The beautiful setting of St Tropez, southern France was the host of the largest fleet of Classic yachts in Europe. Signalling the crescendo of the European circuit Les Voiles de St Tropez organised by the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez did itself proud.
The annual feeder race from Cannes swept up the Gulf of St Tropez to a packed crowd lining the Môle Jean Réveille at the sea wall. Elegant Schooners Elena, Naema and Ashanti thundered across the finish line turning heads.
Across three divisions, the Moderns, Maxis and Classics comprised more than two hundred and fifty yachts. After losing four days of racing at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Sardinia weeks earlier the Maxi fleet was treated to quality sailing conditions. Spread across four classes the Maxis enjoyed both shake-down windward/leeward races and longer coastal courses starting off Pampelonne beach. Spectators on the sun-kissed sand in front of renowned Le Club 55 enjoyed nip-and-tuck competition.
The latest addition to the Wally yacht family, the 33.42m Galma dipped into racing on the opening day of play. Her two-tone blue hull glistened in the Autumn sunlight.
Regular to Palma the Spirit 111 Geist was the largest of the Maxi fleet. Tight match-racing dominated at the front of Maxi A class between Britain’s Jolt and Jethou. Sir Mark Cavendish, Tour de France legend added some grunt on the grinders aboard Jolt early in the week. The boat edged past Jethou winning the Barons de Rothschild Trophy for the best Maxi A.
The daily starting gun fired in front of the Portalet tower for the Classic division. Numerous America’s Cup, Olympic and Offshore sailing stars peppered the fleet. Five-time Olympic medallist Brazil’s Torben Graël steered centenarian Marga to overall victory in the Epoque Aurique class winning the Rolex trophy. This year saw the return of a bumper ten plus entry in the 12 Metre class.
Following the Club 55 Paul Watson Maxi Yachts Cup contested between My Song and Balthasar on Wednesday, Thursday’s annual Challenge match was between Belle Aventure and Il Moro di Venezia. “These Challenges in Paul Watson’s name are not a homage, rather they are designed to assist the president of Sea Shepherd”, explained Patrice de Colmont, founder of the Nioulargue and boss of the Club 55.
Regulars on the Traditional Med circuit Tuiga and Mariska battled in the varied conditions throughout the regatta with the former, Yacht Club de Monaco’s 15mR winning overall.
In the Grand Traditions category Belle Aventure secured overall victory after winning every race. On the 12mR course Crusader’s uncompromising performance through the week claimed the silverware in spite of stiff opposition. It was the fourth regatta of the year for the crew of Sir Richard Matthews, a familiar face at Les Voiles.
The erstwhile fishing village with its horseshoe-shaped old port was the perfect setting for the fleet of Classic and Maxi yachts. Polished brass and varnished wood sparkled in the warm Autumn sun. Several thousand people flocked to soak up the atmosphere as each boat returned from a day on the race course and promenaded past the showcase of yachting history. It was a sport in itself. And as the golden hour dipped the town ignited into party mode once again.
