© Gilles Martin-Raget
The alchemy creating the magic of the Voiles de Saint-Tropez since 1999 will be at work once again this year as the event celebrates its 25th anniversary, as some 3,000 crew gather for what has become a not-to-be-missed event.
Again this year there will be three classes: the Classics, set off in majestic style in the coppery light of early autumn in Saint-Tropez.
Some of these yachts over 50, 75 or 100 old will be joining the already long list of centenarians present.
The Moderns provide an architectural counterpoint to these ‘old ladies’ of yachting. The class includes all of the Mediterranean’s prototypes, TP 52s and mini-Maxis dedicated exclusively to performance. And finally, the Maxis: this class of yachts over 60 feet includes the Wally as well as super-yachts from all over the world, some of which are over 35 metres in length.
With registration in full swing, the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez team, led by its president Pierre Roinson, will be maintaining a balance between the three classes. No easy feat. Some 250 to 270 boats are expected to take part in this major by-invitation-only event.
America’s Cup
SNST is also the challenging club for the French Orient Express Racing Team. The Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez is taking up the world’s oldest sporting challenge, which will be held for the 37th time in Barcelona in September and October, against its British (Royal Yacht Squadron), Italian (Circolo della Vella), Swiss (Société Nautique de Genève) and American (New York Yacht Club) counterparts, not forgetting of course the New Zealand Defender (Royal New-Zealand Yacht Squadron).
