Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez Day 7: Passion Highlights the Finale
by Maguelonne Turcat 5 Oct 14:41 PDT
28 September – 6 October 2024
Today in Saint Tropez, the 250 vessels on the racetrack penned the last chapter of the remarkable 2024 edition of Les Voiles, aptly titled ‘135 Years of Naval Architecture.’
Maxi, Modern, and Traditional yachts set out in delightful sunny weather with a gentle breeze, marking a high point in this incredibly exceptional week. Spectators gathered along the Môle Jean Réveille this Saturday were treated to a truly enchanting spectacle as this anniversary edition of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez concluded as splendidly as it began! We take a look at the results pending jury review for various classes, along with sailors’ reactions.
Modern Yachts: A Blend of Emotion and Triumph
The wind was once again unpredictable when the first starting gun went off at 12:40 in front of the Portalet tower. The competition quickly ensued in IRC B (North Sails Trophy) among the TP52s, Ker 46s, and other Club Swans. Following a short 15-mile return leg completed in an hour and a half, it was the TP52 Vudu that claimed line honors, showcasing impressive progress over the past four races. However, this was not enough to surpass another TP52, Nanoq, helmed by King Frederik of Denmark. The previous year’s winner in racer IRC C, Nanoq secured victory again this year, posting a remarkably consistent performance despite not winning any races, with two second-place finishes in the week’s second half.
In IRC C for the BMW Trophy, the provisional overall standings were extremely close earlier this morning, with fewer than two boats eligible for the top position. Ultimately, it was the Brit Michael Wilson on Shotgunn, finishing third today, who claimed the crown at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. In this highly competitive class featuring the best of the four Cape 31s on the racetrack, Give Me 5 couldn’t better last year’s performance and narrowly missed out on a podium spot.
No surprises appeared in IRC D (Suzuki Marine Trophy), where Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez member Gael Claeys on Expresso clinched another victory today. Already triumphant in 2023, this JPK1010 is the only boat in her class to have won every race, indicative of her absolute supremacy. “It’s a team victory,” she mentioned this evening. “We can already announce that we’ll return next year because, to my knowledge, achieving three in a row at Les Voiles remains unclaimed. That’s a strong motivating factor for us!”
Meanwhile, the situation in IRC E (Marines de Cogolin Trophy) was the most perplexing today. With the wind shifting at the last moment, several boats aimed to position themselves on port tack near the committee boat. Consequently, yesterday’s leader Flower Power 2, which had to circle the committee boat due to overshooting the start to avoid collisions with other boats, resulted in a poor race, handing overall victory to Pride, the legendary Swan 44 of the Graves family. This same vessel had previously raced against the 12mR Ikra in 1981, unknowingly initiating the Nioulargue, and marked her return at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez last year.
Traditional Yachts: Marga Triumphs with the Rolex Trophy in a Stunning Finale
Favorable weather, calm seas, and a well-established breeze created the perfect backdrop for Traditional yachts to celebrate the final day of competition. The Epoque Aurique was first off the line, vying for the Rolex Trophy with great flair.
Following the disqualification of Oriole in this category after her collision with Lulu during Tuesday’s race 2, the battle for the overall victory was between the 10mR Marga, steered by Brazilian Torben Graël, and the P Class Olympian. These vintage yachts contrasted both competitively and stylistically, differing in rule measurements. Marga weighs nearly two tons more than the P Classes, designed per Herreshoff’s Universal Rule for races held in New York Harbour. Restored by John Anderson in Camden, Maine, under the guidance of French ace Bruno Troublé, the four P Classes left a significant mark during this edition of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2024. Remarkably adept in light winds with their overlapping genoa, the P Classes nonetheless incurred a time deficit to Marga: “5 minutes and 10 seconds per hour of racing to be exact!” Cécile Poujol, tactician aboard Olympian, explained before this morning’s start. “Let’s just say we’ll be at the finish line to time the boats today since the chance of beating Torben Graël for once in his life is quite thrilling.”
