WELLINGTON, Fla., October 26, 2023—The fourth medium goal tournament of the fall season begins Friday at Santa Rita Polo Farm.
The Banyan Cup opens with a preliminary round robin at 4:30 p.m. The scores carry over into Sunday‘s final at 10 a.m. The four-chukker Just For The Fun It game is Saturday at the Pony Express Field at 10:30 a.m.
The old USPA rules for round robin play will be used for the Banyan Cup. The game will be played on the flat. The winner of the first three chukkers will sit on Sunday.
Rosters and sponsors are:
Victory (His) (14): Kevin Schmeits, Santos Bollini, 2, Sugar Erskine, 6, Martin Jauregui, 6.
La Fe (13): Sebastian Mandelbaum, Juan Bollini, 3 (Friday), Louis Devaleix, 2 (Sunday), Grant Ganzi, 3, Nic Roldan, 8.
Victory (Hers) (16): Becky Schmeits, Jason Crowder, 5, Pablo Dorignac, 5, Tomacho Pieres, 6.
In last year‘s Banyan Cup tournament, Roxbury Raiders (Josh Silverman, 0, Jason Crowder, 5, Santos Bollini, 2, Tommy Biddle, 5) led from start to finish to defeat Aspen Valley Polo Club (Juancito Bollini, 4, Sugar Erskine, 6, Nic Roldan, 8, Tito Gaudenzi, 2), 8-6, to win their fall debut. Santos Bollini, 24, a senior at Palm Beach State College, was MVP. Bollini scored a team-high five goals, all in the first half.
The Banyan Cup is named after the Banyan Tree which can cover about 14,500 square feet of space, grow branches as high as 80 feet and thrive over two and a half centuries. As it grows, the banyan tree produces aerial roots that hang down and take root wherever they touch the ground.
The nation‘s largest and most innovative polo club celebrating its 17th anniversary, is hosting both medium and high goal tournaments this season. The action is free (with the exception of special events) and open to the public.
Among the season highlights are the Nov. 7-15 USPA North American Cup and Nov. 11-21 USPA National 20-Goal Championship and Nov. 18 doubleheader featuring the Legends of Polo Carlos Gracida Memorial and International Cup featuring GCPC USA putting its undefeated 11-game win streak on the line against Spain.
In last year‘s International Cup, GCPC USA won its 11th consecutive title with a 6-5 win over Switzerland. Tomas Ruiz Guinazu, 39, a member of the 2022 Swiss National Team, was named Most Valuable Player after dominating the game.
Since 2012, the U.S. has beaten England, Chile, Mexico, South Africa, Uruguay, Brazil, Azerbaijan, France, Argentina twice and Switzerland in the annual battle for the coveted cup.
The fall medium goal schedule features six tournaments. In addition to this weekend‘s Oct. 24-29 Banyan Cup the two remaining medium goal tournaments are the Nov. 1-5 Fall Plates and Nov. 8-12 Casablanca Fall Cup.
Winners of the first three medium goal tournaments are Fall Classic, Maltese Falcons (Melissa Ganzi, Jason Crowder, 5, Juan Bollini, 3, Nic Roldan, 8); Tackeria Invitational, Aspen Valley (Govinda Quish, Jason Crowder, 5, Sugar Erskine, 6, Nic Roldan, 8); and Pedro Morrison Memorial, Amaro (Scott Sorbaro, 0, Louis Devaleix, 1, Nic Roldan, 8, Kris Kampsen, 6). Roldan has been MVP for all three tournaments.
The well-organized fall tournaments attract players from all over the world including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Uruguay, San Salvador, Switzerland, Spain, England, France, India, Mexico, Azerbaijan, New Zealand, Nigeria, Uzbekistan, South Africa and United States.
The Grand Champions Fall Invitational League is geared toward improving a player‘s polo skills at every level. Roster lineups change from tournament to tournament with evenly-matched teams featuring pro and amateur players. It‘s also a great opportunity for players and sponsors to prepare for the winter season highlighted by the 26-goal World Polo League, now entering its sixth season at Grand Champions.
The fall league features: stick-and-ball sessions during the week; two medium tournament games every weekend; ambulance and USPA umpires for all tournament games; world-class polo fields; club-sponsored social events every weekend for all players; and top-of-the-line trophies for all teams every weekend.
Grand Champions Polo Club and Santa Rita Polo Farm is the largest and most unique private 102-acre polo facility in Wellington with 212 stalls in nine self-contained barns, two exercise tracks, five climate-controlled tack rooms, vet room, staff quarters, guest house and four polo fields with state-of-the-art underground irrigation, short work arena and stick-and-ball fields.
Grand Champions Polo Club and Santa Rita Polo Farm cater to men, women and youth polo players at all levels. Its‘ expert staff can customize a complete playing experience including horses, pros and certified umpires in addition to lessons and practice sessions as part of its‘ Polo On Demand program at the turnkey facility.
Grand Champions and Santa Rita Polo Farm hosts polo tournaments ranging from six to 26-goal in addition to special events at its well-manicured 11 fields during the fall season. Admission is free and open to the public.
Wellington-based ChukkerTV (CTV Sports) is live streaming the entire fall season worldwide. Grand Champions is the only USPA club that is live streaming all its games. ChukkerTV‘s state-of-the art technology also features team challenges and instant replay which made their debut at Grand Champions in January, 2014.
The Polo School, a 501c3 organization and stand-alone USPA club, is dedicated to teaching polo to all ages, particularly grass roots youth. Its mission is to provide individuals opportunities in polo at every economic and ability level. The Polo School operates in Wellington January through June and October through November. For more information on the Fall Leagues or Polo School contact Juan Bollini at 561-346-1099 or Cale Newman at 561-876-2930.
Grand Champions Polo Club is located at 13444 Southfields Road in Wellington. For more information about the upcoming season visit www.gcpolo.com.
By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira
2023 Banyan Cup Schedule
Friday 10/27
4:30 p.m. Victory Polo His vs La Fe vs Victory Polo Hers
at Santa Rita Polo Farm
Saturday 10/28
10:30 a.m. Just For The Fun Of It
at Pony Express
Sunday 10/29
10 a.m. Banyan Cup Final
at Santa Rita Polo Farm
Back to Birthplace of the Gallops in the Sultanate of Oman from the 17th to 25th of February 2024! Discover the pink, ochre, and white dunes of the Wahiba Sands also known as the Sugar Dunes.
10 years ago, a hundred privileged riders discovered the Gallops, an extraordinary adventure across the Wahiba Sands to the Arabian Sea. Since then, the Gallops has explored other equally fascinating deserts: the dunes of Merzouga in Morocco (2018), the sands of Rajasthan in India (2019), and the lunar landscapes of Wadi Rum in Jordan (2021). For the tenth anniversary edition, the Gallops will return to their birthplace and cross the Wahiba Sands desert again. However, this edition will trace a new route to discover new breath-taking landscapes of the Sultanate.
The Gallops spirit.
The Gallops is an extraordinary equestrian, human, and cultural experience. Since 2014, this wild adventure has entered the hearts of the participants who have become addicted to the spirit of this unique raid. It is a privileged and almost confidential club but accessible to all. A rarity that should make new riders absolutely want to join. For this fifth edition, the number of participants will be reduced, making the adventure even more exclusive: seventy riders divided into fourteen teams will take their marks at the starting line.
The principle.
The principle of the raid remains the same: the participants must complete each of the five 30–40-kilometers stages in a time that is closest to an ideal set time.
It is not a race, but rather an endurance equestrian raid through spectacular desert landscapes, with a GPS as the only orientation tool. For this edition, GPS points will be deliberately reduced to make the route more challenging. The Gallops is an enormous sporting performance and a formidable challenge. The competition is there, and many come to win, but that is not what is important here.
Concern for the welfare of the horses.
The Oman Equestrian & Racing Federation is now the sole official body in Oman responsible for overseeing all equestrian activities in the Sultanate. The organisers of the Gallops will work under their aegis and select the horses. The horses will be Omani Arabian thoroughbreds and Anglo-Arabs from Omani riding schools. Their well-being is a major concern for the organisation. Five vets will be carrying out two checks per stage, and the horses are under constant surveillance by the „caravan“ accompanying them. The length of each stage will never exceed forty kilometres.
As with every edition, the level of riders will be closely monitored. Without being endurance champions, participants must be accomplished outdoor riders with a perfect mastery of the three gaits and an irreproachable knowledge of horses. In previous Gallops editions, inseparable pairs have been formed between rider and horse from their desert adventure to the point that riders have purchased their horse and imported them to be reunited together in their new forever home.
An uncharted course.
Departure from the beautiful Arabian Oryx Camp in the heart of the Golden Sands of the Sharqiya Desert. The journey will then reach the Arabian Sea via new routes and landscapes with superb shades of ochre and red, but also green. An unexpected oasis in an almost mystical silence in the middle of the desert will surprise the participants.
The raid comes to an end on a white sandy beach on the shores of the turquoise Arabian Sea, the Kowaima beach… a perfect party backdrop for the legendary and unmissable White Party that will take place under the fabulous starry sky in this magical place.
At the end of a shortened fifth leg, the riders will be taken back to Muscat, where polo players will be able to take part in a beach polo tournament, again on the shores of the Arabian Sea, in front of an expected large audience.
New for pedestrians: camel trekking.
Not everyone rides horses, however, many dream of discovering the fabulous landscapes of the Wahiba Sands while embarking on their own unique adventure. This edition, the Gallops will offer trekking stages for accompanying persons: routes of around twenty kilometres which will join the same arrival of the horses from the lunch site. In case of fatigue, two camels will follow, ready to take the exhausted walkers on their backs. For the first few stages, trekkers will be accompanied by a camel master, but after that, participants will have to find their own way with a GPS: adventure is for everyone.
A warrior‘s rest.
While in Muscat, the capital of Oman, the participants will be received at the 5* Intercontinental Hotel. In the desert, participants will sleep in bivouacs and comfortable tents where the oriental dream will continue in an exotic setting with all the logistics necessary and buffets that will delight the taste buds of adventurers after the multi-coloured sands have delighted their pupils. There are also 5* bivouacs where after night falls, traditional shows given by the particularly welcoming Bedouins in Oman, and the sumptuous White Party will punctuate this adventure with exceptional encounters and moments.
For the fifth time, the Gallops promises to be exciting and unique. A new setting to discover: deserts that are fascinating as they are full of curiosities, life, and diverse landscapes.
For more information and for registration please visit our website (gallops.fr) or contact us by email (contact@gallopsofoman.com).
Your Brand in the Spotlight at POLO+10! Secure Your Ad NOW – The big jubilee issue goes to print on November 10th! Contact us at thomas@poloplus10.com
- 24. October 2023
WELLINGTON, Fla., October 23, 2023—Amaro, making its fall season debut, won its first tournament Sunday at Santa Rita Polo Farm‘s Aspen Field.
Amaro (Scott Sorbaro, 0, Louis Devaleix, 1, Nic Roldan, 8, Kris Kampsen, 6) dominated round robin action to win the Pedro Morrison Memorial.
Amaro defeated Aspen Valley (Govinda Quish, 9, Sugar Erskine, 6, Pablo Dorignac, 5, Martin Jauregui, 6), 7-4, and Casablanca (Santos Bollini, 2, Grant Ganzi, 3, Tomacho Pieres, 6, Jason Crowder, 5) , 8-5, in the final. Casablanca topped Aspen Valley 10-6 in its round robin qualifier.
Arvo Katajisto, longtime friend of Pedro Morrison, was the awards presenter for the tournament and was emotional talking about Morrison. Several of Morrison‘s friends attended the game in his memory.
„I‘m sorry Pedro‘s not here laughing with us,“ he said. „Thank you all very, very much.“
Roldan, the second highest ranked American and most decorated player at Grand Champions Polo Club, was named Most Valuable Player for the third consecutive week. Roldan finished with six goals and played well defensively.
„Pedro was a dear friend to all of us and his legacy will always be remembered within the polo world,“ Roldan said.
Pitkin, played by Grant Ganzi and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm, was Best Playing Pony.
In the preliminary round robin games on Friday, Amaro edged Aspen Valley, 3-2, and Casablanca, 4-2; and Aspen Valley and Casablanca tied 5-5. The scores carried over into Sunday‘s final.
In the opening three chukkers, Amaro led from start to finish against Aspen Valley. Amaro extended its lead to 4-2 with Sorbaro‘s opening goal in the first chukker. Amaro pulled away for a 6-3 lead in the second chukker behind back-to-back Roldan goals, including a penalty-one. Amaro outshot Aspen Valley, 14-11.
In the final three chukkers, Amaro once again extended its lead, pulling away for a 5-3 advantage after the opening chukker. Amaro led by as many as four, 8-4, in the third chukker after Kampsen converted a 60-yard penalty.
„It was great to share the field with my teammates,“ said Roldan, who played with Sorbaro and Devaleix for the first time. „Scott and Louis both played really well. It was a fun weekend.“
Casablanca outshot Amaro, 14-13. Amaro led in knock-ins, 9-5, and throw-ins, 5-2. Each team had five fouls.
In addition to Roldan‘s six goals, Ganzi scored three for Casablanca including a penalty conversion, Santos Bollini had three for Casablanca and Kampsen had two including a 60-yard penalty conversion for Amaro.
On Saturday, in the Just For The Fun Of It round robin, Victory I (Becky Schmeits, Louis Devaleix, Juan Bollini, Patricio Paz/Tomacho Pieres), Victory II (Kevin Schmeits, Tomacho Pieres, Lion Mandelbaum, Sebastian Mandelbaum) and World Polo League White (Johnny Castillo, Patricio Paz, Martin Jauregui, David Farache) competed in a fun but competitive six-chukker round robin.
Kevin Schmeits, who also competes at Grand Champions sister club Aspen Valley Polo Club, returned to action after sitting out for nearly a year recouperating from knee surgery.
Brothers Sebastian and Lion Mandelbaum returned to Grand Champions. The pair have been competing in polo at GCPC since their lead line days.
In the opening round, Victory I and Victory II tied, 1-1. In the second round, Victory II and World Polo League White tied, 2-2. In the third and final round WPL White and Victory I tied, 2-2.
Castillo led in scoring with three goals. Becky Schmeits and Sebastian Mandelbaum each had two goals.
In last year‘s tournament, Barbarossa Leather won the Pedro Morrison Memorial at Santa Rita. Trailing by two goals going into the final chukker, Barbarossa Leather (Leo Mandelbaum, 2, Jason Crowder, 5, Juan Bollini, 3, Tommy Biddle, 5) rallied for a thrilling 4-3 victory over Casablanca (Nick Manifold, 3, Grant Ganzi, 3, Nic Roldan, 8, Juan Sanchez Elia, 5). Mandelbaum was MVP.
The tournament is named in honor of Pedro Morrison. Born in Spain and University of Miami alum, Morrison died Dec. 11, 2003 in Wellington at age 49. He was an avid polo player, patron of The Sympatico Polo team and helped develop Wellington into a thriving community.
The nation‘s largest and most innovative polo club celebrating its 17th anniversary, is hosting both medium and high goal tournaments this season.
Among the season highlights are the Nov. 7-15 USPA North American Cup and Nov. 11-21 USPA National 20-Goal Championship and Nov. 18 doubleheader featuring the Legends of Polo Carlos Gracida Memorial and International Cup featuring GCPC USA putting its undefeated 11-game win streak on the line against Spain.
The fall medium goal schedule features six tournaments. The remaining medium goal tournaments are the Oct. 24-29 Banyan Cup, Nov. 1-5 Fall Plates and inaugural Nov. 8-12 Casablanca Fall Cup.
Grand Champions Polo Club and Santa Rita Polo Farm is the largest and most unique private 102-acre polo facility in Wellington with 212 stalls in nine self-contained barns, two exercise tracks, five climate-controlled tack rooms, vet room, staff quarters, guest house and four polo fields with state-of-the-art underground irrigation, short work arena and stick-and-ball fields.
Grand Champions Polo Club and Santa Rita Polo Farm cater to men, women and youth polo players at all levels. Its‘ expert staff can customize a complete playing experience including horses, pros and certified umpires in addition to lessons and practice sessions as part of its‘ Polo On Demand program at the turnkey facility.
Grand Champions and Santa Rita Polo Farm hosts polo tournaments ranging from six to 26-goal in addition to special events at its well-manicured 11 fields during the fall season. Admission is free and open to the public.
Wellington-based ChukkerTV (CTV Sports) is live streaming the entire fall season worldwide. Grand Champions is the only USPA club that is live streaming all its games.
The Polo School, a 501c3 organization and stand-alone USPA club, is dedicated to teaching polo to all ages, particularly grass roots youth. Its mission is to provide individuals opportunities in polo at every economic and ability level. The Polo School operates in Wellington January through June and October through November. For more information on the Fall Leagues or Polo School contact Juan Bollini at 561-346-1099 or Cale Newman at 561-876-2930.
Grand Champions Polo Club is located at 13444 Southfields Road in Wellington. For more information about the upcoming season visit www.gcpolo.com.
