Yachting sector in Monaco continues to develop
The Yacht Club de Monaco hosted a meeting of the new Board of Directors of the Cluster Yachting Monaco, one of the first in the world to focus on the yachting sector. A reminder that the 60 members elected the 20-strong Board of Directors (see below) for a period of one year at the General Assembly held at the opening of the Monaco Yacht Show in September. They also unanimously voted YCM General Secretary and instigator of the project, Bernard d’Alessandri, as president of the Cluster for the second consecutive year.
In the Principality alone, the yachting industry generated revenue of more than €696 million in 2014 (5% of total turnover generated by companies based in the Principality) and 1,435 jobs on shore (source IMSEE).
The Cluster is one of the actions to result from deliberations by a high level council set up by the government (Conseil Stratégique pour l’attractivité). Its primary aims are to provide a platform for dialogue and force for putting forward proposals to decision-makers; interaction and implementation of synergies between professionals; and be open to all activities related to the industry to give fresh impetus to local business.
It was an opportunity for the new Board of Directors to report on what has been accomplished in the first year in 2015, including an annual directory listing professionals operating in Monaco and the establishment of a VIP pontoon in partnership with the Yacht Club de Monaco.
A new plan of action has been developed for 2016, divided into four working groups, with an emphasis on environmental projects particularly those related to sustainable development:
– Development and promotion of Destination Monaco:
* Repeat the VIP Reception Pontoon in the harbour for the summer period
* Develop a standard welcome charter for the whole profession
– Business development:
* Update the Directory of Cluster members which will be extended to the 300+ companies operating in the Monegasque yachting sector
* Survey professionals to better identify their expectations and those of their clients
– Tax, legislation and finance:
* Simplify harbour entry / exit administrative procedures with a single Clearance
* Survey various European policies for the yachting sector
– Communication and training:
* Develop Workshops targeting young people for the public to learn more about yachting trades and professions.
Bernard d’Alessandri concluded the meeting: “I would like to sincerely thank all the members for the involvement and enthusiasm they have shown this first year. The work undertaken by the four Working Groups has already born fruit. Our Cluster is often cited as an example around the world and this is very flattering. It means we must continue to be ambitious in how we develop our industry and promote our Destination. We must set the example by staying true to our ethics and the values we set ourselves. A big task lies ahead and there are many projects. It’s up to us to highlight our assets and promote our destination as a centre of excellence, with the ambition being to confirm Monaco as the capital of yachting.”
Board of Directors – Cluster Yachting Monaco
Mr Bernard d’Alessandri, General Secretary Yacht Club – President
Mr Eric Althaus, Director, Althaus Luxury Yachting – Vice-President
Mr Edouard Mousny, Partner, Gordon S. Blair – Vice-President
Mr Laurent Certaldi, Director, Catalano Shipping – Treasurer
Mr Lionel Avias, Director, BWA Yachting,
Mr Eric Blair, General Secretary, LYBRA,
Mr Gian Battista Borea d’Olmo, General Manager, SEPM,
Mrs Daniela Boutsen, Director, Boutsen Design,
Mrs Chrystelle Cavernes, Head of Mega Yacht and Business Jet Financing, Société Générale,
Mr Michel Dotta, Chairman Monaco Economic Board,
Mr Axel Hoppenot, Marketing Director, Societé des Bains de Mer,
Ms Chrystelle Cavernes, Head of Mega Yacht and Business Jet Financing, Société Générale,
Mrs Sabrina Monteleone, President, Sabrina Monte-Carlo,
Mr Nicola Ruggeri, Director, Tethys Monaco SARL,
Mr Stéphane Postifferi, Managing Director, Carey Group,
Mr Espen Oeino, Director, Espen Oeino International,
Mr Laurent Roussillon, Director, My Sea,
Mrs Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director, Monaco Yacht Show,
Mr Mario Velonà, Director, Ocean Independence,
Mrs Janet Xanthopoulos, Legal Adviser, Monoeci Management.
