Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez: Joyful Times in the Gulf!
by Maguelonne Turcat 29 Sep 13:37 PDT
28 September – 6 October 2024
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez © Gilles Martin-Raget
After strong gusts yesterday, today’s conditions were idyllic, featuring a gentle ten-knot thermal breeze and the ever-present sunshine.
The Gulf of Saint Tropez offered excellent sailing to the Modern and Maxi fleets as they enjoyed training on the water, while also providing a warm, inviting atmosphere early this afternoon for the 41 Classic yachts competing in the Yacht Club de France’s Coupe d’Automne.
The first official races of this anniversary edition of Les Voiles de Saint Tropez will commence tomorrow for the Modern and Maxi divisions, whereas the Classics will have an additional day to sharpen their skills ahead of their races starting Tuesday.
The Coupe d’Automne, a key classic event
Each year, the Yacht Club de France’s Coupe d’Automne is hosted in the bay by the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, serving as a link between Les Régates Royales de Cannes and Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. Held in perfect conditions, this 35th edition had an air of redemption after the 2023 edition was canceled due to unfavorable weather.
With winds of 10 to 12 knots from the north today, the 23 miles from Cannes to Saint Tropez were quickly covered by the fleet of 41 Classics. Setting off at 11 a.m., the leaders crossed the finish line by the Portalet tower at 2:06 p.m. French Kiss claimed victory, closely followed by four other 12mRs. It was a spectacular sight, framed by the Maxis and Moderns maneuvering at the end of the gulf as they made final preparations for tomorrow’s races.
The first classic 12mR, Jenetta II, distinguished by her lovely Scottish colors, tied up at the Quai d’Estienne d’Orves with the other Twelves, creating a sense of faux America’s Cup excitement at the village entrance! A total of nine 12mRs will compete at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, which also marks the final leg of the 55th Coupe de France.
In close proximity, next to the harbor office, crews from the other Classics, fresh from the Coupe d’Automne racecourse, were thrilled by today’s exceptional sea passage in delightful conditions. “It was a perfect day,” said Brazilian sailor Torben Graël, who helmed the beautiful gaff-rigged 10mR Marga, winning the Epoque Aurique category. “We fought hard in our group, especially against the P Classes. It’s fantastic to be here and enjoy this stunning setting,” added the five-time Olympic medalist, who has experienced many incredible venues. Behind the leaders, competition was fierce among the classic fleet (post-1950 vessels), including the Epoque Marconi and Auriques. In this gaff rig category, there was a mini-race among the four American P Classes, built per Nathanaël Herreshoff’s Universal Rule. The prize for today was awarded to an Olympian.
All newcomers will have a chance to relax this evening before the 79 Classic yachts prepare for battle on Tuesday.
The Modern and Maxi yachts take the spotlight tomorrow
Eagerly anticipating all day, the massive crowds that gathered in the village this Sunday were treated to a stunning display, setting the stage for tomorrow’s events. Racing begins at 11 a.m. tomorrow with the Modern yachts launching from the Portalet tower. With a fleet of 127 yachts ranging from a 9-metre sportsboat to expansive racer-cruisers over 15 metres, they will be divided into four classes according to the IRC rule. “We’ve focused on adjusting the various rating bands to create dense, uniform fleets while emphasizing safety. It’s dangerous to have boats with very different performances on the same starting line. For instance, we’ve grouped IRC 0 and 1 into one highly competitive IRC B class,” stated Sylvain Bretagne, vice-president of sailing at the SNST.
Conversely, the Tofinou 9.50s have been specifically assigned to IRC E to keep them from competing with larger vessels with similar ratings.
As for the 41 Maxis, spectators will be delighted as they plan to depart late morning tomorrow, preparing for races in the bay off Pampelonne beginning at noon. The Maxis will also be divided into four categories, participating in two different race formats: windward-leeward for two categories, coastal courses for the other two, with each format featuring two starts with about 10 boats. “Since they share comparable performances, this setup is sufficient for an exciting show. Crews come to Les Voiles to race against their direct competitors. There’s nothing to gain; it’s all about the enjoyment of shared moments,” explained Georges Korhel, Principal Race Officer for Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, right before the initial start procedures.
Tomorrow’s racing forecast predicts light winds, potentially increasing throughout the afternoon with a variable southwesterly breeze that could reach 15 to 18 knots.
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2024 Schedule
Saturday 28 September: Registration for Maxis (over 18.28m) and Classic and Modern yachts up to 18.28 metres.
Sunday 29 September: Registration for Maxis (over 18.28m) and 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, Prize-giving ceremony for the Maxis
Sunday 6 October: Prize-giving ceremony for Modern and Classic yachts
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