Gstaad Yacht Club Centenary Trophy celebrates its 15th anniversary in Saint-Tropez

Gstaad Yacht Club Centenary Trophy © Juerg Kaufmann for GYC

On Thursday, 1 October, the most beautiful centenarian yachts will gather in the bay of Saint-Tropez for the 15th edition of the Gstaad Yacht Club Centenary Trophy.

Held as part of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, this unique regatta has become, over the years, an unmissable event for yachts over one hundred years old. Created by the Gstaad Yacht Club and co-organised with the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, the Centenary Trophy has, for fifteen years, celebrated the elegance, maritime heritage and sporting spirit of classic sailing.

Before taking to the water, Swiss traditions will take centre stage. On Wednesday, 30 September, the Gstaad Yacht Club will open the festivities with the 4th edition of the " Swiss Night ", held on the Place des Lices.

Centenarian yachts return for a truly unique regatta

Since its creation in 2011, the Gstaad Yacht Club Centenary Trophy has held a special place in the programme of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. Reserved for yachts over one hundred years old, the race shines a light on exceptional sailing yachts, true witnesses to the golden age of yacht design and craftsmanship.

The pursuit-race format is what makes the Centenary Trophy so distinctive. Starts are staggered according to each yacht's rating, allowing the fleet, in theory, to come together in the final stages of the race. This spectacular and intense format gives crews the opportunity to sail in close contact with the entire fleet before a highly contested finish off Saint-Tropez, at the foot of the Tour du Portalet. The first yacht to cross the finish line wins the Centenary Trophy.

"Celebrating the 15th edition of the Centenary Trophy is a great source of pride for the Gstaad Yacht Club. For fifteen years, this unique regatta has kept the history of classic sailing alive by bringing together exceptional centenarian yachts and passionate crews in Saint-Tropez. This anniversary is also an opportunity to warmly thank the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez for its trust, hospitality and invaluable partnership, which allow the Centenary Trophy to continue writing its remarkable story," said Daniel Heine, Sailing Officer of the Gstaad Yacht Club.

"The Centenary Trophy is a truly special regatta. It is a unique moment within Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. The pursuit format is very original: with our high rating, we start among the last boats and have to work our way back through the fleet. It allows us to sail alongside yachts we do not necessarily meet in other races and to admire them up close. Racing almost in real time is quite rare in classic sailing, and it adds a real sporting challenge. It is a magnificent regatta that we greatly enjoy," said Hugues Boullenger, captain of Sumurun, the largest yacht in the fleet.

Swiss Night: Switzerland comes to Saint-Tropez

Before the sails are hoisted, it will be time for conviviality. On Wednesday, 30 September, the Gstaad Yacht Club will open the celebrations with the 4th edition of the Swiss Night, held on the Place des Lices. For one evening, Switzerland will take over the heart of Saint-Tropez, offering crews and their guests a taste of its traditions and way of life. The programme will include alpine specialities, a cow-milking contest and the unmissable ski race. A warm and festive atmosphere guaranteed.

Further information and a gallery of beautiful photographs from previous editions can be found on the Centenary Trophy website: gyccentenarytrophy.com