Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez: one of the world's largest Maxi Yacht meets
by Maguelonne Turcat 1 Oct 2023 05:45 AEST
29 September - 8 October 2023
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez © SNST / Gilles Martin-Raget
Les Voiles 2023 is starting with a bang on Sunday. 40 Maxi Yachts, jewels of both elegance and technology, are hitting the racetrack and the outright winner of the International Maxi Association's Mediterranean Maxi Inshore Challenge will be crowned this coming Friday.
Powering into action at Le Portalet, midway through the afternoon they'll cross tacks with the Classic yachts sprinting from Cannes to Saint Tropez within the scope of the Yacht Club de France's Autumn Cup. Once everyone's in the gulf, the tone will be set for a dazzling week of competition in celebration of the convivial spirit that is synonymous with Les Voiles, where the resplendence of yachting takes on a whole new level. 250 sailboats, over 3,000 sailors, daily musical entertainment and the traditional event highlights that have forged the reputation of Les Voiles will converge around the all-new Village des Voiles which this year has pride of place atop the town's Jean Réveille jetty.
A paperless Les Voiles
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez's paperless approach to all its publications is taking on a whole new dimension this year. Indeed, the 3,000 sailors and all the public can now access everything they need in just one click by scanning a QR code, which is notably available on the event's website. Principal Race Officer, Georges Korhel, welcomes this highly connected virtuous approach with open arms as it benefits the planet and makes the work of his teams so much simpler. Going forward, the skippers, sailors and fans will have at their fingertips all the latest information about the different race schedules and results via smartphone or tablet.
One of the finest Maxi meets on the planet!
With 40 Maxis set to hit the racetrack, Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez is one of the main events on the race schedule for the International Maxi Association presided over by Benoit de Froidmont. At the cutting edge of technology, with an LOA in excess of 30 metres on occasion, these magnificent monohulls are split into 4 different groups in Saint Tropez, according to each yacht's measurement and rating, ensuring that the competition is as fair as possible. This will be the last of 6 meetings this season to crown the champion of the IMA Mediterranean Maxi Inshore Challenge (PalmaVela, Sorrento Trophy, Rolex Giraglia, Copa del Rey, Rolex Cup) so posting a stellar performance in Saint Tropez is an absolute must for many in their bid to round off the year in style.
Benoit de Froidmont, President of the International Maxi Association:
"2023 ends here for the Maxis. It's been a fantastic, windy and hotly contested season with a record participation. The association has really gone from strength to strength with 60 members racing in our competitions. We're happy with this size. Saint Tropez is a special venue for us. The event is both festive and incredibly competitive. I'm racing on Wallyno (Wally 60), in a very competitive Maxi C class. We won 10 years ago and it'd be great to take another win..."
Pierre Roinson, President of the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez:
"By getting the Maxis out on the racetrack tomorrow, we're reviving the Nioulargue experience of 43 years ago and going back to our roots in the process. Les Voiles is an unmissable event for these boats, which will be concluding their season here. Once again, Les Voiles will be treating fans of beautiful sailboats to this extraordinary mix of classic and modern yachts, with competitor numbers set at 250 throughout the event. The event is also continuing to step up its efforts to champion ecology and sustainable development, work with local youngsters, use geostationary marks and ensure any publications related to the event are paperless.
Programme 2023 (details of the programme ashoe are available online via Les Voiles website)
- Saturday 30 September: Maxi registration (over 18.28m) and Classic and Modern yachts measuring up to 18.28 metres
- Sunday 1 October: regattas for the Maxis, registration of the Classic and Modern yachts measuring up to 18.28 metres
- Monday 2 October: regattas for the Maxis and the Modern yachts
- Tuesday 3 October: regattas for the whole fleet
- Wednesday 4 October: regattas for the Modern and Classic yachts, Day Off for the Maxis and Club 55 Maxi Cup
- Thursday 5 October: Challenge Day and Club 55 Cup for the Modern and Classic yachts, regattas for the Maxis
- Friday 6 October: regattas for the whole fleet, Prize-giving for the Maxis
- Saturday 7 October: regattas for the Modern and Classic yachts,
- Sunday 8 October: Prize-giving for the Modern and Classic yachts
www.lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr