The 25th edition of the Voiles de Saint-Tropez, a must-attend event in the Mediterranean, took place from September 29th to October 8th on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Regattas and encounters were on the agenda, under the dazzling sun of exceptional weather. For ten days, nearly 3000 sailors from all corners of the world crossed paths on land and sea, following their passion and singing their songs. Approximately 250 sailboats were present. Classics, Moderns, Maxis: regardless of their size and rigging, the vessels enjoyed ideal conditions to take on the bay of Saint-Tropez.
Maxi-Yachts, Maximum Thrills
A total of forty Maxi-Yachts, measuring up to thirty meters overall, set sail on the water. Nervous, sleek, and airy, these technological marvels offered the audience an unforgettable show. The summer sun and varying winds allowed the crews to showcase their skills against a backdrop of strategy, adjustments, and daring maneuvers. The monohulls left Portalet with all sails hoisted, maneuvering between spectator boats and the whims of Aeolus. Divided into four categories based on their rating and gauge, the Maxis enjoyed some beautiful race days before Cannonball (Maxi A, Byblos Trophy), Lyra (Maxi B, Galeries Bartoux Trophy), Wallyno (Maxi C, Barons de Rothschild Trophy), and Stella Maris (Maxi D, Highfield Trophy) were crowned as winners.
The Moderns
There were no fewer than 123 sailboats on the starting line in the Modern category. Over several eventful race days, with the wind shifting to the south and crews eager to compete, the four IRC groups delighted spectators with their precision maneuvers and almost lifelike hulls. The water and wind came together to offer them the best playground, culminating in the designation of the 2023 champions: Long-Nose XI (City of Saint-Tropez Trophy and IRC D), Daguet 2 (IRC B), Nanoq (IRC C), Expresso 3 (IRC E), and Eugenia V (Yacht Club de France Trophy).
The Classics
With their sleek lines and sharp bows, Classic Yachts pay tribute to the history of navigation, the courage of the early explorers, and the dedicated enthusiasts who lovingly care for them around the maritime world. This year, there were 86 of them on the starting line, including several valiant centenarians! Sloops, schooners, cutters, yawls, and more – a variety of tastes in rigging were represented. Hulls and sails joyfully intertwined under the blue light of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez: from the smallest to the largest, each found its place and rhythm. Varuna 1939 emerged as the winner of the highly coveted Rolex Trophy, much to the delight of its German owner, Jens Kellinghusen.