| Mr Jean-Paul PROUST -
Minister of State |
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In 1912, HSH Prince Albert I wrote about the construction of the harbor breakwaters:
"... my desire to consolidate the creation of the harbor, which should become one of the strongest contributors to our prosperity and is always an extraordinary sight for those who remember the sea breaking on the rocks all around Monaco's roadstead only a dozen years ago. The floods of salt water have become floods of people."
Today we can appreciate just how prophetic those words were. Now the cruise liners that disgorge their thousands of passengers rub shoulders with the yachts and superb craft that abound in Port Hercule. But although sumptuous, this multitude is only a pale reflection of what the 19th Monaco Yacht show will be.
Again this year, Luc Pettavino and his team will transform this harbor so dear to Prince Albert I into a showcase displaying "pure gems", the most superb craft built by shipyards the world over, to a public whose desire for novelty, beauty and elegance never ceases to grow.
Forty craft, newly launched from their shipyards and each more spectacular than the last, will be moored in Monaco's harbor and roadstead. Each of them brings innovation, each is the combined result of efforts by the best design offices in naval architecture, presenting the best solutions for sustainable development and protecting the maritime world.
Through its dedication to the principles of environmental protection developed by HSH the Sovereign Prince, the Monaco Yacht Show once again demonstrates its civic commitment to safeguarding our planet's seas and oceans.
May all the people contributing to this event be sincerely congratulated not only for their efficiency and responsible attitude but equally for the excellent image of the Principality that they promote throughout the world of luxury yachting.
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