Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2025 - A Time for Celebrations

by Maguelonne Turcat 19 Aug 12:58 PDT 27 September - 5 October 2025

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2024 © Gilles Martin-Raget

True to tradition, Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez honours each of its 19 classes with awards presented in the pure Corinthian spirit inherited from the legendary Nioulargue. Here, there is no prize money - only the pursuit of glory.

From September 27 to October 5, nearly 300 yachts, invited by the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, will gather to race in one of the most prestigious sailing events in the world. Among the multitude of trophies, three distinctions stand out, presented each year by the event's renowned partners, with Rolex at the forefront.

Rolex Trophy: A Legacy of Excellence

The enduring partnership between Rolex and Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez dates back to 2006, when the 25-meter gaff schooner So Fong (built in 1937) was the first to inscribe its name on the Rolex Trophy. Until 2016, the award was reserved for the best classic yacht over 16 meters.

Since then, Rolex has chosen each year to spotlight a particular category of traditional yachts, celebrating the diversity of these extraordinary vessels—restored with care and raced with passion. In 2023, the honour went to the yawl Varuna (1939). In 2024, it was Marga, the 10m JI brilliantly helmed by Torben Graël, that claimed victory among the celebrated Gaff Rigged Epochs.

For its 20th edition in 2025, the Rolex Trophy will once again be awarded to the finest of the Big Boats—a fleet last honoured in 2022, when the majestic Shenandoah of Sark (54.35m) took the prize. This year's fleet promises an exceptional line-up, with more than a dozen of these giants expected, including the legendary schooner Atlantic, marking her first official appearance at Saint-Tropez.

Moderns and Maxis in the Spotlight

The Modern and Maxi categories will also be celebrated, with BMW sponsoring the Moderns and Edmond de Rothschild presenting the Maxi Trophy.

The BMW Trophy will this year distinguish the IRC B group, home to the elite TP52s as well as Wally Rocket, First, Solaris Club Swan, and Code 1 yachts. These powerful racers, designed from the keel up for competition, are sailed by world-class crews combining both seasoned professionals and talented amateurs.

In the Maxi divisions, the category selected for the Edmond de Rothschild Trophy has not yet been revealed. As a reminder, last year, Jolt, Lyra, Yoru, and Six Jaguar each distinguished themselves by triumphing in their respective classes.

The Corinthian Spirit: The Soul of Les Voiles

The Corinthian ethos is at the heart of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. Born in 1981 from the friendly challenge between Pride and Ikra, the event found its roots at the legendary Club 55, the iconic Pampelonne beachside restaurant founded by Patrice de Colmont, which this year celebrates its 70th anniversary.

Since 2003, each edition of Les Voiles has featured one or more "55 Cups." This year, organizers return to tradition with a single contest: the "Club 55 Anniversary Cup", with participants yet to be unveiled.

As François Carn—former president of the Yacht Club de France (1986-1996), friend of Les Voiles, and who passed away August 6—once perfectly expressed:

"The Corinthian spirit is not limited to fair play. It cannot be fully explained, yet it reveals itself through subtle signs: discretion and modesty in both victory and defeat, courtesy even in the most desperate maneuvers, a touch of elegance but never arrogance, infectious good humor, and the constant reminder that racing is a game—and must remain so."

Pierre Roinson, President of the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, added: "The 70th anniversary of Club 55 is symbolic, and we will celebrate it in true style. Incidentally, 1955 also marked a turning point for our club, when SNST organized its first major regatta, a round trip to San Remo, as well as the inaugural Saint-Tropez-Porquerolles-Saint-Tropez race, sponsored by couturier Dior."

Spotlight: Les Voiles on Canvas

The official poster of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2025 features a luminous and dynamic oil painting by artist Jacques Cordier. Bursting with color and energy, the work evokes the intensity of yachts battling at the marks. Created with a palette knife through successive layers and removals, the painting captures the deep blues of sky and sea alongside the shimmering reflections of hulls and sails.

Born near Paris in 1937, Jacques Cordier first painted cityscapes in India ink before turning his talent to the sea, experimenting with a wide variety of techniques. From pencil sketches of Pampelonne Beach, to watercolors of Honfleur Harbour, to oils of Cap d'Antibes and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, his work reflects a deep connection with maritime landscapes.

Cordier's legacy lives on through exhibitions, including this summer's showcase on Place des Lices. Though his career was tragically cut short by a car accident in 1975, his wife Simone—daughter of the owners of Hôtel de la Ponche—has tirelessly worked to keep his artistic spirit alive and honour his remarkable body of work.

Event website: www.lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr/en

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2024 - Race Day 2 - photo © Gilles Martin-Raget

2025 Voiles de Saint-Tropez programme:

Saturday, September 27: Registration for Maxis (over 18.28m) and Classic & Modern yachts up to 18.28m
Sunday, September 28: Registration continues. Race finish for the YCF Autumn Cup (Cannes to Saint-Tropez)
Monday, September 29: Racing for Maxis and Modern yachts
Tuesday, September 30: Racing for all fleets, including the Rolex Trophy
Wednesday, October 1: Racing for Modern and Classic yachts (Rolex Trophy). Day off for Maxis.
Thursday, October 2: Challenge Day and Club 55 Cup for Moderna and Classic yachts. Maxis race
Friday, October 3: Racing for all fleets (Rolex Trophy)
Saturday, October 4: Racing for all fleets (Rolex Trophy), Prize giving for Maxis
Sunday, October 5: Prize giving for Modern and Classic yachts

Principle partners of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez: