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HUBLOT LOVES SUMMER IN ZURICH

Five Swiss Friends of the Brand & Ambassadors: Mujinga Kambundji, Corinne Suter, Andreas Caminada, Dario Cologna & Alan Roura are united for the  first time to celebrate summer in Zurich.

For many years, Hublot has been celebrating summer at the most exclusive waterfront locations of the Mediterranean.  This year, Lake Zurich will set the stage for an Hublot Loves Summer party bringing cocktails imagined by the Bar am Wasser mixologists, a private performance by Dora Live Band and an electrifying set by DJ Ilona. A perfect summer setting to celebrate the Big Bang Unico Sky Blue inspired by cloudless summer days, and endless nights.

What could unite Mujinga Kambundji, Corinne Suter, Andreas Caminada, Dario Cologna and Alan Roura?

Their passion for the Hublot brand, of course, but what else? This is the first time that the fiveFriendsof the Brandand Ambassadors o are brought together. While they quickly bonded around the table football tournament, demonstrating their competitive natures, determination and team spirit, the evening continued to highlight their common ground and shared values. When given the floor, they found they had a lot more in common than they could have ever imagined.

Moreover, we could not have imagined a Hublot event without some football, albeit on a table. A nod to the FIFA Women’s World CupTM, for which Hublot is Official Timekeeper, about to kick off on the 20th of July in Australia and New Zealand. At the end of the matches between clients, the three finalists competed against thethree ambassador teams (Corinne Suter & Ricardo Guadalupe / Alan Roura & Dario Cologna / Mujinga Kambundji & Andreas Caminada) to win the Hublot Loves Summer Party 2023 Cup.

What makes them unique?

Alan Roura loves tacking on water and the open sea,

For Corinne Suter, it’s the high-performance slaloms she carves on the dizzyingly steep ski slopes,

Mujinga Kambundji is after the best line to shave off hundredths of seconds on the track,

While for Dario Cologna, it is finding balance and rhythm even after his retirement from the sport

For Andreas Caminada,   it is accuracy, concentration and timing that he masters from his high gastronomy to his golf swing.

All five of them exude a quiet strength with a tinge of Swiss humility that takes nothing away from all the determination in their eyes and the dreams we share and experience as we watch their adventures, in their efforts to win stars, miles or medals.  

All five work with time, for its speed, precision, performance and optimisation. Time permeates their training, their movements, their gestures. Their time is measured in hundredths of a second, and tonight our five champions will have shared 3,240,0000 (9 hours) of them with us.

While time sets the tempo for their lives, they also need to stop the clock ticking. Taking a rest is essential if they are to be on top form on the big day, to keep pace with the competitions, from race to race, dish to dish, from stars to globes, from medals to podiums. 

Breaks are rare, and the one they have granted themselves today, with Hublot in Zurich, is devoted to a special celebration with their second family. It’s a unique opportunity to get to know each other better, share what inspires and motivates them, and swap experiences.

All 5 work alone, even though their job, their sport or their passion cannot be done without the support of a coach. Their principles and values that govern their jobs are very similar. What is certain, is that all five are driven by passion and determination.

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The Geneva Supercar Show 2023 has finally come to the Domaine duGrand Malagny for its first edition

After months of excitement, the Geneva Supercar Show has finally come to the Domaine du Grand Malagny for its first edition with full of surprises. The four-day event welcomed cars enthusiasts on an exceptional journey to discover the most prestigious supercar manufacturers and their latest innovation.

The 6th of July 2023 marks the beginning of a wonderful adventure: The Geneva Supercar Show. The new supercar show welcomed more than 1’500 visitors for the very first time, with the aim of creating quite a statement. Franck Muller CEO, Nicholas Rudaz, alongside the Mayor of Genthod, Joël Schmulowitz, as well as the director of the event, Manoj Bairstow, and the Vieux Grenadiers, launched the festivities by cutting the ribbon at the opening ceremony.

At the entrance of the Domaine du grand Malagny, a line of supercars set the tone. Maserati, Lamborgini, McLaren P1 and Ferrari joined in, as did the Kimera EVO37 Martini 7 Edition, presented by Misha from The Torque Rally, a company specialising in motoring events. Lined up side by side, these sublime supercars set the scene, facing Geneva Lake. There’s no need for superfluity here, the cars spoke for themselves. In total, 17 exhibitors from Italy, France, Germany, UK and the USA had set up stands in Genthod to promote more than 21 hydrogen, electric and combustion-powered supercars.

Among them, the ‘Gumpert Apollo’, top 3 in lap times on the Top Gear test track and available in only two examples in France, maked its appearance. Straight from the Italian Grande Botte, Maserati presented the brand new MC20 Cielo for the first time to the Swiss market. Featuring a retractable glass roof and cutting-edge technology, this car promises an immersive driving experience, head in the clouds. At the GFG Style stand, visitors had the opportunity to meet Fabrizio Giugiaro, designer of the brand’s new concept car: Kangaroo, a two-seater off-road electric hyper-SUV with 4-wheel drive and 4-wheel steering. Aznom, on its part, was honoured to be present with its Palladium model, the world’s first hyper-SUV at 6 metres long and producing just 10 units worldwide.

On the French side, the collaboration between Alpine and students from the Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) in Torino surprised aficionados with the Alpine A4810 by IED: a hydrogen-powered concept supercar, conceived as a ‘super sedan’ thanks to an aerodynamic design and elements reminiscent of Formula 1. Last but not least, Autowelt Schweiz unveiling two automotive monsters: the Mercedes-Benz Hofele HG63 Evolution Ultimate and the Mercedes-Benz Hofele HG63 / G 63 AMG, both of which have been tuned by the German car tuner Hofele; while the American brand Czinger, who travelled all the way from Los Angeles, presented its latest model, the 21C, valued at some €2 million.

The first edition marked the beginning of an incredible adventure. We look forward to seeing you next year from 4 to 7 July 2024

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Watches and Wonders Geneva announces its dates for 2024

The Salon has revealed its dates, confirming that it will be opening to the general public with a two-part program.
The next edition of Watches and Wonders Geneva will be held from 9 to 15 April 2024 in Geneva’s Halles de Palexpo. New for next year, the general public will be able to attend the event over a long 3-day weekend, from Saturday to Monday inclusive. Press and trade visitors will have access to the Salon throughout the week.

The 2024 edition intends to build on the success of 2023, further raising Geneva’s profile as an international watchmaking destination. The program will again unfold in two parts – at Palexpo and In the City – with an evening event on Thursday 11 April in the heart of town. The aim is to get the people of Geneva and local players even more involved in this major watchmaking event.

All the brands taking part in Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024 will be announced at a later date, along with the full program.

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1000 Miglia 2023: A Historic Journey Through Italy’s Automotive Legacy

The 1000 Miglia is a legendary endurance road race that has captivated automotive enthusiasts since its inception in 1927. The event takes place in Italy and covers a distance of approximately 1,000 miles (hence the name) along a scenic route that winds through picturesque Italian towns and landscapes. It has become one of the most prestigious and iconic races in the world, attracting participants and spectators from around the globe.

The history of the 1000 Miglia is rich and storied. Originally conceived as a way to showcase Italy’s growing automotive industry, the race quickly gained popularity and became a symbol of speed, elegance, and technical prowess. The route of the race has undergone several modifications over the years, but it typically starts and ends in the city of Brescia, located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy.

During its early years, the 1000 Miglia featured some of the most renowned drivers and iconic automobiles of the time. Legendary names such as Tazio Nuvolari, Juan Manuel Fangio, and Stirling Moss have all competed in the race, solidifying its status as a premier event in motorsport history. The participating cars were a diverse mix of sports cars, grand touring cars, and prototypes, showcasing the best that the automotive industry had to offer.

However, the original iteration of the 1000 Miglia came to an end in 1957 following a tragic accident that claimed the lives of several spectators. The event was subsequently canceled, but its legacy endured. In 1977, the race was revived as a regularity rally, focusing on historic cars that had participated in the original race. The new format aimed to maintain the spirit and heritage of the original event while emphasizing safety and the preservation of classic automobiles.

Today, the 1000 Miglia attracts participants from all over the world, featuring a diverse range of vintage and classic cars. The entry list includes meticulously restored vehicles from manufacturers such as Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and many others, all competing for the coveted victory.

The route of the modern 1000 Miglia typically covers a combination of public roads and closed circuits, allowing participants to experience the thrill of driving through Italy’s breathtaking countryside while also providing a controlled environment for competitive stages. The race follows a point-to-point format, with overnight stops in various Italian towns, allowing spectators to get up close and witness the impressive machines and passionate drivers.

Participating in the 1000 Miglia is not only a test of driving skill and endurance but also a celebration of automotive history and craftsmanship. The event brings together like-minded individuals who share a passion for classic cars and the heritage they represent. It offers a unique opportunity to see iconic vehicles in action and experience the timeless allure of vintage motoring.

If you are interested in attending or participating in the 1000 Miglia in 2023, I would recommend staying updated through the official website of the event. They will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the race schedule, registration process, and any other details you may need. Additionally, following relevant automotive news sources and forums can also provide insights and updates on the upcoming event.

The 1000 Miglia is a truly remarkable event that pays homage to the rich history of automotive racing and showcases the enduring appeal of classic cars. Whether you are a racing enthusiast, a vintage car collector, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty and heritage of automobiles, the 1000 Miglia is an experience that should not be missed.

All the details about 1000 Miglia 2023

LEG 1 – TUESDAY 13 JUNE

After departing from Viale Venezia and coasting Lake Garda, passing through Verona, Ferrara, Lugo and Imola, the convoy will end the first leg in Cervia-Milano Marittima.

LEG 2 – WEDNESDAY 14 JUNE

The second day will feature a passage through San Marino, Senigallia, Macerata with a lunch stop, Fermo and Ascoli Piceno and the final parade in Via Veneto in Rome.

LEG 3 – THURSDAY 15 JUNE

The third leg will ascend from the Capital offering lunch in the spectacular Siena, it will continue to Pistoia, the Abetone Pass, Modena and Reggio Emilia and will finish in Parma.

LEG 4 – FRIDAY 16 JUNE

On the fourth day, after Stradella and Pavia, the Race will reach Piedmont with lunch in Alessandria, then Asti and Vercelli and, via Novara, it will head to downtown Milan, which will host the last night of the Race.

LEG 5 – SATURDAY 17 JUNE

On the fifth day, after saying goodbye to Bergamo, Brescia’s twin city as the Italian Capital of Culture 2023, the 1000 Miglia 2023 will end in Brescia in the late morning with a city circuit before the final passage on the Viale Venezia platform and the closing lunch.

In the evening, the see-you-in-2024 celebration with the Red Arrow’s full evening events, the 1000 Miglia The Night, that will bring the intense week to an end.

Highlights of the latest edition

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ROLEX: PROUD SPONSOR OF THE OSCARS® CEREMONY

ROLEX: PROUD SPONSOR OF THE OSCARS® CEREMONY

THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE FILM SEASON

Geneva, 12 March 2023 – The Oscars® ceremony is a unique celebration of the excellence, inspiration and technical genius from which masterpieces are made. Since 2017, Rolex has been the Proud Sponsor of the Oscars® ceremony, held at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood. Telecast live in more than 200 territories worldwide, this unique event does more than celebrate cinema: year after year it helps shape the landscape of cinema worldwide.

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE

The Oscars® ceremony represents infinitely more than a recognition by one’s peers. It celebrates inspiration and emotion as well as the production process, the technical expertise and all else that goes into the making of a film. To borrow a favourite expression of Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf, it is an ode to “a work done handsomely”. Cinema is at once an art, a science and an industry, and the Oscars® ceremony shines a light on every one of its facets.

Rolex is the official host of the Greenroom, the antechamber of the Oscars®. Nominees and presenters gather inside this lounge before and after stepping onto the stage at the Oscars® ceremony, some returning with a coveted statuette.

Each year, Rolex develops a unique immersive experience and a new decor for the Greenroom. In 2023, the Greenroom captures the ambience of a tropical forest. More than a celebration of nature, Rolex is paying homage to explorers and scientists who take action on the ground, day after day, to protect the planet. A way to poetically express its commitment to the preservation of our ecosystems as part of its Perpetual Planet Initiative.

For almost a century, Rolex has accompanied those who explore our world, seek to understand its environmental challenges and put forward solutions to overcome them. Launched in 2019, the Perpetual Planet Initiative reflects this approach and is built on three founding pillars: two long-standing partners, Mission Blue and the National Geographic Society, and the Rolex Awards for Enterprise. Since then, the Initiative has continued to grow and today includes more than 20 partners.

ROLEX AND HOLLYWOOD

In 2017 two major events would cement the longstanding association between Rolex and the film industry. Firstly, director Martin Scorsese joined James Cameron as a Rolex Testimonee. And the same year, the brand sealed its partnership with the film industry’s highest authority, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Rolex became the Exclusive Watch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Proud Sponsor of the Oscars® and Exclusive Sponsor of the Governors Awards. Rolex is also a Founding Supporter of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures which opened in Los Angeles in September 2021.

Rolex accordingly promotes excellence, the perpetuation of knowledge, the conservation of the art and rise of new talent. The Academy’s mission is to uphold excellence in film and preserve its legacy for future generations, to spark the imagination and to celebrate cinema’s universal values. Hence, it is the convergence of values between Rolex and the Academy that is underscored through this long-term partnership.

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Maserati, Queen of Elegance on the frozen lake of St. Moritz

Maserati, Queen of Elegance on the frozen lake of St. Moritz

The Trident’s classics have attracted the attention of and won over the cosmopolitan public
in attendance in the Swiss region of the Engadin,
for the second I.C.E. (International Concours of Elegance) – St. Moritz

Modena, 27 February 2023 – A second appearance to replicate the success of and exceed the previous incarnation of an event now confirmed as one of the most exclusive in the world of vintage cars. The weekend was the stuff of dreams for aficionados of the highest of society dos. That was the I.C.E. St. Moritz, which brought together the international jet set, the rarest and most appealing classic cars, the most esteemed collectors, as well as so many big fans of elegance and the most iconic and impeccable style, in this prestigious Swiss venue on February 24 and 25.

When it comes to exclusive elegance, Maserati very much had to be there. The Italian luxury brand, partner of the ICE (International Concours of Elegance) – St. Moritz, took part by displaying some of its most desirable creations from the past and future. Of the unique specimens and new electric models on show, the Trident’s cars undisputedly took a starring role, to the great admiration and appreciation of the public and the jury.

The Maserati 420M/58 Eldorado – created for the second 500 Miglia in Monza, held in 1958 – was unrivalled and took victory in the Open Wheels category of single-seaters built between the ’50s and the ’70s. Cars rarely seen in public that recall the belle époque of racing, when every race was a parade that could take people’s breath away. Other specimens held in great esteem included the elegant 3500 GT Touring and the Mistral, pioneer of the Trident cars that have been embraced by the wind.

One of the members of the jury was Klaus Busse, Head of Design at Maserati and creative author of the Trident’s modern creations. The Grecale SUV made an appearance at St. Moritz in its futuristic one-off “Mission from Mars” edition, as did the unmistakable MC20 Cielo spyder, in its Fuoriserie version, alongside the latest arrival, the new GranTurismo, in the exciting Trofeo version and in its 100% electric variant, GranTurismo Folgore, the first full-electric in Maserati history.

In an itinerary on the frozen lake created ad hoc to the delight of the collectors who enthusiastically rushed there to show off their gems of motoring, the glamorous and sparkling atmosphere – full of history and modernity – once again made every single moment of the I.C.E. St. Moritz magical and extraordinary.

Maserati S.p.A.
Maserati produces a complete range of unique cars, immediately recognisable for their extraordinary personality. Thanks to their style, technology and innately exclusive character, they delight the most discerning, demanding tastes and have always been a benchmark for the global automotive industry. A tradition of successful cars, each of them redefining what makes an Italian sports car in terms of design, performance, comfort, elegance and safety, currently available in more than seventy markets internationally. The ambassadors of this heritage are the Quattroporte flagship, the Ghibli sports sedan and the Levante – the first SUV made by Maserati, all models characterised by the use of the highest quality materials and excellent technical solutions. The Ghibli and Levante are now also available in hybrid versions and are the first electrified cars from the Trident brand. A complete range, equipped with 4-cylinder hybrid V6 and V8 petrol engines, with rear-wheel and four-wheel drive. The Trofeo Collection, comprising Ghibli, Quattroporte and Levante, equipped with the powerful 580-hp V8 engine, embodies the performance DNA of the Trident brand. The top of the range is the MC20 super sports car, powered by the ground-breaking Nettuno V6 engine, incorporating F1-derived technologies available in the power unit of a standard production car for the first time. The sporty New GranTurismo models – available with both high-performance petrol engines and a 100% battery electric powertrain – take the House of the Trident forward into the future: the first car in the electric range, the Maserati Folgore. By 2025, all Maserati models will be available in a full-electric version, and the entire Maserati range will run on electricity alone by 2030.

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International Concours of Elegance (ICE) 2023

International Concours of Elegance (ICE) 2023

El Concurso Internacional de Elegancia, o ICE, es un evento creado para celebrar algunos de los automóviles más emocionantes del mundo, todos exhibidos en el hermoso lago St. Moritz.

Qué lujosa es la Engadina

Concurso Internacional de Elegancia

El ICE tiene lugar en el lujoso complejo alpino de St. Moritz. Como parte del evento, las personas conducen, muestran y observan autos extremadamente únicos y elegantes en un lago congelado. Esta opulenta ocasión se completa con el impresionante ambiente por el que St. Moritz es bien conocido.

El programa consta de vueltas en el lago helado, la inspección de los autos por parte de un jurado y el inicio de la “votación popular”, que deciden los coleccionistas. El programa también presenta un pueblo de hielo, un desfile y una sesión de fotos final.

El ICE tiene un elemento de informalidad y espontaneidad, después de todo, se lleva a cabo en un lago congelado. Para el público, ofrece la oportunidad de ver estos increíbles autos en un entorno completamente diferente.

El video de ICE 2022

The ICE 2019 Video

¡Prepárate para conducir!

¿Quieres ver coches únicos en un entorno inolvidable? Dirígete al  sitio web oficial

El evento

 

El ICE St. Moritz es un evento automotriz cultural y de estilo de vida, que se lleva a cabo en el lugar menos convencional.

El ICE St.Moritz representa esencialmente una fórmula completamente nueva en un sector con muchos eventos similares que se celebran en todo el mundo.

Durante décadas, los eventos de autos antiguos se han basado en la conducción (ya sea de manera competitiva o turística) o en mostrar y juzgar los autos según su condición o restauración. La mayoría de los eventos tienen lugar en verano en un entorno elegante y lujoso.

El ICE se creó combinando la sólida relación de St.Moritz con los autos antiguos y clásicos, desarrollados a través de muchos eventos de verano exitosos, excelentes carreteras y condiciones de conducción, y una gran cantidad de autos que se mantienen en el área, con su experiencia inigualable en la organización. de eventos deportivos sofisticados.

Una mezcla única de exhibición estática y dinámica; con los coches circulando sobre hielo y nieve nos permite crear un tipo diferente de Concours, con una atmósfera más deportiva y “con los pies en el hielo”.

El hecho de que tenga lugar en una época del año en la que generalmente no se utilizan coches antiguos, y en un lugar que durante nueve meses al año ni siquiera existe, le da a The ICE un carácter aventurero y ayuda a crear esta atmósfera única.

PosterTheICE2022-HQ

PosterTheICE2019-HQ

PosterTheICE2020-HQ

Técnicamente hablando, los coches no corren ningún riesgo, ya que obviamente no hay sal ni tráfico en el lago, sino preparar el coche y los neumáticos, enviar el coche a St.Moritz, llegar allí y luego conducir desde terra ferma hasta el lago, especialmente para aquellos que conocen el área, requiere algo de tiempo, organización y un poco de agallas también. es una aventura

Mientras conduce por la rampa, se da cuenta de que debajo de las ruedas tiene algo así como 20 cm. de nieve, 50 cm. de hielo, y hasta cincuenta metros de agua… no puedes evitar un poco de emoción. Es temprano y todavía está casi oscuro, hace bastante frío y la nieve congelada cruje bajo tus neumáticos como la mejor grava de una casa señorial, pero con un sonido propio.

Lentamente, el Parque Cerrado se llena de deliciosos automóviles clásicos, mientras que la ausencia temporal del público permite a los participantes una visión única de estos tesoros automotrices, y de repente el típico sol de St.Moritz saluda desde las montañas.

Pero la larga espera también ha terminado para muchos entusiastas entusiastas y comienzan a llegar al lago por miles tan pronto como los motores comienzan a reproducir su música.

Juntos, propietarios y público crean un ambiente único.

QUÉ HACE AL ICE ST.MORITZ TAN ESPECIAL

El ICE St. Moritz ha demostrado que hay espacio para un evento internacional de autos clásicos más de alto nivel que brinda una experiencia completamente nueva para los participantes, el público y la industria, ya que:

  • Tiene lugar en un período completamente diferente del año (febrero)
  • Tiene su sede en un país y una ubicación diferente en relación con los eventos existentes más importantes
  • Se celebra en una zona que, durante nueve meses al año, está casi olvidada
  • Tiene un tipo de programa completamente diferente, mezclando cultura, espectáculo y conducción extrema.
  • Ofrece diversión para todos, en medio de este top pueblo alpino, que ofrece todo lo demás (deporte, arte, cultura, alta cocina…) además del programa del evento.

LA CLAVE DEL EVENTO ES REUNIR A GRAN GENTE Y QUE SE DIVIERTAN HACIENDO ALGO ÚNICO EN UN ESCENARIO ÚNICO. HAY UN AMBIENTE AMIGABLE PARA TODOS LOS INVOLUCRADOS: ¡PARA LOS ENTUSIASTAS DE LOS AUTOMÓVILES, LAS SEÑORAS GLAMOROSAS, LAS FAMILIAS E INCLUSO LOS PERROS!

#THEICESTMORITZ

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Paris Fashion Week: a look back at Women’s Fall/Winter 2023-2024 collections

Paris Fashion Week: a look back at Women’s Fall/Winter 2023-2024 collections

Under the glass roof of La Samaritaine, Patou artistic director Guillaume Henry presented a collection entitled “Shopping Chronicles”. Carrying chic Caddie® shopping bags, bucket hats on their heads and shades perched on their noses, the silhouettes meandered with ready-to-roll fantasy. Laced-up thigh-boots designed in collaboration with Maison Ernest set off a wardrobe for women on the go in monochrome colorways of red, black, lavender, pink or burgundy. Shimmering puffers segue to velvet evening dresses, cozy knits are joined by denim, and high-cut smocks are worn over pencil or deep slit skirts. Patou bags are carried over the shoulder or in the hand, ready for every moment of the day amidst plays of materials and volumes. Pleated mini-skirts and crop tops reveal some skin, and hair bows underscore the feminine allure of the Patou muses.

© Patou

FENDI

For this season’s showcase in Milan, Artistic Director of FENDI Couture and Womenswear Kim Jones explores classicism and elegance through the lens of subtle subversion. Drawing inspiration from the wardrobe of jewelry designer Delfina Delettrez Fendi — the daughter of Silvia Venturini Fendi— the designer plays with binaries and gender archetypes in a deconstruction of ladylike sophistication.

Masculine tailoring is twisted into feminine forms throughout the collection, including boilersuits, aprons and uniforms. Lace is layered and flashes of fetishism appear through peeks of lingerie or thigh-high lace-up boots, while draped dresses are bias-cut. In a punk perspective, knitwear appears cleanly slashed or gently warped for a nonchalant silhouette. The wardrobe includes satin dresses romantically trailed by billowing scarves. The Italian house also introduced the new FENDI Multi bag, an homage to the multipurpose sensibility innate to Fendi.  

© FENDI
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View of the aftermath of the storm at the technical area following racing on Race Day 1 of the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix © Ricardo PintoSailGP2
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AUSTRALIAN SAILING GRAND PRIX ‘Morale is high, but there is work to be done’ Spithill speaks about aftermath in Sydney

‘Morale is high, but there is work to be done’ Spithill speaks about aftermath in Sydney

AUSTRALIAN SAILING GRAND PRIX | SYDNEY
France is proclaimed victor in Sydney and places third in the Championship when the second day of regattas was canceled due to a serious weather incident

by United States SailGP Team 19 Feb 17:39 UTC18-19 February 2023

View of the aftermath of the storm at the technical area following racing on Race Day 1 of the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix © Ricardo Pinto/SailGP

“It was all-hands on deck… but ultimately Mother Nature won,” said United States SailGP Team CEO and Driver Jimmy Spithill speaking about the major weather event that rolled through the SailGP Technical Base following Saturday’s racing at the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix | Sydney.

Due to the resulting damage to the SailGP F50 fleet, racing was canceled for Sunday. Thankfully, no serious injuries have been reported.

Earlier in the day Saturday, the U.S. SailGP Team looked on form, excelling in the gusty wind conditions. A pair of second places, and the third race fifth place, put the team in second place overall behind the France SailGP Team and in front of the Australians.

 

View of the aftermath of the storm at the technical area following racing on Race Day 1 of the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix © Ricardo PintoSailGP2

View of the aftermath of the storm at the technical area following racing on Race Day 1 of the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix © Ricardo PintoSailGP

According to SailGP rules, the three completed races are enough to constitute an event. The team’s second-place finish secured valuable points, but it wasn’t enough to close the 11-point gap that remains between them and the season leaderboard podium.

The league has indicated that after a preliminary assessment, it plans to move forward with the next two events in Season 3, the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christ Church March 18-19 and the Grand Final – the United States Sail Grand Prix | San Francisco May 6 – 7, 2023.

Additional answers regarding the weather incident can be found here.


The fleet led by Denmark SailGP Team presented by ROCKWOOL ahead of USA SailGP Team, Canada SailGP Team Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team and Switzerland SailGP Team sail past the skyline on Race Day 1 of the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix in Sydney – photo © Bob Martin for SailGP
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Barcelona Wine Week beats its own record and will bring together 800 wineries and 70 quality seals

Barcelona Wine Week beats its own record and will bring together 800 wineries and 70 quality seals

More wineries and quality seals, more business opportunities and today’s leading experts will feature in Barcelona Wine Week 2023. Spanish wine’s flagship show at the Fira de Barcelona is gearing up for its best edition with 828 exhibiting wineries, 27% more than in 2022, and the participation of 70 vineyard seals and designations of origin renowned for their excellent quality.

Barcelona Wine Week (BWW), which will be held from 6 to 8 February at the Montjuic venue of Fira de Barcelona, consolidates its position as the flagship event in the industry for domestic and international purchasers of Spanish quality wine with record figures this edition: 828 exhibiting wineries, 70 prestigious seals represented and the presence of big names such as Protos, Matarromera, Rioja Vega, Pago de los Capellanes, Juvé & Camps, Recaredo and Freixenet.

In addition, there will also be hundreds of small and medium-sized wineries grouped into more than 70 Designations of Origin (D.Os), such as Cava, Ribera del Duero, Rueda, Priorat, Bierzo, Madrid, Valencia, Jumilla, Costers del Segre, Navarra and Valdeorras.

Javier Pagés, the show’s chairman and President of the Cava D.O., emphasises that “BWW will be the first big fair event of the year for the industry and aims to give visibility to the great wealth of terroirs this country has, analyse the future challenges of the wine-making industry and offer business opportunities both in the domestic and international markets.”

In this way, BWW will be a great business and networking forum that will bring together thousands of professionals and purchase decision-makers from large distribution groups, importers of recognised prestige, wholesale centres, specialised distributors, retailers and gourmet stores.  To this end, it has invited nearly 1,800 key buyers of Spanish wine, coming, in addition to Spain, from important export markets such as the United States, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Belgium, China, Brazil and Japan. Representatives of all of Spain’s top distribution groups have also confirmed that they will be attending, as well as hotel chains, large restaurant franchise groups and individual restaurants. A total of more than 8,000 business meetings among the fair’s exhibitors and professional buyers are expected to take place.

Spain ranks third in the world’s wine producers (with 40.5 million hectolitres in 2022), is the number one exporter in terms of volume and the third in terms of value (over €2.9 billion exported in 2021).

A journey through the singularity of Spain’s soils

BWW 2023 proposes an immersive journey through the country’s many and varied terroirs and wines. With the slogan “Spain: a singular mosaic of soils”, the visitor will be able to participate in more than fifty tastings and talks given by almost 90 experts, sommeliers, producers, etc. Keynote sessions will bring together Masters of Wine (the highest distinction for wine knowledge) who produce their own wines, such as Norrel Robertson, who since 2003 has produced his wines in Calatayud; Fernando Mora, with vineyards in several locations in Aragon; and Andreas Kubach, director of Península Vinicultores, with vineyards in La Rioja Alavesa, among other locations. Multiple award-winning sommeliers who have become winemakers such as Bruno Murciano, Guillermo Cruz, Sergi Figueres and Xavi Nolla will also feature in a joint tasting.

Some fifteen renowned winery owners who cultivate their vines in unique soils will feature in sessions such as ‘The wise men of the terroir’, which will bring together three visionaries: René Barbier (Priorat) César Saldaña, (Jerez) and Felipe Blanco (Canary Islands). Álvaro Palacios and his nephew Ricardo P. Palacios will be showing off the richness of two wine growing areas that they have contributed to revolutionising: the Priorat and the Bierzo. The tasting session ‘Soils as unique as they are unbreakable’ will feature three wine growers: Esmeralda García, who works with the sandy soils of Santiuste (Segovia); Sara Pérez, in love with the terroirs of the Priorat and of the Montsant; and Cristina Yagüe, who makes wine in the Rías Baixas, Ribeira Sacra and Valdeorras.

Other interesting contributions will be those of the internationally renowned critic Tim Atkin, who will present his long-awaited Rioja 2023 Special Report and will guide a tasting of wines from the area; and that of Luís Gutiérrez, taster for Wine Advocate Robert Parker for Spain and author of the book “Los nuevos viñadores” (The new vignerons: A new generation of Spanish wine growers), who will lead a tasting of 6 great wines from 6 different soils. The programme will also include a tribute to the late Gérard Basset, considered the greatest sommelier of all time; a tasting of Cavas with the 100% quality seal with the Master of Wine Pedro Ballesteros; a talk by Santi Rivas, author of “Deja Todo o Deja el Vino” (Give up everything or give up wine), who will analyse 13 consumer trends through 13 wines; and the tasting ‘Magnificent 7 of the Priorat’, led by journalist and wine expert Ramon Francàs.

A prominent space will be the wine bar Wine Tasting Journey – Soils of Spain by #alimentosdespaña, which, in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, will offer a self-guided tasting with 58 wines in which the soil is an element of special importance. There will be wines from Bierzo, the Orotava Valley (Tenerife), from Jumilla, Mallorca, Jerez, León and Calatayud, among other territories.

Challenges, trends and more gastronomy
Likewise, the BWW Hub will host conferences and round tables on sustainability, innovation and digitalisation in wineries. Topics such as the management of vineyard soils in the face of climate change, the benefits of eco-design, new ways of reusing bottles, the digital transformation of viticulture, the protection of the country’s old vines and how to better convey Spanish wine will be analysed.

BWW will also make a firm commitment to strengthen the synergies of wine with haute cuisine, a great ambassador of the Spanish food industry abroad. Thus, in collaboration with ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones, a round-table discussion will be held with international restaurants recognised with the Restaurants from Spain international gastronomic quality distinction. Participating, among others, will be Nacho Manzano, chef at Casa Marcial (**Michelin) and gastronomic director of the Ibérica Restaurants and Camino group (London) and José Pizarro, owner of 6 restaurants in London and collaborator of the BBC, where he divulges the benefits of Spanish produce.

Meanwhile, the space #BWW Gastronomy, Food & Wine Restaurant will offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy the best small dishes in combination with great wines from three of Barcelona’s most outstanding restaurants: Bar Alegría (Tomas Abellan), Cecconi’s (Alessio Biangini) and Kao (Josep Maria Kao). In addition, the BWW Likes the City! Project will convert Barcelona into the wine capital by associating it with locations in the city to offer special wine and food pairings and ideas during the show. Abac (***), Moments (**), Windsor and Gaig are among the participating restaurants.

Barcelona, 24th January 2023

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