Les Voiles de Saint Barth Richard Mille - Crews enjoy Thursday's official day off

by Maguelonne Turcat 13 Apr 2018 17:20 BST 8-14 April 2018

Thursday's official day off © Michael Gramm

A signature of Les Voiles de Saint Barth Richard Mille is the planned Day off. After three intense days of racing, Thursday's agenda was all about fun and camaraderie. Hosted at the famous Nikki Beach restaurant in Sean-Jean renowned for its festive atmosphere, the crews relaxed, enjoyed fabulous food and sparkling bottles of Veuve Clicquot and rose wine.

Since Les Voiles' beginning in 2010, the organizers have struck the perfect balance between intense competition on the water, and a great social atmosphere on land that builds connections between the sailors. Under Thursday's sunny skies, the regatta team organized beach games like Tug-o-War, water polo, and the sailors' favourite - the Aquatic Treasure Hunt.

The premise is simple for the Treasure Hunt - at "Go!", dive in to swim and search for the 10 hidden bottles of Veuve Clicquot in Saint-Jean Bay between Eden Rock and the beach. Next up, the Tug-o-War competition. where Nala's teammates (the HH66 designed by Melvin Morrelli) reigned supreme, and then joined the ongoing water polo game.

This morning, racing began on schedule at 10 am, with the Maxis and Multihulls sailing a 30-mile distance course, and CSA classes scheduled to race twice. The trade winds are still flowing and a great day of 17-20 knots is expected for this second-to-last day of racing.

In brief

Serge Derick, Member of the Management Board in charge of the Overseas Department and Development at CEPAC:

"This ninth edition of the Les Voiles de Saint Barth Richard Mille has a very special dimension. This is truly the year when, more than ever, we are proud to be present alongside the organizers, and also with all of St. Barths. It was important for us to validate our support after Hurricane Irma. As such, we have strengthened our presence."

"The Day-Off is really a must in the event schedule. It is a special day - a good illustration of the values ??that make Les Voiles de Saint-Barth so special."

Raphaël Lipszyc, Veuve Clicquot's Business Development Manager:

"We are pleased to announce we just renewed our partnership with Les Voiles de Saint-Barth Richard Mille for the next two years and are already looking forward to celebrating the 10th anniversary next year. The year, 2018 is particularly special for Veuve Clicquot, as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the incredible invention of Madame Clicquot: rosé d'assemblage. We are celebrating its bold, innovative and courageous side; qualities it shares with the organizers of Les Voiles de Saint Barth. The heart of our job is to enjoy life. And after three days of racing, the sailors are relaxing and enjoying each other, and that is precisely why Veuve Clicquot is here."

Laurence Parisot, Honorary President of the MEDEF, invited CEPAC:

"I have known Saint Barth for a long time and I have a boundless admiration for the entrepreneurs of the island who have always been trying to make this little piece of France a paradise of beauty and community. When after Irma, I saw them all immediately start rebuilding, I told myself that the island really lived up to its reputation and they should be shown every possible encouragement."

Marc Blees, Chairman and CEO of Code-Zero:

Code Zero is the sailing-inspired lifestyle clothing brand, designed and endorsed by professional sailors, and is be Les Voiles clothing provider for the next three editions.

"We are very proud to be the official clothing supplier for Les Voiles de Saint Barth Richard Mille. The event brings together some of the most competitive sailboats in the world, and offers them one of the most beautiful bodies of water to race.

"When we design our clothing, we apply the innovations from the sport of sailing and inspiration from the top level international events where sailors compete. Les Voiles de Saint Barth Richard Mille is the perfect opportunity for us to connect with the 'True Power Sailors' we design for."