Hubert de Givenchy…a Celebration of Life….20 February 2021

Hubert de Givenchy

Honoring the memory of a great man and a great life today…Thank you Hubert…Happy Birthday

DHS Statement on First Step in Process to Address…

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of Public Affairs

Access b-roll of the processing at San Ysidro Port of Entry here.

Today, DHS began the first step in a phased approach to restore safe and orderly processing at the Southwest Border. DHS and its international partners have now initiated the virtual registration process for individuals who had been forced to return to Mexico under the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) and have a pending case before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). The United States is continuing to strictly enforce existing immigration laws and border security measures. Individuals should not approach the border, including at designated ports of entry, unless and until they are approved and receive appointment information through the remote registration process. 

DHS began processing a limited number of individuals today through the San Ysidro Port of Entry who were registered ahead of time by international organizations. After getting verified for eligibility using the CBPone application and testing negative for COVID-19, approximately 25 individuals were transported by international organizations to the U.S.-Mexico border this morning for processing through the San Ysidro Port of Entry. The process was orderly, safe, and efficient. CBP inspected all arriving applicants and provided guidance on how to print the electronic immigration forms as needed. After CBP and ICE processing was complete, facilitating organizations helped coordinate travel arrangements as needed.

“Today, we took the first step to start safely, efficiently, and humanely processing eligible individuals at the border,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. “It is important to underscore that this process will take time, that we are ensuring public health and safety, and that individuals should register virtually to determine if they are eligible for processing under this program. Physical presence at a port of entry is not the way to gain access to this phased effort, and people should not make the perilous journey to the border. Travel restrictions at the border remain in place and will be enforced.”

The Departments of State and Homeland Security are coordinating closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the Mexican government and international organizations to ensure the program is in full compliance with federal, state, and local health orders. Individuals should register virtually at https://conecta.acnur.orgto determine if they are eligible for processing under this program. Those who register and are determined to be eligible will be given instructions—including date, time, and location—for processing through a designated port of entry. Additional ports of entry will begin processing individuals next week.

Genova, Italy will host the finish of The Ocean…

19 February 2021

As with the round the world race in 2022-23, the iconic Italian port of Genova will play host to the finale of The Ocean Race Europe in June

DownloadGenova, Italy will host the finish of The Ocean Race Europe.
© Porto Antico di Genova

The first edition of The Ocean Race Europe will finish in Genova, Italy in June.

The historic maritime city is already the home of The Grand Finale – the finish of the next edition of round the world race in 2022-23. Now, Genova will also host The Ocean Race Europe.

“In The Ocean Race Europe we are realising a dream of many – a race between European cities with engaged fans and athletes achieving the extraordinary while driving change for a healthier planet.” said Race Chairman Richard Brisius.

“We understand the importance of teamwork, and collectively we back the EU work for Green Transition, digitalisation and unity. Our friends and partners in Genova also really understand the value of the environment in helping to support the economy and well-being of people. We look forward to working together to make The Ocean Race Europe a success.”

“We’re proud to host the inaugural edition of The Ocean Race Europe – it is undoubtedly going to be ‘the’ event of the 2021 offshore sailing circuit,” said Marco Bucci, the Mayor of Genova.

“Genova will take centre stage, having the opportunity to celebrate its traditions and ambitions, moving towards a future of great international events. Genova can do it – our great facilities make for a perfect venue to host events of this level.

“Furthermore, behind the coastal infrastructure, the city offers a unique artistic and tourism hub, ready to welcome Italian and international fans of our sport, which is now living a golden moment for the public and in the media alike.”

The Ocean Race Europe is open to VO65 and IMOCA class yachts. The Race will start from Brittany, on the Atlantic coast of France, at the end of May with teams racing in stages to the finish in Genova, Italy, in the third week of June. The remaining iconic cities hosting the race will be revealed in turn.

The VO65 fleet will also participate in The Ocean Race Europe Prologue event starting in the Baltic Sea in early May.

“For the VO65 teams, The Prologue and The Ocean Race Europe itself marks the start of our journey towards The Ocean Race around the world in 2022-23,” said Bouwe Bekking, an eight-time veteran of The Ocean Race.

“Whether we are trialling new crew or equipment, or using the event for fundraising and sponsorship, it’s a critical first step on the road to The Ocean Race and an opportunity for all of us to feel the pull of this great Race once again.”

“The Ocean Race Europe will be a good test for our team to compete with other similar boats and a great opportunity to get racing in our IMOCA again,” said Nicolas Troussel, skipper of the CORUM L’Épargne Sailing Team in announcing his entry in the IMOCA fleet last week.

Organisers of The Ocean Race Europe are prioritising the health and safety of all competitors and stakeholders and will follow all relevant regulations and advisories with respect to Covid-19.