First Admiral Yacht Grand Prix : Galloping Horses And Champagne On Ice

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February 2008 was devoted to the famous “White Turf” horse races held in St. Moritz where the first Admiral Yacht Grand Prix took place.
The renowned White Turf , known throughout the world as championship races on snow, is an important annual international meet staged in St. Moritz on the first three Sundays of February. Since 1907, these horse races on the frozen lake have been an established tradition that sees noble thoroughbreds coming from all over Europe and international jockeys, offering an unparalleled social and sporting event, made even more unique by the majestic landscape of the Upper Engadine.
Spread over 130,000 square meters, the frozen lake area accommodates the horse track, the 2,400-seat grandstands, and the elegant marquee, which includes refreshment stalls and the VIP tent, where figures from Europe’s cultural, economic, and political world congregate. Though not the only attraction, the lavish prize money—amounting to 400,000 Swiss francs—puts White Turf among the most alluring horse races in Switzerland.

CNL, as the leading company in the construction of aluminium planing maxi yachts from 32 to 44 meters in length, with its Admiral brand, and renowned in the mega yacht world, chose to sponsor a White Turf race on the second Sunday of the meet, highlighting Admiral Yacht Grand Prix along with the trotting race.

“The foundation of this marriage” declares Laura Ceccarelli, CNL vice president, “is our passion for horses and the racing world and our personal bond with St. Moritz. But we also share an important aspect: uniqueness. White Turf is a unique and exclusive event, both in its location and undertaking. And our company philosophy pivots on the concept of absolute yachts—the pay-off of our advertising—meant as unique products”.

A distinctive attribute of the Admiral yachts is, in fact, their all being “one-off”—tailor made for the client, who is therefore guaranteed an exclusive, proven, and quality product. Innovative lines, attentive design, and cutting-edge technology make CNL a dynamic firm, continually evolving, that never has to compromise on quality, care for details, and elegance, well-known traits of the firm.

A dream-like atmosphere—the dazzling sun on the St. Moritz lake plateau, as enchanted as it seems—was the perfect backdrop for the six races that alternated the gallop and trotting races with skijoering, a competition in which galloping horses pull “jockeys” on skis. Crowning the day was the Admiral Yacht Grand Prix. More than 13,000 spectators from international high society attended to enjoy the proverbial “champagne climate”

The Admiral Yacht Grand Prix was particularly spectacular: it was an 1800,00-meter trotting race—equalling a lap and a half of the track—on a frozen surface, which is not a simple thing for a horse to accomplish. Special shoeing enabled thoroughbreds to move with agility even on such difficult ground, and sulkies were equipped with special skids in place of wheels.

Melvin was the winner, a splendid thoroughbred driven by a woman, Evelyne Fankhausen. At the Award Ceremony, the young, visibly stirred victor received the Admiral trophy from the hands of Laura Ceccarelli, CNL vice president, and Francesco Ceccarelli, general director. Melvin’s owner and trainer were awarded a prize, while the horse received an elegant white shawl with Admiral logo that was draped across its hindquarters by Ceccarelli sons.
Sport, fun, and plenty of glamour. And a company, CNL, that is always able to astonish and inspire passion. The next Admiral Grand Prix at White Turf is set for next year.