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North America, Polo News

UNITED STATES POLO ASSOCIATION AND INTERNATIONAL POLO CLUB PALM BEACH ANNOUNCE 2022 HIGH-GOAL TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE AND ONE-YEAR GAUNTLET OF POLO® EXTENSION

18. October 2021

The United States Polo Association and International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC) in Wellington, Florida, are pleased to announce the 2022 high-goal polo tournament schedule and GAUNTLET OF POLO® one-year extension of the original three-year tournament agreement established in 2019. The season will begin on Sunday, January 2, 2022 with the Iglehart Cup and conclude on Sunday, April 24, 2022 with the U.S. Open Polo Championship® Final.

“Our partnership with IPC over the last three years in bringing the GAUNTLET OF POLO® to players, fans and enthusiasts around the globe has been a significant success for the sport,” said Stewart Armstrong, USPA Chairman. “We look forward to building on that success.”

The three-part high-goal GAUNTLET OF POLO® debuted in February 2019 at International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida. Challenging the status quo and reshaping the trajectory of high-goal polo in the United States, the innovative pinnacle event increased team participation and attraction through prize money. History was made during the inaugural GAUNTLET OF POLO®, when Pilot captured all three events and were crowned GAUNTLET Champions.

The 2022 GAUNTLET OF POLO® will return for the fourth year on February 6-27, with the C.V. Whitney Cup®, continue with the USPA Gold Cup®, March 1-27, and conclude with the illustrious U.S. Open Polo Championship® March 29 — April 24 on the U.S. Polo Assn. Field. Revising the prize money distribution for the 2022 season, the new format guarantees a total of $200,000 in prize money. $50,000 will be awarded to each of the winning teams of the C.V. Whitney Cup® and USPA Gold Cup®. Similarly, $100,000 in prize money will be presented to the winner of the U.S. Open Polo Championship®. Any team that wins all three tournaments will be crowned the GAUNTLET Champion. IPC will be joining Port Mayaca Polo Club (Okeechobee, Florida) in welcoming back the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship® beginning on Monday, March 7 and concluding with the final on Saturday, March 19 on the U.S. Polo Assn. Field. The closing date for teams for both the 16- to 18-goal series and GAUNTLET OF POLO® is Monday, November 15, while the closing date for the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship® is Wednesday, December 1.

“We are all on pins and needles to see the best that American polo can offer in 2022—passionate high-goal team owners, star athletes, incredible horsepower, and grueling competition,” said Chris Green, USPA Chief Operating Officer. “The USPA is committed to providing a level playing field for all the competitors and eager to see if another GAUNTLET Champion emerges!” he continued.

IPC tentatively plans to welcome spectators so they can enjoy the sport of polo from stadium seating or the fieldside covered patio during brunch in the Pavilion. Details, including possible COVID protocols, are still being finalized and will be released soon at InternationalPoloClub.com.

All tournaments except the Iglehart Cup will be livestreamed on Global Polo TV’s (GPTV) OTT platform, accessible on GlobalPolo.com and on major apps including iOS, Android, Roku and Amazon FireTV. The Global Polo Pass annual subscription will be made available starting November 2021 and will include polo events from around the world. The subscription will include access to all livestreamed USPA Official Events, select international events and much more. All USPA Members who have paid their membership dues will receive the Global Polo Pass complimentary once dues are paid in full. Special offers will be available at www.globalpolo.com.

Lake Worth, FL | Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame | March, 31, 2016 | A still photo of the C.V. Whitney, U.S. Open Polo Championship and Gold Cup trophies against a dark blue backdrop.

2022 IPC POLO SCHEDULE*

16- to 18-Goal

Iglehart Cup
Tournament Date: January 2, 2022

Joe Barry Memorial
Tournament Dates: January 2-16, 2022
Closing Date: November 15, 2021
Limited to six teams

Ylvisaker Cup
Tournament Dates: January 15 – February 6, 2022
Closing Date: November 15, 2021

Limited to eight teams

Women’s Polo

U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship®

Co-hosted with Port Mayaca Polo Club
Tournament Dates: March 7-19, 2022
Closing Date: December 1, 2021
Limited to eight teams

18- to 22-Goal GAUNTLET OF POLO®

C.V. Whitney Cup®
Tournament Dates: February 6-27, 2022
Closing Date: November 15, 2021

**Limited to 12 teams

USPA Gold Cup®
Tournament Dates: March 1-27, 2022
Closing Date: November 15, 2021

**Limited to 12 teams

U.S. Open Polo Championship®
Tournament Dates: March 29 – April 24, 2022
Closing Date: November 15, 2021

**Limited to 12 teams

Contact Polo Manager Haley Bryan at (803) 215-3577 or hbryan2485@aol.com to discuss season plans.

*Please note dates are subject to adjustment.

**The team limit for the 2022 GAUNTLET OF POLO® is 12 teams. IPC will accept additional entries beyond 12 only if their entry is advantageous to the tournament format and scheduling allows.

Polo News

U.S. Polo Assn. Announces Partnership with South African Polo Association

13. October 2021

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./SANDTON, South Africa (October 7, 2021) – U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), in collaboration with its partner in South Africa, Stable Brands, have announced they will support the South African Polo Association (SAPA) through the current 2021-2022 polo season and serve as the Official Apparel Sponsor of their 2021 Nedbank International Polo Tournament.

The 2021 Nedbank International Polo Tournament event, which had been postponed last year, is hosted by the Inanda Polo Club, and will take place on the shores of Sandton, South Africa on April 2, 2022. It is organized by the SAPA to highlight an international sporting event in the country while also continuing to develop the sport of polo in South Africa. The tournament has been played in South Africa for more than 50 years and is the region’s premier international tournament, bringing South Africa’s best players together annually to compete.

“South Africa is one of U.S. Polo Assn.’s emerging markets and we are thrilled to showcase both the brand and the sport at the premier Nedbank International Polo Tournament,” says J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, which manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “And by supporting the South African Polo Association’s 2021-22 Season in such an important region, we continue to reach fans through the brand’s authentic connection to the sport of polo.”

As part of the event sponsorship, U.S. Polo Assn. will provide team jerseys, staff outfitting, field signage, and global promotion of the event across various digital platforms.

“We’d like to thank U.S. Polo Assn. for partnering with the SA Polo Association as the Official Apparel Sponsor of the Nedbank International Polo Tournament,” says Bridget Macduff of South African Polo Association. “We have the shared goal of developing awareness and interest for the sport of polo among youth players and polo fans in South Africa and this is a wonderful step in that direction for both organizations.”

About U.S. Polo Assn.

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the nonprofit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the oldest sports governing bodies, having been founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through some 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores, department stores, sporting goods channels, independent retailers and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women and children, as well as accessories, footwear, travel and home goods in 190 countries worldwide. Recently ranked the fifth largest sports licensor in License Global magazine’s 2020 list of “Top 150 Global Licensors,” U.S. Polo Assn. is named alongside such iconic sports brands as the National Football League, the National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball. Visit uspoloassnglobal.com.

About The South African Polo Association

The South African Polo Association (SAPA) is the official administrative controlling body of polo in South Africa. All clubs affiliate through their provincial bodies to SAPA which, in turn, affiliates to Hurlingham Polo Association (based in UK) and Federacion Internationale de Polo (based in Argentina). SAPA has a constitution which was first formulated in 1905 making it one of the oldest sporting bodies in the country.

About Stable Brands (Pty) Ltd.:

Stable Brands (Pty) Ltd, a proudly South African company, has decades of experience working with various international apparel brands. The company recently increased its portfolio by securing the distribution rights of the U.S. Polo Assn. brand into South Africa. Stable Brands employs an array of world-class talent to ensures our collections are well positioned in the South African market to be the lifestyle brand of choice.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./SANDTON, South Africa (October 7, 2021) – U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), in collaboration with its partner in South…

In own affaires, Lifestyle, Polo News

Place your ad now with POLO+10 WORLD 

1. October 2021

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Art & Design, Lifestyle, Polo News

Rolls-Royce motor cars announces first fully electric car

30. September 2021

29^th September, Goodwood, West Sussex

In an historic announcement, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced today, that on-road testing of its first fully electric motor car is imminent. In announcing this seminal moment for the marque, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chief Executive Officer, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, said:

“Today is the most significant day in the history of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars since 4^th May, 1904. On that date, our founding fathers, Charles Rolls and Sir Henry Royce, first met and agreed that they were going to create ‘the best motor car in the world’.

“Using the most advanced technology available to them at the time and by applying their remarkable engineering minds, these two pioneers elevated early internal combustion engine cars, from noisy, uncomfortable and rudimentary means of transportation, by setting a completely new benchmark of distinction.

“The cars they created, introduced to the world a true luxury experience and secured for Rolls-Royce the ultimate pinnacle position that it continues to occupy, unchallenged, to this day. The marque has continued to define the very best in internal combustion motoring for more than a century.

“Today, 117 years later, I am proud to announce that Rolls-Royce is to begin the on-road testing programme for an extraordinary new product that will elevate the global all-electric car revolution and create the first – and finest – super-luxury product of its type. This is not a prototype. It’s the real thing, it will be tested in plain sight and our clients will take first deliveries of the car in the fourth quarter of 2023.”

CEO, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, announces Rolls-Royce’s first fully electric car
Finished product will come to market in Q4 2023
New product named ‘Spectre’
Electric Rolls-Royce fulfils the 1900 prophecy of the marque’s founder, Charles Rolls
A promise kept by CEO, who pledged to bring an electric car to market this decade
Global testing will cover 2.5 million kilometres – a simulation of 400 years of use
By 2030 all Rolls-Royce products will be fully electric
Spectre underpinned by Rolls-Royce’s own spaceframe architecture

A PROPHECY FULFILLED

“The use of electric motors is not a new concept for Rolls-Royce. Sir Henry Royce was fascinated by all things electrified, and his first venture, named F. H. Royce and Company, created dynamos, electric crane motors and patented the bayonet-style light bulb fitting.

“However, it was Charles Rolls who truly prophesied an electrified future for automobiles. In April 1900 he experienced an early electric motor car named the Columbia and declared its electric drive to be ideal.

“Rolls said, ‘The electric car is perfectly noiseless and clean. There is no smell or vibration, and they should become very useful when fixed charging stations can be arranged. But for now, I do not anticipate that they will be very serviceable – at least for many years to come.’

“Charles Rolls’ prophecy has been the subject of constant consideration during the marque’s Goodwood era. But we have not been satisfied that available technology could support the Rolls-Royce experience. Until now.

“Now is the time to change the course of the future of luxury.

“We embark on this bold new future with a huge advantage. Electric drive is uniquely and perfectly suited to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, more so than any other automotive brand. It is silent, refined and creates torque almost instantly, going on to generate tremendous power. This is what we at Rolls-Royce call ‘waftability’.

“At Rolls-Royce, we have been experimenting with an electric powertrain for some time. In 2011 we revealed 102EX, a fully operational all-electric Phantom. We followed this in 2016 with our fully electric 103EX, which represented our vision for the marque several decades into the future.”

A PROMISE KEPT

“These extraordinary products prompted a huge amount of interest in electric powertrain technology amongst our clients. They considered it as the perfect fit for Rolls-Royce. And, over the past decade, I have been repeatedly asked, ‘When will Rolls-Royce go electric?’ and ‘When will you produce your first electric car?’

“I answered with an unambiguous promise: ‘Rolls-Royce will go electric, starting this decade.’ Today, I’m keeping my word.”

A REMARKABLE UNDERTAKING

“Charles Rolls’ prophecy and my promise have led us to a seminal moment for the marque. Rolls-Royce has embarked on an historic and unique undertaking, which today becomes a reality. Our designers and engineers have worked relentlessly to bring us here: we are now ready to commence road-testing of the first all-electric Rolls-Royce in history.

“This fundamental change in our powertrain technology requires that we challenge every single aspect of the product before we offer it to the most discerning and demanding individuals in the world – our Rolls-Royce clients.

“To do this, we have conceived the most demanding testing programme in Rolls-Royce’s history. We will cover 2.5 million kilometres – a simulation of more than 400 years of use for a Rolls-Royce, on average – and we will travel to all four corners of the world to push this new motor car to the limit.

“You will see these test cars on roads, around the world. Look out for them – they will be in plain sight. They will be tested in all conditions and over all terrains on their multi-million-mile journey – that will literally accelerate Rolls-Royce into the future.”

TRULY FLEXIBLE ARCHITECTURE OF OUR OWN

“In 2017, we debuted Phantom, and with it the marque’s proprietary aluminium architecture: a scalable and flexible spaceframe that would underpin all forthcoming Rolls-Royce motor cars. This unique technology – developed for Rolls-Royce by Rolls-Royce and reserved for the marque’s exclusive use – was created to form the foundation of not just different internal combustion engine models, as it now does with Cullinan and Ghost, but models with completely different powertrains.

“To this end, our forthcoming electric car benefits from the Rolls-Royce architecture and therefore the extraordinary experience of a Rolls-Royce on the road. Free of any group platform sharing strategy, we were able to integrate our plans for an electric powertrain into the architecture’s initial design and ensure that this extraordinary new product meets the extremely high expectations of our clients.”

A NEW NAME: A NEW LEGACY

“This Rolls-Royce is the fulfilment of a prophecy and it represents a promise kept as we embark upon a unique undertaking. It is the beginning of a new legacy for our brand. In that spirit, we have decided on a completely new name for this car. A name that is as powerful and evocative as the nameplates that have served us so perfectly for the past century – names like Phantom, Ghost and Wraith. It’s a name that perfectly fits the ethereal and other worldly environment within which our products exist – a name that we have reserved especially for this moment: Spectre.

“Spectre is a name given to otherworldly beings synonymous with great power and apparition; creatures of an alternative realm that make their presence felt through fleeting manifestation. A spectre forces the world to pause. It dominates the space it occupies. Then, as quickly as it appears, it dissipates, leaving a wake of exhilaration, energy, and intrigue.

“This name perfectly matches the extraordinary Rolls-Royce that we are announcing today – a motor car that makes its presence felt before disappearing into a world inaccessible to all but the very few. As a quintessentially British brand, we have selected the British spelling, however the meaning is universal.

AN EXTRAORDINARY FUTURE

“With this new product we set out our credentials for the full electrification of our entire product portfolio by 2030. By then, Rolls-Royce will no longer be in the business of producing or selling any internal combustion engine products.

“Spectre is the living fulfilment of Charles Rolls’ Prophecy. My Promise, made on behalf of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, is kept. Now we begin a remarkable undertaking. I am proud that we will continue to propel the world’s most progressive and influential women and men into a brilliant, electrified future.”

To watch the launch film please visit www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

29th September, Goodwood, West Sussex In an historic announcement, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced today, that on-road testing of its first fully electric motor car is imminent. In announcing this seminal…

North America, Polo News

Ace sportswear goes all-in to claim second USPA WOMEN’S ARENA OPEN® title

30. September 2021

Concluding a competitive weekend of elite women’s arena polo, Ace Sportswear (Demitra Hajimihalis, Ingrid Donnan, Anna Winslow-Palacios) and Boothwyn Pharmacy (Katie Mitcham, Cindy Halle, Jessica Schmitt) captured hard-fought semifinal victories to meet in the illustrious USPA Women’s Arena Open® Final on Sunday, September 26. A spirited comeback from Boothwyn Pharmacy was completed on a two-point goal from Halle, however Anna Winslow-Palacios was the hero, scoring the game winning goal with one minute remaining to lead Ace Sportswear to an 11-10 victory and the coveted title at Virginia Polo, Inc. (Charlottesville, Virginia).

“We knew it was going to be a defensive battle. We’re all really seasoned arena players, so we all mark-up really effectively. We knew that we all had to be disciplined on the man, disciplined on the wall, which is tough against this team because I know they have the same strategy.” – Anna Winslow-Palacios

Withstanding an opening run from Boothwyn Pharmacy, Winslow-Palacios picked up the ball at midfield with a burst of speed to open the scoring for Ace Sportswear. Fighting her way along the wall on consecutive plays, back-to-back goals from Hajimihalis gave Ace Sportswear the early 3-2 lead in the first chukker.

A resilient Boothwyn Pharmacy pulled even in the opening stages of the second chukker, until a booming penalty from the center line for Winslow-Palacios found the goal for a two-point conversion, pushing Ace Sportswear’s lead to two. After exchanging goals, Ace Sportswear resorted to their long-distance shooting once again, this time with Donnan scoring the two-pointer to send her team into halftime with an 8-5 advantage.

Determined to extend their lead further, Ace Sportswear raced out of the gate in the second half, leaving Boothwyn Pharmacy pinned in front of their own goal. After three missed attempts from Ace Sportswear, Hajimihalis found the goal for her third score of the day. Regrouping, Boothwyn Pharmacy found their footing in open play, finishing the third chukker with goals from Mitcham and Schmitt to decrease the gap to just two. Kept just out of reach through most of the game, Boothwyn Pharmacy took their opportunity in the final chukker with time running out. Trailing by two, Halle jumped on the loose ball and sent a two-point shot into the goal, tying the score and leaving spectators on the edge of their seats entering the final minutes. Blocking the clearing attempt, Winslow-Palacios turned the corner and hit the ball in, giving Ace Sportswear the one-goal lead with one minute remaining. Despite the best efforts of Boothwyn Pharmacy, Ace Sportswear held on to claim the prestigious title with an 11-10 victory.

Ace Sportswear inscribe their name on the USPA Women’s Arena Open® trophy for the second time after winning in 2017. Members of that winning team, Winslow-Palacios and Hajimihalis reunited, while adding newcomer Donnan to emerge victorious. “I’ve lucked out in playing a few times with Anna [Winslow-Palacios] and we’ve gained a lot of great chemistry. It was really fun, competitive polo and it translates onto the field really well,” shared Donnan. As part of the USPA’s Tournament Stimulus Package, Ace Sportswear received $1,500 in prize money while Boothwyn Pharmacy took home $1,000.

Capturing her second title in as many days after winning the USPA Women’s Arena Handicap® on Saturday, Hajimihalis reflected on the memorable weekend. “It feels incredible. I really have to thank my teammates in both flights. They made it really fun and I think it’s just the attitude of no matter what, we knew we were going to have fun.” Deploying five horses that rotated over four days of play, Hajimihalis reiterated the work that was put in to capture the two titles. “I’m very exhausted and so are the horses today. They all played amazing.”

“We feed off each other’s energy, which is awesome. I would play for this team over and over again.” – Anna Winslow-Palacios

The Most Valuable Player award was presented to Anna Winslow-Palacios, whose six-goal performance, including the game-winning goal, helped lead Ace Sportswear to the win. “I actually switched my horse order around quite a bit from the semifinals,” Winslow-Palacios commented. “I put my second half horses in the first half today, which I think helped a lot. I started really strong with my big run-and-gun horses and ended on my steady horse.”

Capturing the victory again with Hajimihalis, Winslow-Placios continued by saying “She’s really positive, which is great. We feed off each other’s energy, which is awesome. I would play for this team over and over again.” exclaimed Winslow-Palacios.

