By Karen Cooper
The night of May 17 th saw Capri’s famous Certosa di San Giacomo play host once again to the Rolex Capri Sailing Week’s annual Rolex Gala Dinner. Some 400 by-invitation-only guests were welcomed into the ancient monument for a night of fine dining and live music performed by French artist Florent Pagny.
The Charterhouse of San Giacomo is a key monument from Capri's mediaeval and
monastic periods. Originally built in the late 1300s, the Charterhouse was later
severely damaged when she was sacked and burned by pirates in 1553. Restoration
work saw the Charterhouse refortified and enlarged with the addition of a
Southern tower that would eventually topple in the 1800s. It was at this time
that the Napoleonic government sent the monks away and the monastery was used
for military barracks, as a hospital and as a prison before being subsequently
abandoned. It wasn't until the 1920's that restoration began anew at the
Charterhouse following a sudden artistic and intellectual re-interest in Capri.
A unique place on Capri, the Charterhouse is now home to a museum, a garden,
local high school classrooms and a library, while also acting as a venue for
various cultural events throughout the year. The museum inside proudly displays
two statues that were found underwater at the Grotta Azzurra and various
paintings. The monastery is open to the public and it has become a tradition to
have the annual Rolex Capri Sailing Week Gala Dinner in the courtyard of the
large cloister.
For 2007
the decorations and theme were set up to make visitors feel as if they were underwater. The open-air entryway was lined with blue candles and lanterns and a blue carpet led the way into the heart of the monastery. Coral, seashells and iridescent fabrics made up the decorations and table centrepieces while blue lights set the mood. Mermaids dressed in blues and greens sat upon thrones in the entrance halls while Neptune himself greeted guests as a living statue. Aperitifs were served to subtle live music and the sit-down dinner was nothing short of grand, including more than 4 courses and a live performance by French singer Florent Pagny.
Florent Pagny is known as one of France's best selling artists and he has undergone extensive classical training. Pagny had his acting debut in Bob Swaim's "La Balance" and Alain Corneau's “Fort Saganne" before beginning his recording career in 1987. After a series of major success Pagny won the Victoires de la Musique Male Artist of the Year Award in 1998. Pagny has never lost his energy and the performance he put on last night made it clear that the singer still has what it takes to win over the crowds. The set list included songs from his latest album as well as world famous classics like “Oh Happy
Days” and an excerpt of the opera “Caruso.” The performance took place on a stage just next to the dining area and the music completed an ambiance that was all together classy and very much enjoyed by everyone who attended.
Dinner invitations were extended to all Rolex Capri Sailing Week boat owners and included an impressive list of names.
Among the attendees for 2007
was Leonardo Ferragamo, of the Ferragamo fashion house dynasty and owner of Nautor, the builder of the renowned Swan yachts, who is participating in this year's Rolex Capri Sailing Week aboard his Cuor di Leone Swan 45 yacht. Also in attendance was Jim Richardson, President of the International Farr 40 Class Association and owner/helmsman of US entry Barking Mad.
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