The Monaco Monitor

Sixth edition is rescued from budget shortfall and will go ahead. The sixth edition of Monaco’s Forum Cinéma & Littérature will now go ahead from 12th to 14th April this year, as help is at hand from a member of the Prince’s cabinet. The “raison d’être” of the forum is to unite filmmakers and producers with writers and editors to debate the latest trends and do business. Last month, organisers Claire Breuvart and Hans-Stephan Kreidel announced that there was a budget short-fall and the event, which is normally held in the Grimaldi Forum, would have to be cancelled. A concerted effort is now underway to find more corporate sponsors. It’s cancellation would have been a great loss to the Principality, as the forum has over the years attracted some big names - Tim Roth, Sydney Pollack, Mary Higgins Clark to name but a few. Last year Brazilian author Paulo Coelho of “The Alchemist” fame was a special guest. Although essentially a trade event the public are welcome to attend the book readings, workshop, round tables and film showings, most of which are in French.

Two Irishmen came out top in their one-design classes as the first weekend of the 23rd Primo Cup–Trophée Credit Suisse in Monaco kicked off the Mediterranean sailing season. Michael Cotter in Whisper beat off 26 competitors in the Dragon class to take first prize, while Colin Galavan at the helm of Flash walked away with top honors in the Laser SB3 series, again out of 26. Equally remarkable was the performance of three Swiss teams in the Surprise class, which was the largest fleet, with 37 entries. 

Thanks to three victorious legs, Sky Sweeper, skippered by Olivier Legeret won a few points ahead of Philippe Durr and Alain Marchand, winner of the 2006 Primo Cup. A brisk easterly breeze ended the first weekend of this competitive regatta which brought together some of the best sailors from 13 nationalities divided into five classes: Dragon, Star, Laser SB3, J24 and Surprise. The wind whistled up and down the Beaufort scale, giving the 122 sailors a chance to flaunt their talents in all types of weather. Some were even forced to retire as the wind whipped up the sea, at times almost by a meter. The sight of so many yachts in the bay of Monaco was a sight to behold. Even without looking ahead to next weekend’s programme, for the Melges 24, Bénéteau 25, Mumm 30, First 40.7, Smeralda 888 and H22 classes, the 23rd edition is sure to go down in the Primo Cup’s history - and that’s in the opinion of the competitors themselves. Eight legs in total were held for this edition, programmed for the first time over four days to accommodate the Dragon and Laser SB3 classes. Top class entries. In every class, first, second and third prizes were taken by sailors whose reputation goes before them, and some who are regulars on world and olympic podiums, such as Ulli Libor, 2nd in the Dragon class, the Swiss Philippe Durr, 2nd in the Surprise category, or the Irishman Michael Cotter, winner of the Dragons. In the Star series, Régis Bérenguier finished second behind the Ukranian Vasil Gureyev who created the sensation of the week by completely dominating this class. In the Laser SB3, Xavier Leclair on Marçon Yachting clinched third place and in the J24s it was the Monaco yacht of Blandine Médecin, led by the Rodelato brothers, which beat off the competition. The second part of the Primo Cup–Trophée Credit Suisse begins on February 9th and a number of personalities are expected: Dimitri Deruelle, Jimmy Pahun, the Italian Nicola Celon, world champion in the Melges category, also the New Zealander Hamish Pepper, world champion in the Farr 40 2005, on board the Italian Mumm 30, Matrix. Numerous foreign teams from as far afield as USA, Spain (Bribon the Bénéteau 25), Russia and Croatia are expected.

The automony allowance was established in Monaco this January 1, 2007 and it dedicated to people over 60 years old. Indeed, people able to request the “Autonomy Allowance” file are described as follows :to have at least 60 years old, to have loose a certain degree of their own autonomy, to live alone, and to be a regular and stable resident of Monaco or Cap Fleuri. This new support must (more…)

After “New York New York”, the 2006 exposure which encountered a real success at the Grimaldi Forum, 2007 will be dedicated to the actress and princess Grace Kelly. The exposure title is “Les années Grace Kelly” (the years of Grace Kelly) and it will start on July 12, 2007. The memorable homage to Grace Kelly will be organised with (more…)

A few days ago, we discovered the latest team of the Young Economical Chamber of Monaco, directed by Mrs. Ana Wiscour-Conter. 11 persons will support the President and the next important date scheduled is on February 7, 2007 at 7.30 pm at the Monte-Carlo  Bay Hotel. The conference will be in English and will turn on the theme (more…)

Imagina, the digital image Festival, opens its doors on Wednesday 31st January in the Grimaldi Forum Monaco. David Tomatis, Executive Vice-President of Monaco Mediax, reviews the event. According to David Tomatis, Imagina is aimed exclusively at professionals such as producers, directors, creators of special effects and managers of architectural firms, as well as technical managers of local authorities. (more…)

The Junior Chamber International of Monaco recently unveiled its new team presided over by Ana Wiscour-Conter. To help carry projects for 2007 through to a successful conclusion, the President will be assisted by Iñigo Lopez de la Osa, Vice-president for “Development”, Emilie Mazza, “International” Vice-president, Florence Farhang, Vice-president for “Training”, Kevin Hin, Vice-president for the “Programme”, Béatrice Boisson, Vice-president for the “Interior”, Virginie Soutzo, President for “Local Organization Monte-Carlo”, Alexandre Tomasini, Director “National Business Network”, Laurence Pedroni, Secretary General, Sihem Jarrar, treasurer, Pascal Granero, President 2006 and Marina Mazza, head of communications.