In the Laurentides, Mauricie and Charlevoix regions, leaving behind the summer heat you can still practice open-air sports, like fishing and make kayak and rabaska (the long Indian canoe) excursions, or go through wood paths by foot, by bike, on a horseback or by quad.

In this moment of the year the eyes get lost in the huge maple expanses which create an unbelievable colour vibration: red, orange, gold, brown, the colours of trees losing leaves while waiting for the winter. Between peat bogs and tee-pees, lakes and red-hot woods, from one sucrerie to the other to learn how to make maple syrup, in Quebec in this period one can enjoy a sudden rise of temperature 820-22 degrees) and a fable atmosphere.

To stay in total harmony with nature, there is the Hotel Sacacomie in Saint Alexis des Monts, co-resort fully built with pine trunks, very simple oasis of rustic elegance with 109 rooms, half of which with whirlpool bath, boutique, Spa and panoramic restaurant. After an excursion at the beaver reserve, after reaching an Indian village by canoe, fishing and dining beneath trees branches, after a tour on a hydroplane unveiling the isolation of the place, one can enjoy a Swedish massage or taste a cognac in front of the fireplace.

Of a different kind is the Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello, obtained by a Victorian palace. A resort with golf field and Spa, whose building has been built with huge cider trunks, rustic luxury hitting right when entering the hall, with at the centre a monumental fireplace. The game reserve surrounding the resort is wonderful: a lodge with 70 lakes, a real escape from the world.

www.bonjourquebec.com/it
www.sacacomie.com
www.fairmont.com

Italian version

The existing polo clubs are not many, especially in Europe, where to find space for such a structure is not always easy. Besides the stables, that have to be suitable for many horses, the space for animals to work, the staff houses, the club house, it is also necessary, obviously, to have suitable playing fields. A polo field is much more than a simple grass expanse of 270×180 meters: it has to be compact and flexible with a sandy bottom and a resistant grass blanket; constant maintenance and irrigation are necessary.

In Italy, the clubs affiliated to FISE, Federazione Italiana Sport Equestri (Italian Federation Equestrian Sports), are about fifteen. This can seem a small number but actually, in proportion to the only hundred-fifty members, it really offers a good choice.

What is the way to start practising this sport? It is necessary to go to a polo school where an instructor will lead you through learning the basic of this complex game. First of all, you will learn the horse-riding specific for polo that, besides the reins in the left hand and the stick in the right hand – also for left-handed people -, involves to manage the balance in a slightly different way from other equestrian sports.
Then, you will learn the eight basic shots – forward, backward, under the neck and under the tail both to the right and to the left -, sometimes helped by the wooden horse. Then, you will learn the rules and finally you’ll be ready for the first match: an unparalleled emotion.

To take part to games it is also necessary to pass an exam, consisting in a theoretical and a practical part. Once you pass the exam, it will be assigned a -1 handicap; handicap that will grow according to the performance, evaluated by a commission attending the events and that meets once a year to decide possible changes in the rating of the players.

Although it was, and it will always be, a niche sport for few people, polo has every year new members: people coming from other equestrian sports who want to try something new, people who were fascinated by it when seeing others playing, people looking for a lifestyle which is unique, exciting and challenging. The path to becoming a professional in polo is, in fact, a path lasting a whole life; the players reaching game levels beyond 2 gol of handicap are very few, but maybe it is exactly its difficulty the characteristic which makes it so attracting. And once again, this game is a perfect metaphor for life: it is not the destination that counts but the path.

Allegra Nasi
Italian version

When did you decide to bring back the Golden Cup of the dolomites?
I began this adventure when I was still deputy President of the ACI of Belluno exactly because we wanted to revive its spirit. In fact, the ACI of Belluno had baptised it in 1947, and followed it until 1956, when it was suspended. We brought it back in 2001 and I am very satisfied about it: it grows year after year as well as the enthusiasm of both participants and sponsors. Since this year, the Dolomites became also World Heritage of Humanity and to link this race to these mountains makes us even more proud.

Do you therefore a 2009 edition richer than the previous ones?
Yes, definitely in terms of events, as demonstrated by the participation of the Ferrari Club Italy of Maranello, that asked us to take part in it with about twenty cars. To me this 2009 will be the most important year, besides the first one, because we had to re-launch and re-organize the event. A bit of anxiety was there…

The Golden Cup cannot take place without Cortina…
With the city hall of Cortina we always had a great relationship, there has always been the biggest availability to cooperate and do well. Notwithstanding that, due to the race, we actually make their tourist season, with a big number of fan and non-fan of the competition.

And your passion for engines, when did it begin?
I still used to wear shorts when this race used to take place and, back then, it was a speed race, on broken, non-paved and dangerous grounds where the skills of the pilots were emphasized. We used to watch it because it was fantastic to hear those powerful engines; when it passed by Belluno we used to lie in post near a very dangerous turn, in the centre of the city, to see the rumbling racing cars. Those were the years of Villoresi, Fasoli, of Maria Teresa De Filippis, first woman pilot. Years of heroic pilots and motoring.

Are you moved when you think about it?
For us to remember those times and “to bring back on track” this race is something really touching.

A curiosity: do you race?
Well, let’s say I go and make a reconnaissance together with those organizing the stops, I am the pacesetter; I like to see first-hand places and situations, talk to pilots during their lunch breaks. Only on the first day though, on the second one I stay in Cortina: my role forces me to entertain public relations…

Davide Passoni

Italian Version

Absence of Gravity.  Cape Canaveral (Florida), Kennedy Space Center (Nevada); San José (California). From here start the flights that allow to try the absence of gravity on the same planes used by NASA to train its astronauts. To live the sensation of the level of gravity on Mars (1/3 compared to that on the Earth), on the Moon (1/6 compared to the one on Earth) and the unique experience of zero gravity.

MIG 31. The flight happens on a military plane MIG 31 until the edge with the space at a Mach 2.5 speed (twice and a half the sound speed), around 2700 km per hour. The program includes both the flying on board of a supersonic plane MIG 31 “FOXHOUND”, and the flight combined with a tour of Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod.

Training Stars City. The experience takes place at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center at the Stars City, in Moscow. It lasts for three days and the program includes a short physical examination, a theoretical preparation and an experience chosen between the astronaut spin-drier and the absence of gravity, to live the sensations of a walk in the space perfectly simulated inside a pool.

Virgin Galactic (in collaboration with Yourprivateitaly). A flight in the space with the “SpaceShipTwo” to observe the Earth from over 100 thousands high, starting from the first airport in the world dedicated to commercial flights to the space, the “Spaceport America” (New Mexico).

http://www.elation.it/ai-confini-dello-spazio_ct173.htm

Italian Version

From 17th July to 2nd August, Rome will host the Swimming World Cup. The capital city dedicated to the event a great number of initiatives.
Among these, at the Mucciaccia Gallery will be on show until 30th July H2Opera, an exhibition featuring works of art by to six Italian artists – Bruno Ceccobelli, Gianni Dessì, Rossella Fumasoni, Giovanni Manganelli, Oliviero Rainaldi and Maurizio Savini – created to celebrate the marriage between arts and sports. Water and swimmers are the elements of inspiration for the artists.

The works will be shown after the exhibition in vip areas at the Villaggio Foro Italico and they’ll be the subjects of a limited edition production of t-shirts by Helios, only distributor of official gadgets of the 13th FINA World Championship Rome 09.

www.galleriamucciaccia.it

Italian version

Good-looking body, pleasing face, shoulders and arms that make the difference in the water and not only. Among the most cherished sportsmen, Filippo Magnini is one of the faces chosen by Giorgio Armani as testimonial for his collection EA7. An ambassador of style in the swimming pool as well as in life.

Between secret dreams and goals achieved, Magnini told us how the glamour and the search-lights match perfectly with his perseverance essential to be the best in sport and we found out that, to win, one needs the courage of living a normal life.

From King to King, how did the collaboration with Armani begin?
By chance. King Giorgio has always been a fan of swimming. One evening, I was in his club for a drink together with my manager when they introduced us. We liked each other right away and Mr Armani confessed me that he would like to work with me. Obviously I couldn’t but be happy about it and since that evening began a collaboration that has turned out to be a winning one.

What cannot be missing in your closet for special occasions?
Usually I wear simple clothes, but for special occasions an Armani suit is a must..

Which sportswoman would you recommend as a testimonial of a luxury maison?
I realize that, luckily, the maisons are more and more looking at the world of sports in the search of their testimonials. It is an important signal, because it links the idea of sport to the glamorous one of a brand. If well managed, it becomes a very powerful mix. I can’t name one…there are many worthy colleagues, too many.

Once you will stop swimming, will you see yourself rather in the world of sport, fashion or show business?
The experience at the Famous Island made me understand that, once my career will be over, I would like to begin a new experience in the show business. I like challenges and definitely that of television is a very challenging and competitive world.

How to combine the rigour of sport and the glamour of beau monde?
They definitely need to be well handled. One need to be able to dedicate the right time to both. To attend too many glamorous events could distract you from your goals. I always try to remember that, if people recognize me in the street, it is because of what I did and that I keep doing in the swimming pool.

What are your points of reference in your life and in sport?
My family plays a very big role in my life. I am very lucky because my parents have always been very present, although giving me the chance to choose. In sport, and especially in swimming, the athlete I am inspired to is Alexander Popov.

For sport and not only you have visited many cities and countries: what is the place where you would live and why?
It’s true I have been travelling a lot, but I haven’t had the time to actually visit the places where the competitions took place. I am looking forward for the World Championship in Rome to be over (with a victory…) to go on a holiday.

What is never missing in your fridge?
My job imposes me an healthy and balanced diet. But I have a weakness: mayonnaise…

You won many medals, what is your secret dream?
Obviously to win a gold medal in the 100 freestyle at the World Championship in Rome. I would be the first athlete in history to win three times in a row. I am lucky that I will play at home and this is an opportunity not to miss.

Francesca Zottola

Italian version

The bike is characterized by the retro style and the bright white colour, as well as by leather accessorizes.

A means not to be missed to travel in the city or to holiday, always with an impeccable mood.

Italian version

The Swimming World Cup 2009, set in Rome, will start on 17th July and will last till 2nd August. Two weeks full of competitions and events whose sponsor will be Emporio Armani.

With this partnership the maison further marks its presence in the sports’ world. Unforgettable are the shots portraying David Beckham for the underwear advertising campaign, or those featuring Kakà.

However, sport for Armani is not merely synonym with football. The Milan Basketball team or the Italian swimmer Filippo Magnini that will also be one of the protagonists at the Rome World Cup.

Among the official sponsors of the event, besides Emporio Armani, there will also be Rome Airports, icecreams’ brand Algida, Aurora Insurance, Corriere dello Sport, Tuttosport and Rds.

Italian version

On the occasion of the Outdoor Days that registered around ten thousand visitors last weekend in Riva del Garda, Agraria Riva del Garda announced to the public the coming into being of a new line of Extra-virgin Olive Oil, 46th Parallel, conceived for sports’ and body care lovers.

The company, icon of the wine and oil production of Garda Trentino, was awarded during the last edition of Vinitaly the prize Sol d’Oro Best Light Fruity Oil in the world. They now ideated a new innovative product, conceived for those that take best care of what they eat so to have benefits in terms of performances and wellbeing, enjoying dining in the sign of tasty wellness moments.

