An Exceptional Line-Up set for Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2025
by Maguelonne Turcat 18 Sep 08:35 PDT
27 September - 5 October 2025
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez © Gilles Martin-Raget / Voiles de Saint-Tropez
Over 240 remarkable yachts will take to the waters of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez from September 27 to October 5, carried by the lively winds of late September that extend the Tropezian summer with its golden light.
Among them, more than 70 yachts measuring over 20 meters LOA will headline the 27th edition, which promises to be an exceptional vintage for Traditionals, Moderns, and Maxis alike. As the countdown begins, the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez prepares to launch another unforgettable week of racing.
Classics: The majesty of Les Voiles
Few yachts embody maritime legend like Atlantic. Launched in 1903 for Wilson Marshall, the 64-meter, three-masted schooner quickly lived up to its reputation. In 1905, under Charlie Barr's command, she set a transatlantic record during the Kaiser's Cup that would stand unbroken for 75 years. Designed by William Gardner, Atlantic combined speed with Pullman-style luxury: five cabins, three bathrooms, a vast saloon, all steam-heated and lit through retractable chimneys hidden beneath her sails.
After a long career under multiple owners, she was dismantled in 1982, before being meticulously rebuilt in 2010 by Ed Kastelein. Now, she makes her first-ever appearance at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, joining eight other Big Boats in contention for the Rolex Trophy, while also celebrating the 120th anniversary of her legendary 1905 record. During this historic crossing, Atlantic covered 341 miles in a single 24-hour period, achieving an astonishing average speed of 14.1 knots.
The Mediterranean's summer squalls have not spared this venerable fleet: Tuiga, the 15mJI and 2024 winner at Les Voiles, was dismasted in Mahon in 60-knot gusts, while lightning struck the rigging of schooner Invader. Yet the entry list testifies to the vitality of the Traditionals and to the magnetic appeal of Les Voiles. Enthusiasts await with anticipation the debut of Cariad, a 36-meter Arthur Payne ketch from 1896, along with the return of iconic yachts such as the 23m JI Cambria (winner in 2010), Black Swan (a 40-meter Camper & Nicholson ketch from 1899), and Croce del Sud, a majestic 43-meter three-masted schooner.
Maxis: Strength in Numbers and Innovation
A record 41 Maxis will gather in Saint-Tropez, making Les Voiles one of the world's largest events for these giants of the sea, divided into four classes. The prestigious Rothschild Trophy, presented by the Edmond de Rothschild Group—longtime supporters of the Gitana offshore racing team—will once again crown the Maxi fleet.
The line-up features leading names from the international circuit, including the brand-new Wallyrocket 71 Django 7X plus V and Galateia, alongside rivals Jolt, My Song, and Jethou. The former Magic Carpet Cubed, now sailing as Tilakkhana II under Pascale Decaux, makes its return with a stalwart mixed crew featuring Dee Caffari, Marie Riou, and Sophie de Turckheim. Competition will be fierce against the two other Wally Centos and the 100-foot Farr Leopard 3, 2024 World Champion, returning after its absence last year.
Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones also returns, at the helm of his new Verdier-designed Magic Carpet e The highest-rated among the 100-footers, she impressed earlier this month at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo.
In the Mini-Maxi division, all eyes will be on Django 7X, the new Wallyrocket 71: only 12 tons displacement, with 2.7 tons of water ballast, designed for ultimate performance at minimum rating.
Moderns: Eclectic and Competitive
125 Modern yachts, spread across five classes, will once again line up off the Tour du Portalet. This diverse category embraces both IRC-rated monohulls and one-designs, including 11 entries in the Tofinou 9.50 class, blending professional sailors with passionate amateurs.
The TP52s remain a highlight, contesting the BMW Trophy, awarded to the top IRC 0 yacht. Four of these cutting-edge racers are expected, including Nanoq, chartered by HM King Frederik X of Denmark, replacing his Wallyrocket 51 which was damaged this summer. Kilara II, another new-generation Wally aiming to form a future one-design class, will compete under Swiss colors.
Other contenders include Daguet 5 (Frédéric Puzin), Albator 3 (a 2021 Botin 44 campaigned by Philippe Frantz and Benoît Briand, fresh from the Admiral's Cup), and Maxitude, a bold new Lift 45 scow-hulled design by Lombard and built at Structures. With both power and comfort, Maxitude represents a new approach to performance cruising.
Spotlight: Twelve-Metres
A strong line-up of five 12m JIs will once again grace the event, promising thrilling contests, particularly among the modern-generation yachts (1985-1987). Among them, the celebrated French Kiss, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, will be one to watch.
Leisure Boating in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
The Communauté de Communes Golfe de Saint-Tropez (Gulf of Saint-Tropez Community of Municipalities) will take part in the Voiles Village to raise awareness among visitors about environmental issues and to promote respectful behavior towards the marine environment.
This year's central theme will be "Leisure Boating & Marine Protection"—how to balance economic activity with the preservation of biodiversity.
At its stand, the Communauté de Communes will showcase the tools implemented across the territory and host a conference entitled "Environment: Yachting compatible" This exchange will highlight the role and benefits of ZMELs (light equipment and mooring zones), explaining how they work and the key contribution they make to preserving this unique maritime area.
In Memoriam: Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez pays tribute to Peter Nicholson, owner of Dainty, who passed away this year. A faithful supporter of the regatta, Peter took part in 19 editions, most recently winning in 2024 with the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez Trophy for Best Guest Yacht. Each autumn, he would tow his beloved Dainty—the very first Sunbeam—from the Solent to Saint-Tropez, where he was always warmly welcomed.
2025 Voiles de Saint-Tropez Programme
- Saturday, September 27: Registrations
- Sunday, September 28: Registrations. Arrival of the Yacht Club de France Autumn Cup (Cannes Saint-Tropez)
- Monday, September 29: Racing for Maxi and Modern yachts
- Tuesday, September 30: Racing for Maxi, Modern and Classic yachts, including the Rolex Trophy
- Wednesday, October 1: Racing for Modern and Classic yachts, including the Rolex Trophy. Day off for Maxis
- Thursday, October 2: Club 55 Cup, Wally Rocket 51 Match Race, Gstaad YC Centenary Trophy (Pursuit race), Challenge day for Modern and Classic yachts, racing for Maxis
- Friday, October 3: Racing for Maxi, Modern and Classic yachts, including the Rolex Trophy
- Saturday, October 4: Racing for Maxi, Modern and Classic yachts, including the Rolex Trophy, Prize giving for Maxis
- Sunday, October 5: Prize giving for Modern and Classic yachts, including the Rolex Trophy
Find out more at www.lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr