Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez - boats that dreams are made of

Voiles de Saint-Tropez © Gilles Martin-Raget / www.martin-raget.com

For thousands of sailors and more than three hundred of the most beautiful yachts in the world, the Société Nautique of Saint-Tropez plays a key role as organiser of the Voiles de Saint-Tropez. This much anticipated rendezvous at the end of September is already in sight.

The moderns: as strong as ever

Of continual interest during the Voiles, the Wally fleet never ceases to provide a thrill both in on-water prowess and aesthetics. Impressive state-of-the-art monohull the Wally Cento Magic Carpet 3, with Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones at the helm, is proof that, for the second time in a row, a sophisticated hundred footer can also be a formidable racing boat, leaving in its wake all the pure racing maxis, regulars at this unmissable Mediterranean classic. The whole Wally class will of course meet at the Voile de St Tropez at the end of September, and compete once again a race, as hard fought as it is elegant, for the BMW trophy.

Thoroughbreds of the IRC C racing class– TP52, GP 42, Farr 42, Swan 45 and 42 – will once again be vying for the Edmond de Rothschild Trophy. As the eponymously named financial group celebrate the 140th year of the first Gitana, the GC32 Edmond de Rothschild will make a second high-flying appearance in the gulf of Saint-Tropez. This multihull theme in keeping with the Société Nautique's recent acquisition of two Nacra 20 foiling catamarans. In the meantime, Gitana man-of-the-moment, Sebastien Josse, prepares for the November 6th start of the Vendée Globe aboard mono 60, Edmond de Rothschild.

Classics: guests of distinction

In keeping with a tradition first established during the early Nioulargue years, a new class has been established which allows yachts which do not fit easily into the existing categories to compete. Entries in this division are at the discretion of the Société Nautique and must conform to the sailing instructions. They will race under their own classification.

The Rolex Trophy, awarded since 2006 to the yacht with the best over-all result, will this year go to the highest scorer of the 'Grands Tradition' class. To date there are eleven entries including the original and unmodified 1928 23m Fife, Cambria and the gaff rigged schooner, Puritan, designed in 1931 by John G. Alden. Both yachts marking a long awaited return to the Voiles de Saint-Tropez.

Village: a new format!

The Race Village is to be entirely revamped this year to accommodate the renovations and extension to the port capitanerie. 70 metres long and 10 metres wide, the area has been redesigned to have a 'street'feel. Including a 20 metre refreshments bar and terrace, the much sort-after Kappa boutique, competitors' welcome area, press office at ground level, all will be present within the new format. Village logistics are under the auspices of new sponsor, Mercantour Events, who have also brought to Saint-Tropez the Giraglia Rolex Cup village plus further afield show-jumping and tennis events along the Côte d'Azur and Monaco.

www.societe-nautique-saint-tropez.fr/snst/evenements/les-voiles-de-saint-tropez