Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez Day 6: Pianissimo Edition
by Maguelonne Turcat 4 Oct 14:32 PDT
28 September – 6 October 2024
After launching no less than seven starts amidst dwindling visibility, the three Race Committees at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez decided to return the crews to port due to a lack of their preferred fuel, the wind.
This presented the ideal chance to prepare for tomorrow’s activities, examine the provisional overall standings on the eve of the final racing day, and enjoy conversation along the quaysides with fellow enthusiasts of Les Voiles, who wouldn’t miss this regatta for anything.
“Low wind but great win!”
A common sight for regatta sailors, the ‘Answering’ flag flew for a considerable time on the Committee boats this morning, waiting for the wind to cooperate so they could initiate the start procedure for the Modern yachts before the Classic yachts launched. The same situation unfolded among the Maxis off Les Salins… Tossed in the swell, the 250 crews waited patiently, and at 14:25 hours, after conferring with Principal Race Officer Georges Korhel, the decision was made to cancel the races.
At that precise moment, news arrived about INEOS Britannia’s triumph in the Louis Vuitton Cup. Unsurprisingly, beer will be flowing tonight, especially among the British crews at Les Voiles, as they celebrate their country’s advancement as a challenger to the New Zealanders in the 37th America’s Cup. “Low wind but great win!” encapsulates today’s events for Sir Peter Ogden. Upon returning to the dock this evening, the owner-skipper of the Maxi Jethou was all smiles about British prospects: “Ben (Ainslie) is someone we know well. He’s a friend and has often sailed with me on Jethou. We all had YouTube on our phones as we awaited the breeze today; once we saw he had mastered the start, we knew it would be historic.”
Maxis: Strong leaders, but suspense remains
With only 4 points through five races and one second place, Lyra in Maxi B, competing for the Trophée La Mer, holds the most desirable position, as with just one coastal race left, she can’t be overtaken by Geist or Kallima, who will be locked in a fierce battle for second place tomorrow with only a point separating them.
More suspense exists in Maxi A (Trophée Byblos) for Jolt, which leads Jethou by four points, the latter demonstrating consistent performance with five second positions.
In Maxi C, where two windward-leeward races are scheduled, Wallyño number two could still have a shot at winning the double after her 2013 victory. For that to happen, she must ensure the leader, Yoru, stays behind her, as only two points currently separate them. Finally, in Maxi D, Trophée BRIG, the British boat Six Jaguar has sailed steadily every day since Monday and may clinch the win in Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez on her inaugural performance.
Modern yachts: Place your wagers!
Similar to the Maxi category, competitors in this section will be allowed to discard their worst race if a fourth regatta can be executed successfully tomorrow, which everyone is hoping for. Should this happen, the leaderboard could see significant changes, particularly in IRC B, vying for the North Sails Trophy. Certain boats still have a chance for a podium finish, like Blue Carbon and Aria, lamenting one poor result in the provisional standings, but they could potentially displace Dralion if they remove their lowest scores. Just three points differentiate the top trio, meaning anyone finishing sixth or higher could still contend! The same cannot be said for IRC C, BMW Trophy, where Meerblick and Shotgun will be the primary contenders for first, separated by only two points, a scenario echoed in IRC E, with the critical clash pitting Flower Power against Pride tomorrow.
In IRC D, however, it would require a significant downturn for Expresso, who has won the first three races, not to be crowned champion. The same goes for the Tofinous, with Team 42 just edging ahead in a class that features nine boats.
Traditional yachts: hard to predict
For the Traditional yachts that raced on Tuesday, each race will be crucial, making it truly anyone’s game, even more so than for the Modern yachts.
In the three largest categories—Classique and Epoque Marconi, as well as Epoque Aurique competing for the Rolex Trophy—the leaders are tied in the provisional ranks! The same is true for the IORs, while the Big boats Tuiga and Mariska remain only two points apart. The situation is similar in GTR, where Belle Aventure must remain vigilant against Orianda. In the 12mRs, it will be challenging to dislodge Crusader, which, like Flica 2, has secured two first places.
Close encounters
William Collier: “Restoration is a form of ecology”
Each year, the Scotsman settles into his autumn quarters in Saint-Tropez, applying both enthusiasm and expertise to classic yachts, which he restores through his company G.L. Watson.
How did you develop such a passion for classic yachts?
I spent my youth absorbed in yachting literature, but the catalyst was likely my first Nioulargue. I arrived in Saint-Tropez in 1988. Altaïr was present post-restoration. I had never seen Orion before either. I was utterly captivated! I realized there was a demand for clients interested in restoration needing information and advice. I eventually completed a PhD in classic yacht architecture in the UK and worked at Camper and Nicholsons before acquiring the G.L. Watson agency, the first design office dedicated to yachting, established by a naval architect of the same name in 1873. We possess the largest archive in this sector with nearly 4,000 plans, including those from the Fife collection, and we assist owners with their restoration decisions and project management.
What contributes to a successful restoration?
Firstly, you must find the perfect synergy between the yacht and the owner, considering desires and available resources. Next, a second synergy must be formed between the owner and the yard. After making these choices, we create both a general plan and a detailed plan. You need significant details to achieve exemplary yachts like Altaïr or the J Class Endeavour. It serves as a form of ecology because it sustains a whole ecosystem of expertise, with shipwrights, cabinetmakers, riggers, and various specialized small businesses in casting or metal components. A classic yacht can involve over 20 such contributors.
Are there many boats worldwide needing restoration?
The number is declining as we have restored numerous boats, particularly following Eric Tabarly’s initiative inviting Fife owners to Bénodet in northwest France back in 1998 for this purpose. However, some hidden treasures likely remain in garages. There are still a few gems on the East Coast of the US and in New Zealand, where boats were constructed from native hardwoods. Undoubtedly, there might be exploration opportunities in Nordic countries too, where boats are brought ashore for the winter. Nonetheless, big boats over 20 meters, which add to the magic of Les Voiles, are becoming increasingly rare. Smaller crafts can also be incredibly enjoyable. Personally, I have restored two boats: a 25-foot Watson design and a 17-foot Fife from 1894, measuring 19 feet in length and carrying 75 m2 of sail area! That keeps me content!
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2024 Program (details of the onshore program available on the event’s website)
Saturday 5 October: Regattas for all fleets. Prize-giving ceremony for the Maxis.
Sunday 6 October: Prize-giving ceremony for Modern and Classic yachts.
www.lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr
