For more than forty years, the sailing world has navigated a huge array of restorations of old yachts. Championed by those well versed in the indescribable pleasure of reviving the most beautiful survivors of the golden age of yachting, these extraordinary sailboats are much adored by the public thanks to their ability to transport us way back in time.
For more than forty years, the sailing world has navigated a huge array of restorations of old yachts. Championed by those well versed in the indescribable pleasure of reviving the most beautiful survivors of the golden age of yachting, these extraordinary sailboats are much adored by the public thanks to their ability to transport us way back in time.
Introduced two years ago, the popular two-week format is being carried over from 2021 with the opening week at Les Voiles being dedicated to the sumptuous fleet of classic yachts, with no limitation on length, as well as the modern craft measuring up to 18m28 (60-feet). This impressive line-up of contemporary and traditional marvels will be grouped together in and around the port of Saint Tropez. Among the traditional yachts is a superlative armada of seven large classic schooners, some of which boast an overall length in excess of 50 metres, including Elena of London and Shenandoah. Amidst an awesome fleet of more than 20 centenarians, the prize for seniority goes to Madcap, a boat dating right back to 1874, and a newcomer to Les Voiles. Indeed, classed as an Historic Monument in 2014, she’s the oldest recorded pilot-cutter in the world still fit to sail. The boat was restored in 2018 with the support of key economic players from the Commercial Port of La Rochelle. Among the modern craft measuring up to 18m28, Les Voiles is always a big hit among amateurs and specialists from the IRC B to F classes, which kick off the competition in the first week, with categories featuring up to forty or so competitors. The big news for this edition is the return to the fray of a 1973 Swan 44. There is nothing particularly spectacular about that fact perhaps, except to say that this very elegant monohull with a black hull is none other than Pride, one of two protagonists who, in 1981, faced off against the 12mR Ikra and, with the help of Patrice de Colmont, initiated the regatta which would go on to become known as the La Nioulargue, and since 1999, Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. The boat has just been bought by a descendant of the original American owner, Dick Jayson so her presence is sure to give the event a very special flavour.