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Friday 5 August 2011 - Issue 5 - CHF 3.50 excl VAT

IN-DEPTH ARTICLE

· Cultural center Les Arts Gstaad

MAGAZINE

A feast of ­culture

IN THIS ISSUE

· Reverend Penny Frank · Gstaad Yacht Club team wins · Do not feed wild animals · Oldtimerclub · New Graff ­Diamonds ­Boutique in Gstaad · A beautiful ­wedding for ­Januaria & Luca · Not all waste is necessarily ­garbage

COLUMN

· A manners guide for the Nouveau Riche

Photo: rendermanx3 / photocase.com

· Crédit Agricole ­Suisse Open ­Tennis results

20207_206x289_GstaadLife_tou_e.indd 1

19.05.11 15:50

Friday 5 August 2011 Page 3

Contents

Gstaadlife is available in these Hotels

Letter from the Editor ������������������������������������������������������� 3 In-depth article Cultural center Les Arts Gstaad . 5, 7 Local News The Reverend Penny Frank ����������� 9

Do not feed wild animals ������������11

Saanen Airport converts ��������������11

Oldtimerclub ��������������������������������� 12

New Graff Diamonds Boutique . .12

A beautiful wedding for Januaria Piromallo & Luca Simoni in Capri . 13

Hydroelectric plants planned ����� 13

Events Local News

Column

Cause of Oberbort chalet fire ����� 13 Not all waste is garbage ������������� 14 Events calendar ����������������������������� 16 Gstaad Yacht Club team wins ����� 17 24-hour of Le Mans ���������������������� 17 Crédit Agricole S­ uisse Open T­ ennis results ��������������������� 17 A manners guide for the Nouveau Riche ���������������������� 18

Letter from the Editor - Elegant ­transformations Sitting together with my family in the warm sunshine, watching the final of the Crédit Agricole Swiss Open Gstaad recently proved to be yet another fabulous day in Gstaad.

The two tennis stars fighting it out to win the title delivered a great spectacle of courage and skill and the organization of the event, the catering, goods on offer and side events all made for what came across to be another successful celebration of the fine game of tennis. Looking out across the court, watching the MOB Golden Pass train work its way over the newly quietened Viaduct with the slopes of Grüben as its backdrop gives one a sense that life is good.

It also brings to mind the efforts of man, often criticized, who keep stirring up the local economy, with ideas that may result in change but also result in prosperity for the region.

The once-upon-a-time transformation of part of the Reichenbach meadow to what is now the UnterGstaad car park and an open territory that transforms from an ice rink in the winter months to an ATP tennis tournament venue in the summer, is

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UPFRONT

such an example. The area is a hive of activity throughout most of the year, bringing a good quality of local, tourist and patron to the region to enjoy some elegant and entertaining pursuits. All of the people involved in actualizing these activities from management to labor to municipal office, benefit from such activity which broadens the economic constitution of the region. I wasn’t around when the Reichenbach meadow underwent transformation, but I would be most surprised if it wasn’t preceded by arduous debate and a myriad of social interpretations, no different than the circumstance we face with the many developments under consideration, in the Gstaad region, today. The question surely is what can be deemed to be an elegant transformation of meadow and historically significant building and what isn’t. With its architectural order and mixed society of indigenous and imported locals, Gstaad has possibly become a beacon, in the context of greater Switzerland, of what to leave alone and what to change.

In comparison to the brutal and in

most cases thoughtless ascetic development that has scarred the Lake of Geneva in neighboring Canton of Vaud; the Gstaad region is a result of persons who highly regard the value of elegant transformation.

Whilst walking away from the tennis final, the original Reichenbach chalet built in 1813 caught my eye.

In traditional Saanenland style with beautifully tended to flower boxes, it stood firm, looking out over its now concrete meadow with temporary stadium construct in place, promotional banners flying and generators humming. I guess there was a time when this fair meadow needed to be sacrificed to change, and that this change has had its benefits to us all.

It’s a warming thought however that the Chalet itself still stands proud and so well maintained as a reminder to us all, that not everything should change and it is this part of the equation that results in elegance.

Best wishes Peter

***** Gstaad PALACE: +41 (0)33 748 50 00, info@palace.ch ***** GRAND HOTEL PARK: +41 (0)33 748 98 00, info@grandhotelpark.ch ***** GRAND HOTEL BELLEVUE: +41 (0)33 748 00 00, info@bellevue-gstaad.ch ***** WELLNESS & SPA HOTEL ERMITAGE-GOLF: +41 (0)33 748 60 60, ermitagegolf@ermitage-gstaad.ch **** Hotel Alpenrose: +41 (0)33 748 91 91, info@hotelalpenrose.ch **** Golfhotel Les hauts de gstaad: +41 (0)33 748 68 68, mail@golfhotel.ch **** Grand Chalet: +41 (0)33 748 76 76, hotel@grandchalet.ch **** HOTEL ARC-EN-CIEL: +41 (0)33 748 43 43, www.arc-en-ciel.ch **** Hotel BERNERHOF.: +41 (0)33 748 88 44, info@bernerhof-gstaad.ch **** Hotel Christiania: +41 (0)33 744 51 21, info@christiania.ch **** Hotel GstaadERHOF: +41 (0)33 748 63 63, gstaaderhof@gstaad.ch **** CHALET HOTEL HORNBERG: +41 (0)33 748 66 88, willkommen@hotel-hornberg.ch **** HOTEL OLDEN: +41 (0)33 748 49 50, info@hotelolden.com **** Hotel Steigenberger: +41 (0)33 748 64 64, gstaad@steigenberger.ch *** Hotel Bellerive: +41 (0)33 748 88 33, bellerive-gstaad@bluewin.ch *** Hotel Alpenland: +41 (0)33 765 91 34, hotel@alpenland.ch *** Hotel Alphorn: +41 (0)33 748 45 45, office@gstaad-alphorn.ch *** Hotel Alpine lodge: +41 (0)33 748 41 51, info@alpinelodge.ch *** Hotel Kernen: +41 (0)33 748 40 20, info@hotel-kernen.ch *** Hotel Landhaus: +41 (0)33 748 40 40, landhaus-saanen@bluewin.ch *** Hotel Saanerhof: +41 (0)33 744 15 15, hotel@saanerhof.ch *** Hotel Solsana: +41 (0)33 748 94 94, info@solsana.ch *** Hotel Spitzhorn: +41 (0)33 748 41 41, hotel@spitzhorn.ch *** Posthotel Rössli: +41 (0)33 748 42 42, info@posthotelroessli.ch *** SPORTHOTEL VICTORIA: +41 (0)33 748 44 22, info@victoria-gstaad.ch *** Z'loft Hotel: +41 (0)33 744 69 69, info@zloft.ch

Peter Sonnekus-Williams Editor in Chief

also on www.gstaadlife.com

Gstaad LIFE, Anzeiger von Saanen, Kirchstrasse, P.O. Box 201, 3780 Gstaad, Phone: 033 748 88 74, Fax: 033 748 88 84, E-Mail: info@gstaadlife.ch, Website: www.­ gstaadlife.ch ­Management Board: Frank Müller, Peter Sonnekus-Williams Publisher: Frank Müller frank.mueller@gstaadlife.ch; Editor in Chief: Peter Sonnekus-Williams ­peter.­sonnekus@gstaadlife.ch; Pro­ject Management and content coordination: Sanet Sonnekus-Williams Columnist: Mandolyna Theodoracopulos Translations: ­Diana Oehrli Editorial: Christine Eisenbeis, Anita Moser, Peter Sonnekus-Williams, Sheila Matti Polygraph Team: Jonas Bach Printing: Müller Marketing & Druck AG, Gstaad Advertising: Peter Kuntze-Schneider peter.kuntze@gstaadlife.ch, phone 033 744 46 64 Subscriptions: Fabienne Koitka tel. 033 748 88 74

Hotel Bären: +41 (0)33 755 10 33, hotel@baerengsteig.ch Hotel Geltenhorn: +41 (0)33 765 30 22, F: +41 (0)33 765 32 31 Hotel Sanetsch: +41 (0)33 755 10 10, F: +41 (0)33 755 18 11 Hotel Viktoria: +41 (0)33 755 10 34, hotel_viktoria@bluewin.ch Hotel Wildhorn: +41 (0)33 765 30 12, hotel@wildhorn.ch

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Friday 5 August 2011 Page 5

In-depth article

Cultural center Les Arts Gstaad: first planning phase ends The preliminary design phase of the project Les Arts Gstaad has ended with a fixed cost pre-calculation. The foundation board of Les Arts Gstaad gives potential patrons and the public a comprehensive view of the project. Since July 4, a film about the sense and purpose of the center could be watched on the internet site www.lesartsgstaad.com.

Photo: zvg

The view of the planned cultural and meeting center Les Arts Gstaad from the Gstaad train station.

At the end of June, the foundation board of Les Arts Gstaad sent potential patrons detailed information regarding the project.

“We have arrived at a point, at which we can say: ‘We now know how the cultural and meeting center can be built,‘” says J. Markus Kappeler Steffen, president of the foundation.

Photo: zvg

J. Markus Kappeler, president of the foundation.

In February 2010, the winner of the architectural competition for the project was introduced to the public. The winner was French architect Rudy Ricciotti, whose accomplishments include the Salle de rock ‘Stadium‘ in Vitrolles, France, and the Nikolai Hall of the Philharmonic of Potsdam, Germany, and the Musée national des civilisations d‘Europe et de la Méditerranée in Marseille.

The evolution of the project is now on track. In the final preliminary design phase, precautions were taken to plan the proper steps to ensure the acquisition of building permissions as soon as the financing guarantees were secured. Challenges, such as the entrance to the village, could be resolved; from the train station, stairs will lead into the 1,100-square-meter entrance hall of the planned cultural center. How

it will appear exactly can be see on www.lesartsgstaad.com. The film shows that the project has come up with a one-of-a-kind use concept for cultural events in Switzerland.

It is to be a space as stated on the website: “for art and art exhibitions, for music and concerts, readings and literary events, amateur theatre, ballet and symposiums as well as for the promotion of young talent and education. In particular, Les Arts Gstaad will accommodate internationally renowned cultural events, first and foremost being the international Menuhin Festival with its academies.”

Kappeler describes the various areas of the center as practice spaces for local music groups and associations. In the reception and banquet hall, a cafeteria is planned, but there will be no restaurant.

“We have enough outstanding res-

taurants in Saanenland, ” Kappeler says.

Top acoustics The 1,400-seat comprehensive concert hall is 25 meters high, encompassing the space from the ground floor to the second upper floor. It is conceived like a grotto in a rock face that appears like a crystal cave due to the lighting caused by open jagged planes with relief recesses up to 40 centimeters deep. And this ensures for outstanding acoustics.

“This is a completely new approach,” Kappeler says. “ The acoustic quality has highest priority.”

The necessity of the project is without question. “A concert hall with improved quality is needed in Saanenland. And for years, the discussion has been about the four seasons of Gstaad, but concrete Continued on page 7

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Friday 5 August 2011 Page 6

A prelude to a summer excursion in Gstaad and an encounter with a … cedar Prior to a festival week to run the topography of Saanenland, a few hours in Gstaad in June, for friendly reunions with Denis Burrus, real estate agent, who was seduced a long time ago by this corner of the Pre-Alps. An occasion to enrich our future visits with a few unusual glimpses.

By Jean-Luc Renck, Documentary writer The Pre-Alps around Gstaad, its four confluent valleys, sown with an inheritance of character, are the daily life of Denis Burrus. Happy man! I confess to a little desire, all while looking forward to what he may be able to teach me. Responsible for the mountain real estate at Rham Sotheby‘s International Realty from 1988 to 2006, Denis has woven deep bonds with Gstaad and its surroundings. Notably, they have led him to finally establish his own agency, Burrus & Partners S.A. Like him, I am under the timeless charm of this preserved place, where modernity has inscribed itself only where necessary. I approach it each time via Gruyères and feel always moved by the castle, on guard at the foot of the mountains, and at the entry to Intyamon. “The counts of Gruyère guarded their finances less well,” jokes Denis. “Their bankruptcy was worth the eastern share of the Pays d’Enhaut to their Bernese neighbors.” Also today, passing Château d’Oex then Rougemont, one penetrates the German-spea-

king Saanenland. Towards Saanen, Gstaad, Schönried…

Attracting the top… real estate It is from Rougemont in July, that I, with my two sons, will take the way of the mountain pastures towards Saanenland. I hope the area will instill a durable attachment for them as it did for Denis. From its permanent rooting, a real estate agency was born, therefore, that makes its way well even in Gstaad and its surroundings; “there are 18 agencies today compared to 5 ten years ago” as Denis tells me. “This prestigious market attracted large international agencies. The clientele finds it hard to find its way, but in the long run, it will be able to judge!”

Even better since it is primarily and essentially, stresses Denis, “a clientele that is loyal to Gstaad, in the wake of the international schools like the Rosey, which has had winter quarters in Gstaad since 1916 or the Kennedy School: the families of the pupils become attached to the region. And then to their friends!”

Colossal… discretion!

Before lunch, Denis takes me along where our summer excursion will not take us: among the country cottages with dimensions, nested around the two prestigious hotels: The Palace, on the Oberbort, the Park, on the slope of the Wispile.

While we are engaged on small shady roads, between discrete country chalets, Denis surprises me: “You cannot imagine the spaces dug under many of these residences!” For garages, swimming pools, exercise rooms, passages between chalets…

I think of the late Gruyere, with its famous cheese, which one represents - wrongly- dug with many holes! Two impressive diggings are present on the Oberbort, of which is related to the imminent Alpina residence, which will renew the traditional customers of Gstaad.

Or more precisely, will remind us of the first customers, that of the rich Russian families - and Hungarian who, at the beginning of the twentieth century, had invested with all their Gstaad continuation from now on accessible by train.

Under the aegis of a tree of kings Still, under the shades of the Oberbort, I question Denis about the symbol of his agency: why a cedar? The tree is certainly a mountain dweller, and was a material of prestige in Antiquity, but isn‘t remote, seen from the Alps? Answer in a smile: “Better than any other tree, the cedar incarnates, camped on solid roots, the life, a plenitude which are spread peacefully”. Un-

doubtedly good - and beautiful!

- The image of Burrus & Partners S.A.: leaning on experience, the values of excellence, ethics, the agency is spread and matures, thanks to its many privileged relations with great European families and the jet set ensconced in Gstaad.

We will not have this luxury without age to sleep under a cedar during our festival peregrinations around Gstaad. But we will be able to contemplate the professional currency of Denis at least there: “Your roots with Gstaad!” while letting spread themselves—in an inspiring nature—the echoes of a friendly meeting in June…

BURRUS & PARTNERS LUXURY REAL ESTATE SA Bodestrasse 19, 3780 GSTAAD +41 33 744 37 37 www.burrusandpartners.com

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Friday 5 August 2011 Page 7

Continued from page 5 solutions have been few.” In this way, there would be a balancing out of the seasonal tourism fluctuations, which would also benefit all other industries. “The project Les Arts Gstaad ranks among the most important topics in the Gstaad Saanenland tourism concept ‘Gstaad 2020plus.‘” 300 Visitors per day Project studies have shown the potential formative effect Les Arts Gstaad would have on the Commune Saanen, Saanenland, and for Swiss tourism.

“If we are good,” Kappeler says, “we could organize 30 to 40 concerts per year. With top-class exhibits, we could attract 300 visitors per day.” Kappeler speaks of popular art exhibitions, as are shown in the foundations Gianadda and Beyeler. One could attract a continuous stream of visitors with traveling exhibitions, believes Kappeler. Three to four large exhibitions are planned per year. Therefore, a showroom on the ground floor with a size of 1,300 square meters was conceived. In the two other smaller halls, additional exhibitions could be shown, as from guest collections or other permanent art exhibitions,

auctions, or product presentations.

A brochure was created, containing how a detailed yearly program would look like. The foundation board also envisions events such as general assemblies, small congresses, or the Gstaad Fair.

Also, literature is to be a long-term part of the cultural center. Readings, literary award ceremonies, as well as a ‘Literary Autumn‘ is foreseen.

SFr.185 million sought Kappeler is convinced that the project would enrich Saanenland and the Bernese Oberland.

“We are paving the way for a yearround attractive offering for guests and for locals,” he says. “We are implementing our vision with a reasonable budget.”

How this is to appear, is to be found in a budget plan. The current fundraising program is to guarantee the investments for the building (SFr. 100m) and for the accrual of two operational funds. SFr. 50m is for structural maintenance, possible deficits and is to cover renovations of the cultural center. Furthermore, SFr 35m is intended for the Menuhin Festival Gstaad AG, as it was feared that the supporters of the festival would only donate to the center.

Positive indicators At a fundraising dinner in February 2011 for approximately 40 persons, the foundation board spoke for the first time with potential donors.

“We received positive indicators,” Kappeler says. “Currently, we are confident in our negotiations. I am convinced that we will bring the necessary money together.”

Once the financing is secured, the building rights on land behind the train station will be subject to agreement from the local population at a meeting of the commune. No cultivated land will be affected. An underground bus stop is planned, as well as a parking garage that naturally will serve the cultural center and alleviate the parking situation in the village center during other large events.

Complex discussion Regarding access to the property, the commune is working on rezoning the land. The canton has released the foundation from municipal, cantonal and federal taxes. Simultaneously with a building decision, there would be the founding of a managing firm called ‘Gstaad-Arts,‘ which would be a for-profit joint stock corporation.

Early on, the work will be given

Photo: zvg

Cross-section of the building with the crystalline cavernous concert hall.

In-depth article over to professionals, according to Kappeler, who is working with and receiving advice from seven foundations on a volunteer-basis.

The management company would operate under the strategic leadership of the board of directors, and of the operational management of chosen staff professionals.

“The existing basic elements must now be discussed thoroughly,” Kappeler says. This discussion is enormously important. Les Arts Gstaad is to become a project for the entire population, mainly as Kappeler finds that local acceptance for the project has grown.

“That there are people who are for it, and others, who are against it, is normal,” he says. “This is the same with all large projects.”

He also understands those neigh­ bors, who possibly, may not find joy in the project. The population needs to become familiar with the facts and arguments regarding the rezoning orders (‘ÜO Ried‘ and ‘ÜO Les Arts Gstaad‘).

The goal remains: to enjoy the first concert in autumn 2015 in the new center.

Translated and adapted FROM THE ARTICLE

BY CHRISTINE EISENBEIS AVS 5.7.11

Antiquités – Décoration – Curiosités Main Showroom - Rotlistrasse 1a - 3780 Gstaad Tel. 033 744 60 00 Other Showrooms in Saanen at Chalet Flora, next to the JFK School and in Rougemont at Le Comptoir d’Enhaut.

Unique artistic images of mood and emotion.

Including scenes of Gstaad, Saanenland & Pays-d‘Enhaut.

For further information and details of exhibitions and limited large commissions visit www.view-finder.ch and contact us via info@view-finder.ch.

To see images on display also visit Basta at the Bernerhof Hotel.

Ian Wilson

Friday 5 August 2011 Page 9

LOCAL NEWS

Giancarlo and Julie Camerana of EPOCA Gallery Gstaad

By Peter Sonnekus-Williams Long-time residents of the Saanenland, Julie Camerana and her husband Giancarlo have spent many years travelling across the globe. Each place they visited they contemplated local art, design and artifacts and always brought back home some fascinating pieces from their travels. Over the years the couples knowledge, insight and contacts around the world transformed into the business, EPOCA Gallery Gstaad, as we know it today. For Giancarlo, this is a family business, a passion and a hobby- whilst he keeps himself busy with other professional commitments in the world of finance. For Julie, a mother of 4 children, EPOCA reflects her

life-long passion for design and restoration. She recalls being a little girl in Brazil, where together with her grandfather, many days were spent excitedly finding old antique pieces and bringing them back to life either to their original form or as an altered artistic expression. This excitement and passion remains with here today as she shows me around her and Giancarlo’s Gallery, and points out an eclectic mix of pieces from restored public park lanterns from France, original bee hives from the 1800’s that are transformed into hanging lights that still exude the smell of honey when lit, to a Swiss cheese table from the 1200’s. The diver-

sity of artistic treasures found in EPOCA is fascinating with a list far too long to publish here in this article. One thing however is certain about Giancarlo and Julie’s collections: They do know what their customers want and are constantly in communication with them to ensure that they are aligned with their expectations.

Julie explains, ‘the Gstaad Customer is very particular in their taste and it is often uniqueness and surprise that they are looking for.

Patrons of Gstaad also often have more than one home so it is not always a chalet piece that they are looking for. There are pieces we have in our gallery that sell particularly well to our customers

who have coastal homes’. As for chalets, Giancarlo explains, ‘there are the traditionally decorated chalets, which sometimes can be a little sombre, whilst the modern decorated chalets can err on the side of being too contemporary and ordinary. So we strive to fill our gallery with items of surprise and intrigue, none more so than the 17th Century “Witches’ Stars” which traditionally protected French Chateaux. In this way we ensure that what we bring into Gstaad are pieces of great interest, that elevate the interior of our customers’ homes with artifacts and design that stands out and display originality.

The Reverend Penny Frank Born just after the 2nd World War, the youngest of four children, Reverend Penny Frank trained as a teacher in the ‘60’s specialising in music and English. She married Tom when he was a bush pilot in Ethiopia and the first of their two sons was born there. She left teaching in 1987 to work for an organisation training churches in the UK to be more effective. She was later accepted for Ordination and, after three years of studying, she was ordained in the Anglican Church in 1999.

Moving to Les Granges in March 2010 was a startling contrast to the home they had left behind in England. Their house stands in a circle of cottages around a green in a Warwickshire village renowned for its cruck barns and

thatched cottages. Rev Frank had served as a Priest in the two local churches for the previous seven years. Their own village church has a peal of bells and a dedicated team of ringers. The church stands in its own meadow beside a lovely river – England at its best!

When the opportunity presented itself to spend six months leading the English-speaking church in Château-d’Oex, St Peter’s, they said farewell to their family and drove through France with a loaded car for their six month adventure.

St Peter’s is a small but thriving church, traditional in its preferences and incredibly warm in its welcome. The core congregation number about twenty, but this is

supplemented week by week by members of St Peter’s who live part of the year in another place.

They call these people ‘Friends of St Peter’s’ and feel very grateful to the further 80 people who come and go throughout the year. They are completely involved in the life of St Peter’s while they are in Château-d’Oex, which makes their visits very special.

Rev Penny and her husband both love walking, swimming and photography and her three days a week commitment to ministry leaves them with plenty of time to enjoy their surroundings. They have been attending evening French classes in the school since January in an attempt to re-vitalise the language they both learnt at school so many years ago.

The main issue in bringing them here was their faith and that continues to flourish and grow, stimulated by the ministry they are involved in, the beauty of their surroundings and the love of God’s people.

Submitted by Reverend Frank

Reverend Penny & Tom Frank.

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Friday 5 August 2011 Page 11

LOCAL NEWS

Do not feed wild animals, even those in residential areas

As an omnivore, the fox finds a plentifully buffet on composts and in cat food dishes in residential areas. It becomes additionally problematic when humans - out of a misguided love of animals - feed the fox. Although the observation of wild animals can be most fascinating, it doesn‘t necessarily have to take place in the front yard.

A repercussion is that complaints are lodged instantly with the ga-

mekeeper. These playful fox are accustomed to humans, and have been known to steal slippers left outside front doors or to even enter homes. These remain the most harmless effects. Since the fox have lost their shyness towards humans, the danger of bite injuries exists. Sand boxes and playgrounds become polluted by excrement, and one is immediately concerned about the infection of the fox tapeworm. As a last measure, the gamekeeper‘s shooting of these animals in neigh­ borhoods remain a last resort, where their capture is virtually impossible and too dangerous to carry out. Conflicts and neighbor controversy are pre-programmed.

Therefore: No feeding of wild ani­

mals in the residential area. Cover your compost well. Feed your cats indoors.

In addition, some fox are sick with mange, which is transferable to

our domestic animals (dogs and cats). We ask for immediate notification of sightings.

Translated and adapted from the article

by Game Keepers AVS 1.7.11

Photo: zvg

Ever more frequently, it has been confirmed that entire fox families are establishing themselves in the midst of villages. Those who understand the needs of these intelligent and adaptable animals know this only too well.

With increased frequency, entire fox families are establishing ­themselves in residential areas.

Saanen Airport converts from military to civilian ownership “It is time to celebrate,” were the opening words of chairman Benno Lüthi at the Gstaad-Saanenland Airport Cooperative‘s general meeting in June. History had been written earlier that day, when the Federal Office of Defense handed over the airport keys to the cooperative, marking an end to a10-year proceeding to convert the airfield from military to civilian ownership.

“Since 1946, civilian flights have taken place there,” Lüthi said. “It has taken more than 10 years to prove that civilian flights can be flown there…”

In 2000, the federal council began the conversion and sale of its military airfields. In 2004, the purchase agreement for Saanen Airport was signed with the Federal Office of Defense, with the condition that

the conversion proceeding be successful. Due to ever increasing regulations and to additional conditions from cantonal and federal environmental agencies, the proceeding took years.

“A breakthrough came at a November 2010 meeting, during which the Federal Office of Defense, the airport cooperative, and the Cantonal Water Conservation Office agreed on drainage of the airfield,” said Bernhard Berger, lawyer for the cooperative.

In December 2010, the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) issued a decision that granted the cooperative an operating license for civilian purposes; approving its operation regulations, and plans for the existing buildings and systems. In May 2011, FOCA approved the ope-

rating agreement. On May 24, the 2004 purchase agreement‘s condition was declared satisfied, and the cooperative became official owner.

“The conversion does not make it simpler for us,” Lüthi said, referring to the federal decision‘s attached constraints that need to be implemented and complied with. “For the Saanen population nothing will change due to the ownership change.”

Still pending is a complaint, filed by the Commune of Rougemont in Federal Administrative Court, in regard to glider towing ‘volts,‘ which according to Lüthi does nothing to change the conversion.

“In an exhausting way, a lot of money had to be collected in order to repair the runway,” Lüthi said. “In all the years at the airport, we could

operate at break-even with revenues from aviation and non-aviation events. With the conversion of the complex, desires and wishes have also risen. Similarly, requirements and regulations, especially for commercial operations, have also increased. Additional wishes and their associated expenses could trigger an avalanche of costs.” A task force has been created to draft project ideas and development strategies for the airfield.

Another challenge is the commune‘s planned construction of a groundwater well on the site. It is hoped that a solution will be found to implement the project without adversely affecting flight operations.

Translated and adapted FROM THE ARTICLE

by Anita Moser AVS 28.06.11

LOCAL NEWS

Friday 5 August 2011 Page 12

New Graff Diamonds ­Boutique in Gstaad Graff Diamonds is pleased to announce the opening of its first boutique in Gstaad this winter season, located at The Grand Hotel Park.

Monte Carlo-based designer JeanPierre Gilardino, who is also respon-

sible for the design of Graff stores in Shanghai, Tokyo, Geneva, and Monte Carlo, amongst others, has designed this new store specifically with the fashionable ski resort in mind.

Details such as oak panels, hand engraved with a gold leaf finish to create a golden and luxurious effect,

contrast with dark wood panels in the opulent entrance way, creates a distinctively chic and modern style.

Design elements including fan-shaped metal panes and ornate chandeliers echoing the look of Graff’s other sumptuous stores. Every attention to detail and luxury has been conside-

red, creating the perfect atmosphere for discovering the world of Graff.

The new Graff Gstaad store will be the epitome of ski chic, and a wonderfully elegant destination to view the most fabulous jewels in the world.

GRAFF DIAMONDS LONDON press release

Photos: zvg

Oldtimerclub Gstaad-­Saanenland: 41st Weekend for veterans

Showpieces of the past made every collector's heart beat faster.

Father and son, Karl and Karl-Friedrich Scheufele participated in the rally with a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTS.

We connect your wealth to the world branch on the Promenade delights us and our clients. Being in our ninth season as main sponsor of the Menuhin Festival reinforces the banks’ commitment to the Saanenland area.

HSBC Private Bank has been present for nine years in Saanenland mainly through its commitment to the Menuhin Festival Gstaad and the Family Forum, one of its international flagship events. In December 2010, the Bank opened its new branch in Gstaad and we are pleased to interview its Director, Hanspeter Dönier.

Mr. Dönier, is Gstaad still music to HSBC‘s ears?

More than ever! Opened in 2010, our

Is Gstaad an obvious choice?

Gstaad is a multicultural centre which is open-minded and exceptionally welcoming, enabling its hosts to relax and to meet people from varied backgrounds. This kind of place fits perfectly well with HSBC’s values.

Moreover, Switzerland is the centre of the world for Private Banking and we take advantage of the HSBC group‘s global reach by working in Gstaad with many global entrepreneurs who seek bespoke services and 360 degree expertise to preserve and develop their wealth.

And I like to think that Gstaad is an

important anchor in a changing world. In ten or twenty years, the current era will be considered a transition period. A transition marked by shifts from Western economies towards emerging countries which will entail major consequences. In the long term, those areas will benefit from the transfer of our know-how and will fuel worldwide growth in a sustainable manner.

There are already other banks in Gstaad, what is your added value?

We are the world‘s local bank. For our clients, this means that we have a worldwide presence with invaluable connections. We share them with global entrepreneurs, be it in Europe, Asia, or Latin America. And through our global network, we grant access to Commercial Banking, Investment Banking as well as to Retail Banking.

More over we have a recognised expertise on the emerging markets, in the foreign exchange and we also are a leader in the hedge funds’ world.

HSBC is for instance the first nonChinese bank to trade in Chinese Yuan. It clearly makes us a private bank with a difference.

Gstaad, a multicultural centre but also a mountain village…

Achieving personal fulfilment while still respecting others is essential for all of us, whether it‘s a stylish evening at the Yacht Club, an extraordinary gourmet dinner which Gstaad is famed for or a walk in the mountains to get back to nature. The solidarity of mountain villages and the way in which they have developed is a source of inspiration. Our company is alive and constantly evolving, just like Gstaad.

LOCAL NEWS

Friday 5 August 2011 Page 13

A beautiful wedding for Januaria ­Piromallo and Luca Simoni in Capri

BY PETER SONNEKUS-WILLIAMS

A Summer wedding par excellence took place recently on the beautiful isle of Capri of Gstaad resident Marquise Januaria Piromallo di Montebello Dei Duchi Di Capracotta with Milanese Advocate Luca Simoni.

Joining the family of the new couple who enjoyed the first wedding ceremony at the Capri Palace and the second at a beautiful Villa at Punta Tragara which is in perfect sight of the Faragliono, were Gstaad perso-

nalities, John Sutin, Laura Scherz, Marquise Ginevra Carrassi del Villar, Milagros Branca, Prince Pierre d'Arenberg, H.H. Alexander and Astrid von Liechtenstein, Lisa Woodward, Pietro Paolo Cavalletti and Cristina Samaranch. Many further friends and dignatories from Italy

and around Europe joined the couple for their celebration.

The wedding invitation was conceived by Gstaad’s well know artist Oliver Preston which was a lovely present and gesture from the brides first husband Knautschi von Meister, the father of their 2 chil-

dren. No presents were accepted by the couple but rather a donation to Woodward Foundation for children of Ethiopia. The most appreciated felicitations were from the brides best friend Kirsten Sutin, who had a terrible horse accident last year: "All my thoughts are with you".

Januaria with her children Kamalei and Tiare‘ von Meister, and ­Husband Luca Simoni, and Sara Martuscelli.

The Bride Januaria and Bridesmaids.

Four hydroelectric plants planned The sol-E Suisse AG, a subsidiary of BKW FMB Energie AG, plans to build and operate four small hydroelectric plants in Saanenland: one in the commune of Lauenen and three in the commune of Saanen.

The investment costs for the four projects amount to approximately

SFr 20m. The plants are expected to increase local electricity production by more than 13 gigawatt hours and thus supply 4,000 households. Licensing for each of the four power stations begins in October 2011.

The ‘pilot project’ is the Louibach

plant in the commune of Lauenen.

The three million kilowatt hour plant is to be located below the village, where a 500-meter-long pipe will divert three and a half cubic meters of water per hour to a turbine located 32 meters lower.

It will generate enough electricity

for 900 households. The plant is scheduled to begin operation by 2014. Public information presentations are planned for each of the three projects: Turbach, Chalberhöni, and Meielsgrund.

Based on two articles AVS 15.04 & 21.04

On January 1, the fire brigade responded to an alarm at a chalet on the Oberbort in Gstaad. After arriving, a small amount of smoke in the upper floors was detected. An exterior chimney, which was in use, was found to be the source. During a detailed search of the premises, using a thermal imaging camera, no other heat source could be found. Shortly before 11h30, the

fire brigade Saanen responded yet again to an alarm at that same location. Upon arriving this time, flames could be seen in the building.

Despite immediate intervention by the fire brigades of Saanen and of a neighboring municipality, the fire grew too large to control, causing several million francs in damage.

No one was injured.

An official investigation conclu-

ded that the fire was a result of a technical defect in an installation in the false ceiling area above the exterior chimney. Furthermore, a faulty flue pipe joint was also found. The public inquiry procedure at the public prosecutor‘s office has, therefore, been closed.

Translated and adapted from the article by BKP (Berner Kantonal Police) AVS 12.7.11

Photo: Archiv/AvS/Nicole Buser

Cause of Oberbort chalet fire found

The Oberbort chalet fire caused millions in damage.

LOCAL NEWS

Friday 5 August 2011 Page 14

Durant l’été 2011 maison parisienne présente chez

AntiquA M E n uS PLAiSiRS

Xavier Le NormaND

Jérôme BLaNc

SimoNe PheuLPiN

verre

bois et acrylique

textile

AntiquA MEnuS PLAiSiRS · Promenade 6 · 3780 Gstaad · Tel. 033 744 92 42 · www.menusplaisirs.ch

Not all waste is necessarily garbage

Photo: Sheila Matti

With watchful eyes, Jürg Thomi, 36, observes the happenings at “his” waste center.

Here, at the AVAG, Saanen‘s municipal waste and recycling center in Oey, garbage is collected, separated, and sent out for processing. It‘s a one-man operation, and Thomi has come to know his customer base that

Jürg Thomi provides for order in his operation, as he fishes a ‚dud‘ out of the recycling paper pit.

includes hotels, building contractors and trades as well as regular people.

“After 11 years,” the native Emmentaler says,” I know who correctly separates his garbage and whom I have to control twice.” Indeed, people have become more conscious of the importance of recycling; yet there still are people, who don‘t sort their garbage properly. “It is a question of convenience. Anyone can recycle.

That‘s something one learns in kindergarten.”

In a separate area, Thomi cuts up animal cadavers and stores them in a refrigerated room. Once a week, they are brought to Lyss for processing.

Chemicals-including paints, solvents and phosphorous substances-and electronic devices are stored in temporary secure storage.

“Per year, we collect approximate-

ly 400 pallets of electronics,” Thomi says. “They are brought to Thun, sorted, dismantled and reused.”

In one corner, one finds a mountain of PET bottles neatly packed in bagsexactly the way Thomi likes it.

“In my opinion, we should have put a deposit on PET a long time ago. This way, people wouldn‘t so thoughtlessly throw so many bottles away or leave them lying around in nature.”

Paper and cardboard are separated into two large pits. Thomi regularly checks their contents and fishes out “duds,” as he did with a box of chocolates stuck between old newspapers.

“Approximately 240 tons of cardboard and 320 tons of paper come in per year. Both are transported to Thun, where they are further condensed and recycled as high-quality secondary raw material.”

Much of the waste delivered in Saa-

nen is burned and used for power production. Saanen‘s garbage press makes ready for transport approximately 4,000 tons of waste annually.

Several times weekly, a truck brings waste to Zweisimmen, where it is loaded onto a train and brought to Thun for incineration.

In Saanen, there is a depot for glass bottles, tires, iron, aluminium, inert materials, and most recently for Nespresso capsules.

Thomi has developed a “passion” for his work. He loves customer contact, yet could use extra help in high season. Looking around his office, one sees objects he saved: small collectibles, old radios, typewriters or pictures. Not everything is necessarily garbage that lands at the AVAG Saanen.

Translated and adapted from the article by Sheila Matti AVS 28.6.11

Friday 5 August 2011 Page 15

Advertorial

The Gstaad Palace’s Walig Hut and the sensational Gstaad Palace SPA

Walig Hut Above Gsteig at 1700m, offering breath taking views of Gstaad and across the Saanenland is the Gstaad Palace’s Walig hut.

The Walig hut was built in 1786 and like many others of its kind, was home to the farmers in the summer when their cows were brought up to pasture.

It is very difficult for a member of the public to experience the special aspects of staying out in the wild and open mountain in such a hut, as they all belong to farmers in general and are still being used or have become derelict. The Walig hut underwent a sympathetic renovation to keep in harmony with the other huts found on the mountain. Simplicity has been maintained whilst some necessary comforts added. Whether for a lunch (4 to 80 persons), a dinner (4 to 14 people) or an overnight stay (max 2 adults and 2 children), the beauty and calm will capture you immediately making it very difficult to leave this magical place.

Lunch comprising of a luxury picnic with bread, cheese, cold cuts, salad, fruits, desert, coffee, Swiss wine and mineral water from SFr 150 per person, with a minimum of 4 people.

Dinner comprises of a 3 course menu (starter, main course, desert) coffee, Swiss wine and mineral water from SFr 250 per person, with a minimum of 4 people.

Alpine night accommodation including 3 course dinner, for 2 people or 2 people and 2 children from SFr 1’600.

Palace SPA The exclusive Palace SPA facilities are spread over an area of 1800m2, include 8 treatment rooms, a private SPA suite, sauna’s, steam baths and a relaxation area with fantastic views. Complimentary to this is an indoor pool, an Olympic size outdoor pool, an outdoor Jacuzzi, a state of the art Technogym equipped gym and a Pilates studio. A wide range of body and facial treatments as well as innovative and luxurious rituals are on offer with renown product lines, Cinq Mondes, Sisley, Niance and L.Raphael.

For a reasonable price you can enjoy an unforgettable day at the Gstaad Palace Spa and beautiful Olympic size outdoor pool. The wellness day package includes a massage together with an exfoliation with Alpine salt and a light 3 course lunch and soft drink at the Snack and Barbeque. Package is SFr 240 – per person and is subject to availability.

For reservations +41 (0)33 748 58 90. www.palace.ch for more information.

Events

Friday 5 August 2011 Page 16

Events Calendar FRIDAY, AUGSUT 5 – THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27 Guided village tour Saanen & visit to the museum: Every Thursday at 16h00-18h00.

Adults SFr 14, Children SFr 8. For further info, contact +41 (0)33 748 81 60 FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 12, 19, 26 Weekly market in Saanen from 08h0012h00: Sale of local and fresh products from the region in the center of Saanen. For more info, contact +41 (0)33 744 74 48 or email saanen@gstaad.ch FRIDAY, JULY 15 – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 55th Menuhin Festival Gstaad: A classical music festival with world-famous artists, throughout different venues in the Saanenland.

For more info or reservations, contact +41 (0)33 748 83 38 or visit www.menuhinfestivalgstaad.com FRIDAY, AUGUST 5 19h30: Menuhin Festival Gstaad: Gabetta (Violoncello) & Grimaud (Piano). Venue: Saanen church. Rate: SFr 40-160.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 Gstaad Kids Run: Start from 15h30. The distance from 430 to 1’200 meters. Start and end on the Kapälliplatz in Gstaad. Rate SFr 10. Registration necessary. Contact +41 (0)79 272 84 18.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 Glacier 3000 Run: Starts in the village of Gstaad at approx. 1050 meters and ends up at Glacier 3000. Participation in the course is possible in a single or team category. Rate: SFr 70-90. Contact +41 (0)33 748 17 17 or www.glacier3000run.ch for more info.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 09h00-18h00: Flea market in Saanen. The 8th Brocante market in the village of car-free Saanen. Contact +41 (0)33 748 81 60 for more info.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 10h30: Menuhin Festival Gstaad: Matinée des jeunes Étoiles IV – Vilde Frang. Venue: Kapelle. Rate SFr 30.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 19h30: Menuhin Festival Gstaad: Early Fusion II – Buenos Aires Madrigal. Rate: SFr 30-70. Venue: Rougemont church.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 7 Jazz at the Golfhotel, Saanenmöser. Buffet with a glass of ‘Laurent Perrier’ for adults SFr 90, children 10 to 16 years - SFr 55, children under 9 years – free. Reservation required! Contact +41 (0)33 748 68 68.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 7 11h30: Menuhin Festival Gstaad: Closing concert of the Amateur Orchestra week in the festival tent, Gstaad. A festival of classical music, with 40 concerts in three cycles.

Friday August 5 2011 until Friday August 26 2011

SUNDAY, AUGUST 7 11h30: Menuhin Festival Gstaad: Brunch concert in the Alp hut Les Ouges, Rougemont.

Rate: SFr 140, incl. bus, concert, picnic.

MONDAY, AUGUST 8 – SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 Menuhin Festival: Youth orchestra week.

Venue: different localities in the Gstaad region.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9 19h30: Menuhin Festival Gstaad: Menuhin’s heritage IV – Impressions d’enfance. Venue: church in Vers l’église. Rate: SFr 30-70.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 18h00: Menuhin Festival Gstaad: Glacier 3000 – Brass section of the GFO. Rate: SFr 150. Venue: Restaurant Botta, Glacier 3000, Gsteig. Contact +41 (0)33 748 83 38 for more info.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 19h30: Menuhin Festival Gstaad: Schumann: Piano Quintet. Venue: Saanen church. Rate: SFr 40-125.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 17, 24 & 31 Alp visit with breakfast (above Gsteig).

Rate: SFr 8.50-16. For more information, contact +41 (0)33 755 81 81.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16 Hike for seniors: Ladies and gentlemen from 60 years and up, all welcome!

Meet at the train station Gstaad at 9h30, or at the Geltenhornplatz in Lauenen at 9h45.

Registration until 12 August, contact Rosmarie Kappeler, +41 (0)33 765 31 51.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10 19h30: Menuhin Festival Gstaad: Feuriges Temperament – Sebastian Knauer (Piano).

Venue: Lauenen church. Rate: SFr 30-70.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17 19h30: Menuhin Festival Gstaad: Kiefer Hablitzel Preisträgerkonzert. Venue: Gsteig church. Rate: SFr 30-70.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11 19h30: Menuhin Festival Gstaad: Sole e Luna Bianco & Oscura – Ensemble 1700.

Venue: Rougemont church. Rate: SFr 30-70.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18 19h30: Menuhin Festival Gstaad: Sonnenquartett-Quatuor Mosaïques. Venue: Church Château-d’Oex. Rate: SFr 30-70.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12 19h30: Menuhin Festival Gstaad: An American dream – GFO & Renée Fleming. Venue: Festival tent, Gstaad. Rate: SFr 65-160.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 10h30: Menuhin Festival Gstaad: Matinée des jeunes Étoiles V – Kerson Leong. Venue: Kapelle, Gstaad. Rate: SFr 30.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 19h30: Menuhin Festival Gstaad: Fire dance – GFO & Renaud Capuçon and Martin Grubinger. Venue: Festival tent, Gstaad. Rate: SFr 65-160.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18 – SUNDAY, AUGUST 21 Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad: Venue: Flugplatz Saanen. Reservation possible. Admission free! For more info, contact +41 (0)33 744 07 40.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 12, 19 & 26 Folklore evenings in Lauenen, at the Hotel Wildhorn with Swiss music/jodel. Reservation possible. Contact +41 (0)33 765 30 12.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19 19h30: Menuhin Festival Gstaad: Verdi Requiem. Orchestral concert in the festival tent, Gstaad. Rate: SFr 65-160.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 17h00: Festival of folk music at different localities in Gstaad.

Contact +41 (0)78 860 22 30 for more info.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 10h30: Menuhin Festival Gstaad: Matinée des jeunes Étoiles VI – Xiang Yu. Venue: Kapelle Gstaad. Rate: SFr 30.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 19h30: Open air African night in Lauenen.

Cost without dinner: Adults SFr 30, Learners & trainees from 16 years (with identity card) SFr 20, Customers of the Saanen Bank SFr 25, Kids – free. Venue: Rohr, at the road of the Lauenensee. Park cars at the Hotel Alpenland and follow the signs. The festival place is only accessible on foot! Contact +41 (0)33 765 37 50 for more info.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 19h30: Menuhin Festival Gstaad: Musical My Fair Lady. Venue: festival tent, Gstaad. Rate: SFr 65-160.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 11h30: Menuhin Festival Gstaad: Closing concert of the Youth Orchestra week in the festival tent, Gstaad. In cooperation with the music school of Basel.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 12h00: Menuhin Festival Gstaad: Musik and lunch with Sebastian Knauer, Piano. Venue: Le Grand Chalet, Gstaad. Rate: SFr 140. Contact +41 (0)33 748 83 38 for more info.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 19h30-23h00: Folklore evening in Lauenen at the Hotel Alpenland. Program with details – www.alpenland.ch Contact +41 (0)33 765 91 34.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21 Swiss wrestling 2011 on the Rellerli, Schönried.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21 19h30: Menuhin Festival Gstaad: Händel: Feuerwerksmusik. Orchestral concert in the Gstaad church. Rate: SFr 40-160.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25 19h30: Menuhin Festival Gstaad: Jeremy Menuhin & Friends. Venue: Saanen church.

Rate: SFr 40-125.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26 19h30: Menuhin Festival Gstaad: Johann Strauss-Gala: Wiener Feuerfunken. Venue: festival tent, Gstaad. Rate: SFr 65-160.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26 – SUNDAY, AUGUST 28 Menuhin Festival Gstaad: Gstaad Vocal Academy. Cecilia Bartoli & Silvana Bazzoni Bartoli Public Master Class - SFr 20. Final concert: Sunday 28 August, 17h00 at the Kirchgemeindehaus Gstaad – SFr 30.

Rotary Club Gstaad-Saanenland Meetings every Monday 12h00 Palace Hotel Gstaad (033 / 748 50 00), President: Rot. Alfred Liechti (033 / 722 42 22), Program: Rot. Gerhard Amiet (033 / 744 94 49) Lions Club Gstaad-Saanenland Meetings normally each first and third week of the month on Thursdays, either at 12h00 a.m. for lunch or at 7h00 p.m. for dinner. Meetings in Wellness & Spa-Hotel Ermitage-Golf, Schönried, Tel. 033 748 60 60.

For details and program contact Victor Steimle, president, 033 748 78 88, steimle@tundr.ch, https://gstaad-saanenland.lionsclub.ch

Church Services St Peter’s English-Speaking Anglican Church, Château-d’Oex 6 August 2011, 10h00 – 12h00 Open Church, Rev. Penny Frank 7 August 2011, 17h30 Evening Prayer. Rev. Clive Atkinson 8 August 2011, 10h00 – 10h30 Service of Healing. Rev. Penny Frank 14 August 2011, 17h30 Holy Communion. Rev. Penny Frank 20 August 2011, 10h00 – 12h00 Open Church. Rev. Penny Frank 21 August 2011, 17h30 Evening Prayer. Rev. Penny Frank 22 August 2011, 10h00 – 10h30 Prayer Circle. Rev. Penny Frank Information: 026 924 60 92 Web: www.allsaints.ch/chateaudoex

Important Numbers Ambulance 144, Police 117 Police office 033 356 84 31 Fire-brigade 118 Saanen Hospital 033 748 02 00 Château-d‘Oex Hospital 026 923 43 43 Car accident service 033 744 88 80 Veterinary 033 744 35 31 / 033 744 06 61 Medical emergency 0900 57 67 47 Dental emergency 033 748 02 00 For additional useful numbers please visit www.gstaadlife.ch/usefulnumbers For the latest local weather forecast visit www.gstaadlife.com/weather

Photos: Christine Eisenbeis

Friday 5 August 2011 Page 17

LOCAL NEWS

Marcel Granollers captures Cermak & Polasek singles title in Gstaad ­defeat Kas & Peya to win ­doubles title in Gstaad

Frantisek Cermak of Czech Republic and Filip Polasek of Slovakia stood victoriously against the number two seed due of Christopher Kas from Germany and Alexander Peya of Austria, in the enthralling doubles final of Crédit Agricole Suisse Open Gstaad on Sunday afternoon. They wrapped up victory in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6(7).

World no. 45 Marcel Granollers of Spain captured his second ATP World Tour title at the Crédit Agricole Suisse Open Gstaad on Sunday. The 25 year-old Spaniard defeated Fernando Verdasco in the final in three sets 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.

Photo: zvg

COWES- Gstaad Yacht Club Commodore Peter Erzberger and his crew won the Farr 45 class with record timing, coming in sixth overall in the IRC class 0 in the annual Round the Island Race, a one-day, 50-nautical mile, yacht race around the Isle of Wight, an island situated off the south coast of England. The yacht race is one of the largest in the world. Team Erzberger aboard Exabyte 4‘s overall position was 41, after the calculating of handi-

Peter Erzberger with his crew.

caps. The number of participants in the 80th edition of the race included 1,900 vessels and 16,000 competitors, a record breaking fleet.

Skipper Peter Erzberger, who was celebrating his 70th birthday, sailed with the following crew: Bryn Vaile (Gold in 1988, Seoul), Mike McIntyre (Gold in 1988, Seoul), his sons Jan and Marc Erzberger, Matías Bühler, Christoph Burger (all former Olympians), Tris Nelson, Jürg Kaufmann, Hansjürg Saner, Alastair Vaile and Martin Nick.

The race took place in difficult weather conditions and with wind speeds of up to 28 knots and large swells. The final number of boats to cross the finish line was 1,302.

Translated and adapted from the article by PD/ CHRISTINE EISENBEIS AVS 5.7.11

Schönried resident wins 24-hour of Le Mans Photo: zvg

Gstaad Yacht Club team wins class in ‘Round the Island’ race

Karim Ojjeh of Schönried (left)—along with team colleagues Olivier Lombard and Tom Kimber Smith—recently won their class in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world’s oldest sports car race in endurance racing. With the Zytek Z11SN-Nissan, Ojjeh—the Genevan and two-year resident of Schönried— could register the largest success of his racing career since he began racing cars in 2002. This year marks the

seventh time he has participated in the endurance race. “This time, it was obviously the most beautiful race,” he said. The biggest challenge for him was to stay highly concentrated while driving between one and five o’clock in the morning. His next race is July 3 at the Le Mans Series in Imola.

Translated and adapted from extended caption written by CHRISTINE EISENBEIS AVS 24.06.11

Column

Friday 5 August 2011 Page 18

A Manners Guide for the Nouveau Riche

BY MANDOLYNA THEODORACOPULOS

Last week I found myself in Ibiza, where the car of choice is an economical mini-class SEAT Ibiza or its rental equivalent. When I saw a Rolls-Royce, I wanted to shout from my window, “Go back to St. Tropez, dum-dum—we don’t want your kind here!” Geez, don’t you get it? Throwing money around like you have the power to make it rain in the desert is offensive. Furthermore, people who’ll pay 100 Euros for something that’s only worth 40 are jacking up prices and making things that were once affordable totally out of reach for the reasonably well-off.

Money doesn’t come with an owner’s manual, and the only culture you can buy comes in a yogurt cup.

Since the nouveau riche obviously need guidance, here’s a bit of culture for those who are just getting in the game: Drive a normal car painted a normal color.

It’s cooler to be super-rich and drive an average car than to let everyone know you’re super-rich because you can afford the sort of flashy car that screams, “Look at me—I’m so cool I don’t go anywhere without my three Aston Martins!” Dude, you’re not James Bond, so don’t take your cars with you on holiday.

Who you are is not tied to the car you drive. Only teenagers and insecure people hate to be seen in a crappy rental.

Get a decent watch.

Sure, an expensive watch is cool, but a guy who wears a plain old Rolex or a Swatch is way sexier than a guy wearing a watch so big he forms muscles every time he answers his cell phone. Since you’re so flush with cash, commission a clock tower like the one in the Piazza San Marco instead. But because you’ve probably never heard of the Republic of Venice, hire a professor

to lecture you on history for a few hours per week. You’ll feel so clever afterward you might not need a new watch that day.

Ditch the Jeroboam.

Nobody wants to see your ugly hairy ass drinking straight from the bottle like a big baby. Whether you’re 16 or 36, you look gay and obnoxious near a bottle that big.

Maybe you think obnoxious is cool, but it isn’t. Clearly you stopped drinking from the trough last week, so unless it’s beer, drink from a glass.

Servants are not slaves.

Don’t treat waiters, maids, and any other type of person in service like they’re subhuman. Only Neanderthal arrivistes with zero selfcontrol scream and treat their staff like crap. A noble soul has respect for others, particularly those who serve. You don’t need to eat dinner with your maid to treat her as an equal. Be firm but kind and you’ll have a lifelong employee.

Lose the logo.

Merely because you can afford to buy everything Gucci, Versace, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton doesn’t mean you should pile it all on at once. Nothing says, “I got rich last

week and have no clue and no class” like a person covered in exposed labels. Rocking the most expensive Birkin bag doesn’t stand for elegance anymore. Understated elegance is the only kind, so learn your fashion Ps and Qs from the French or the English, not the Russians.

Get off your phone.

Just because you are rich and powerful in some circles—or you want to appear that way because your daddy is—doesn’t mean you always need to be on the telephone like you’re making an important deal.

If you are at the table or someone’s guest, have the courtesy to be present and pleasant. A lack of basic manners is a dead giveaway to your newly acquired wealth and won’t earn you any brownie points among les nouveaux pauvres.

They’ll be waiting in the shadows on your way back down, ready to pounce.

Dump the diamante.

Which tacky individual took rhinestones and gave them a new name?

Jewel-encrusted phone covers, iPad cases, sunglasses, and other paraphernalia are for teenage girls. You do not need to be surrounded by sequins or those ghastly Swarovski crystals at all times. Diamante does

not make you look better, richer, or more important. It makes you look like a walking disco ball. If you need more glitter in your life, there is something wrong with you. The money would be better spent on a good shrink.

Bigger is not better.

Just because you can afford an enormous belt buckle or a mega yacht doesn’t mean you’ll have more friends because of them.

No one but your wife or girlfriend should ever be forced to think of your penis size.

No white allowed.

White shoes, white cars, white suits, and white leather are huge no-nos. The maximum allowable is a white shirt, but only after 6pm and make sure the collar isn’t extra-large, and don’t go overboard with the buttons. When it comes to fashion, practice white flight. Don’t be trendy. For a man, classic is always the way to go.

Learn how to hold a knife and fork.

Forks and knives should not be held like writing instruments.

For a complete guide to appropriate table manners and general etiquette, please email ­mandolyna@takimag.com

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