After two hours of racing, only five minutes separated the two boats, and an incredible finish saw five-time Olympic medallist Torben Graël secure victory for Marga! This triumph means a great deal to her owner Matteo Tacconi: “It’s taken nine years of sailing this boat to understand her fully and develop her year after year. This season was the one for victory. After our podium finish in Antibes, winning this evening at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez feels like a fulfilled aspiration.”
Conversely, no surprises surfaced in the Grand Traditions category, where Belle Aventure claimed another win, achieving victory at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez after winning every race. The outcome followed similarly in the 12mRs, as Crusader was unrelenting across the three races run, notwithstanding fierce competition. This marked the fourth regatta of the year for Sir Richard Matthews’ crew, a familiar participant at Les Voiles, having competed multiple times aboard his Fife design, Kismet. “I cherish participating in Les Voiles. Crusader is already up for sale, but if the UK wins the America’s Cup, I promise to retain her and return!” he excitedly shared this morning while departing from the dock. The British crew adeptly stayed ahead of French Kiss, whose crew featured Albert Jacobsoone, a member of France’s 1987 Cup campaign in Perth, explaining: “These boats are intricate, and coordinating the crew is paramount compared to raw performance. From this standpoint, Crusader had the advantage. I hope the enthusiasm in the 12mR class continues. Kookaburra III is in France, so she may join us, Kookaburra II is in Italy, and also Italia, so why not see 7 or 8 boats of this era at next year’s Voiles?”
With no overwhelming victories among the BIG boats, the prize ultimately went to the most consistent performer, Tuiga. Finishing second today behind Viveka, the Yacht Club de Monaco’s 15mR secured a stunning win in her class, competing closely with her counterpart Mariska in three thrilling races.
Among the Marconi yachts, both in Epoque (pre-1950) and Classic (post-1950), this morning’s start off the Portalet tower was filled with suspense as the two leading boats were tied on points. The leaders maintained composure, with Eugenia V crossing the line first in the Classics and Stormy Weather following suit in Epoque B. In Epoque Marconi A, it was a prime example: Blitzen ended up tied on points with Carron II. Each won one race and finished third and seventh once. With the results completely even, the only differentiator was the last race outcomes. Today, Blitzen led, thus taking home the trophy!
To complete the results for the Traditional yachts, it is worth noting that in IOR, Il Moro di Venezia emerged victorious. Flica 2 also won in the 12mR Vintage class, and Dainty clinched victory among the invités guest category.
Maxi Yachts: The Favorites Stay Strong
In the bay of Pampelonne, as in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, the breeze took a moment to adjust today, but each class managed to finish their racing program, either through a coastal course for classes A and B or a windward-leeward for classes C and D.
In Maxi A (Byblos Trophy), Jethou dominated this Saturday, especially noted for Black Jack 100’s roaring start and My Song’s amusing mark rounding! Sir Peter Ogden’s 77-footer nonetheless left overall victory safely in Jolt’s hands, who finished second today after a stellar performance throughout Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez on the fastest of the Maxis.
Lyra achieved an even more convincing win in Maxi B (La Mer Trophy). Today she clinched victory having only ceded one win during six races. This result is immensely gratifying for her owner-helmsman Terry Hui and reflects last year’s success. “This outcome is mainly due to my crew, who have been outstanding. Everything feels seamless and fluid with individuals like these, and our tactician Nicolai Sehested was a tremendous asset once more in terms of performance.” With the remaining spots on the podium still up for grabs this morning in this class, second place ultimately went to Kallima, the Belgian Swan 82, ahead of Geist, the striking 111-footer exuding classic charm, which had consistently performed well since Monday.
In the Maxi Cs (Barons de Rothschild Trophy), Wallyño outshone the competition during the sole windward-leeward of the day, but Yoru snatched the overall win by just a point. Benoit de Froidmont, skipper of the grey Wally and president of the International Maxi Association, came close to securing the double but emphasized the exemplary nature of the hospitality and organization at this edition of Les Voiles. “Everyone enjoyed sailing in these mild conditions. The standard was high, and the atmosphere was fantastic. We are certain to return in strength for more next year.”
Naturally, the success of the British Swan 65 Six Jaguar in Maxi D (Brig Trophy), a newcomer to the class this year, is likely to entice further owners to participate in Les Voiles with their Maxis, regardless of specifications or age.
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