As a result, this gathering of the most beautiful boats in the world now boasts an all-new multihull category to complement the famous fleets of modern, classic and Maxi yachts.
As a result, this gathering of the most beautiful boats in the world now boasts an all-new multihull category to complement the famous fleets of modern, classic and Maxi yachts.
Last year’s major development required all the classic yachts to compete in the first week, from Saturday 24 September to Saturday 1 October 2022, alongside the fleet of modern boats measuring up to 18.28 metres. This new set-up ensures there is a sense of continuity in the classic yacht programme. From Sunday 2 October, the remainder of the larger modern craft – this year fleshed out by the multihulls – are then invited to take centre stage. With the racing now spread over two weeks rather than the original one, more boats can reap the benefits of being moored within the port of Saint Tropez during their week of racing, the number of competitors signed up for Les Voiles far exceeding the port’s berthing capacity. For safety reasons, all those participants who don’t have a berth in Saint Tropez, must find safe shelter in the surrounding ports in anticipation of the vagaries of the weather in the Mediterranean. The two-week format also enjoys another benefit, which is appreciated by competitors and spectators alike: it enables all the classes to take their race starts directly in front of the port’s jetty, beneath the Portalet tower and before the Bailli de Suffren’s legendary bell tower. To guarantee everyone’s safety, the race zone is specially laid out with ‘waiting’ areas enabling each start zone to be kept clear for each of the series according to a predetermined order.