By Sharon Robb
GRAND CHAMPIONS POLO CLUB
WHERE: 13444 Southfields Road, on the corner of South Shore Boulevard and Lake Worth Road, Wellington, 33414.
In an exhilarating season finale, Team Polo Sylt emerged victorious against Team COSMOPOLO / PoloPark Berlin, securing first place in Germany‘s last grass polo tournament of the year. This event, held from October 13th to 15th, 2023 at PoloPark Berlin, attracted four international polo teams who, with around 70 polo horses, battled for the win.
Autumn showcased its finest colors and provided optimal conditions for thrilling chukkas over the course of three days. With expert commentary by „the Polospeaker“ Jan Zavazal and musical ambiance set by Polo DJ Sebastian, referee Marco Zubrod ensured the adherence to the rules on the field.
Unfortunately, Team POLO+10 had to settle for 4th place after suffering two losses by a narrow margin of half a goal and playing one game to a draw.
Thomas Bauer and his crew took care of the culinary needs of the players and guests, who enjoyed the exciting matches and the special atmosphere of the tournament.
With this event, Baltic Polo Events concludes a remarkable season with a total of ten polo events involving around 200 polo players and approximately 700 polo horses. This action-packed year culminated in a unique blend of sport and culture as the season-ending tournament was combined with an Oktoberfest celebration.
Now, Baltic Polo Events is heading into a well-deserved winter break. However, the anticipation for the 2024 polo season is already mounting.
For more information about the world of polo and upcoming events, please visit www.baltic-polo-events.de.
Photos by Polo Sylt & Baltic Polo Events by Sebastian
WELLINGTON, Fla., October 16, 2023—In a thrilling finish, Aspen Valley won the Tackeria Invitational Sunday at Santa Rita Polo Farm.
Aspen Valley (Govinda Quish, Jason Crowder, 5, Sugar Erskine, 6, Nic Roldan, 8) edged Casablanca (Santos Bollini, 2, Grant Ganzi, 3, Tomacho Pieres, 6, Martin Jauregui, 6), 10-9.
With four seconds left, Roldan scored the game-winner on an incredible lofted angle shot from the sideboards to win the club‘s oldest tournament.
„Basically, there was only one play left,“ Roldan explained. „Casablanca hit the ball out inside the 60, so that took the ball back to the 60-yard line where the ball went out which was basically right by the boards. I had a much smaller angle to shoot from and put it right through the middle with a little bit of luck. I just closed my eyes and shot and it went straight through.
„I find those shots, the ones that are much harder angles, sometimes I find them a little bit easier. You don‘t really think that much about it. Keep your head down, try to make good contact and hope that it goes in.“
The nation‘s second highest ranked American player at 8 goals (behind 10-goaler Polito Pieres) was named the game‘s Most Valuable Player. Roldan is the most decorated MVP in the club‘s 17-year history.
„It never gets old,“ Roldan said. „You always want to win. No matter what game it is, no matter how important it is or how unimportant it is, I still always want to go out there and do my best to win.
„I am constantly trying to improve no matter what the level is in whatever area I can. There‘s always room for improvement as an athlete. You‘re always learning new things.“
At age 40, Roldan said he has set a goal to play another 10 years. His consistent training with well-respected trainer Jeremy Fedoruk, director of Wellington-based Athletic Enhancement Group, has helped prolong his career.
„I think I am in the best shape that I‘ve ever been,“ said Roldan, at 15 the youngest player to win the U.S. Open. „I think I am playing better than I did 10 years ago. I have better horses, I‘m wiser, I have more experience and I am a little bit more relaxed on the field.
„Everyone goes through those different chapters in life, there are completely different stages in a career,“ Roldan said. „All those workouts that I do is because I want to continue to prolong my career. I feel mentally and physically I am in a great place. I am still given the opportunities to compete at the top level and still want to compete at the top level given the right opportunity.“
Casablanca jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the opening chukker. Aspen Valley reeled them in by the end of the third chukker, tying 4-4 just before the half. After that, the clean, open control game was tied four more times and the lead changed hands twice.
Aspen Valley led 7-5 going into the fifth chukker before Casablanca bounced back to tie, 8-8. Quish converted a penalty with 5:07 left to give Aspen Valley back the lead at 9-8. With 1:37 Pieres scord on a broken play after the knock-in to tie the game 9-9 and set up Roldan‘s heroics.
„The game could have gone either way,“ Roldan said. „The other team played really well. We were back and forth, up chukkers, down some chukkers. It was a fun game for both teams and a great game for the fall season. It was a much faster-paced game than we usually play.“
Roldan led Aspen Valley scoring with four goals. Quish had three goals, Crowder two and Erskine one. Jauregui led Casablanca with five goals.
Aspen Valley outshot Casablanca, 20-13, and led in throw-ins, 12-6. Casablanca led in knock-ins, 10-4.
China Clay, a dark bay mare played by Erskine and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm, was Best Playing Pony.
The Tackeria Invitational has a special place in club history as the inaugural tournament when the club first opened in 2007. The Tackeria was founded in 1975 by Tony Coppola.
In last year‘s Tackeria Invitational, NetJets (Larry Austin, 0, Leo Mandelbaum, 2, Juan Sanchez Elia, 5, Tommy Biddle, 5) held off Travieso (Teo Calle, 1, Santos Bollini, 2, Tony Calle, 3, Sugar Erskine, 6) in the final chukker for a thrilling 10-9 victory. Hall of Famer Tommy Biddle was MVP.
The nation‘s largest and most innovative polo club celebrating its 17th anniversary, is hosting both medium and high goal tournaments this season.
Among the season highlights are the Nov. 7-15 USPA North American Cup and Nov. 11-21 USPA National 20-Goal Championship and Nov. 18 doubleheader featuring the Legends of Polo Carlos Gracida Memorial and International Cup featuring GCPC USA putting its undefeated 11-game win streak on the line against Spain.
