Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez - Preview

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2012 day 1 © Carlo Borlenghi / Rolex

Over the years, the unique gathering of more than 300 sailboats, ancient and modern alike, in the bay of Saint Tropez has become an unmissable meeting to round off the sailing season in style. Today over 4,000 fans of the event are delighted to be compete here, with increasingly large crowds following the action both on the water and on shore. Based in France's Var region, this extraordinary event, organised by the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez under the leadership of its President, André Beaufils, brings together the very cream of cutting edge racing, whilst gathering together the most incredible racing yachts from traditional yachting on the same race zone.

It goes without saying that every edition of Les Voiles is unique, but the 2015 vintage will be punctuated by several key anniversaries, which reflect the deep-rooted passion that surrounds beautiful boats, whatever their age. In this way, it is fitting to begin this series of tributes with Partridge, the very elegant gaff cutter with a plumb bow, which is celebrating her... 130th birthday! Designed by the English naval architect John Beavor Webb, this frisky centenarian was built in Gosport in 1885, before being laid up in a mud berth and converted into a houseboat. It was the unwavering determination of her new owner, Alex Laird, which saved her from a scheduled abandon and returned her to her loveliest racing form after a restoration that lasted over fifteen years!

This year also sees a significant anniversary for the iconic Wally Genie, which will be 20 years old. The launch of this 24-metre Frers design in 1995 literally revolutionised naval architecture by making cruising more comfortable, faster and safer, whilst also making manoeuvring easier when sailing shorthanded. The very foundations of the Wally Yacht success story no less. At the time of her launch and her first Nioulargue in 1995, onlookers were stunned to see the participation of a boat that appeared to be incomplete. Indeed, with just 2 winches, a flush deck without any ropes in evidence, integral deck hatches, no running backstay and no anchor at the bow, she was more reminiscent of a giant rib! Upon glimpsing her, it is said that a little girl exclaimed: "look dad, I can skate on the deck!" Doubtless the crew and her owner will be keen to repeat their 2012 performance and take the win in their class in celebration of this fine anniversary.

Racing during the day, partying in the evening: you don't change what is a winning formula for sailors, locals and visitors alike. Located between the Harbour Master's Office and the port, the Village set up by GL Events, partner to Les Voiles de Saint Tropez, is the veritable nerve centre of the event. Here we find 'yachties' and landlubbers rubbing shoulders, visibly happy to be sharing the post-race celebrations in this environment, which the Société Nautique are constantly striving to improve year on year. The highlights of the on-shore entertainment will obviously be the 'boule' competition on Wednesday evening and the crews' procession the following evening, not to mention the much-appreciated participation of Tahiti. Indeed the latter will boast a stand in the village showcasing its local produce and jewellery, as well as its special group of dancers, who will give the yachts their traditional welcome on race night.

www.lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr