fairly strong, as well in lighter conditions. Robin Follin (Give me Five) won the series, while Guido Miani (Squirt) and Loïc Pompée (Bellini), both of the Y.C.M., were fourth and fifth respectively.

A splendid collective performance by Yacht Club de Monaco members

This 40^th edition also unveiled Junda KII, a new series focusing on sustainability with the use of recycled materials for the sails in particular.  “Designed in Monaco for a crew of only two, Junda KII has the advantage of not having to manage too big a crew,” commented Ludovico Fassitelli, member of the Y.C.M. who led the project.

The 2019 Primo Cup J/70 winner spoke about the on-board technology, with an instrument that establishes a GPS network between the boats on the starting line, so that the jury immediately sees which ones cross the line at the right time. “This avoids the “general recall” issues that can occur when too many boats cross the line early.”

Yacht Club de Monaco: Flagship events in 2024!

Also of note during the 40^th edition was the fourth and final act of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series, a series of regattas held between November and March. The 11th edition comprised 18 legs. Monegasque Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G-Spot) did the double, winning the overall ranking without too much trouble, 33 points ahead of another Y.C.M. member, Pierrik Devic (Raph Seven Yacht). In the Corinthians, Monaco Yacht Club members Cesare Gabasio (TinnJ70) and Matteo Scandolera (Irruenza) finished first and second. Switzerland’s Lorenz Kausche (Rhubarbe) took third place.

The Y.C.M. is now looking forward to hosting the yachting world on 21 and 22 March, during the upcoming Monaco Ocean Week, when the Club will be organising a day dedicated to yachting (21 March), the 13th Environmental Symposium-A Day of Exploration in partnership with The Explorers Club from New York. The day will conclude with the YCM Explorer Awards ceremony «La Belle Classe Superyacht», in addition to the second Monaco Smart Yacht Rendezvous (21 and 22 March).

Results

J/70 

1^st: Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G-Spot) – MON – 5 points

2^nd: Thomas Studer (Jerry) – CH – 30 points

3^rd: Graeme Peterson (Moonlight II) – MON – 34 points

Smeralda 888 

1^st: Achille Onorato (Canard à l’Orange) –MON – 7 points

2^nd : Giovanni Lombardi Stronati (Django) – MON – 13 points

3^nd : Paolo Rotelli (Black Star) – MON – 17 points

Cape 31 

1^st: Robin Follin (Give me Five) – FRA – 9 points

2^nd: Michael Wilson (Shotgunn) – IOM – 9 points

3^rd : Pascal Feryn (Solano II) – FRA – 12 points

The ceremony was attended by Health Minister Christophe Robino, and Minister of State, Pierre Dartout.

Marking International Women’s Day, along with Chantal Ravera, President of the Femmes Leaders Mondiales Monaco (FLMM) non-profit, Pierre Dartout presented the piece created by the artist Belinda Bussotti Beli to Dr Cécilia Marcacci in front of invited guests at the Hôtel Hermitage.

Having trained in cardiac surgery in particular, Cécilia Marcacci now works at the Monte-Carlo Clinic. After practising in Helsinki, Barcelona and New York, she spent nearly 10 years at Monaco’s Centre Cardio Thoracique. She has been working in the field of hair surgery for the past year.

“I am really moved. I did not expect, after 10 years in Monaco, to be named Female World Leader of the Year,” she told Monaco Info on Friday.

PowHer, together to represent International Women’s Rights Day