The extra-virgin 46th Parallel are characterized by MONOcultivar Casaliva and by ANTIaging. The product takes care of mind and body by transferring the advantages of the natural ingredients to the entire organism, exalts organoleptic, nutritional and energetic characteristics, and maintains an extraordinary balance between colour, perfume and taste.

Italian version

Scuba diving lovers feel the need of taking with them precise tools, which allow for high performances in full safety. For those careful to details it is important not to leave aside style. Here we present some of the coolest diver’s watches ideated by watchmaking maisons in 2009.

The Aquatimer Chronograph Edition Galapagos Islands stems out of IWC Schaffhausen’s attention to environment and of a partnership with the Charles Darwin Foundation, founded to safeguard the Galapagos islands. The time piece is characterized by a opaque black coating of vulcanized rubber, which surrounds the stainless steel case, allowing for a particular feeling in terms of touch and sight. A similar black rubber strap is fixed to the case through a quick-change system on the bracelet allowing the strap to be removed and replaced by another by the manual release of a mechanical lock. This new non-slip external bezel is a quite significant modification brought about the entire family of Aquatimer watches. The chronograph has a pressure-resistance that has been tested to 12 bar with a power reserve of 44 hours when fully wound.

Waterresistant to 1000 metres, the Blancpain 500 Fathoms features a brushed titanium case measuring 48 mm in diameter. Placed inside the case at 10 o’clock, a self-winding decompression valve guarantees the security and the reliability of the watch, without requiring any handling on the part of the wearer. To enhance readability, Blancpain has designed large phosphorescent Arabic numerals that are hollowed into the sunray-brushed metal appliques. The luminescent coating on the hour-markers, bezel markings and hands, along with the red tip of the sweep seconds hand, ensure optimal readability in all circumstances. The unidirectional ratcheted bezel facilitates handling and avoids any involuntary extension of the dive time. The 500 Fathoms is powered by the self-winding Calibre 1315, specifically designed to equip sports watches.

The new Tag Heuer Aquaracer 500M Calibre 5 is preciously refined and fitted with a 500 meter water resistance. The watch features a unidirectional turning bezel, a 43 mm diameter case in fine brushed steel. The screwed in crown with colored rubber coating on the face is provided with a double lining to prevent water or dust infiltration. The watch features a dial with vertical streak effect, on which hands and indexes are covered with luminescent markers, used to ensure excellent readability even in low-light environments or in the dark of sea beds. The automatic helium valve makes out of the watch a suitable instrument for professionals that dive at great depths for long periods. The automatic movement Tag Hauer 26 mm (Calibre ETA 2836-2) is decorated “Côtes de Genève”.

Particularly big case – 49 mm – is the one of Oris Regulateur Der Meistertaucher, high-readability watch that allows for great precision in calculating immersion times. The screwed in crown makes it extremely water resistant. The watch is water resistant to a depth of 1000m and fitted with a unidirectional security divers top ring, a helium valve and a thick 4.70mm curved sapphire crystal, for optimal reading of the displays with luminous tritium inlay on the black dial. The design makes it a watch easy to wear even on daily life.

It is with Chronograph Grand Ocean Automatic that Edox celebrated its 125th anniversary, paying tribute to its very first diver’s watches. Water resistant to a depth of 10 atmospheres, it features a 48 mm case, fitted with calibre Edox n. 012, with a 12 hour reserve.

It doesn’t carry a very encouraging name for being a diver’s watch the Locman Squalo. In its self-winding mechanical movement version or the quartz-driven chronograph alternative, it is provided with rotating bezel, enhanced by a colourful insert printed with large Arabic numerals alternating with hour-markers that guarantee optimal readability and facilitate read-off below the water. he bezel itself is also stamped with the silhouette of the shark joining up the 0 of the 20 numeral. Significant are the dimensions of this watch that features a round case entirely realized in brushed steel.

The new collection Dive Master 500 Mecha Victorinox offers design, functionality and the typical technical performances of self-winding mechanical movements. Luminous hands, a punctuated dot second hand and oversized markers are combined with a large date calendar for superior legibility. The dial was conceived to facilitate the readability of all signs. Scratch-resistant, antireflective sapphire crystal and a unidirectional bezel with luminous markings frame a commanding dial design in anthracite. A screw-down crown and see-through screw-in exhibition caseback provide the utmost protection against water and humidity.

For those that do not need professional performances and love classic lines, there’s Scafomatic by Eberhard & Co. Modern and functional lines, automatic mechanical movement, sapphire-crystal and generously sized wholly steel case characterize the watch. The dial, which allows for an easy and immediate reading of the time, makes a striking impact and is available in various colour combinations. They all feature a gloss finish on the flange and the regular alternation of large Arabic numerals and trapezoidal indexes in relief, all luminous, guaranteeing maximum visibility. In a central, commanding position on the case back, the ancient shield of the House provides a symbolic fragment of history.

Italiana version

If you love extreme sports and you don’t want to give up exclusivity, here is an accessorize that could turn out to be extremely useful during your coming holidays.

We are talking of the Kayak Wave Sport Project 54 CX, a sort of “supercar” realized in Kevlar, ultralight carbon, and glass fibre. The limited edition manufactured only 50 pieces whose cost starts at 2.500 dollars. Despite the minimal weight, this super luxury kayak is very resistant, easy to handle and unsinkable.

Italian version

“Horse is a gift of God to men” an Arabic saying cites. Held in these words, a great truth: this noble animal – today mainly a “playmate” – has, in fact, strongly influenced the history of mankind and, by modifying the way of communicating, moving and fighting, it may have transformed its course too.

Originally from the American continent, where the first exemplar appeared about 150 million years ago, it was first a source of meat and milk and then, from around 3000 B.C. a domestic animal, as reported by archaeological discoveries dating back to the Botai Culture of Northern Kazakhstan.

Later on it started spreading on the European continent too and, thanks to explorers such as Christopher Columbus, Hernan Cortes, Coronado, De Soto, throughout the rest of the world, including the Americas where, in the meanwhile, it had faced extinction. With the arrival of modern times, the horse stopped being a main working instrument, rather becoming man’s companion in a great number of sports activities, including Polo too.

At the beginning, this game, in which perfect harmony between man and animal is fundamental, small size horses were used, resistant and strongly built. These were the peculiarities that the English – the first to get in touch with the oriental game – tried to replicate, by selecting the most suitable exemplars among the breeds available on their lands. Today, height limits for the four-legged athletes are not significant anymore. The limit was originally imposed, as a game regulation, until 1920, and a great number of them is now formed by thoroughbreds often imported from South America and carefully selected on the base of characteristics such as docility, endurance, speed and sensitivity.

Despite polo horses enjoy quite a number of restful months throughout the year, and despite their activity consists of a seven-minute participation for each match, their athletic effort is quite demanding. During these seven minutes, they’re in fact requested to enact rapid accelerations, sudden stops, and narrow curves. To face such requests, a part from a good mental balance, which allows horses to keep calm while playing and not to excessively suffer from stress due to continuous moving, they necessitate, as every athlete does, an adequate physical preparation.

Polo is a dangerous sport, both for man and animal. Its very risky nature makes it necessary to take precautions such as bands on the four limbs of the animals that, besides protecting them from a potential impact with balls and sticks and supporting ligaments, they became a characteristic aesthetic detail of this discipline whose nature generates a proper symbiosis between man and animal. Throughout the entire match the two become one single thing, concretizing the deep relationship that is best defined by a great lover of horses, Winston Churchill: “there is something in the exteriority of a horse that grasps the deepest interiority of a man”, renowned politician, journalist and speaker. This is how it’s been throughout the course of centuries and this is how it’ll continue being.

Allegra Nasi

Italian version