Twenty five years ago I was invited to race aboard the American owned Swan 44 Pride in St Tropez. She was famed for duelling 12M Ikra in what was to become La Nioulargue. The boat was taken out of storage for one week a year and you had to be extra vigilant as headsails shredded and untested sheets taking the strain snapped mid race. It was a slice of history, mind you. Since then my lenses have been capturing many editions of the annual yachting pilgrimage that subsequently morphed into Les Voiles de St Tropez.

In the late Nineties I would drive past 23M Cambria that bobbed silently on Pittwater harbour, north of Sydney and think what a waste of a beautiful yacht.  Then in 2001 she turned up at the America’s Cup 150th Jubilee regatta in Cowes, Isle of Wight, UK and continued onto St Tropez.

In 2006 Mr America, aka Dennis Conner helmed Cotton Blossom at Les Voiles de St Tropez.  Competing in Epoque Marconi class B he went onto win overall in class (IMG_0449). Also unveiled to the yachting world in all her authentic glory that year was the 1920 Lulworth classic cutter.  A five year process commanded the accolade of ‘Restoration of the Century’ at the World Superyacht Awards 2007.

Each of these fine pieces of nautical craftsmanship tells a unique story. This year 2020 saw the regatta divided into two sections, the first week presenting yachts up to 60ft and the second for the modern superyachts and classic schooners. The measure enabled all classes to enjoy the famed show-start in front of the iconic Citadelle with a support crowd.

Looking back, my archive has accrued a broad spectrum of St Tropez race images since 1998 depicting many of these graceful beauties.  Striking framed hand prints in a variety of options including aluminium dibond and acrylic glass are now available online @: www.ingridabery.com

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Les Voiles de St Tropez. Copyright Ingrid Abery. All Rights Reserved.