Played in the first and fourth chukkers, Cindy Halle’s Estrella, a 15-year-old Argentine Mare was awarded Best Playing Pony. “She got hurt before the season started, but I’m so happy to have her back” explained Halle. “She’s got a huge bump and moved over a lot of big horses. Anyone could play her, but I really love playing her. She worked really hard out there.”

“In my senior year, I was starting for the National Intercollegiate Championship but it was cancelled, I never got my opportunity to shine. This is a pseudo-nationals for me to finally show all the years of hard work.” – Ingrid Donnan

Building on their chemistry from their 2017 title, Ace Sportswear gained valuable experience together on the grass this past summer, playing in a women’s tournament together in a lead-up to the USPA Women’s Arena Open®. Donnan drew on her experience from playing with the heralded Cornell program. “I learned to play at Cornell, started freshman year and worked my way up to starting on varsity.” Donnan continued by saying, “[i]n my senior year, I was starting for the National Intercollegiate Championship but it was cancelled, I never got my opportunity to shine. This is a pseudo-nationals for me to finally show all the years of hard work.”

Photos: © Oana Moore

Europe, Polo News

U.S. Polo Assn. Named Official Apparel Partner for The British Beach Polo Championships 2021 in Poole, England

29. September 2021

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./POOLE, U.K. (September 28, 2021) – U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), in collaboration with its U.K. licensee, Brand Machine Group, was the Official Apparel Partner for the British Beach Polo Championship 2021 played September 17-18 at Sandbanks Beach in Poole, England.

Through this partnership, U.S. Polo Assn. outfitted the polo players, provided staff outfitting, branded caps for attendees, and global promotion of the event across various digital platforms. This is the first year U.S. Polo Assn. has partnered with the British Beach Polo Championship tournament.

Now in its 14^th year, The British Beach Polo Championships, also known as Sandpolo, is the largest beach polo event in the world. Sandpolo is a unique way to watch and play the sport of polo on the stunning shores of Sandbanks Beach, a world-famous destination known for its luxury properties and pristine sand. A twist on traditional polo, Sandpolo is played with an oversized orange ball designed not to get lost in the sand but still move at a high speed.

In the sold-out Sandbanks Beach Arena, thousands of Sandpolo fans were close enough to the action to see all the fast-paced competition between Team Whispering Angel and Team Lightning Commercial Finance during the two-day event. In the end, it wasWhispering Angel (Chris Gregory, Hazel Jackson & Adolfo Casabal) that took the British Beach Championships 2021 title with a 19-14 victory against Team Lightening Commercial Finance (Garrie Renucci, Ollie Cork & Nick Van Open).

“With the U.K. being one of U.S. Polo Assn.’s most loyal and fastest growing markets, we were proud to be part of the exciting British Beach Polo Championships,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, which manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “We love that Sandpolo is yet another opportunity to expose new polo fans and global consumers to the sport and this brand in such a unique and fun way as Sandpolo.”

In advance of the event, there were sweepstakes opportunities for fans to win unique prizes and “a piece of the sport,” including a hospitality tent VIP experience and more than five hundred dollars’ worth of U.S. Polo Assn. brand gear and apparel.

“This year’s event received great exposure, thanks in part to U.S. Polo Assn.,” says Johnny Wheeler, the director of Sandpolo. “As the official brand of the United States Polo Association, this partnership for the 14^th Annual British Beach Polo Championships was a win-win for everyone involved.”

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./POOLE, U.K. (September 28, 2021) – U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), in collaboration with its U.K. licensee, Brand Machine…

Europe, Polo News

Invincible Italy wins Ladies` European Polo Championship

28. September 2021

By Equi-Equipe.

A fantastic Italian team triumphed in the final of the third edition of the U.S. Polo Assn. FIP Ladies European Polo Championship, at the Polo Club La Mimosa in Pogliano Milanese (Italy).

The Italians beat England 6.5-6, therefore also thanks to a 0.5 handicap advantage. In the final for third and fourth positions it was Ireland that beat Germany 5-3 in a penalty shootout after the match had been cancelled due to bad conditions following heavy rain that this morning obliged the Organising Committee to postpone the match for first and second place by an hour from 9 to 10 AM. England’s Heloise Wilson Smith won the prize for the best player in the championship.

For Italy this was the second European gold medal after winning the first edition in Chantilly in 2017 (winning silver in 2019 at Villa a Sesta, beaten by Germany in the final).

The Italian Ladies’ success follows by just a week the Italian Men’s Team win at the European Champions in Sotogrande, Spain.

©Fabio Petroni

ITALY-ENGLAND 6.5-6

It was a very exciting final played on a field that held up in spite of the heavy rain that fell at La Mimosa earlier in the morning. England needed to come back after started off half a goal down and began strongly with Heloise Wilson Smith brilliantly exploiting a defensive indecision by the Italians early on in the game.

The host team reacted quickly, in particular with Camila Rossi scoring from 40 yards after a penalty and ending the first chukka 1-1. The English took the lead in the second chukka in which goals were scored first by Emma Tomlinson Wood, from 40 yards and then by Millie Hughes, who close to the goal posts managed to score off an amazing backhander played by Wilson Smith. In this fast-changing scenario Italy came back to 3-3 with two goals by Rossi, but it was England who was in the lead at the end of the fourth chukka on 4-3, following a penalty that Wood put through the goal posts. The Italians played a real leading role in a fifth chukka that will be remembered, with three goals scored by Rossi and the other rider of Italian origin Maitana Marré. England reacted strongly back at 6-4 for Italy scoring two more goals thanks to Wilson Smith and Hughes, but on 6-6 the team coached by Franco Piazza controlled their opponents last ditch attempts and won 6.5-6 thanks to handicapping.

“It has been a difficult week due to Costanza Marchiorello’s injury in the first match against England – said veteran player Ginevra Visconti, who had contributed to winning the gold medal in 2017 in Chantilly as well as silver in 2018 at Villa a Sesta – The girls however were all brilliant, from Camila Rossi to Alice Coria and Maitana Marré, and winning rewarded us for all the problems we have had to overcome. Obviously this win is dedicated to Costanza Marchiorello, who watched all the marches live from the clinic in which she is hospitalised after breaking her left malleolus.”

Alessandro Giachetti is responsible for the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation’s Polo Department: “These have been two rather intense weeks for us and we are immensely satisfied to have managed to win both European titles first with the Men’s Team and then with the Ladies. It sends an important signal for Italian polo, an additional stimulus to continue to work well especially with the young so as to ensure this sport becomes more popular.”

The federation’s coach Franco Piazza who also coached the Ladies after winning gold with the Men’s Team in Spain said, “These have been two difficult wins, especially for the Ladies after Marchiorello was injured. But they all played brilliantly especially in the final against England.”

IRELAND-GERMANY 5-3 The bronze medal was assigned resorting to a penalty shootout with two series of three shots. Ireland entrusted the job to Ina Lalor, Siobhan Herbst and April Kent, brilliant in avoiding any mistakes. Germany instead fielded Eva Bruhl, Hana Grill and Marie Haupt, getting off to a bad start with a miss by Bruhl and then surrendering when Grill too missed.

RESULTS

Sunday, September 26th
Final 1st-2nd place Italy – England 6.5-6
Final 3rd-4th place Ireland – Germany 5-3

Saturday September 25th
Italy – Ireland 5-4
England – Germany 4-2

Thursday September 23rd
England – Italy 6-5.5
Germany – Ireland 6-5.5

Wednesday September 22nd
Italy -Germany 6.5-6
Ireland – England 7.5-3

HALL OF FAME

The championship played at La Mimosa Polo Club was the third edition of the FIP Ladies European Polo Championship.

The first was played in 2017 in Chantilly (France) and won by Italy with a team that beat France 5-3 in the final. The second edition was played in 2018 at Villa a Sesta (Italy) with Germany taking gold beating Italy 9-4.5.

The only team to have played in all three finals, Italy is now the only team to have won twice thanks to its success in this Championship in Italy.

By Equi-Equipe. A fantastic Italian team triumphed in the final of the third edition of the U.S. Polo Assn. FIP Ladies European Polo Championship, at the Polo Club La Mimosa…

Lifestyle, Polo News, Travel & Food

Features and Design Secrets of Regent’s Latest – $11,000-a-Night Suite Revealed

25. September 2021

Never-Before Seen Images of Re-Imagined Master Bathroom and In-Suite Spa Unveiled. Seven Seas Grandeur’s® Inaugural Season in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean Now on Sale

SOUTHAMPTON, September 23, 2021 – Regent Seven Seas Cruises® has released further details of the latest 413 square metre, $11,000-a-night Regent Suite, which will be the pinnacle for luxury travellers on board new ship Seven Seas Grandeur®, scheduled to sail in November 2023.

With the ship’s inaugural season having gone on sale on September 22, 2021, the cruise line revealed via an exclusive video interview with Regent Suite designers – Studio DADO – how such an illustrious and coveted suite is conceived. Never-before-seen images and details of the reimagined master bathroom which provides a complete in-suite spa experience were also unveiled. The space features a personal sauna, steam room and treatment area where its discerning residents will be pampered with unlimited complimentary spa services. Illustrating the master craftmanship that permeates the entire suite, 9 different types of marble have been used in the design of the master bathroom alone.

“With Seven Seas Grandeur’s Regent Suite, we have once again evolved the very art of luxury – the craftmanship and artistry of this design is incredible,” said Jason Montague, president and CEO, Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “Studio DADO has married comfort, elegance and style in a fresh and exciting new way, while retaining the essence of the unrivalled Regent experience which our guests have enjoyed for close to 30 years.”

