Rolex Trophy: A Legacy of Excellence The enduring partnership between Rolex and Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez dates back to 2006, when the 25-meter gaff schooner So Fong (built in 1937) was the first to inscribe its name on the Rolex Trophy. Until 2016, the award was reserved for the best classic yacht over 16 meters. Since then, Rolex has chosen each year to spotlight a particular category of traditional yachts,.
Rolex Trophy: A Legacy of Excellence The enduring partnership between Rolex and Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez dates back to 2006, when the 25-meter gaff schooner So Fong (built in 1937) was the first to inscribe its name on the Rolex Trophy. Until 2016, the award was reserved for the best classic yacht over 16 meters. Since then, Rolex has chosen each year to spotlight a particular category of traditional yachts, celebrating the diversity of these extraordinary vessels—restored with care and raced with passion. In 2023, the honour went to the yawl Varuna (1939). In 2024, it was Marga , the 10m JI brilliantly helmed by Torben Graël, that claimed victory among the celebrated Gaff Rigged Epochs. For its 20th edition in 2025, the Rolex Trophy will once again be awarded to the finest of the Big Boats—a fleet last honoured in 2022, when the majestic Shenandoah of Sark (54.35m) took the prize. This year’s fleet promises an exceptional line-up, with more than a dozen of these giants expected, including the legendary schooner Atlantic , marking her first official appearance at Saint-Tropez.
Moderns and Maxis in the Spotlight The Modern and Maxi categories will also be celebrated, with BMW sponsoring the Moderns and Edmond de Rothschild presenting the Maxi Trophy. The BMW Trophy will this year distinguish the IRC B group, home to the elite TP52s as well as Wally Rocket, First, Solaris Club Swan, and Code 1 yachts. These powerful racers, designed from the keel up for competition, are sailed by world-class crews combining both seasoned professionals and talented amateurs. In the Maxi divisions, the category selected for the Edmond de Rothschild Trophy has not yet been revealed. As a reminder, last year, Jolt, Lyra, Yoru , and Six Jaguar each distinguished themselves by triumphing in their respective classes.