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LUXURY LIVING SPORT
Marking the end of the Mediterranean yachting season the Voiles de Saint-Tropez held during the last week of September is one of the world’ s most eye-catching yachts events where during its week long nautical fashion parade some of the most extraordinary modern sailing boats gather alongside some of the most beautiful and historic yachts in the world. Managed by the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez the organisers along with its president, André Beaufils, work tirelessly to manage what so epitomizes the unique spirit of; The Les Voiles de St. Tropez is a living showcase for maritime history, where old and new take to the seas and do exactly what they were built for‘ to harness the power of the wind.’
A RACE WAS BORN
It was back in 1981 when a couple of Americans with a racing Swan named Pride, were hanging around St. Tropez. After competing in a number of local regattas they got to know a few people in the area. One day the owner of the yacht was talking of his recent successes when a twelve metre Swan came into port named Ikra. Asked if he could beat her, he replied“ sure, why not, if she accepts the challenge.”
After accepting the challenge the two skippers decide sail around the buoy of Nioulargo and race to the Club 55, a restaurant in the bay of Saint Tropez, at the beach of Pampelonne.
The following year the two boats met again along with other friends who tagged along to join in the fun and launch their own challenges- and so a race was born.
ON THE WATER: A GAME FOR ALL!
Today the races are separated into several categories; the Traditional class( classic yachts), the Modern class, the Esprit de Tradition class( modern traditional), the Wally class, and the 12 Meter America’ s Cup Yachts class. The yachts that participate in the Voiles St. Tropez Regatta are some of the most famous sailing yachts in the world piloted by world class captains. These yachts will include J-Class, Swans, Maxiyachts, and more. Yachting enthusiasts from across the globe consider the Voiles St. Tropez Regatta a“ can’ t miss” race.
The most distinguished and most popular event in the Voiles de St Tropez is La Grande Classe Trophy. This is a race that is for invitees only. Classic yachts that have distinguished themselves in the racing world will be invited to join in this event. La Grande Classe Trophy began in 2004 and is designed in the spirit of the English Regattas of history and with the chance to win the coveted Rolex Trophy, some of the world’ s most impressive racers and sailing enthusiasts travel from all corners of the globe for a chance to get their hands on this a prestigious sailing prize.
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