One month to the 17th edition of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez
by Maguelonne Turcat 23 Aug 2015 16:05 BST
26 September - 4 October 2015
Les Voiles de St Tropez © Gilles Martin-Raget /
www.martin-raget.com
There is just over a month to go until the major sailing meet that is Les Voiles de Saint Tropez, an un-missable highlight of the race calendar that is masterfully orchestrated by the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez for a selection of the finest traditional and modern yachts in the world. Indeed it's on Saturday 26 September that the veil will be lifted on what promises to be an excellent 17th edition, combining a subtle mix of latest generation yachts and those dating back over a hundred years, as well as bankable names and new additions to the fleet. The finish of the Yacht Club de France's Coupe d'Automne in the bay on Sunday afternoon will kick off proceedings on the waters of Saint Tropez.
Boats and crews
Though the loss of Florence Arthaud will not erase anyone's memories of the delight the sailor felt for the racing at Les Voiles aboard Sonda, a number of other top-flight skippers and racers, from the offshore racing scene to the America's Cup, will be competing in Saint Tropez. Among the many stars will be Sébastien Josse, Philippe Monnet, Marc Pajot, Bruno Peyron, Lionel Péan and Marie Tabarly, to name but a few, all competing aboard traditional or modern yachts in the pure spirit of Les Voiles.
In terms of the boats, visitors and racers come to Les Voiles to witness the most futuristic boats as well as the floating 'works of art' that are the traditional yachts, a blending of the generations which reflects a unique passion for that which is beautiful, that floats and that goes fast.
In terms of the traditional, the encounter with Souzie is sure to have great appeal. In fact, this dayboat was built in 2004 according to a Herreshoff design dating back to 1914 according to traditional building techniques, making her an authentic boat and not a mere replica. It's the former owner of the Fife design Eva, Juan Carlo Eguiagaray, who 'discovered' the hull of the boat at the end of an eight-year period ashore, completely dried out, and launched into a restoration campaign from which the boat has just come out the other side. This elegant gaff rig forms part of the BB25 series, 5 of which were built in the lifetime of the "wizard of Bristol". She is characterised by her clean lines and her very high bow, which translate as a very safe ride even in a big chop.
Among the modern boats, on the fringes of the racing, one of the most incredible boats competing in Saint Tropez will doubtless be the GC32 Edmond de Rothschild: a 10-metre flying catamaran at the very forefront of technology. Equipped with foils, this high-tech boat is one of the Gitana Team's latest additions to their fleet and we'll be able to see the helmeted silhouette of its crew criss-crossing the bay throughout the week. A fantastic festival of sail in prospect then where sailing will be at its finest.
Some new ways to follow the racing
Several areas have been developed around the 2015 edition of Les Voiles to track the racing.
The first and, fairly obviously, the best way to do it is by sailing on a boat that is participating in the races. Reserved for experienced crews, this offer nevertheless opens up some very fine opportunities, as much for owners in search of the missing link as for those racers keen to get out on the water. For the second year, the crew exchange is being organised in partnership with the "Vogueavecmoi" site, which is accessible via the website, under the useful links section.
For those of you coming to Saint Tropez, there is sure to be something for everyone and it is free to one and all:
- Les Voiles' village next to the Harbour Master's office is open to participants and the public everyday from 09:00am to 21:00pm,
- in the port of Saint Tropez morning and evening, with some of the competitors alongside in the old and new port, or along the Quai Jean Réveille,
- and on the water, with a number of great vantage points in the golf from the different shores. One of the best views naturally extend out from the Citadel, perched high above the village, which enjoys a unique panorama.
However, if the temptation to hit the water is overwhelming, here too Les Voiles' website enables such a request to be followed up by providing a contact with Bateaux Verts, in the "Buy online: reserve your ticket" section; it too accessible in the useful links section.
For one and all, there is a website dedicated to the event along with social networks to follow the action via texts and images, photos and videos.
www.lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr