2021

Our Auction Partner Zachys Hosts Online Fine & Rare Wines & Spirits Extravaganza this December 2021

December 2, 2021 – 4pm GMT (11am EST) 572 lots
This auction will be held “live online,” with a live feed of the auctioneer.

Zachys is also accepting online, absentee, and phone bids, like all auctions. For assistance bidding from home, contact.

Here is the link to the website to the online catalog. Bidding is now open and the studio sale goes live 4pm GMT (11am EST)!

Upcoming Zachys Wine Auctions
December 10 – Fine & Rare Wines & Spirits, New York December 11 – The Vault IV, New York
Zachys holds eAuctions monthly.
Please see website for details.

A 50+ lot selection of VERY RARE Cognacs from big names such as Courvoisier, Hennessy, Martell & Hine but also very rarely seen vintage bottles from the 1800s. This section will close the auction and starts at lot 519. If spirits is your thing, don’t miss out on this incredible collection!

A superb collection of Port and Madeira. What’s better than fortified wines to keep you warm during winter? That’s right, nothing beats it. In case you need to stock up on perfectly mature Port and Madeiras here’s your chance.Taylor’s, Fonseca, Warre’s, Graham’s, Quinta do Noval are all featured as well as a smorgasbord of other producers dating back to vintage 1963. And that’s only the Port. Madeira makes a tasty appearance too with Malmseys and Verdelhos dating back to the late 1880s. Get ready to stay warm this winter!

An eclectic mix of Italian wines. How about multiple vintages of Solaia and Tignanello, a deep vertical of Monfortino, Prunotto dating back to 1993 and several lots from producers like Rinaldi, Soldera, Sassicaia and more.Truffle season is here and these bottle makes for a perfect pairing!

An amazing Champagne collection of Henri Giraud, direct from the domaine. With several vintages of Argonne and Fut de Chenes in 750ml, magnums and, yes you guessed it, jeroboams, this is the most exciting offering of Henri Giraud ever to be offered at auction. To make thing even better, all bottles comes in their individual wooden case, built specifically for this auction.

Custom Catamaran GIZMO Built for the 34th America’s Cup in San Francisco Sold in Bidding Frenzy, Reflecting Record-Breaking Yacht Sales

Yachting enthusiasts entered a bidding war in a rare opportunity to purchase a custom catamaran built for the 34th America’s Cup in San Francisco, reflecting today’s fast-moving, record-breaking yachting market. 

M/Y GIZMO is an exquisite 45-metre boat and is just one of six limited-edition designs. Built in 2012 with comfort and adventure in mind, M/Y GIZMO is designed for entertaining, boasting a large aft deck and a light-filled interior salon featuring panoramic 360-degree views of the water and a modern configuration. Exquisitely maintained, catamaran GIZMO was originally purchased by an experienced yachtsman as a tender for his racing yacht.

Catamaran GIZMO was sold above the asking price
 – a rarity in the yacht market - in a unique closing by a Worth Avenue Yachts Seattle yacht broker Diego Gomez. 

Since the start of the pandemicyacht sales have soared as an increasing number of wealthy individuals have sought the safe and private environment that yachts offer.

According to BOAT Pro data, the second half of 2020 was the best on record for brokerage sales since 2009, with the final three months of 2020 seeing more boats sold than any other quarter on record.

Gomez noted that at the start of the pandemic, Seattle yacht sales were driven predominantly by either small day boats or larger powerboats that could accommodate family groups while still allowing them to maintain social distance. However, he notes that catamaran GIZMO found its niche market as life started to return to a new normal and people began to gather once again.

As the pandemic wore on, and things began to open, vaccines arrived, and people started travelling and getting together more, the desire to be together, entertain, and socialize became the preference, and that is where catamaran GIZMO shines,” Gomez explained.

Such was the demand for catamaran GIZMO that Gomez had to handle multiple offers at once, with four offers escalating throughout the negotiation phase, with a further offer coming in at the contract stage. With a combination of both in-house offers and co-op buyers, it was vital that Gomez handled all the offers to the highest ethical standards.

The hardest moment, however, was when the final two buyers both expressed that they had to have the boat,” Gomez stated. “I’ve never had two buyers who were perfect for a boat at the same time, and truthfully only one boat like it to sell them. To finally find the right buyer for such a unique boat that is not designed for the mass market was very rewarding.” 

A SELLER’S MARKET

Such is the demand for luxury yachts that the yachting market is currently in favour of the seller. 

According to luxury yacht brokerages, yachts are going into the contract stage within days of being listed, with some being sold before they are even formally listed. An increasing number of yachts, such as catamaran GIZMO, are now being sold for above the asking price as multiple buyers enter a bidding frenzy.

Gomez noted that in today’s fast-moving luxury yacht market, buyers should consider time, price, and risk when making their final offer to ensure it is the most competitive. Offering higher deposits and considering escalationcauses can all work in the buyer’s favour.

As 2021 continues to break yacht brokerage sales, buyers will need to put in place robust offers to remain competitive and help them secure their ideal yacht. 

ABOUT WORTH AVENUE YACHTS

Worth Avenue Yacht was founded in 2011 by industry leaders Michael Mahan and Brian Tansey. With 30 years of experience in the yachting industry, Michael saw the need for a fresh and innovative approach to luxury yacht sales and charter—in fact, he believed an entirely new yacht brokerage business model was called for. Today, Worth Avenue Yacht’s cohesive, team-based attitude is what sets it head and shoulders above the rest, selling yachts on average nearly three times faster than the competition and with offices across the US and Monaco.

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Eurolink Systems Launch the Beluga Drone During the 2021 Monaco Yacht Show - a New, State of the Art Mini-Drone

Join Club Vivanova with Platinum Partner Eurolink Systems for a gourmet lunch presentation to launch the Beluga Drone - a new, state of the art mini-drone, capable of performing a wide variety of tasks and applications for the luxury yachting market.

THE BELUGA DRONE MONACO LAUNCH
With EUROLINK SYSTEMS
Saturday 25th September 2021
Fairmont Monte Carlo . 12.30pm


Eurolink Systems
Italian based Eurolink Systems (ELS) pioneered the design of electrically propelled mini-unmanned vehicles designed to meet international military requirements. During the 2021 Monaco Yacht Show, ELS will reveal their new state-of-the-art multi-rotor drone, pioneering the market of drones for hi-tech yachts. Read more

RSVP Online
ELS is hosting a gourmet lunch at the Fairmont Monte Carlo on Saturday 25th September and is interested in meeting those involved in yachting for discussions on development of the brand in Monaco, on the Italian and French Riveiras, and across Central Europe.

You don't have to be a club member to join. Everyone is welcome to book and attend our events, which are always well-attended; early reservations are recommended. If necessary, this event will be managed under COVID restrictions, to be announced.

Club Vivanova Partnership
Our partner platform offers excellent local and international promotional opportunities with event partnerships for brand-growth and business networking – plus complimentary features and highlights in our online magazine. Read more

Edmond de Rothschild Investment Convictions July 2021 - Reflection On The Year So Far – From Gloom To Boom!

“As we are entering the second half of the year, it is time to pause and reflect on the year so far. Since January, we witnessed a slow but accelerating roll-out of vaccines. As more people were vaccinated and economies re-opened we saw an acceleration of global economic growth. This in turn provided a boost to company earnings and lifted equity markets and other risky assets.”

The second half of the year is likely to be more challenging. Indeed, positive news about the reopening of the economies are now largely priced in and analysts have already revised up company earnings. Moreover central banks will start thinking about reducing their supportive policies now that the economies are re- covering from the pandemic. Read more at the link..

INVESTMENT CONVICTIONS July 2021 (pdf download)

Palumbo Superyacht World Premieres at the 2021 Cannes Yachting Festival and the 2021 Monaco Yacht Show

Palumbo Superyachts, international leader in boat building, announces its participation in the Cannes Yachting Festival and the Monaco Yachts Show with the world premiere presentation of the new models branded ISA, EXTRA and Columbus Yachts.

The Cannes Yachting Festival, running from 7th to 12th September, will see the exclusive presentation of the highly anticipated new EXTRA X86, EXTRA X96 Triplex models and the super-fast ISA Super Sportivo 100 GTO. Guests will be welcomed in our new location at the Jetée sud, stand no. 015.

Instead, the Columbus and ISA models will be on display at the Monaco Yacht Show, 22/25 September. Columbus will present the new Sport 50 M/Y K2, while ISA Yachts will exhibit the elegant 65-metre Classic and the sleek 45-metre Gran Turismo. Stand QUAI DES ÉTATS-UNIS 22.

EXTRA X86 M/Y Haze
EXTRA X86 certainly doesn’t go unnoticed thanks to its glossy Daytona grey robe becoming opaque on the superstructure to enhance its harmonious shapes. The latter combined with a contemporary style design lends the boat a modern and unique personality.

EXTRA X96 Triplex
EXTRA Yachts, a brand of ISA Yachts, presents the new X96 TRIPLEX where the onboard volumes and comfort reach their maximum expression both in terms of space and contemporary elegance.

ISA Super Sportivo 100 GTO M/Y Aldabra
ISA Super Sportivo 100ft GTO is the new silver colour arrow with a sporty design that features an infusion hull (fiberglass and carbon) combined with a lightweight carbon superstructure.

Columbus Sport 50 metre M/Y K2
Columbus Yachts, a brand of Palumbo Superyachts, presents the new 50-meter Sport M/Y K2. Columbus Sport 50 has naval engineering developed by both Palumbo Superyachts in collaboration with the Hydro Tec studio, while the exterior and interior design is penned by Luca Dini Design & Architecture.

ISA Granturismo 45 metre
For the exterior style, Enrico Gobbi revisited some recognisable characteristics of ISA superyachts, such as the pronounced arches connecting the hull to the superstructure and the strikingly elaborate air intakes reminiscent of a sports car.

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Another Incredible Success - Monaco Hosts an Exceptional 2021 F1 Grand Prix as the Flying Dutchman Max Verstappen Takes Victory

The 2021 Monaco GP was an enthralling event, with this year’s edition living up to its hype and prestige. Charles Leclerc was supposed to start the race as he was the fastest driver in qualifying ahead of Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas in 2nd and 3rd respectively. However, due to a crash at the end of Saturday, which damaged his left driveshaft, he could not start the race. Another prominent driver who had a rather bad race was Mercedes’ Valterri Bottas, could not finish because of a wheel issue during a pit stop. 

At the end, Verstappen emerged victorious in pole position, making him the leader of the driver’s standings for the first time in his career. Carlos Sainz drove home in second place, winning his first podium for Ferrari. Lando Norris of Mclaren finished 3rd in the beautiful special edition car used just for Monaco. Segio Perez and Sebastien Vettel were forth and fifth respectively, after a great race from both drivers. Vettel won his first points for his new team Aston Martin, while also winning the best driver of the day award.

About the Monaco Grand Prix

Monaco Grand Prix is one of the biggest races of the calendar year. It has a unique combination of history, prestige and excitement that only a few events have. In fact, Monaco GP, Indianapolis 500 and Le Mans 24 hours make up the Triple Crown of the most prestigious races in the world.  To go with that, it is also the only F1 race in the world to take place inside a city, using the normal roads instead of a specific track. Today we are going to have a look at what makes the Monaco GP so special.

The race itself predates the current F1 world championship; it was first organized in 1929 by the Automobile Club de Monaco under auspices of Prince Louis II. On April 14, William Grover-Williams won the first ever race while driving a Bugatti Type 35B.

The race quickly gained importance in the few years after it’s inception. However, from 1938 to 1947 it was not held due to demand for high appearance fees and later the second world war. Another notable cancellation was in 1949 due to the unfortunate death of the Prince.

Ever since 1950, the race has been officially included in the Formula One World Driver’s Championship, with F1 legend Fangio winning the first edition. During the 1960’s, British driver Graham Hill came to be known as “the king of Monaco” for winning 5 GP races held in the country. He was the most successful driver before the implementation of new Armco safety barriers on the track in the 1970’s. These barriers were put as a result of accidents like Alberto Ascari and Paul Hawkins, where the cars ended up in the harbor waters. 

After Hill, there were very few other drivers who were very successful at the Monaco GP – the Brazilian Ayrton Senna has won the race a record 6 times. Michael Schumacher, along with Hill, have won it 5 times; while Alain Prost closely follows with 4 times. Current world champion Lewi Hamilton has won the race 3 times, along with Stirling Moss, Jackie Stewart and Nico Rosberg. The most successful team at the race has been McLaren, with 15 wins. Ferrari and Mercedes are a bit behind with 10 and 8 wins respectively. 

The Grand Prix circuit de Monaco, along with Monza in Italy is the only track to have had the same circuit ever since it’s inception. The track itself has a total length of about 3.3 kms, making it one of the shortest in the entire season. However, the elevation changes, tight corners and a narrow course makes it one of the most demanding ones in the history of the competition. 

Without a doubt, the coming race would be one of the marquee motorsport events of 2021.
Article by Aakash Damiani - International University of Monaco

Experience a Virtual ZOOM Wine Tasting this February Showcasing Exceptional Cool Climate Wines from Australia

We are all spending a little more time at home this February and most people are in need of some new and safe ways to relax and connect with people during this strange time. Zoom wine tasting is the perfect way to try new wines, learn about them and connect with people online.

This February, Millbrook Estate, the Bellvale Winery and Sally’s Paddock have joined forces with Bradley Mitton from Mitton International Wines to deliver a selection of three excellent cool-climate Australia boutique wines to your door - the wines will be accompanied with an invitation to join an online virtual ZOOM tasting with Bradley at 7.30pm CET on Friday 26th February 2021.

VIRTUAL COOL CLIMATE AUSTRALIA WINE EXPERIENCE with Brad Mitton
Friday 26th February 2021 . 7.30pm CET

Book Online . We Ship Your Wines . You ZOOM

€65 per household
(includes three delivered premium wines)

Club Vivanova hosts a Virtual Cool Climate Australia Wine Experience on Friday 26th February 2021 at 7.30pm CET, offering guests the opportunity to taste three cool climate and boutique wines from Western Australia and Victoria during a guided and educational degustation with Mitton Wines owner Bradley Mitton.

We are all spending a little more time at home during the lockdowns and most people are in need of some new and safe ways to relax and connect with people during this strange time. Zoom wine tasting is the perfect way to try new wines, learn about them and connect with people online.

Guests may join in from anywhere in the EU or the UK, just by logging into the ZOOM application - we will deliver your wines to your door in time for the tasting.

Cool Climate Australian Wines
Barking Owl 2017 Chardonnay
Bellvale 2017 The Quercus Pinot Noir
Hundred Tree Hill 2018 Shiraz

The tasting will serve as a fun and comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of wine production and appreciation including reading a wine label, wine basics, evaluating wine, New Zealand wine history, viticultural and winemaking practices and food-wine pairing.

Book online and we will dispatch the wines anywhere in the EU or UK with free delivery, tasting notes and wine-pairing recipes. A link will be emailed for the ZOOM tasting.

The Automobile Club de Monaco Commits to Hosting Three Monaco Grand Prix Races in 2021

Following numerous requests coming from competitors, partners and spectators of Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, the Organizing Committee at Automobile Club de Monaco – after achieving a feasibility study internally and receiving the final approval from the Monaco Government – has the huge pleasure to announce that the 12th edition of Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, initially planned for May 8-10, 2020, will be organized from April 23 to 25, 2021.

The year 2021 will be exceptional since past, present and future will be declined in three prestigious events in the streets of the Principality: the 12th Grand Prix de Monaco Historiquewill be followed by the 4th Monaco E-Prix (Saturday May 8, 2021)and the 78th Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix (May 20-23, 2021)*.

This is a huge logistical challenge for the team and staff at Automobile Club de Monaco, for all major players and authorities of the Principality of Monaco, as well as for the 3,000 volunteers – among them 650 stewards and track marshals – whose role will be crucial for the success of the three events.

« To organize three races in the space of one month will be a premiere for us all at ACM », explains Christian Tornatore, the General Commissioner of Automobile Club de Monaco. « The logistical side promises to be complex, but not impossible to manage! Because of the new constraints, we shall need to start setting up the track earlier than usual, at the end of February, instead of March 15. We will then integrate the technical aspects, on and around the track, required by every category that will be involved. In order to achieve this, we will count on the experience and flexibility of all the persons involved, in order to achieve our objectives …»

Last but not least, please note that the next edition of Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, the 13th of the series, will take place from May 13 to 15, 2022…

(*Provisional dates, subject to calendar approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council)

Faced with rumors... (Published on 18 January 2021)
Despite the latest rumors circulating on certain websites and social media, the Automobile Club de Monaco can confirm that the 78th Formula One Monaco Grand Prix will take place from May 20th to 23rd, 2021. The ACM also confirms the 12th Grand Prix de Monaco Historique (April 23rd-25th 2021) and the 4th Monaco E-Prix (May 8th 2021)…

Automobile de Monaco Website

Strategic & Effective Financial Planning for the New Year with Corporate Partner Blevins Franks

Strategic Financial Planning for the New Year
By Rob Kay - Senior Partner Blevins Franks

Of course, you can review your financial planning any time to ensure it is on the right path, but the New Year is the perfect prompt to do so if you have not taken a fresh look at it for a while.  And perhaps it is even more important this year as we navigate a post-Brexit world.

One key reason to review your wealth management is to ensure it is up to date. Establish whether any tax rules or financial regulations have changed, and consider if developments in your personal and family circumstances mean you should adjust previous arrangements.

But an effective review of your financial planning, to ensure it is suitable for your life in France and your wishes for the future, needs to go beyond that.  

The benefits of strategic planning
Many people only consider segments of their finances at a time. They may have bought shares in companies they like and/or invested in funds recommended by a financial adviser years ago.  They may speak to a tax accountant to learn about French taxation and perhaps ask about tax planning opportunities.  Then they speak to a lawyer about setting up a French will.  At some point they will look at their pension funds and try and work out how best to access their retirement savings. 

For truly effective financial planning, however, you need to consider all these various aspects together.  For example, how you hold your investments can make a difference to your French tax liabilities.  Estate planning in France is no simple matter, with its complex succession tax regime and forced heirship rules, and how you own assets can impact on what you can achieve.  And when deciding what to do with your pensions, look at all your retirement savings and what income they can generate for you.

Here is a summary of three key areas you should consider in your financial planning review. 

French residency and taxation 
The fact that you are resident in France, rather than the UK, has a significant impact on your financial planning. First of all, make sure you know where you are resident for tax purposes, especially if you are new to France or spend time in both countries.  The French and UK tax residence rules can be more complex than first meets the eye. The double tax treaty determines where you pay tax if you are resident in one country and earn income in the other. 

Regardless of how effective your tax planning in the UK was, you pretty much need to start afresh in France. What was tax efficient across the Channel is unlikely to be tax efficient here. Have you explored all the compliant arrangements that provide tax benefits in France?  Assurance-vie, for example, can provide a range of advantages that go beyond lowering your tax bill.

Estate planning
Do not leave estate planning to the final stage of financial planning.  The way you own property and investments in France makes a difference to how you can distribute your assets on death and how much tax your beneficiaries pay. So take this into consideration when buying assets and setting up investment arrangements. 

Succession law in France protects children over your spouse.  This can have unwelcome consequences for families with children from previous marriages, unless you plan ahead. UK nationals can use the EU regulation – ‘Brussels IV’ – to distribute their estate under UK law, but do research this first as it may not be the best solution for you. 

Financial structuring for life in France 
Perhaps the key rule for financial planning is that it must be specifically structured around your personal circumstances – your lifestyle today and plans for the future, family situation, income requirements, objectives, time horizon and risk tolerance. 

If you do not already have a strategic financial plan in place for France, you may need to take a completely fresh look at all your savings and investments and consider if they are suitable for you today and the current economic climate, for example:

Are they too risky? 
Do you have adequate diversification?
Can they provide income without risking the capital? 
Could you consolidate shares and funds so they are easier to manage? 

Tax liabilities
And, at the same time, consider your tax liabilities on investment income and gains and whether you could use alternative tax-efficient arrangements to hold your investments.  And how will these savings be passed to your heirs? What inheritance taxes will they have to pay? Can the funds be passed on directly or will there be a lengthy probate process?

Some assurance-vie allow you to hold your choice of investment assets while providing tax and estate planning benefits. There are various ones available so choose the one that works for you.

Securing the best results
Every family is different. Your strategic financial planning must be carefully designed for you. All the various aspects should work cohesively together to create an overall wealth management plan that provides long-term financial security for yourself and achieves your wishes for your heirs.  

For peace of mind that you have covered everything, that you have understood the intricacies of French taxation and not missed out on tax planning opportunities, and that making one financial decision will not have unexpected consequences on another, take expert, professional advice, ideally from a locally based cross-border wealth management specialist. If you still use a UK-based financial adviser, confirm that they can continue to provide services to you in France after Brexit. And as is always the case, your adviser should take the time to get to know you to then outline personalised recommendations for you. 

The tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual is advised to seek personalised advice.

You can find other financial advisory articles by visiting our website

Experience a Virtual ZOOM Wine Tasting this January Showcasing Exceptional Wines from the Other Side of the World

We are all spending a little more time at home this January and most people are in need of some new and safe ways to relax and connect with people during this strange time. Zoom wine tasting is the perfect way to try new wines, learn about them and connect with people online.

This January, Auntsfield Estate in Marlborough (New Zealand) and Bradley Mitton from Mitton International Wines have joined forces to deliver a selection of three excellent boutique wines to your door - the wines will be accompanied with the chance to join an online virtual ZOOM tasting with Bradley at 7.30pm CET on Friday 29th January 2021.

VIRTUAL NEW ZEALAND WINE EXPERIENCE with Brad Mitton
Friday 29th January 2021 . 7.30pm CET
RSVP . Book Online

€65 per household
(includes three delivered wines)

Club Vivanova hosts a Virtual New Zealand Wine Experience on Friday 29th January 2021 at 7.30pm CET, offering guests the opportunity to taste three beautifully pure and boutique Marlborough wines during a guided and educational degustation with Mitton Wines owner Bradley Mitton.