25 years of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez: The excitement begins tomorrow!
by Maguelonne Turcat 27 Sep 02:23 PDT
28 September – 6 October 2024
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez © Gilles Martin-Raget
Let the games begin! Starting tomorrow, Saturday 28 September, Saint Tropez will once again take center stage in the global sailing community as it marks the 25th anniversary of Les Voiles.
With motor yachts having kindly departed the Var region’s iconic port for the event, 250 remarkable yachts, divided into three fleets – Maxi, Modern, and Classic – will be ready for this enchanting occasion at the invitation of the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez. However, before the racing starts, the final preparations and checks are necessary for the 3,000 crew members returning to the gulf, illuminated by autumn sunlight, to conclude the racing season in a spectacular fashion.
Meet at 9 o’clock at the Village des Voiles: arrive on foot or by boat!
From 9 AM on Saturday morning, crews, locals, and the public are welcome to the opening of the Village. Located again at Môle Jean Réveille, the fantastic atmosphere of the Village des Voiles replicates the experience of being on a boat, complemented by breathtaking views of the sea and port. Guests can access the Village by walking around the port via Quai Frédéric Mistral, or using a shuttle service from the far end of the port parking lot to the harbour master’s office. The village will be open daily until 9 PM and, like last year, will continue through the afternoon of Sunday 6 October, with a planned closure at 5 PM.
On the water: a new starting order
As registrations and safety checks are ongoing in the Village for various categories, the first yachts arriving from the Yacht Club de France’s Coupe d’Automne race from Cannes to Saint Tropez will dock on Sunday afternoon. From Monday, the Modern yachts will set off from Portalet Tower at 11 AM, while the Maxis will compete off Pampelonne at noon. Notably, starting Tuesday, differing from last year, the Modern yachts will begin from Portalet at 11 AM first, and the Tradition yachts will be required to move to a ‘waiting area’ on the other side of the gulf. Depending on the weather, the Classic yachts will also depart from the same area around noon local time.
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2024 Schedule
Saturday 28 September: Registration for Maxis (over 18.28m), Classic, and Modern yachts up to 18.28 metres.
Sunday 29 September: Registration for Maxis (over 18.28m), Classic, and Modern yachts up to 18.28 metres. Arrival of the YCF Autumn Cup (Cannes to Saint-Tropez)
Monday 30 September: Races for Maxis and Modern yachts
Tuesday 1 October: Races for all fleets
Wednesday 2 October: Races for Modern and Classic yachts. Day off for the Maxis and Club 55 Maxi Cup
Thursday 3 October: Challenge Day and Club 55 Cup for Modern and Classic yachts, races for Maxis
Friday 4 October: Races for all fleets
Saturday 5 October: Races for all fleets, Award ceremony for the Maxis
Sunday 6 October: Award ceremony for Modern and Classic yachts
www.lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr
