The magical Mediterranean Port of Saint Tropez came alive again for the 23rd edition of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez which kicked off at the end of September organised by Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez.
Superyacht Regatta Calendar 2021-2022 from August 2021[2]
Celebrating 40 years of Nioulargue this year the event welcomed its new two-week format, dividing the fleet in two. Classic and modern yachts up to 18 metres participating in the first week and Maxi yachts in the second week.
200 yachts, both modern and classic arrived to open the first week. Les Voiles race village buzzed once again with sailors who had flocked back to Saint Tropez from all over the world to enjoy some of the best yacht racing on offer in the Mediterranean, if not the world.
The first day saw 130 modern yachts launch the week with a 19-mile course set by Principal Race Officer George Korhel, whilst nearly 80 classic yachts, prepared to kick off proceedings and compete in the bay from day two.
Among the classic fleet were twenty or so fore-and-aft rigged gaffers, with their typical four-cornered mainsail, split into groups A and B. The Grands Tradition category, in which certain yachts feature an LOA of more than 40 metres, boasted no fewer than 12 entries this year sporting the most spectacular Gaff and Marconi rigs: schooners, ketches, cutters and yawls. Stars out of category in the 2021 edition, included the magnificent red, navy blue and green hulls of the three American P Class, Chips, Corinthian, and Olympian.
Of course, we cannot forget the 23,18m, William Fife and Tuiga, the flagship of the Monaco Yacht Club, one of the few International 15-Metre Class Yachts still sailing. Previously known as Dorina, Kismet III (her name when she won the 1935 Fastnet Race) and Nevada, she carries a beam of 4,15m with a draft of 2,95m and displacement of 50 tonnes. In the early 1990’s, after a keel-up restoration at the Fairlie Restoration yard in Hamble, Hampshire, she represented the Principality in all the main vintage sailing events. A huge party was thrown for her centenary in Monte Carlo during the Monaco Classic week in 2009, with crews and personalities dressed in vintage costume. She took part in the Antigua Classic Regatta in 2012. Tuiga has often hosted Prince Alberto II on board, and historian Daniel Charles has written a book about her. She is sister to Mariska (1908), The Lady Anne (1912) and Hispania (1909).
Tuiga is featured on the cover image of this magazine by international yachting photographer Ingrid Abery.
With the race zone glistening in the sunshine, racing in true picture postcard conditions continued for the classics, with the winners of the Rolex Trophy going to the Herreshoff design Scud who managed to outperform the sumptuous P Class boats.
Among the Modern boats, Pretexte (Nacira 47) secured the North Sails Trophy (IRC B), and Nanoq, skippered by the Prince of Denmark won the BMW Trophy (IRC C), both the stand-out boats despite some particularly competitive groups.
The third day served up a mixture of passion and sporting prowess. With the longer courses requiring short legs, dazzling tactics and dexterity to adapt to the demanding conditions. Sailors returned to the dock happy, fulfilled and beaming from ear to ear, the sheer delight and gratitude of racing in St Trop again was palpable.
The Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez celebrated its 40th anniversary of the Nioulargue at this edition. For the past 40 years, tradition has dictated that Thursday at Les Voiles is given over to the celebration of the creative spirit of the original race to the Nioulargue mark involving Ikra and Pride.
During this lay day yachts of any size or rig are encouraged to challenge a partner(s). The Club 55 Cup saw competitors duelling for glory, with JP54 The Kid, Jean Pierre Dick’s 2010 Modern boat, which includes Bill Jayson in her crew, challenging the Marconi ketch Stormvogel designed by Van de Stadt, Giles, Illingworth (1962).
Meanwhile on land, the multi-coloured and fabulously festive procession of the crews paraded excitedly through the streets of Saint Tropez dressed in the theme of burlesque!
Spirits were also high at the eagerly awaited crew night at La Ponche, Quai l’Esquière in Saint Tropez. A band called Rocky, predominantly compromising former musicians who played with the late Johnny Hallyday, paid tribute not only to the late and legendary French rock musician, but also to the Rolling Stones’ drummer Charlie Watts who recently passed away. The evening culminated with giant fireworks display out on the water, rounding off the evening with a literal bang.
Amongst all the winners in the 10 categories of traditional racing yachts, Les Voiles crowned some truly remarkable boats, created by some of the world’s most respected naval architects. The first week of Les Voiles Saint Tropez delivered a spectacular ballet of classic and modern yachts, with sun, competition, and celebration in the prestige of Les Voiles familiar to sailors and enthusiasts the world over.
Pierre Roinson, President of the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez commented:
“All the teams, skippers and owners I met are delighted. This first week really ‘ticked all the boxes’ and I’d like to thank the Race Committees for their excellent control. After the Covid year, we’re witnessing a renewal of Les Voiles in all their glory. The atmosphere on shore has been worthy of the finest years of the Nioulargue, with the most picturesque parade of crews.”
And that’s not all from this beautiful gathering, we’re about to set sail on a second unprecedented week of sailing with an exceptional line-up of nearly 40 Maxi yachts, all set just in front of the Port of stunning Saint Tropez- it’s not one to be missed, stay tuned for the report next month!
All images Ingrid Abery – Les Voiles de St Tropez classic week © Ingrid Abery 2021
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