Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez celebrates 25th anniversary: Magic intact!
by Maguelonne Turcat 15 Jun 2024 06:45 PDT
28 September - 6 October 2024
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez © Gilles Martin-Raget /
www.martin-raget.com
The most beautiful yachts in the world come together in a sumptuous setting and a friendly atmosphere. The alchemy creating the magic of the Voiles de Saint-Tropez since 1999 will be at work once again this year as the event celebrates its 25th anniversary, as some 3,000 crew gather for what has become an event not-to-be-missed.
From Saturday, 28th September to Sunday, 6th October, the breath of passion will once again revive Saint-Tropez, its narrow streets, its harbour and its gulf, in anticipation of an exceptional week.
Three classes, one atmosphere
Eric Tabarly, who was a great fan of the Nioulargue - the original regatta of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez - used to say that walking along the quays was like 'strolling through the pages of an open maritime history book'. It is a history in the making, and once again this year it will feature three classes of yacht:
The Classics, of course, set off in majestic style in the coppery light of early autumn in Saint-Tropez. The 2024 edition will be marked by some boats reaching 50, 75 or 100 years of age, joining the already long list of centenarians present. The Moderns provide an architectural counterpoint to these 'old ladies' of yachting. All the Mediterranean's prototypes, TP52s and mini-Maxis will be in Saint-Tropez for some top-level racing on these yachts dedicated exclusively to performance. Once again, they'll be up against the Maxis, the third lifeblood of the Voiles, which are competing in all their might to keep the event going. This class of yachts over 60 feet includes the marvellous Wally as well as super-yachts from all over the world, some of which are over 35 metres in length.
With registration in full swing, the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez team, led by its president Pierre Roinson, will be maintaining a balance between the three classes, as every year, which is no small part of the Voiles' success - crossroad of all passions. Between 250 and 270 boats are expected to take part in this major invitation-based event.
Entertainment at sea and on land
Regatta by day, party by night. Once again, the spectacle of the Voiles is guaranteed on the water as well as on the shore, allowing the people of Saint-Tropez and the general public to take part in the event on the Môle Jean Réveille, in the Voiles village, as well as around the port and in the streets of the town. The highlight of this year's onshore activities will once again be the crews' parade, scheduled for Thursday evening. The jury, set up on a platform in front of the harbour bars, is made up of a mix of locals - including some members of the municipal staff and shopkeepers - and skippers. To give the crews more time to prepare, this grand parade around the harbour has been scheduled for 7pm.
It's worth noting that the regattas in the gulf are easy to see from land, especially from the most elevated spots such as the Citadelle or the church of Sainte-Anne, but that the harbour breakwater is also a very strategic spot to follow the boats as they come in and out, as well as to watch the starts of the Classics from the Tour du Portalet.
The Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez's involvement in the America's Cup
As well as being the organising club for the Voiles de Saint-Tropez, the SNST is also the challenging club for the French Orient Express Racing Team, "which can count on the unwavering support of SNST's 500+ members, who are delighted to be a cornerstone of this 2024 campaign" says SNST President, Pierre Roinson.
The Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez is taking up the world's oldest sporting challenge, which will be held for the 37th time in Barcelona in September and October, against its British (Royal Yacht Squadron), Italian (Circolo della Vella), Swiss (Société Nautique de Genève) and American (New York Yacht Club) counterparts, not forgetting of course the New Zealand Defender (Royal New-Zealand Yacht Squadron).
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2024 Programme
- Saturday 28th September: Registration for Maxis (over 18.28m) Classic and Modern yachts up to 18.28 metres.
- Sunday 29th 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 30th September: Regattas for Maxis and Modern yachts
- Tuesday 1st October: Regattas for all fleets
- Wednesday 2nd October: Regattas for Modern and Classic yachts
Day Off for the Maxis and Club 55 Maxi Cup
- Thursday 3rd October: Challenge Day and Club 55 Cup for Modern and Classic yachts, regattas for Maxis
- Friday 4th October: Regattas for all fleets,
- Saturday 5th October: Regattas for all fleets, Prize-giving ceremony for the Maxis
- Sunday 6th October: Prize-giving ceremony for Modern and Classic yachts
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Find out more at www.lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr