Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez - The last exciting day

by KPMS on 4 Oct 2009
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez report from the final day.

Today was the last, but certainly the most exciting, day of racing in the 2009 edition of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. Navigators had a tough time on the water today as the winds were incredibly shifty and the water choppy, leading to lots of action both inside and outside the Gulf once the classics had started and all the spectator boats were on the race course. The wind picked up remarkably outside the Gulf on the Classic Course and stayed steady in force, although unpredictable in direction, at about 10 knots. The small classic divisions had their start just after 13.00 while the Big Classics started around 13.45.

The Modern divisions began racing near La Moutte but later went far outside the Gulf on a 27-mile course and were able to pick up significant speeds in 12-13 knot wind.

The Wally boats hit lots of wind just before noon and raced two laps around a course inside the bay in the usual race area, coming very close to the Pampelonne beaches along the shore, before heading out on a 14-mile course in the direction of Cap Lardier.

Spectators delighted in the Wally and Classics shared finish line just off of Saint-Tropez at La Portalet; a beautiful finish to a very successful week of sailing for this edition of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez.

For results (unavailable at time of going to press) please visit: www.societe-nautique-saint-tropez.fr

As the day's races come to a close, the port of Saint-Tropez is the place to be.

When the Rolex clock in the race village struck 5pm today, the sidewalks were jam packed as crowds gathered to watch the boats pulling into harbour. The mole is one of the best standpoints from which to watch the race finish, and today, as the Wallys and the Classics crossed the same finish line, spectators could not have been more delighted.

Crews coming in to port have a lot to look forward to, although they have not yet finished the day's work upon arrival. Sails, ropes and cushions must be packed away and the entire boat must be washed to remove all traces of sea salt, which can damage almost anything if left untreated. The deck is mopped and all polished wood or metallic parts must be wiped down by hand. Nothing can be done before the boat is cleaned up, and only once that is finished can the sailors actually take a moment to discuss the day's successes and failures.

'Once we drop the sails, on the way in, we try to put everything away as much as possible so that when we come into the dock here, all we have to do is wash the boat down,' said Elena's First Mate Malcolm. 'Once that's finished we like to enjoy a quiet drink, followed by a few noisy ones just afterwards. We always have a debrief where we discuss what we did well and where things went wrong. We like to focus on where things went well because in general, not too many things go wrong,' he said with a smile, referring to Elena's good performance throughout the week. 'This is her first big outing and it's been going very well, we have been improving our performance every day.' Elena was ranked in 8th position in her division (Classic, Aurique 1) after three races, final results pending, and will be hosting the Rolex Cocktail onboard this evening.

As tonight marks the close of the 2009 edition of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, the crew on Elena are not the only ones who will be celebrating. Jean-Philippe L'Huillier, owner of Oiseau De Feu, will also be hosting some entertainment onboard his boat this evening. While at 5pm Jean-Philippe was busy cleaning up and packing away with his crew, like most of the teams, he also hosted onboard cocktails every evening, in the 'sail and fun' spirit of this Mediterranean event. 'Tonight will be a bit more than an apéro; as you can see we have brought an electric piano on board and as of 23.00 that lovely lady over there will be singing.' A regular at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, Jean-Philippe has sailed in this regatta for over 20 years, although he has been the owner of Oiseau De Feu for only the past three. 'We may have only finished second in our group, but my boat is more of a racer-cruiser than an all out racer. We are here to make the most of it,' he said, gesturing to the band setting up on board.

As the final boats pulled into the harbour just before 19.00, the teams chanted and blew their horns, welcoming one another into port. The race village was in full swing with music for all, and as the sun goes down over Saint-Tropez the celebration is sure to continue. All wave summer goodbye, until next year.

The awards ceremony will take place tomorrow, Sunday, 4 October, at 11.00 at the Citadel of Saint-Tropez.