The fall medium goal schedule features six tournaments. The remaining medium goal tournaments are the Oct. 17-22 Pedro Morrison Memorial, Oct. 24-29 Banyan Cup, Nov. 1-5 Fall Plates and inaugural Nov. 8-12 Casablanca Fall Cup.
Grand Champions Polo Club and Santa Rita Polo Farm is the largest and most unique private 102-acre polo facility in Wellington with 212 stalls in nine self-contained barns, two exercise tracks, five climate-controlled tack rooms, vet room, staff quarters, guest house and four polo fields with state-of-the-art underground irrigation, short work arena and stick-and-ball fields.
Grand Champions Polo Club and Santa Rita Polo Farm cater to men, women and youth polo players at all levels. Its‘ expert staff can customize a complete playing experience including horses, pros and certified umpires in addition to lessons and practice sessions as part of its‘ Polo On Demand program at the turnkey facility.
Grand Champions and Santa Rita Polo Farm hosts polo tournaments ranging from six to 26-goal in addition to special events at its well-manicured 11 fields during the fall season. Admission is free and open to the public.
Wellington-based ChukkerTV (CTV Sports) is live streaming the entire fall season worldwide. Grand Champions is the only USPA club that is live streaming all its games.
The Polo School, a 501c3 organization and stand-alone USPA club, is dedicated to teaching polo to all ages, particularly grass roots youth. Its mission is to provide individuals opportunities in polo at every economic and ability level. The Polo School operates in Wellington January through June and October through November. For more information on the Fall Leagues or Polo School contact Juan Bollini at 561-346-1099 or Cale Newman at 561-876-2930.
Grand Champions Polo Club is located at 13444 Southfields Road in Wellington. For more information about the upcoming season visit www.gcpolo.com.
By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira
- 23. February 2021
Richard Mille is delighted to announce its new partnership with one of the world’s most iconic brands – Ferrari. Founded in 1947 by the legendary Enzo Ferrari, the company has always been ahead of the field, driving towards excellence both on and off the track.
This meeting of minds is based on shared values. Both brands forge their inspiration in the white heat of technology, combining age-old know-how with cutting-edge, state of the art innovation and passion leads to true world-beating excellence in their respective fields. This multi-year partnership extends from the pinnacle of motor racing in Formula 1 through WEC endurance programs, Competizioni GT, Ferrari Challenge, Ferrari Driver Academy to the fast-developing Esports category.
The meeting of minds does not end there. Richard Mille will also back not only Ferrari’s Driver Academy, a breeding ground for up-and-coming talent but will also be an active supporter of the Ferrari Challenge series. Since 1993 this renowned single-model motorsport championship has brought together thousands of gentleman drivers competing throughout the globe.
Historically many Ferraris combine the latest period technology whilst being true works of art and these attributes are often synonymous with our watches, symbols of modernity, performance and technical prowess achievements. The next few years will see the development of a specific range of watches through the close collaboration of our dedicated team in Switzerland and Ferrari’s design department. There are multiple inspirations between both brands to create and produce together stunning timepieces combining technicity and aesthetics of the highest order, all driven by a mutual engagement of a very strong partnership.
Richard Mille couldn’t be more enthusiastic about this partnership with Ferrari:
“Everyone knows Ferrari is an iconic brand with an incredible history, and a true following from the legendary ‘tifosi’ right through to multiple collectors of classic cars. We see this as a true partnership with multiple developments at its heart of our watches with Ferrari’s designers and engineers. The whole team is thrilled about the collaboration with Ferrari and committed to creating a strong and passionate partnership.’’
Mattia Binotto, Managing Director and Team Principal Scuderia Ferrari:
“I am very pleased about this new multi-year partnership. Ferrari and Richard Mille share many common values, from technology to use of similar materials, as well as the passion we put into coming up with and designing our products. Both brands bear the name of their founder and represent their dreams and visions. The partnership will have a wide reach and I am particularly pleased that it also extends to the Ferrari Driver Academy. Richard Mille is a great racing fan and shares our commitment to bringing along talented youngsters and to attract young people to motorsport.”
- 17. February 2021
Foreword by Renato Cipullo
Text by Vivienne Becker
ASSOULINE SPRING 2021 LEGENDS COLLECTION
CIPULLO: MAKING JEWELRY MODERN
“For the longest time I have wanted to create a book dedicated to my brother Aldo, to shed light on the scope of his work, and in celebration of his life and the times in which he lived.” – Renato Cipull0
“I design for today, thinking of tomorrow.” – Aldo Cipullo
Born in Naples in 1935 to a family of jewelers, Aldo Cipullo became the most glamorous jewelry designer of the 1970s and early ’80s. Aldo left Italy for the exciting possibilities of life in New York City, enrolling at the School of Visual Arts. By 1960 he was working for the acclaimed society jeweler David Webb, who was renowned for producing designs that were bold and expressive, to then joining Tiffany & Co., where he began developing his own design vocabulary.
In 1969 he moved to Cartier alongside the company’s President Michael Thomas, where, at the top of his craft, he introduced some of the most modern and timeless creations, such as the Love bracelet, a seminal design that is fastened to the wearer’s wrist with a special screwdriver. He followed this up in 1971 with the Nail collection, inspired by a nail wrapped around the finger or wrist, a surprising creation that embodied the gritty glamour of New York of the time.
Aldo Cipullo struck out on his own in 1974, continuing to create jewelry for men and women that turned heads, including pieces in the shape of the dollar sign, which he deemed “the electric eye that reflects the mood of this country.” In 1978, the American Gem Society commissioned him to create a collection featuring stones mined in America, such as turquoise from Arizona, diamonds from Arkansas and sapphires from Montana; these pieces are now part of the Smithsonian Institution. Although he sadly passed away suddenly in 1984, Aldo Cipullo’s legacy of forward-thinking yet classic designs remain perennially popular.
This slipcase volume is filled with striking images of Aldo Cipullo’s modern jewelry designs, which are both iconic and universal, intimate yet also intensely personal, contemporary and timeless. Punctuated with Cipullo family photos and fond anecdotes from Aldo’s friends, Cipullo: Making Jewelry Modern unfolds the story of one of the most innovative and, until now, enigmatic talents of modern jewelry history.
Designer Renato Cipullo leads a fine jewelry house based in New York. In addition to his fine jewelry collections, Renato’s creations have been worn by royalty and celebrities, and among an extensive list of private clients globally who regularly commission him for the intricacy of his bespoke designs. He created the Midnight watch in the 1980s, for which he was dubbed the Father of High-Tech Accessories. Carrying on a tradition from generations of jewelers, Renato Cipullo continues to steward the legacy in keeping with the family’s traditions and uncompromising design principles.
Author Vivienne Becker is an award-winning journalist and jewelry historian. A contributing editor to Financial Times How to Spend It magazine, Becker writes for publications around the world and lectures and broadcasts on her subject. She organized the first major exhibition of the jewelry of René Lalique, and curated Jewels of Fantasy, a traveling exhibition of twentieth-century costume jewelry. Becker’s previous books for Assouline include De Beers Jewellery (2011), The Impossible Collection of Jewelry (2012), Sevan Bıçakçı (2014), The Pearl Necklace (2016), Bulgari: The Joy of Gems—Magnificent High Jewelry Creations (2017), De Grisogono: Daring Creativity (2017), and Sevan Bıçakçı: The Timekeeper (2018).
LONDON, 16 February, 2021: The award-winning Singaporean designer, Simone Ng, debuted Simone Jewels 15 years ago, and in celebration of this momentous occasion she is delighted to announce the release of her latest collection ‘From Russia With Love’.
Inspired by Russian heritage, the collection, originally released back in 2011, has been revisited with a contemporary approach encapsulating new stunning elements. Designed with incredibly detailed craftmanship and artistic flair, a key feature of the collection is guilloché technique used in the renowned Fabergé eggs for the elaborate enamelling work and fine figurines.
Ballerina Ring in 18K Rose Gold with Pink Tourmaline and Diamonds ($14,350). Ballerina Earrings in 18K Rose Gold with Pink Tourmaline and Diamonds ($14,350)
The collection includes unique, one-of-a-kind pieces such as the Fabergé Delight. Handcrafted over five months, the egg, made of 18K white and rose gold is covered in diamonds, and opens up to a reveal a miniature white enamel Russian ballerina. The clasp is adorned with a vivid red ruby to finish off this luxurious pendant fit for royalty.
Faberge Delight in 18K White and Rose Gold with Ruby, Diamonds and Enamel ($22,550)
Commenting on ‘From Russia With Love’, Founder and Executive Creative Director of Simone Jewels, Simone Ng said, “I have always been absolutely fascinated by the grandeur of Russian and my inspiration for this collection was drawn from the craftmanship and intricacy of the royals’ elaborate pieces.”
She adds “Russian royalties have owned some of the world’s most exquisite jewellery, with Catherine the Great, the Empress of Russia, believing that great jewels were as important as a great army!”
Ballerina Earrings in 18K Rose Gold with Pink Tourmaline and Diamonds ($11,000)
Launched in 2014 Simone’s designs are inspired by history, architecture, culture and each creation made is an heirloom of timeless essence, transformable and transformative.
The new ‘From Russia With Love’ collection is now available.
- 11. February 2021
• Young French show jumping rider of 24 years old
• One of the world’s best show jumping hopefuls
• Wears the RM 07-01 Automatic in Carbon TPT ® and Titanium
“A true breath of fresh air!” Richard Mille is delighted to welcome Flore Giraud, France’s most up and coming showjumping champion into the Richard Mille stable. In a sport which is currently regaining popularity throughout the globe, Flore is jumping leaps and bounds on her way to peak performance.
“I was riding even before I was born” says the 24-year-old, acknowledging that her passion for all equestrian things comes from her mother. “When I was a little girl, you couldn’t get me out of the stables. I was riding, grooming, mucking in – I’d have slept there too if they’d let me! I had my first Shetland Poney when I was just 4 and started competing at 8.” The world has since become her chosen arena with world-beating success both at national and international Grand Prix such as Knokke, Equita Lyon, Wellington US and the 2019 Longines Masters in Paris.
“To nurture a relationship with horses requires sensitivity. They give you so much, you really have to build an instinctive relationship and that takes years of dedication. Of course, they sense how important it is when the Big Day comes. They are away from their home, they feel the crowd. Above all they sense your adrenaline. After all, you are demanding incredible achievements from them. You don’t get that without putting in the effort.”
Flore works at the estate Haras de Lécaude, located near Deauville in Normandy (France). The facilities are state of the art, equipped with an all-season riding arena, galop apparatus and spa. Horses, “the true athletes” as Flore insists, deserve only the best, with massages to ease their much in demand muscles. “It’s exactly the same as Formula 1. Edward Levy and I are the two riders at the Haras but all the staff around us make up the team, just like the technicians you find in the pits.” Mental attitude is 90% of the sport and Flore has her own mental coach. “It quickly becomes a virtuous circle of winning, positive attitude and how to cope with any down phases.”
Things “clicked” instantly when Flore met Amanda Mille. Both share a vision about the role of women in international competition. “It’s almost unique to have a sport where we compete on equal terms with men. On top of this I was struck by the brand’s commitment to detail. Our performance lasts a minute, but many years of preparation go into that minute. Every part of every second counts. I love the minutiae of perfection.” Not to forget the other important feature which endears Flore to the RM 07-01 in Carbon TPT ® and Titanium – its supreme lightness. “That’s exactly what I’m striving for when I approach each and every hurdle.” The 24-year-old French woman is obviously chomping at the bit to take on the challenge of the 2024 Paris Olympics and make no mistake, Flore has every intention of clearing any obstacles in her path!
Images: © Richard Mille
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Stuttgart/La Chaux-de-Fonds. Porsche and the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer TAG Heuer have joined forces in a strategic brand partnership. Within the framework of the holistic and long-term alliance, the premium manufacturers intend to jointly approach both sports competitions and the development of products. As a first step, the partners unveiled a new watch, the TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph.
“The strong friendship of our brand with TAG Heuer exists since decades and I am more than happy that we are now taking the next steps in the frame of a strategic partnership,” says Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG. “We bring together what our customers love the most about both of us: authentic heritage, thrilling sports events, unique life experiences and the fulfilment of dreams. We both strive to create some unique, magic moments for our communities. We now look forward to doing it together.”
“TAG Heuer and Porsche have common history and values, of course, but more importantly, we share an attitude,” says Frédéric Arnault, CEO of TAG Heuer. “Like Porsche, we are disruptors at heart, always in pursuit of high performance. With this alliance, TAG Heuer and Porsche finally come together officially after decades of close encounters and will create unmatched experiences and products for customers and fans that are passionate about both our brands and what we stand for.”
Two histories – one passion
For over half a century, the stories of the two companies have intersected. Similarities of heritage can be traced all the way back to the entrepreneurs of Porsche and TAG Heuer. Edouard Heuer and Ferdinand Porsche were pioneers whose visions changed their chosen fields forever. Heuer was responsible for the first manufactured chronograph and Porsche constructed a new electric wheel hub motor. Both these accomplishments earned medals at World Fairs held in Paris 11 years apart. Heuer was honoured in 1889, the first Lohner-Porsche Electromobile with this innovation was presented at the Expo in Paris in 1900.
The true cornerstones of today’s partnership, however, are descendants of the brands’ founders. Ferdinand Porsche’s son, Ferdinand Anton Ernst or “Ferry”, joined his father’s engineering office in 1931 at the age of 22 and founded the car brand that bears the family name in 1948. Within a few years, the name of Porsche would be inextricably linked with race track success all around the world – including a class win in the Carrera Panamericana race of 1954. In honour of its successful participation, Porsche calls its most powerful sportscar engine at this time ‘Carrera’.
Edouard Heuer’s great-grandson Jack led his family’s company for decades. In 1963, he created the first Heuer Carrera chronograph, designed to let drivers tell the time at a glance in the heat of action. Jack Heuer was also responsible for the Heuer Monaco, the first square-faced, water-resistant automatic chronograph watch. Its name evoked the Monaco Grand Prix as well as the Principality’s renowned Monte Carlo Rally, which Porsche won in three consecutive years, from 1968 to 1970, with its 911 model.
Steve McQueen and the Heuer logo
Just as the Porsche 911 had done for automobiles, the Heuer Monaco broke with the familiar design codes of traditional watchmaking. Its innovations had come at a significant financial cost and as an alternative to an expensive advertising campaign, Jack Heuer further cemented his brand’s link to the renowned sportscar manufacturer with a creative sponsorship arrangement with Fribourg, Switzerland-based racing driver and Porsche dealer Jo Siffert. In 2005, at the premiere of the film Jo Siffert: “Live Fast, Die Young”, Jack Heuer remembered the terms of their contract: “In exchange for CHF 25,000, he would put our logo on his car and suit. In addition, he could buy our watches at wholesale prices and resell them to his racing friends at a substantial profit. Which he did with great success because half of the paddock was wearing Heuer watches by the end of the 1969 season!” It was this connection that led Steve McQueen to wear the Heuer logo on his racing suit during the filming of Le Mans in 1970, in which he drove a Porsche 917. The American actor said at the time, “I drive the same car as Jo Siffert, and I want to wear the same suit as him.”
TAG-Turbo Engine – made by Porsche for the McLaren team
With its sale to the TAG Group, Heuer became TAG Heuer in the mid-1980s. At this time, the Porsche and TAG Heuer jointly developed and produced the TAG Turbo Engine that enabled the McLaren team to win three consecutive F1 world titles: with Niki Lauda in 1984, followed by Alain Prost in 1985 and 1986. In 1999, the relationship between Porsche and TAG Heuer grew even stronger – from the Porsche Carrera Cup and Supercup competitions, followed by the Endurance World Championship and more was yet to come. Porsche created its own Formula E team with TAG Heuer as title and timing partner in 2019, marking a starting point for an even more powerful and far-reaching collaboration.
New sports partnerships
In its second year, the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team will now fight for the World Championship. Behind the wheel of Porsche’s all-electric racecar, the 99X Electric, will be drivers André Lotterer and his new teammate, Pascal Wehrlein. Porsche has long distinguished itself in endurance events and together with TAG Heuer its GT Team is well prepared for the coming FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). The milestone year will also include series partnerships in ten editions of the worldwide one-make cup series Porsche Carrera Cup. In addition to physical competitions, TAG Heuer also engages in virtual racing by supporting the Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup. In addition, the watch brand is stepping in as global partner in Porsche’s ‘classic’ events and rallies.
Moreover, both brands share their strong passion for tennis and golf. The main tennis event is the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart. This was launched in 1978, and the sports car manufacturer has been the organizer since 2002. TAG Heuer will accompany the event, which has repeatedly been named the most popular tournament in its category, as an official partner for watches and chronographs. In golf, Porsche has been the title sponsor of the Porsche European Open, one of the most traditional tournaments on the European Tour, since 2015. This year, TAG Heuer will be present as a partner for the first time here.
Finally, the brands are committed to creating unforgettable moments together in the future through the various Porsche Experiences.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph
Carrera as an icon of a name has been associated with Porsche and TAG Heuer for generations – so it was a natural choice for the first creative product collaboration. A tribute to the heritage of two brands, the new chronograph offers a first glimpse at what they can achieve together and is a seamless blend of the Porsche and TAG Heuer universes, reflecting the excellence of both names without diluting the essence of either.
Porsche’s engraved inscription is visible on the bezel and the unmistakable font is also used for the indexes. The Porsche colours of red, black, and grey – which also recall historic Heuer models – are incorporated throughout the watch, and on clear display through the transparent cristal case back is the oscillating mass, which has been redesigned in affectionate tribute to Porsche’s celebrated steering wheel. It is printed with “Porsche” and “TAG Heuer”.
The dial’s asphalt effect, created especially for this watch, expresses a passion for the road, while Arabic numerals suggest the numbers on the dashboard of fine Porsche sportscars. The timepiece is presented either on a soft strap in luxurious calf leather and innovative stitching that echoes the Porsche interior or on an interlocking bracelet reflecting streamlined racing design. At the heart of the timepiece is the in-house Calibre Heuer 02 manufacture movement with an impressive 80-hour power reserve.
Images: ©Porsche
Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche and Frédéric Arnault, CEO of TAG Heuer, during the announcement.
The launch event took place on February 4, 2021.
As a first step, the partners unveiled the TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph.
Porsche and TAG Heuer – a common history with innovation and motor racing at its core.
Porsche and TAG Heuer enter into a strategic partnership.
The chronograph offers a first glimpse at what the brands can achieve together.
Art for the moments of life
An Interview with the Doctor and Artist Dr. Farzam Khalilian
© POLO+10 by Alexander Nebe / Photography Karsten Eichhorn
How and when did the idea for the founding of „Khalilian Equestrian Carpets“ came about?
Five years ago I was at the CHIO riding tournament in Aachen. It was a beautiful day – and I was enjoying the moment; watched the hustle and bustle around me, the horses, the people. And suddenly a question shot through my head: Why are there no elegant, classy carpets with horse motifs in its design?
So it was like some kind of creative enlightenment?
Absolutely (laughs). Suddenly I felt like an unconditionally enthusiastic child again. After that, I carried the idea around with me for some time without really taking action. Finally, in 2017, I actually started drafting the first design and put some of the ideas in my head on paper.
Would you say that the fascination for horses has grabbed you?
Definitely! However, I’ve been enthusiastic about horses since I was a child. Horses have always interested and accompanied me. They are impressively graceful beings who effectively convey their pride and beauty to the outside world.
Where are your carpet designs implemented and how long does it take to make them?
The carpets are made in selected manufactories in the Orient – with strict regulations, especially with regard to child labor. We only use the highest quality materials such as wool from Mongolian sheeps or Tibetan silk. The carpets are knotted in two layers and yet it usually takes around six months before a carpet is finished. With a knot density of up to 500.000 knots per square meter or more you can imagine very well why it takes such a long time. It’s real manual work – a very impressive and artful craft.
In which quantities do you produce?
Some carpets are unique. We produce a maximum of five pieces per design, depending on size and color weighting.
Artful carpets are one thing. As an artist, you also create „String-Art“ works. How did you come up with this art form?
My first school lesson in Germany is to blame for that. (smiles) When I was taken to the classroom, all students drove nails into boards according to a precise template and then created their pictures with colored threads. I have always fondly remembered this first formative experience from my new homeland. Years later – ok, decades later (laughs) – I started to reinterpret the technology.
Reinterpreted to what extent?
I use very thin and filigree threads for my pictures, which allow different shades and also color accents to be worked out particularly well. It’s very important to me that in the end the most varied details in portraits or horse heads are clearly worked out. For the last picture I used about ten kilometers of thread. This length could have been laid almost one and a half times around the Hamburg Alster.
What is special about this art form?
I find it really fascinating when you „paint a picture“ with threads. It’s simple but expressive. And hopefully I’m not alone with this opinion. (smiles)
How long does it take to complete a String-Art image?
That always depends on how large the format and how complicated the desired motif is. Portraits of people are more difficult and challenging than horses, natural or architectural motifs. Basically, however, I sit at a picture for several weeks, but sometimes the creative process goes a little faster.
To which countries have you already sold your works?
My first commission came from the royal family in Abu Dhabi. In the meantime, I also sell to New York and California, to Japan, South America or to the Moroccan royal family. Even a german family that produces cars in Stuttgart is now one of my customers. These addresses are a great honor for my work. However, the most important thing for me is to have created something with my art that brings joy to its new owner every day. No matter who and no matter where.
Can you draw parallels between your art and your work, the art form of cardiac surgery?
Both require the highest precision, concentration and dedication. Both activities make me feel very happy. The key difference is: In my artistic work I can also allow myself to make a mistake – not in an operation!
Do you also do individual remittance work for your clients?
Yes, with pleasure! The joint creative process is not only often very inspiring, it also leads to good conversations and sometimes even to a friendship. And I really appreciate that!
The horse plays a major role in your art. Will it stay that way in the future?
The horse is and remains omnipresent in my art. But there will definitely be excursions that are less focused on this subject.
The carpets and String-Art-pictures were created from defining moments in your life. Does that mean we can look forward to more artful stories that your life has written so far?
Definitely! I’m already working on some new art projects, including a Polo-Collection planned for 2021. I’m sure that great pieces will be created because the world of Polo inspires me many levels. If you don’t like the Polo-Collection you can scold me at the next meeting. (laughs)
www.khalilian.art
@khalilian.art
String-art „Amenity“ / 120 x 120 cm / ca 4 km thread © Farzam Khalilian
Art for the moments of life.
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Pictures by Karsten Eichhorn
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