Voiles de Saint-Tropez: A sense of celebration and eclecticism
by Maguelonne Turcat 26 Aug 2024 13:36 BST
28 September - 6 October 2024
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez © Gilles Martin-Raget /
www.martin-raget.com
Making up the Classic, Modern and Maxi classes, nearly 250 boats are officially entered in Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, which begins September 28.
Scrolling the entry lists made available on-line by the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, are some familiar names, the best images from past editions, notable newcomers, all showcasing an eclecticism that makes Les Voiles so extraordinary. Here is a look at some of those entrants just a few weeks before the start.
From the smallest to the biggest
What other regatta aside from Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez can boast yachts of 8 to 55 metres in length?! Elena of London with 14 meters over the deck in addition to the 41 meters of water line length makes her the biggest entry. This replica of Nathanaël Herreshoff's 1910 auric schooner was built in Spain in 2009 and will once again delight spectators and participants at Les Voiles with her grace. Also joining the fleet will be the aptly named Dainty from the Solent Sunbeam series with crew of British sailor Peter Nicholson, sharing the pleasure of returning to Saint-Tropez where in 2022, they celebrated her 100th anniversary in the Yacht Club de Gstaad Centenary Trophy. Before embarking on the waters of the Var, this 8.2m will have crossed the English Channel and the French mainland by trailer to join the Tropezian fiesta. Size is of no consequence!
From the oldest to the latest Maxi
Evidently it is within the Classic series that one will find the oldest entrant, and this title goes to the returning auric yawl Sky, built in 1890 in England at the Thetis Ware shipyard. Having undergone a full refit at the turn of this century, this powerful 26 meter hull, afloat in mahogany on oak frames, will participate once again.
No wood on Capricorno, built entirely out of carbon last year, at King Marine. This radical 82-foot Judel-Vrolijk should be the talk of Saint-Tropez. But there is no doubt that her Italian crew will have their work cut out to beat North Star, another from the drawing board of the German design duo, second in 2023. Without forgetting Jethou, further lightened this year thanks to the addition of ballast tanks nor the master Wally 101 Y3K, largest in its category at 30.80 meters.
Crowns and laurels for the Moderns
Winner of last year's IRC C, TP52 Nanoq is once again challenging for the BMW Trophy title. Helmed in 2023 by Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, it returns with the same helmsman, crowned king in the meantime following the abdication of his mother last December. Will Frederik X be able to keep his crown this autumn in Saint-Tropez?! Competition will be tough, with three TP52s on the line, light weight one-designs like the Cape 31 class and other prototypes specifically designed to perform under IRC class rules. With a judicious division of the fleet into four classifications, the cruiser-racer rule will once again allow for an equal playing field for boats as diverse as the Tofinou 9.50, the Club Swan 42, the Code 0 and the Grand Soleil 50! The Modern fleet already comprising over 110 entrants.
Les Voiles 2024 on the poster
Eagerly awaited each year, the 2024 version of the Les Voiles poster showcases the original work of Tropezian artist Jean-Claude Servoz. Originally from the Côte d'Or, as discreet as he is talented, Jean-Claude worked as project manager in the construction industry before retiring 7 years ago to the Cité du Bailli de Suffren. One of life's turns had him inheriting a small fisherman's cottage in 1970 which originally served as a holiday home. In 2023, he exhibited for the first time in his career as a painter, passionate but amateur, at the Lavoir Vasserot with other artists, and was surprised by his success.
"I can't get out of bed without wanting to create. More often than not, my ideas come to me at night" admits this youthful 79 year old who will celebrate his 80th birthday on November 1. When it comes to technique, he describes himself as a 'chiffonnier'. A base of acrylic, then a superimposition of collages made from natural elements - pieces of palm leaf pressed and folded - or salvaged elements: tacks, paper clips, needles, pearls, thread, string, toothpicks, buttons... The final layer, the church tower, forefront to the eye of the viewer, was created in featherboard, a material favoured by modelmakers. A return to basics.
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2024 Programme
- Saturday 28 September: Registration for Maxis (over 18.28m) Classic and Modern yachts up to 18.28 metres.
- Sunday 29 September: Registration for Maxis (over 18.28m) Classic and Modern yachts up to 18.28 metres. Arrival of the YCF Autumn Cup (Cannes Saint-Tropez)
- Monday 30 September: regattas for Maxis and Modern yachts
- Tuesday 1 October: regattas for all fleets
- Wednesday 2 October: regattas for Modern and Classic yachts
- Day Off for the Maxis and Club 55 Maxi Cup
- Thursday 3 October: Challenge Day and Club 55 Cup for Modern and Classic yachts, regattas for Maxis
- Friday 4 October: regattas for all fleets
- Saturday 5 October: regattas for all fleets, Prize-giving ceremony for the Maxis
- Sunday 6 October: Prize-giving ceremony for Modern and Classic yachts
www.lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr