Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez Day 8: Celebrating 25 Years in Radiance, a Vintage Anniversary to Savor
by Maguelonne Turcat 6 Oct 08:58 PDT
28 September – 6 October 2024
The enchantment of Les Voiles was again in full bloom for this momentous 25th-anniversary edition, featuring perfect weather conditions for the 250 vessels partaking in this grand racing celebration organized by the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez.
Maxi, Tradition, and Modern yachts experienced an incredible week of competitive sailing. After last night’s ceremony for the Maxi yachts, it was now the Modern and Tradition yachts’ turn to be recognized today, as all gathered to accept the numerous trophies presented by Les Voiles’ steadfast partners. This was an ideal moment to reflect on this extraordinary anniversary event.
Pierre Roinson, President of the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, remarked:
“The essence of Les Voiles was palpable.”
“We’ve never witnessed such a crowd on the quaysides! The lineup was impressive, and the weather truly cooperated. Thus, all elements aligned perfectly for this edition to stand out! The Maxis, seasoned participants in major events, confirmed during their awards ceremony last night that Les Voiles’ hospitality exceeded their anticipations, highlighting the dedication of our team. Nevertheless, we still have room for enhancements, and it is vital to maintain a level of service worthy of our exceptional partners, who are also integral to the event.
“As the organizer, I always experience a twinge of regret not being on the water, but I’ve been fortunate to race globally and have only witnessed such a unique spectacle as the boats coming in and out at Les Voiles. Just yesterday, six sizable schooners made their way in single file, accompanied by music, horns, and cannon blasts, creating yet another magical moment. Shared smiles and joy were everywhere, and even at the late-night celebrations, the atmosphere remained pleasant. It’s remarkable but quintessentially embodies the spirit of Les Voiles, something we must continue to nurture.
“I was particularly moved by Patrice de Colmont’s effort for Paul Watson. It’s a commendable cause, and we are proud to support it. I hope that the visibility of Les Voiles and the various initiatives implemented will assist him.
“This anniversary edition of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez also echoed an America’s Cup ambiance, as evidenced by the presence of 12mRs in the harbor and the announcement of Britain’s triumph in the Louis Vuitton Cup, which thrilled several British crews here. As the Challenger Club, we obviously feel for the French crew but will maintain regular contact with Stéphane Kandler moving forward. The team is outstanding. It was unfortunate they broke their AC 40, yet there is a wealth of young sailors climbing the ranks, generating undeniable high hopes for the next edition.”
Georges Korhel, Principal Race Officer at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, stated:
“I’ve never seen such a crowd on the seawall!”
“This anniversary edition proceeded exceptionally well, particularly regarding safety, which is my foremost concern in my capacity as Principal Race Officer. Aside from Daguet 5’s collision, which is particularly unfortunate given she’s an extraordinary vessel and had just made her initial tacks at Les Voiles, we experienced minimal damages, thanks to the favorable conditions. Managing a race like Les Voiles over three rounds with such diverse vessels and speeds demands skill, and as I congratulated our three Race Committees last night, I could only relay the positive feedback from crews returning home thrilled by their regatta.
“This year we innovated with a new ratings distribution for the Modern yachts, and we aim to continue this next year to create more uniform fleets and avoid having overly small groups, which can hinder the competitive clarity of the event.
“I’d also like to express my gratitude to all crews for their discipline during the pre-start waiting periods. The sustainability of our organization and our operational methods fosters good habits, which are essential for succeeding in future editions.”
Present at Les Voiles were:
Alexia Barrier, Luca Bassani, Sébastien Bazin, Frédérique Bel, Pierre Casiraghi, HM King Frederik X of Denmark, Jean d’Arthuys, Sophie Davant, Francesco De Angelis, Patrice de Colmont, Benoît de Froidmont, Jean-Pierre Dick, Peter Dubens, François Gabart, Reinold Geiger, Tara Getty, Torben Grael, Peter Harrison, Damien Iehl, Bruno Jourdren, Tom Laperche, Devan Le Bihan, Simon Le Bon, William Leymergie, Pier Luigi Loro Piana, Fabrice Luchini, Xavier Macaire, Christophe Maé, Léon Marchand, Philippe Monnet, Sir Peter Ogden, Marc Pajot, Lionel Péan, Loïck Peyron, Christopher Pratt, Frédéric Puzin, Pierre Roinson, Wendy Schmidt, Sylvie Siri, Maxime Sorel, Peter Townshend, Bruno Troublé, Prince Maurits Van Oranje, Laurent Voulzy