The Regent Suite’s master bathroom provides guests with an in-suite spa experience. ©Regent Seven Seas Cruises®

Regent Suite Features and Amenities

Every element of the cruise line’s third Regent Suite has been treated as a piece of art, from the highest quality textiles to hand-selected furnishings and custom art.

The suite features a master bedroom with an extravagant four-poster bed housing a Hästens Vividus mattress; 2 and a half marble and stone detailed bathrooms; and an expansive living room with personalised bar set-up and dining room.

The suite also offers unobstructed 270-degree views from the 114 square-metre wraparound veranda overlooking the bow of the ship. Guests can enjoy these stunning vistas either on deck in their very own hot tub, or in new space, the glass enclosed “Parlor” offering guests serene skylight relaxation.

The Regent Suite, which can host up to 6 guests, also has a separate guest bedroom with private bathroom. Additional features include 3 walk-in closets, and the exclusive use of private dining room The Study, an up to 12-person dining experience, which is hidden between speciality restaurants Prime 7 and Chartreuse.

Guests of the Regent Suite enjoy a vast range of complimentary and luxurious amenities a dedicated personal butler, a personal car with driver and guide in every port, unlimited spa services in suite, unlimited laundry and dry cleaning, a selection of luxurious bed linens and pillow menu, a selection of aromatic suite fragrances, one sumptuous in-suite caviar service, daily canapes, personalised stationery, shoe-shine service, free WiFi, and more.

Seven Seas Grandeur’s inaugural season begins November 2023 and discovers the Mediterranean and the Caribbean with a wonderful range of 17 sailings in the regions, plus 2 transatlantic voyages. The season is now on sale and can be explored in a dedicated brochure or at RSSC.com/Seven-Seas-Grandeur.

Design Secrets of The Most Exclusive Address at Sea

Each Regent Suite is as distinct as it is breath-taking, offering its own personality and theme of design. The responsibility to create an authentic, unforgettable Regent Suite for Seven Seas Grandeur fell to Studio DADO’s founding partner Yohandel Ruiz, and, lead designer, June Cuadra, who were delighted to take on the challenge.

“We imagined the Regent Suite on board Seven Seas Grandeur to be unique and different from previous vessels, capturing the curiosity and discerning eye of an art collector,” stated Ruiz.

Cuadra added, “We really envisioned the space as a gallery, where every piece of furniture, every finish material, every artwork has been painstakingly curated to make the space feel very inviting and welcoming.”

In an exclusive interview with Jason Montague, president and CEO, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the creative duo goes on to detail the design secrets of the next Regent Suite.

Moments of Luxury from Start to Finish

The artistic theme begins before the guest even sets foot in the palatial suite, where Italian marble has been used to create a beautiful archway around the entry-door creating excitement and anticipation of what lies beyond. Once the doors open, the dramatic hallway contrasts with the bright, sprawling suite revealing vast ocean views.

Studio DADO have created more “moments” throughout the accommodation to heighten the overall experience. For example, an unexpected faux fireplace, with bronze flame, completes the sophisticated living area, while afternoon daydreaming or night-time stargazing on twin chaise lounges is possible in the skylit, glass-enclosed “Parlor”, a new space for Seven Seas Grandeur’s Regent Suite.

Reimagined Master Bedroom and Master Bathroom

The master bedroom offers a visually distinct experience to previous Regent Suites. The bedroom features an extravagant four-poster bed housing a Hästens Vividus mattress, and artistry continues to envelop the design with a custom-made eglomise art panel by Confluence Studios crowning the head of the bed.

The interview unveiled never before seen renderings of the ultimate luxury – the Regent Suite master bathroom, an in-suite spa. Studio Dado explained that they distinguished this area from previous Regent Suites by capitalising on the unrivalled ocean views, placing a “jewel-box” shower in the centre of the space and a jetted bathtub joining heated loungers adjacent to the window wall.

The bathroom offers guests a complete in-suite spa experience with a treatment area offering unlimited complimentary spa services, sauna, steam room and a choice of luxurious bath amenities including soaps and lotions from Bottega Veneta, Guerlain and L’Occitane, among a host of other beauty and well-being amenities.

Along with art, master craftmanship is a key theme throughout the suite, and is nowhere more evident than in the master bathroom with a total of 9 different types of marble used to create his and her vanity units, the bathtub, heated loungers and much of the walls and flooring.

Further details about the ship’s suites, restaurants, amenities, and onboard experiences will be revealed at RSSC.com/Seven-Seas-Grandeur leading up to her 2023 debut.

For more information visit RSSC.com

Never-Before Seen Images of Re-Imagined Master Bathroom and In-Suite Spa Unveiled. Seven Seas Grandeur’s® Inaugural Season in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean Now on Sale SOUTHAMPTON, September 23, 2021 – Regent Seven…

Europe, Polo News

Patrons Cup 2021, 25 & 26 September

22. September 2021

Finally, the time has come again, this weekend, 25 & 26 September 2021, the “Patrons Cup” tournament will take place.

The Patrons Cup is our traditional end of season tournament, no more professionals, just our amateurs players united one last time before the horses leaves for their winter retreat. For all it is a great occasion to meet and greet each other for the past successes. Some of our players will play for the first time a tournament while others have played in the club, in the country and even internationally. PPZ season is closing with two international achievements : swimming the Rider Cup and Women French Open but also winning national both low and medium goal Swiss championships.

A unique season for the club and more to come. Stay tuned on our social medias for some surprising news this winter !

PROGRAM

Saturday 25.09
13.00 LOS LOBOS vs. POLOSSI TEAM
14.00 HAUSAMMANN vs. NAOO
15.00 BIO-R vs. NANA PRINCESS HOTEL

Sunday 26.09
12.00 Round Robin, Subsidiary Cup (Losers from Saturday games)
13.15 Round Robin, Patrons Cup (Winners from Saturday games)
14.30 Prize Ceremony
15.00 Farewell Party (under registration only)

Umpire
Francisco Podesta

TEAMS

HAUSAMMANN
Laure Morel (F)
Sammy Joe Strub (CH)
Belen Podesta / Sibylle Grass (AR/CH)
Reto Hausammann (CH)

BIO-R
Gunilla Mannsdorff (SE)
Eduardo Greghi (CH)
Morgan Van Overbroek (BE)
Vinicio Marciaj / Adrian Galy (CH/F)

LOS LOBOS
Gabriel Hatzung (CH)
Sacha Djafarian (CH)
Sebastien Le Page (F)
J. Spillmann / A. Fetscherin (CH)

POLOSSI TEAM
Ossi Köchli / C. Schellenberg (CH)
Stefan Roth (CH)
Sue Ann Strub (CH)
K. Risveden / U. Brunschweiler (SE/CH)

NANA PRINCESS HOTEL
Alex Roudneva (CA)
Beata Dudler (CH)
Remi Dudler (CH)
U. Erculiani / K. Nikiteas (CH)

NAOO TEAM
Christoph Adelmann (CH)
Shiva Strub (CH)
Thomas Wolfensberger (CH)
N. Wolfensberger / Claudia Ide (CH)

Finally, the time has come again, this weekend, 25 & 26 September 2021, the “Patrons Cup” tournament will take place. The Patrons Cup is our traditional end of season tournament,…

Europe, Polo News

Sandpolo returned to Sandbanks for a September weekend of beach arena polo and after parties

22. September 2021

The British Beach Polo Championships 2021 (Sandpolo) adjusted magnificently to the later September date hosting their 14^th year event over the weekend (Sept 17-18).

Blessed with an Indian Summer, the Blue Flag Beach with golden sand was drenched in its usual sunshine. Sold out with a capacity of 3,000 people on each day, spectators enjoyed a dynamic display of fast paced beach stadium polo.

This year was the inaugural year for the U.S. Polo Assn. as apparel partner for the event in collaboration with U.K. licensing partner Brand Machine Group.

© USPA

J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, which manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand said: “With the U.K. being one of U.S. Polo Assn.’s most loyal and fastest growing markets, we were proud to be part of the glamorous and exciting British Beach Polo Championships. We love that there are opportunities to expose new polo fans and global consumers to the sport in such a unique and fun way as Sandpolo.”

The gripping match result was a reflection of the equal strengths of both teams but it was the success of the strong team work from team Whispering Angel (Chris Gregory, Hazel Jackson, Adolfo Casabal) that took the British Beach Championships 2021 title with a 19 -14 victory against Team Lightening Commercial Finance (Garrie Renucci, Ollie Cork, Nick Van Open).

© USPA

It was the England Ladies Polo player ranked second in the world, Hazel Jackson’s first year playing on the Sandbanks beach and she said she hopes to be back in action there next year.

Most Valuable Player went to Adolfo Casabal who also won the spectacular charity race with polo pony racing across the sand against a 4 x 4. The Best Playing Pony came from Team Lightening and awarded to the mare Reggae and groom Gussie Thompson.

Andrew Spate was umpire over the two days whilst Simon Ledger kept spectators captivated with the amazing horseplay with his commentary over both days.

The after parties, always a big highlight at the event, did not disappoint and the celebratory mood was heightened after a year away. Party goers enjoyed the beach backdrop at Friday’s Boogie on the beach and there was an electric atmosphere at Saturday’s Gold closing party.

© USPA

Sandpolo Director, Johnny Wheeler said: ‘It is nothing short of a miracle that all of the infrastructure supplies event staff, security and players delivered this perfect event given the initial uncertainty we always had but it all came together. A perfect finale to the Summer season’.

The British Beach Polo Championships have confirmed that the event will back to the original July dates next year July 8^th – 9^th 2022.

The British Beach Polo Championships 2021 (Sandpolo) adjusted magnificently to the later September date hosting their 14th year event over the weekend (Sept 17-18). Blessed with an Indian Summer, the…