Beyond its renowned scenery, immense cultural heritage, exceptional food and wine, Tuscany is not only one of the finest luxury destionations in the world but also a very authentic one, with a most complex offering. Tuscany has it all: wellness, relaxation SPAs, exquisit restaurants, exceptional wines, hotels - many housed within centuries old palaces or monasteries, beaches with surfing, the very best of luxury shopping (major luxury brands also also artisan, family owned business). The best months of the year to visit Tuscany are May, June up to mid July and September.

In an exclusive series, CPP-LUXURY.COM looks at 3 of Tuscany’s finest destinations:Forte dei Marmi (beach), Castel Monastero (countryside) and Florence, the capital of the region and one of world’s most beautiful cities.

Forte dei Marmi

Think Hamptons or Martha’s Vineyard in the U.S. – serene beaches, beautiful private summer homes (most of them, mansions or villas), a vast array of luxury shopping (Louis Vuitton recently opened a huge pop up store, adding to the established Prada, Valentino, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana stores) - for decades an exclusive destinations accessible only to the Italian elite and aristocracy, almost unwelcoming for ‘outsiders’ (in the past).

We reviewed PRINCPE FORTE DEI MARMI, the only true luxury hotel in Forte dei Marmi, with a most complex offering - a comtemporary new building, with the highest attention to details and all the latest facilities one would expect from a top luxury hotel - private beach with restaurant, heated outdoor poor with a beautifully manicured garden, a luxurious roof-top lounge and bar with stunning panoramic views of both the sea and the surrounding mountains and a state of the art SPA, of the highest luxury standard – with an indoor heated pool, water experience, hydrotherapy, latest positive anti-aging treatments and package etc.

SPA at PRINCIPE FORTE DEI MARMI

Castel Monastero

A former Tuscan village, with its very own piazzetta (with a working well in the middle) and a Church (holding mass every Sundays), made of several buildings, one dating back to 800 – coverted a few years ago into a luxury hotel & SPA, a destination in itself – surrounded by greenery and vineyards. Exceptional, personalized service and a separate building entirely dedicated to the SPA, make it ideal for longer stays, whether for relaxation, detox, losing weight or many seeking to balance their way of life. The SPA is very much medical oriented, an Indian doctor prescribing treatments based on Ayurvede and Western medicine.

Castel Monastero, Tuscany

Florence

It is probably the first trip which we have identified the ideal way to experience one of Italy’s most beautiful cities.

We reviewed the FOUR SEASONS FIRENZE – a unique urban ultra luxury resort, 15 minutes from downtown, with its very own lavish private park and gardens, an outdoor pool, the best Sunday Brunch in Florence and the largest luxury SPA in Florence – featuring exclusively treatments by Santa Maria Novella and cutting edge instant result anti-aging oxygen stem cell Rephase). Four Seasons’ legendary service is at its highest levels, the Florence property being among the global flagships of the chain, worldwide.

RELAIX SANTA CROCE by BAGLIONI HOTELS- for those seeking to be at the heart of the historical centre, in a heritage palazzo building – for a most intimate experience, personalized services and steps from all the major attractions.

Junior Suite with view of Santa Croce Church – Relais Santa Croce by Baglioni

VILLA SAN MICHELE by ORIENT-EXPRESS, a 20 minute car drive from Florence city centre, on a hill top in Fiesole – the most romantic setting, with almost impossible to describe panoramic views of Florence skyline – a former monastery, with lush gardens and an outdoor heated pool – probably the pool with the most spectacular view in the world!

Villa San Michele by Orient-Express, Fiesole

ST REGIS, a luxury property away from the busy downtown, yet within 10 minutes walk from the very best of luxury shopping (all major international luxury fashion, accessories and jewellery brands have impressive stores in Florece). The St Regis features the city’s largest and most impressive ballroom, ideal for the most refined and sophisticated private events, but perfectly suitable for special business events (incentives, launches of luxury products etc). Given its location and type of accommodation and services has probably the most extended and constant occupancy, during the off-season, welcoming corporate guests and events. The hotel has a tiny SPA, yet, many other features to impress: a custom Bentley available 24 hrs for hotel guests and a Butler Service for all rooms and suites.

Bottega Veneta Suite by Thomas Maier at St Regis Florence

www.cpp-luxury.com

We know they are super rich.  We also know the community of Ultra High Net Worth Families is growing - projected by Knight Frank to grow from nearly 200,000 households worldwide to 300,000 in the next decade.  We know their fortunes keep growing - in the past year by $566 billion - about the GDP of Saudi Arabia.   We know there is a wide range of estimates on how much they are worth - Wealth X says around $26 trillion and Citi Private Bank estimates $40 trillion (World GDP is about $70 trillion - so quite impressive at either number). 

Now a piece from The Huffington Post follows up on articles last year that the Super Rich have as much as $10 trillion more wealth tucked away in overseas accounts.  According to the article, referencing a new study from Tax Justice Network, an advocacy group for tax transparency, the Super Rich have an additional $21 to $32 trillion in liquid wealth in off-shore accounts.  That would mean the UHNW segment's worth would be somewhere between $47 trillion and $72 trillion.   In other words, the wealth of the 200,000 richest families in the world may be equal to the World's annual GDP.

Interestingly it's not tax avoidance that is driving money offshore according to the piece. The report notes, "It's simply the growth in the offshore money industry. This offshore wealth industry has been exploding even in a period in which we have been cutting taxes."

Doug Gollan

Elite Traveler 

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is suspending Federal Excise Tax (FET) assessments of aircraft management companies under audit, while the IRS develops guidance on FET specific issues affecting private aircraft operations.

The Tax Code imposes a 7.5% FET on the amount paid for domestic air transportation services provided by aircraft charter operators and commercial airlines. FET can also be imposed by the IRS on non-commercial flight operations. Over the last several years, the IRS has aggressively audited aircraft management companies, and has claimed that the aircraft management fees paid by an owner to its aircraft management company are subject to FET, even when the aircraft is operated by the owner under FAR Part 91.

In a 2012 Chief Counsel Advice memorandum, an aircraft owner hired a management company to oversee aircraft operations, paid the management company a monthly management fee and reimbursed pilot employment and training costs. The IRS determined that the management company provided taxable transportation to the aircraft’s owner and that FET was due on the monthly management fees and pilot reimbursements. However, this new IRS position is inconsistent with prior guidance and creates confusion.

In response, representatives of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and National Air Transportation Association (NATA) met with IRS officials to request clear guidance on FET as applied to aircraft operated privately by owners using aircraft management company services.

In consideration for the concerns of NBAA and NATA, the IRS will suspend FET assessments on current audits until the IRS develops formal guidance and audit standards for both future FET liability and past activity. IRS guidance is expected to be provided within several months.

In light of the IRS’s FET activity, private aircraft owners using aircraft management company services should review their arrangements to clearly establish that, for FET purposes, the aircraft owner has possession, command and control over its aircraft and the management company is merely acting as the owner’s agent.

Gary I. Horowitz 

http://www.wileyrein.com

THE DISARMING AND EVER SO CHARMING, LORRE WHITE

Ritz Carlton Phulay Bay Infinity Pool

Make exploring Thailand a truly luxurious experience

Thailand’s stunningly beautiful scenery, unique culture and intimate hospitality attract visitors from every area of the globe, catering to those ready to dive headfirst into unknown places, explore ancient civilisations or simply relax by the white sands and cobalt waters of the many beaches. While Thailand is a staple for backpackers everywhere, the top of the list for travelling destinations, it also caters for some of the most discerning of patrons. It may be a gap year staple, but some of the most prestigious hotel chains in the world, along with exclusive independent resorts have made the country a promising prospect for an unforgettable luxury getaway. With that in mind, we have selected a few of the best to give you some idea of what you can find…

Ritz Carlton Phulay Bay, Krabi

In typical Ritz Carlton style, Phulay Bay is one of the most luxurious resorts in Thailand. Between lush jungles, blue water and a beautifully rugged shoreline begging for a day of island-hopping, the area offers unspoiled views of the scenery that has made it a global holiday destination. The resort itself enhances the area’s natural magnificence with a deep sense of peace and tranquillity, emphasized by the sheer luxury of the contemporary Thai villas. Complete with a 24-hour butler service, the resort ensures that guests can relax with each and every need met.

From cocktail bars to traditional Thai cuisine, Phulay Bay uses only the freshest ingredients in the various restaurants available, the highlight of which is undoubtedly Lae Lay. Worth a visit in itself simply for the unforgettable setting, surrounded by azure water, Lae Lay’s daily-caught seafood is flawlessly prepared and undoubtedly a culinary highlight of any visit.

For an indulgent, blissfully relaxing time out, global luxury spa ESPA has a home at Phulay Bay. With the soft rhythm of the Andaman Sea just within earshot, the treatments on offer enhance the prevalent sense of tranquillity, soothing all the senses into deep calm with massages and bespoke aromatherapies. Along with treatments, the resort offers candlelight yoga, a uniquely serene experience.

For those that want to do more than relax, there are a host of activities, from kayaking between the local islands to trekking through the jungle on the back of an elephant. Nearby Hong Island is one of the area’s best-kept secrets, you can go swimming in the lagoon at Koh Hong, view the great sights in Phang-Nga Bay, as well as exploration of intricate cave systems, it offers plenty for even the most active of visitors.

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle

Lae Lay Seafood Grill at Ritz Carton Phulay Bay

Soneva Kiri

Soneva Kiri Treetop Dining

The Grotto at Rayavadee Resort

Rayavadee Resort

Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi

Soneva Kiri, Koh Kood

Soneva pride themselves on creating uniquely memorable experiences and, between greeting the sunrise with a luxury breakfast in the resorts tree pod dining area and a picnic beside the magnificent Klong Chao waterfall, their Koh Kood resort is just that. The array of activities on offer is impressive, both cultural and sporting. Koh Chang National Park offers two-dozen dive sites down to 30 metres though much of the more colourful coral thrives closer to the surface, around 12 metres, while Ao Salad village offers an intimate glimpse into the everyday lives of the locals.

Despite the experiences, dining takes centre-stage at Soneva Kiri, the aforementioned tree-top dining being one of the highlights. 12 metres up, the waiter arrives by trapeze to serve gourmet dishes in a style to be found nowhere else. While impressive, that is just the beginning of the culinary delights on offer. Dinner at Benz, situated in the midst of a mangrove swamp, is just as memorable, while those with a sweet tooth can sample the local honey and indulge in their chocolate factory daydreams in Soneva Kiri’s chilled chocolate room, packed with chocolate truffles, lollipops and cacao cocktails. To round it off, also on offer is a selection of sixty different ice creams to take the heat out of the day.

Not to be outdone by the food, the twenty-nine villas at Soneva Kiri are all vast and luxurious. In a style at once minimalist yet with all the amenities you could want, the villas blend in perfectly to the surrounding landscape. Each is embraced by a private pool and faces either the glorious sunrise or strikingly multi-hued sunset. With electric buggies to ferry guests to other areas, they provide the ease and simplicity for a perfect retreat from the world.

Rayavadee, Krabi

The Ritz Carlton is not the only luxury retreat at Krabi and Rayavadee is just as special. Accessible only by sea due to the surrounding limestone cliffs, guests arrive at the resort after a short, exhilarating speedboat trip from Krabi pier, creating a sense of fantastic isolation and journey into the undiscovered.

The resort itself boasts nearly 100 enchanting two-story pavilions and 4 luxurious private villas spread over 26 acres of coconut groves and tropical gardens and bordered by three beaches. The award-winning architecture blends with its natural surroundings to create a unique atmosphere reminiscent of an idyllic southern Thai village.

With a number of restaurants to choose from, there is one in particular that stands out. The Grotto is a subterranean restaurant where guests can fine among the stalactites and stalagmites of Krabi’s limestone karsts. Serving light snacks and barbeque, seating along the idyllic Phranang Beach allows a drink in the sun during the day, while at night a retreat into the grotto itself lends an air of natural grandeur to any meal.

Guests can learn a number of traditional Thai activities, including Thai cooking, flower garland weaving, fruit carving and batik painting. However for those of a more adventurous mind there is plenty to be done in the way of hiking, kayaking or diving, all in the astounding lush tropical paradise that is Krabi. Most magnificent however are the elephants, which guests can ride through a guided exploration of the local jungle and get up close and personal with one of the world’s most majestic and intelligent animals.

Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai

Between the unsurpassed service you would expect at any branch of the world-famous Mandarin Oriental and the immersive experience the resort offers in Thailand’s Lanna culture, Dhara Dhevi easily rivals its revered Bangkok namesake. Located close to one of Thailand’s most fascinating cities, the resort is not just luxurious but is an architectural gem, influenced heavily by the local culture, both contemporary and ancient, a theme reflected eminently in the accommodation.

Converted from authentic Northern Thai rice barns, exteriors maintain their unique Lanna style while interiors enjoy a spacious, modern design with accommodation spread over two floors. The décor of the ground-floor living space incorporates traditional rustic elements such as bamboo, silk and hill tribe textiles, whereas upstairs features crafted wooden beams and sliding shutters as well as a peanut-shaped spa bath in the inviting bathroom. An outdoor terrace off the king bedroom is furnished with a small table and sun-loungers. Several of the villas are clustered around a private cottage garden through which a small brook flows, the perfect place to relax in the early evening.

The culinary offerings of the resort are as varied as they are exquisite, with everything from evening meals to Sunday brunch, bistro dining to casual poolside snacks on offer. Farang Ses, one of the most acclaimed French restaurants in Thailand offers traditional continental cuisine in a grand Lanna buildings which features elegantly sculpted chandeliers and enormous teak pillars clad in sheets of beaten copper relief. Named after the prosperous Chinese province famed for black tea, Fujian specialises in authentic Cantonese and contemporary Chinese cuisine and is particularly famed for its dim sum lunches. Finally, for more local fare, Le Grand Lanna lives up to its name with both northern Lanna and classic Thai dishes, complemented each evening by traditional music and dance.

Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi

Four Seasons Golden Triangle, Chiang Mai

While a tented camp may seem to be more along the lines of the backpackers that swarm through Thailand each year, Four Seasons resorts are not known for their lack of luxury. While the accommodation on offer is indeed tents, this is not camping and though the quiet solitude and open air allow guests to get back to nature, they can do so in the utmost comfort and style. With stunning views and handcrafted furniture, they are as far away from everyday camping as guests feel from the world.

Elephants may be a major attraction throughout Thailand, with many resorts allowing visitors to see or even ride them, yet atFour Season Golden Triangle the gentle giants take centre stage. As well as riding them, guests can take on Mahout training, learning how to act around the elephants to put them at ease and give commands to drive them, a skill that can be practiced in abundance in a variety of jungle and mountain treks.

After a hard day of Elephant steering, what better way to relax than a traditional Thai massage, nestle amongst the bamboo? Along with innovative treatments created with local ingredients, including mountain botanicals and local warming spices, the Camp’s spa provides a holistic healing experience to soothe the aches and pains of an arduous mountain trek.

Between the luxuriously bedecked ‘tents’, indulgent spa and activities from elephant riding to traditional cookery courses, Four Seasons Golden Triangle is more than a few steps up from usual thoughts of camping.

Imagine Las Vegas casino owner Steve Wynn’s horror when, seven years ago, he accidentally put his elbow through Picasso’s painting Le Rêve (The Dream), just as he was about to sell it for an eye-popping $139m.

The painting is one of a series of sensuous portraits of the artist’s young mistress Marie-Thérèse Walter, painted in 1932 during their torrid affair. Such works are among the most desirable by Picasso and the price would have set a new high for the artist – but with the painting punctured, the buyer, billionaire hedge fund mogul Steve Cohen, called off the deal.

Now, after a skillful repair, the sale has finally gone through, but this time for $150m, setting a new record for Picasso as well as being the highest price any American collector has ever paid for a work of art. This was a private sale, and at auction records are also being shattered: last year in New York, Edvard Munch’s The Scream made almost $120m.

While much of the world is mired in economic gloom, the art market – which regularly sees multi-million prices set for paintings and sculpture – seems to be living in a parallel universe. Le Rêve just one example of how values are spiralling upwards, driven by new money, newly emerged economies, speculation and a fashion for art that overlaps with lifestyle choices and the luxury goods industry.

The seemingly gravity-defying art market also reflects the nature of wealth today. The sheer amount of money in private hands allows billionaires – and there are, at the last count according to Forbes, 1,426 of them spread throughout the world – to indulge in a highly competitive sport to bag the best artworks. And after all, if you can spend nearly $1bn on a yacht, as the Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich is supposed to have spent on his floating palace Eclipse, another few millions for a trophy picture is not that much.

And while you can build another yacht, you can’t get a top Manet, Cézanne or Raphael made for you – you have to vie with other collectors when one appears on the market.

A changing picture

This is a market which has, over the last 25 years, seen a massive growth in size. According to art economist Dr Clare McAndrew, in a report published in 2012, about $27.2bn worth of art was sold through dealers and auction houses in 1990. By 2007, at the peak of the last boom, this figure had almost tripled, to $65.8bn. In 2012, according to her latest findings, it was still worth a stunning $56bn, despite shrinking slightly compared to the previous year.

As well as expanding, the business of selling art has been profoundly modified by the arrival of new economies. This is now a global market, no longer dominated by the US and Europe and by American and European artists. Just two years ago, in the grip of sometimes extravagant spending on art in mainland China – and probably aided by some optimistic reporting – China leapfrogged into the top position, with the highest total in this field. While it has now fallen back to the number two slot, China and Hong Kong still represent 25% of art sales, with only the US ahead, with 33%.

Works of art have been sold in China at levels that used to be reserved for the top Western names. For instance an 11th century calligraphy scroll by Huang Tingjian sold recently for a stunning $63.8m in Beijing.

The fashion for private and indeed state-sponsored museums has also been driving the top end of the market - Gulf states, particularly Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, have been eagerly acquiring works of art for ambitious museum programmes. The Qatari royal family, notably Sheikha Mayassa Al Thani, daughter of the Emir, has been extremely active, and is thought to be the biggest buyer in the world today. What does she buy? Mainly modern and contemporary art, and Qatar is generally thought to have paid the highest price ever for an artwork – $250m in 2011 for Cézanne’s The Card Players.

Disparity in fortunes

Buying art, for many of today’s newly wealthy, also gives access to a glamorous lifestyle. There is an endless round of art fairs, biennales, auctions and events all over the world to attend, where galleries and auction houses put on the most glittering parties. Fashion magazines, luxury goods and watch companies pile in, as well as banks, who are increasingly watching art as a new asset class. In some countries such as China or India, art buying is considered first and foremost for investment, rather than for passion or as a hobby.

The flip side of all this is polarisation, with a small crust of very rich people driving the market, pushing up prices for a handful of ’blue-chip’ artists and enriching a few big galleries and a few auction houses. Further down the scale, however, the middle and lower ends of the market are far less buoyant. So while the overall picture seems rosy, in fact it disguises increasing disparity in fortunes.

Particularly in the mid-market, some galleries are closing, and many are having a hard time. The London gallery Hotel, despite its high reputation as a cutting-edge space, went into liquidation last year. More recently, gallerists Nicole Klagsbrun in New York and Jérôme de Noirmont have started to work differently and have abandoned their showrooms.

Art, sadly, seems to have become much more of a rich man’s game. And while the appetite for big names such as Picasso and works like Le Rêve seems unquenchable for the moment, things are not necessarily so dreamy for younger and lesser-known artists.

 Georgina Adam

http://www.bbc.com

Langenargen, Germany (20th May 2013): Lake Constance left it right until the last moment to get uncooperative at Match Race Germany. An ominous-looking rain cloud was on its way across the third largest lake in Europe from Switzerland, sucking all the wind out of the vicinity and causing PRO Rudi Magg to draw proceedings to a close. 

This handed victory at Match Race Germany to British helm Ian Williams and his American/Australian crew of Mal Parker and Bill Hardesty, supplemented on this occasion by stand-ins Graham Spence and Willem Van Waay. Williams’ GAC Pindar crew won today’s single Finals match against Adam Minoprio and his all-Kiwi Team Alpari FX crew of Nick Blackman, Chris Main, Tom Powrie and David Swete; reigning Alpari World Match Racing Tour champion (Williams), up against the 2009 champion (Minoprio).

A little slow out of the blocks in the Semi Finals yesterday, Williams was 1-2 down against Johnie Berntsson’s Stena Sailing Team crew as proceedings came to a close last night. However the GAC Pindar crew fought back this morning to take the next two points, to gain their berth in the final. 

In his Semi Final match Minoprio had less to do this morning, scoring a come-from-behind win against France’s experienced Mathieu Richard and his GEFCO Match Racing Team to take him through on a 3-1 scoreline.

“We had a nice lead, maybe 8-10 boatlengths during the first run,” explained Richard after a long team de-brief. “But then we ran out of wind, and completely stopped while they had a little breeze coming from behind. Often in those conditions it is not too bad to be behind and they showed us that today as they were able to overtake us. It is very disappointing and a bit frustrating, but that is how it is.”

Otherwise the Frenchman, who heralds from La Baule on the Atlantic coast, was pleased with the performance of his GEFCO Match Racing Team in what is their first Tour event since St Moritz last year. Richard will be back for Korea Match Cup next week followed by Stena Match Cup Sweden at the beginning of July. 

In this afternoon’s only Finals race, held once again in very light winds, Minoprio held up his hand, acknowledging that he had made a meal of the pre-start. “I forgot how long these boats take to gybe and I wasted a minute doing two gybes so we were late for the line. It was my mistake, I was kicking myself at the start of the race.”

From there all he could do was chase the GAC Pindar crew around the course, who in turn did an immaculate job of covering their Kiwi opponents. 

Minoprio felt the Race Committee was correct to draw racing to a close prematurely and was gracious in defeat. “There is no wind at the moment,” he observed. “Ian sailed better than us in the one race we had and he won Qualifying - he deserves the win here. We sailed very poorly in that final race against him and we didn’t deserve it.”

However Minoprio reckoned it was a solid start to his come-back season. “Second is good points for the overall Championship and puts the pressure on everyone else.”

Williams was pleased with victory, a first in his lengthy match racing career at Match Race Germany, even if the last part of the event was curtailed. He felt he sailed the last race well. 

“It was really light which meant manoeuvres were really costly. We did a nice job of keeping Adam down – he had to do a couple of gybes in the last minute before the start and that cost him a bit of speed which allowed us to be faster and closer to the line at start time. Then we did two less tacks on both beats and that is what allowed us to draw away by the finish.”

Victory at Match Race Germany, makes for a solid start to Williams and the GAC Pindar team’s campaign to win the Alpari World Match Racing Tour for a record setting fifth time. 

“I haven’t been here in Langenargen for a couple of years,” admitted Williams. “They put on a great show here. The conditions are often difficult, but I like the big boats, they are impressive. Plus there is a good crowd turn-out here and the event works well for the local economy, so long may it continue.” 

James Pleasance, Executive Director of the Alpari World Match Racing Tour felt that the beginning of the 2013 season had gone well: "It has been a fantastic week for the first stage of the 2013 Alpari World Match Racing Tour, and a good shakedown event for all the teams. The boats here are bigger and heavier and the teams have really had to find their stride in the variable lake conditions. But a great win for Ian and GAC Pindar, and against a former Tour Champion in the final as well. This Tour season is going be very close indeed."

FINAL RESULTS

Ian Williams (GBR) GAC Pindar vs Adam Minoprio (NZL) Team Alpari FX 1-0

PETIT FINAL RESULTS

Mathieu Richard (FRA) GEFCO Match Racing Team vs Johnie Berntsson (SWE) Stena Sailing Team 1-0

FINAL SEMI FINAL RESULTS

Mathieu Richard (FRA) GEFCO Match Racing Team vs Adam Minoprio (NZL) Team Alpari FX 1-3

Ian Williams (GBR) GAC Pindar v Johnie Berntsson (SWE) Stena Sailing Team 2-2

LEADERBOARD AFTER STAGE 1 - MATCH RACE GERMANY
1 Ian Williams (GBR) - Team GAC Pindar 25

2 Adam Minoprio (NZL) - Team Alpari FX 22

3 Mathieu Richard (FRA) - GEFCO Match Racing Team 19

4 Johnie Berntsson (SWE)- Stena Sailing Team 16

5 Taylor Canfield (ISV) - USone 14

6 Björn Hansen (SWE) - Mekonomen Sailing Team 12

7 Karol Jablonski (POL) - Jablonski Sailing Team 10

8 Pierre-Antoine Morvan (FRA) - Vannes Agglo Sailing Team 8

9 Phil Robertson (NZL) - WAKA Racing 4

10 Keith Swinton (AUS) - Black Swan Racing 2

11 Philip Buhl (GER) - STG/NRV Youth Team 0

12 Sven Erick-Horsch (GER) - NRV Match Race Team 0

Winemaker Michel Chapoutier has called for water to be re-introduced to winemaking to help counter rising alcohol levels.

The suggestion was one of several Chapoutier gave to the drinks businesswhile discussing the effects of climate change.

As previously reported by db, Chapoutier has questioned the findings of a study into the effect of climate change on vineyard regions.

However, he was more concerned with the immediate problems of rising alcohol levels brought about by increasing CO2 levels.

He noted that one of his wines, single vineyard Le Pavillon from Ermitage, had seen an alcohol increase of 12.5% to 14% between the 1990s and now.

“How can we counter this?” he asked, “perhaps new yeasts with higher consumption.

“In Bordeaux they can drop Merlot and introduce more Cabernet Sauvignon.”

He also said that he had suggested to the INAO that in Roussillon, more heat resistant grape varieties such as Touriga Naçional might be admitted to the AOP.

He also suggested higher density planting, which would encourage roots to go deeper as well as meaning each vine is able to shade the other and also grafting – attaching new shoots to existing rootstock rather than simply up-rooting vines.

“But people don’t want to take the time,” he conceded.

However, he was most in favour of adding water to achieve lower alcohol levels without diluting the taste.

He described it as a much easier way of reducing alcohol without the costly and relatively destructive techniques of reverse osmosis.

He said that in tests he had conducted, the wine with water was the preferred of all the samples.

On the other hand, as with grafting, it is not a method that winemakers are keen to either discuss or practice, this time due to the negative impression they fear such a technique would impress upon consumers.

Finally though he added that the ability of vines themselves to adapt to climatic changes should not be underestimated.

“Plants are able to adapt quickly to disease and temperature,” he said, “much more quickly than animals in fact as they cannot run away as animals can.

“There have been tests with tomatoes which show that within a generation or two the plants have readjusted to various changes.”

by Rupert Millar

http://www.thedrinksbusiness.com

Langenargen, Germany (19 May 2013): Light winds, strong winds, shifty winds, stable winds, rain, shine – Lake Constance is throwing up all imaginable conditions to test the skippers at Match Race Germany, the opening event of the 2013 Alpari World Match Racing Tour. Today it was the turn of 25 knot winds, sharp seas and driving rain in the morning only for these to peter out leading to a long delay before the Semi Finals could start. 

The Quarter Finals comprised three first-to-three point matches, which got underway late yesterday afternoon. Today started with Karol Jablonski level at 1-1 against Mathieu Richard’s GEFCO Match Racing Team, Adam Minoprio’s Team Alpari FX on the same score with Bjorn Hansen’s Mekonomen Sailing Team and Johnie Berntsson’s Stena Sailing Team looking strong 2-0 up against Taylor Canfield and USone. 

Having the easiest ride through the Semi Finals was France’s Mathieu Richard who won both his matches today against the Polish former America’s Cup helm and ISAF Match Racing World Champion. 

The experienced Richard said this was not the first time he’d experienced such tough conditions off Langenargen. They were equally unpleasant six years ago in the final he sailed (and lost) against Paolo Cian. “I was very happy with the way we sailed. The crew did an excellent job in difficult conditions - it was very tricky to keep the boat going fast and to have smooth manoeuvres. We did a great job in that, which was the key point today.” 

In 20-25 knots, the Bavaria 40S yachts used at Match Race Germany are also hard work for a five man crew to race well. “Everything is tough on board,” admitted Richard. “They are very physical, that is why the crew work is crucial.”

Jablonski was pleased to have got so far into the event considering that he only sails one or two match racing events each year. Despite their experience his crew, that included Polish Olympic Star sailor Dominik Zycki, was lacking the fluidity of their competitors. 

Adam Minoprio once again did his ‘comeback kid’ routine. His Team Alpari FX crew lost today’s first race to Björn Hansen’s team after picking up a penalty for failing to keep clear as the two boats came together up the first beat. This left the Kiwi team 1-2 down.

In the next race they had a dramatic final run where neck and neck, the Swedish crew luffed slightly causing both boats to wipe out. After they had recovered and careered on towards the finish line, Minoprio managed to make use of the finish line bias to take the point. “We got him by a centimetre,” admitted the Kiwi.

In the final race Hansen won the start but coming into the top mark Minoprio managed to roll past as, short of the layline, the Swedes slowed as they attempted to shoot the mark. 

Like Richard, Minoprio put his success today down to superior boat handling by his crew. “The guys did really well - the main part of where we got Bjorn today is that we could keep the boat fast, we were tacking faster and in general were a lot smoother and quicker around the course.” 

After a relatively slow start to Match Race Germany, Johnie Berntsson’s Stena Sailing Team crew has been firing on all cylinders in the Quarter Finals, resulting in some of the most aggressive and penalty-laden bouts we have seen here. 

Yesterday Berntsson had Canfield on the ropes with a 2-0 advantage including one race where he had recovered from two penalties down after hooking into his own personal breeze. 

This morning Canfield fought back to even the scoreline. “In the first race we had one penalty against him and in next one we had two against him,” described Canfield. “But in the last one he sailed a much cleaner pre-start and I made a little error in a dial-down just after the start.” From this Canfield’s USone team was unable to recover, ending the US Virgin Islander’s winning streak (he won the last two events of 2012 – Argo Group Gold Cup and the Monsoon Cup).

“We are a little disappointed, but we have definitely learned a ton as a group here,” said Canfield, gently steaming as he dried out in the competitors’ tent afterwards. “And the rain doesn’t make things easy either. But it was still a great day’s sailing. I don’t think there was ever a point where it was unfair sailing at this event. All in all it was a good event and this was our first as a Tour Card Holder. Our team is strong and we’ll just continue to grow through the year.” 

Early afternoon, the wind died and the sun came out. It wasn’t until late afternoon that Rudi Magg’s race management team could get the Semi Finals underway. 

Having come out top of the Qualifier, Ian Williams chose to take on Berntsson in the first-to-three Semis, leaving Mathieu Richard up against Adam Minoprio.

As a light breeze filled in, the GAC Pindar crew came out on top in their first match while the Franco-Kiwi match was more nip and tuck with Richard finally edging ahead on the second beat to take his first point.

Following this  Berntsson fought back winning the next two matches, taking it to 2-1 in favour of the Swede. Similarly Minoprio fought back to turn around his match regaining two points for his Team Alpari FX.

Racing will conclude tomorrow at Match Race Germany with the remaining races of the Semi Finals going into the first-to-three Finals. Who knows what the weather will bring.

FINAL SEMI FINAL RESULTS AFTER FLIGHT 2

Mathieu Richard (FRA) GEFCO Match Racing Team vs Adam Minoprio (NZL) Team Alpari FX 1-1

Ian Williams (GBR) GAC Pindar v Johnie Berntsson (SWE) Stena Sailing Team 1-1

FINAL QUARTER FINAL RESULTS

Mathieu Richard (FRA) GEFCO Match Racing Team vs Karol Jablonski (GER) Jablonski Sailing Team 3-1

Johnie Berntsson (SWE) Stena Sailing Team vs Taylor Canfield (ISV) USone Sailing Team 3-2

Björn Hansen (SWE) Mekonomen Sailing Team vs Adam Minoprio (NZL) Team Alpari FX 2-3

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