25 years of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez

Game on! Starting tomorrow, Saturday 28 September, Saint Tropez will once again take centre stage on the international nautical scene as it celebrates the 25th anniversary of Les Voiles. With the motor yachts having graciously vacated the Var region’s famous port for the occasion, 250 exceptional yachts, split into three fleets – Maxi, Modern and Classic craft – will be taking up position for their role in this magical event at the invitation of the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez. Before racing can commence though, it is time for some scrutineering and the final training sessions for the 3,000 crew who are set to return to the gulf, bathed in autumn light, to round off the racing season in style.

9 o’ clock rendez-vous at the Village des Voiles: on foot or by boat!
From 9 am on Saturday morning, the crews, locals and the general public are invited to the opening of the Village. Set up on the Môle Jean Réveille for a second time, the wonderful vibe of the Village des Voiles feels just like being aboard a boat, with its exceptional panorama stretching across the sea and the port. Access to the Village involves either a stroll around the port via the Quai Frédéric Mistral, or a shuttle service from the far end of the port’s parking area to the harbour master’s office. The village is open every day until 9 pm and, like last year, this will extend through until the afternoon of Sunday 6 October, with a scheduled closure at 5 pm.

At sea: a change to the starting order
With confirmation of registration and safety checks in full swing in the Village for all the different categories, the first arrivals fresh off the racetrack from Cannes to Saint Tropez in the Yacht Club de France’s Coupe d’Automne are due into port on Sunday afternoon. From Monday, the Modern yachts will set sail off the Portalet Tower at 11 am, whilst the Maxis do battle in the area off Pampelonne at 12 noon. It’s worth noting that from Tuesday onwards, in contrast to last year, the Modern yachts will be the first to leave Portalet at 11 am, whilst the fleet of Tradition yachts will be required to move across to a ‘waiting area’ at the far side of the gulf. In accordance with the weather conditions at the time, the Classic yachts will then set sail from the same spot at around 12 noon local time.

PROGRAMME for LES VOILES DE SAINT-TROPEZ 2024 (details of the programme on shore can be viewed on the event’s website)
Saturday 28 September: Registration for Maxis (over 18.28m), Classic and Modern yachts up to 18.28 metres.
Sunday 29 September: Registration for Maxis (over 18.28m), Classic and Modern yachts up to 18.28 metres. Arrival of the YCF Autumn Cup (Cannes – Saint Tropez)
Monday 30 September: Regattas for Modern and Maxis yachts
Tuesday 1 October: Regattas for all fleets
Wednesday 2 October: Regattas for Modern and Classic yachts
Day Off for the Maxis and Club 55 Paul Watson Maxi Yachts Cup
Thursday 3 October: Challenge Day and Club 55 Paul Watson Cup for Modern and Classic yachts, Centenarians’ Regatta YC Gstaad Trophy,
Regattas for Maxis
Friday 4 October: Regattas for all fleets
Saturday 5 October: Regattas for all fleets. Prize-giving ceremony for the Maxis
Sunday 6 October: Prize-giving ceremony for Modern and Classic yachts