www.lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr
All trophies awarded at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2024:
TRADITION
ROLEX Trophy for the best Epoque Aurique A yacht
Winner: Marga (Matteo Tacconi)
Château Saint-Maur Trophy for the best BIG Racer category yacht
Winner: Tuiga (Daniele Pereira) 5 points
2nd: Viveka (Gery Atkins) 7 points
3rd: Mariska (Dan Poliska) 8 points
Mercantour Events Trophy for the best Grand Tradition category yacht
Winner: Belle Aventure (Josi Laid) 3 points
2nd: Orianda (Tommaso CRISI) 6 points
3rd: Aschanti IV (Karl-Peter Ebner) 10 points
Ekle Decoration Trophy for the best Epoque Marconi A category yacht
Winner: Blitzen (Charles Dunstone) 11 points
2nd: Carron II (Angelo Mazarella) 11 points
3rd: Varuna 1939 (Jens Kellinghusen) 12 points
Pépinières du Golfe Trophy for the best Epoque Marconi B category yacht
Winner: Stormy Weather (Christopher Spray) 4 points
2nd: Sonda (Eric Leprince) 13 points
3rd: Dione (Marc Froeschke) 15 points
SNSM Trophy for the best Classique Marconi A category yacht
Winner: Eugenia V (Baptiste Garnier) 4 points
2nd: Maria Giovanina II (Jean Pierre Sauvan) 7 points
3rd: Argynne III (Jean Poissonnier) 10 points
SNST Trophy for the best 12mR yacht categories A and B
Winner: Crusader (Sir Richard Matthews) 3 points
SNST Trophy for the best 12mR yachts categories C and D
Winner: Flica II (Alexander Falk) 3 points
SNST Trophy for the best yacht from the ‘Guest’ category
Winner: Dainty (Peter Nicholson) 4 points
Trophy for the best IOR
Winner: Il Moro di Venezia (Massimiliano Ferruzzi), 5 points
Yacht Club de France’s ‘tape de bouche’ (cannon muzzle award):
Winner: Joyant (Stephane Lobmeyr)
Town of Saint-Tropez Cup for the first Maxi overall
Winner: Yoru (Luigi Sala)
MAXIS
Barons de Rothschild Trophy for the best Maxi A
Winner: Jolt (Peter Harrison) 6 points
2nd: Jethou (Sir Peter Ogden) 9 points
3rd: Django HF (Giovanni Lombardi) 17 points
La Mer Trophy for the best Maxi B
Winner: Lyra (Terry Hui) 5 points
2nd: Kallima (Paul Berger) 16 points
3rd: Geist (Christian Oldendorff) 17 points
Barons de Rothschild Trophy for the best Maxi C
Winner: Yoru (Luigi Sala) 5 points
2nd: Wallyño (Benoit de Froidmont) 6 points
3rd: Lady First 3 (Jean-Pierre Dréau) 12 points
BRIG Trophy for the best Maxi D
Winner: Six Jaguar (Anthony Ball)
2nd: Blue Oyster (Luca Scorpa)
3rd: Expression of London (Conn Rob)
IMA Trophy for the best placed IMA Member
Winner: Jolt (Peter Harrison), Maxi A
Wally Trophy for the best Wally
Maxi As: Y3K (Claus Peter Offen)
Maxi Bs: Sud (Lorenzo Muratore)
MODERN YACHTS
Town of Saint-Tropez Cup for the first Modern overall
Winner: Expresso (Guy Clayes)
North Sails Trophy for the best IRC B
Winner: Nanoq (King Frederik of Denmark) 26 points
2nd: Lisa R (Giovanni di Vincenzo) 27 points
3rd: Blue Carbon (Luciano Secchin) 29 points
BMW Trophy for the best IRC C
Winner: Shotgunn (Michael Wilson) 14 points
2nd: Meerblick (Gabriele Pohlmann) 17 points
3rd: Solano II (Pascal Ferrin) 21 points
Suzuki Marine Trophy for the best IRC D
Winner: Expresso (Guy Clayes) 4 points
2nd: Raging Bee (Jean-Luc Hamon) 11 points
3rd: Hathor 5 (Paul Van Gaver) 12 points
Marines de Cogolin Trophy for the best IRC E
Winner: Pride (William Graves) 10 points
2nd: Flower Power 2 (Karel Olsthoorn) 10 points
3rd: Lady (Nicolas Gonzalez) 14 points
Trophy for the best Tofinou 9.5 and 9.7
Winner: Team 42 (Bernard Giroux) 6 points
2nd: Geyser (Pierre Cuilleret) 12 points
3rd: Pippa (Béatrice Joyaud) 15 points
Crew parade:
Winner: Beautiful Day (Jonathan Litt) (Maxi C)
Jury favourite: Lulu, Savannah et ses ailes
OPERATION DIALIX 80th ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIBERATION OF THE VAR AND ST TROPEZ 1944-2024
Centenary Trophy, awarded by the Gstaad Yacht Club
Winner: Oriole (Juan Carlos Eguiagar)
2nd: Marga (Matteo Tacconi)
3rd: Olympian (Philippe Oddo)
Club 55 Paul Watson Maxi Yachts Cup
My Song faced off against Balthasar.
Winner: My Song (Pier Luigi Loro Piana)
Club 55 Paul Watson Cup
Il Moro di Venezia challenged Belle Aventure
Winner: Il Moro di Venezia (Massimiliano Ferruzzi)
Partners of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez:
ROLEX
BMW
NORTH SAILS
WALLY
SUZUKI MARINE
BRIG
MERCANTOUR EVENTS
BYBLOS
PEPINIERE DU GOLFE
LA MER
EKLE HOME
Official suppliers of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez:
CHAMPAGNE BARONS DE ROTHSCHILD
CHATEAU SAINT-MAUR
DOMAINE BERTAUD BELIEU
Institutional partners of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez:
VILLE DE SAINT-TROPEZ
PORT DE SAINT-TROPEZ
LES MARINES DE COGOLIN
FEDERATION FRANCAISE DE VOILE
YACHT CLUB DE FRANCE
INTERNATIONAL MAXI ASSOCIATION
ESPRIT VILLAGE DES COMMERCANTS
