Les Voiles de Saint-Barth 2013 dates announced

by Sabina Mollart-Rogerson on 19 Sep 2012 Les Voiles de Saint-Barth fourth edition is being held from eighth to 13th April 2013. It has taken just three years to get racers from around the world used to the concept of yachting for pleasure and to develop this passion. The passion for magnificent yachts, fine cruisers and elegant Maxis, the passion for the extraordinarily beautiful waters and the passion of the men, who bring these yachts to life. Owners, yachtsmen and sailors are all once again invited for a full week of racing dedicated to the joys of yachting and which will remain forever etched in their minds.

Fine races in windy conditions and in perfect sunshine on an endless variety of courses around the island of Saint Barth. The warm, friendly atmosphere ashore that enables visitors to share in the delights of a stylish Caribbean welcome. This addictive cocktail has won over many people since 2010 from Europe, of course, but also from the United States, Australia, New Zealand and from around the four corners of the Caribbean islands. Once again, for everyone concerned the 'Les Voiles de Saint-Barth' is the place to be...

Since the conclusion of the 2012 edition, the organizers of the fourth edition of 'Les Voiles de Saint-Barth,' François Tolède, Annelisa Gee and Luc Poupon, have been busy promoting 'Les Voiles de Saint-Barth' all around the world. From Antigua to Newport, from Porto Cervo to San Francisco and indeed next month they will be attending the Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, meeting up with skippers and owners to choose the best date for the 2013 event with a big change being planned for the maxi class. Separate rankings will be drawn up for the maxi-racing and maxi-racing/cruising categories. This separation approved by the owners and competitors in this class is aimed at attracting more entrants and making the racing even more thrilling.

Counting on the strong support of the faithful, historic partners, including in particular, the watchmaker Richard Mille (Headline partner) and the clothingmanufacturer, Gaastra (Official partner), the organizers are already able to guarantee the same standard of excellence and all the elements that made previous events so successful, with a friendly atmosphere, warm welcome, festivities and with racing that is able to take full advantage of these exceptional waters.

The world’s finest yachts, from classic boats to Maxis, often with leading figures from the world of offshore sailing and racing at the helm (Peter Holmberg, Ken Read, Bouwe Bekking, Gavin Brady, Lionel Péan,...), windy courses, which are both spectacular and attractive, an atmosphere back ashore dedicated to the finer things in life... the 'Les Voiles de Saint-Barth' will once again be bringing together the values of tradition and the passion for classic yachts with the impressive modernity of the most recent Racer- cruisers and Maxi Yachts, in order to offer all those who love beautiful boats, an event, which is now indelibly inscribed on the international yachting calendar.

George David (Rambler 90) 'The 'Les Voiles de Saint-Barth' is a truly remarkable event for many reasons. Firstly, this is a magnificent island, with some big mountains, which add to the complexity of the race courses. The Race Committee does an amazing job setting up these courses. Along the shoreline, the wind can become very irregular, so that means that there are a lot of manoeuvres to carry out and a lot of strategic choices to be made.

I’m pleased to see how this event has developed and grown. We can see today just how spectacular that growth is, as the event is already considered to be a Caribbean classic. The Maxi class is also developing remarkably well. This is a great event in a dream location for racing.'

Clay Deutsch (Defiance) 'This is the best event we’ve ever raced at. The arrangements on the island were amazing, as only the French are able to achieve. Defiance is a good all- round boat, which is easy to sail and which does well in every point of sail. The fight with Decision was thrilling. I’m very attracted to the IRC 52 class, as the standard of racing is extraordinary. There are some fantastic boats being built today between 40 and 56 feet in length. I’m currently thinking about the type of boat to choose for events like Saint-Barth'.

Lionel Péan (Sojana) 'This is the third time I have competed at the Les Voiles de Saint-Barth, and each time I enjoy myself just as much. There is the pleasure of sailing on a magnificent boat, Sojana and the pleasure of everything about this extraordinary island, with its sublime waters, and ability to welcome sailors. This is a place that is truly at one with the sea. You can sail here in a warm, carefree atmosphere. 'Les Voiles de Saint-Barth' has already become one of those rare events that are considered to be a must for racing, one of those places, where you simply have to sail, just as in Saint-Tropez is with the 'Voiles.'

Ken Read (Rambler 100) Les Voiles de Saint-Barth' remains a very exciting and fun event...it’s a moment that everyone looks forward to.'

Bouwe Bekking (Highland Breeze) 'I really enjoy being at the helm of a Maxi. The sailing conditions in Saint- Barth are absolutely fantastic with lots of wind, good seas and sunshine... I sincerely intend to return next year and with a competitive boat. This event has huge potential.'

Gavin Brady (Vesper) 'What I like in particular are the conditions that can be found here. You have to fight against the seas on the windward side of the island, but there is also some really enjoyable downwind sailing in excess of 20 knots. It is all very well balanced. It makes me think about the sort of conditions you encounter in Hawaii, with huge waves, strong winds and very warm seas; sheer enjoyment!'

Les Voiles de Saint Barth website