Among the race highlights in this latest edition will be an increasingly competitive class of 52-footers, an incredible line-up of schooners with two or three masts, breathtaking Maxis and, making their event début, multihulls.
Among the race highlights in this latest edition will be an increasingly competitive class of 52-footers, an incredible line-up of schooners with two or three masts, breathtaking Maxis and, making their event début, multihulls.
The classic boats score remarkably highly in the popularity stakes among both enthusiasts and the general public. These craft, which combine elegance and performance, require specific skills to maintain and sail them, but thanks to the goodwill of their owners, they have survived the test of time. Specially trained captains and crews bring them to life every time they head out on the water. “If I were to single out differences in running a classic sail yacht, I would say that you need to be more patient.” says Russell Potter, captain of the fabulous 54-metre three-master Shenandoah, which is making her big comeback to Les Voiles this year after an absence of more than 20 years. “Everything on a classic takes longer; maintenance, sail handling, manoeuvring, crew training etc. You have to be gently with them, I suppose treat them with the respect and courtesy that you would do to your elders.” In the modern contingent for the first week, the top international crews will battle it out for victory in their class. In IRC C, the fleet is vying for the famous BMW Trophy, which was won in 2021 by Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark’s TP 52, Nanoq , which will be back to defend its title. At the request of the Organising Committee, the results from Les Voiles will not be included in the annual rankings in a bid to maintain the unique ‘fair play’ spirit and character of the event, which is invitation only.