With weather conditions tailor-made to showcase the 253 boats brought together by the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez for this grand regatta celebration, the Maxis, Traditions, and Moderns enjoyed an exceptional week. Following last night’s awards ceremony for the Maxis, today it was the turn of the Modern and Tradition classes to be honored, and all gathered to receive the numerous trophies awarded by Voiles’ loyal partners. It was also an opportunity to take stock of this 28th edition, which will set the standard for years to come.
Pierre Roinson, president of the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez:
Moments of Grace
“ Every year, our challenge is to do even better! We were spoiled by the extraordinary field of 51 Maxis, including the three Class J yachts, which were a major attraction and put on an incredible regatta. Just seeing a Class J or Elena of London sail out of the harbor is a moment of pure joy. So, our first stroke of luck is these magnificent boats. It was an exceptional year for us in many ways, with the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Gitana saga and the 20th anniversary of the Rolex Trophy. Next, the weather was once again on our side, and all the races were held in near-ideal conditions, with wind and sunshine. And then, of course, there are the sailors and the atmosphere. The crew parade was extraordinary; more and more boats are taking part, and the participants go out of their way to dress up—we’re returning to the spirit of the Nioulargue. We also rediscovered that spirit during the Club 55 Cup, where Camille, Patrice de Colmont’s daughter, came to welcome the crews at the dock, just as her father used to do. It was a truly wonderful day.
All week long, the atmosphere on shore was fantastic. Last night, a band on the balcony of the Sube was playing in response to another band down below, and people were dancing on the pier—it was amazing. Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez still drew more than 75,000 people over the course of the event, and what’s fabulous is that the spirit and atmosphere are great, with nearly 4,000 sailors in the harbor—and they’re always such colorful characters!
At the same time, on the organizational side, we significantly improved the layout of the village, the flow of traffic, and the quality of the welcome. The lounge area—renamed the Club des Voiles—was a hit with our partners. That won’t stop us from brainstorming ideas for next year and figuring out how to make it even better!
For starters, perhaps more Class J yachts will return in 2027. And I’m also aiming to organize a race between Shamrock and Endeavour, which are the only two surviving Class J yachts from the 1930s. It would be wonderful to have this piece of history at Les Voiles, and I think the entire community that supports us would love it. Right now, Ikra’s new owner, Marcos Vivian de la Pedrosa, is also having his 12-meter JI undergo a high-end refit in England. In 2027, he could reenact the first challenge race that launched the Nioulargue in 1981 against Pride—a true classic among classics—which is in competition-ready condition. That would be a wonderful tribute! ”
Georges Korhel, Chief Racing Officer:
The crews are very pleased
“This has been a fantastic edition! The feedback from the crews has been excellent; we made some great adjustments to the courses to keep things exciting the whole time, and despite the wind being stuck from the east all week, it was a huge success. The race committees ran as many races as possible, which is easy to do at Pampelonne with the robotic buoys. The Class J boats started after the Maxis 1 and had the entire course to themselves—they really enjoyed it. These are extraordinary boats, and they’re already talking about coming back next year.”
One image that sticks with me? That of the schooner Atlantic on Wednesday, setting off just outside the starting line and “correcting” its course by making a 360° turn between the buoy and the dock! It didn’t spin around on its own axis like a Laser, but it was close—it was magnificent!
For next year, we have two areas to focus on: We need to find a way to create longer courses for the IRC 0 class because they’re really very fast.
As for the Maxis, there is debate over whether they should finish the coastal races in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez rather than at Pampelonne. It would make for a better show, and some owners are calling for it, but for now, they don’t necessarily represent the majority when the entire fleet is surveyed, since it raises safety concerns. The idea is gaining traction!
This year, I hosted Corinne Aubert for three days as part of the mentorship program we’re setting up over two seasons. Next year, she’ll be here with me all week. She’ll be the Principal Race Officer for the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles—she’s a big name, and from a sporting perspective, she’s extremely competent. Now, she needs to get familiar with Les Voiles, which is a very unique competition where the role of Principal Race Officer is highly political and involves significant interaction with the boat owners. They’re the ones who put on the show; they have expectations, and we need to listen to them. I’ll be here as backup and to enjoy the event—this was my 28th edition this year, so I’ve grown quite attached to it! ”
They were at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez:
Guillermo Altadil, Christophe Babule, Ed Baird, Sébastien Bazin, Emma Bazin, Annemieke Bes, Francesco Bruni, Brad Butterworth, Dee Caffari, Pierre Casiraghi, Charles Caudrelier, Paul Cayard, Aymeric Chappellier, Tommaso Chieffi, Gilles Chiorri, William Collier, Sir Andrew Cook, HM King Frederik X of Denmark, Géraldine Danon, Tom Dawson, Francesco de Angelis, Bertrand de Broc, Ariane de Rothschild, Louise Debeaumont, Pascale Decaux, Fabien Delahaye, Peter Dubens, Dominique Dubois, Eric Dumont, Thierry Fouchier, Charlotte Franquet, Tara Getty, Torben Grael, Peter Harrison, Boris Herrmann, Damien Iehl, Bill Jayson, Arnaud Jerald, Bruno Jourdren, Stephan Kandler, Georges Korhel, Kyle Langford, Devan Le Bihan, Pierre Le Roy, Arthur Le Vaillant, Pier Luigi Loro Piana, Mikael Mergui, Elodie-Jeanne Mettraux, Corinne Migraine, Philippe Monnet, Patrick Monterio de Barros, Joe Newton, Sir Peter Ogden, Sir Lindsay Owen Jones, Marc Pajot, Lionel Péan, Mauro Pelaschier, Laurent Petit, Loïck Peyron, Laura Poupon, Frédéric Puzin, Ken Read, Geiger Reinold, Wendy Schmidt, Jochen Schuemann, Jimmy Spithill, Marie Tabarly, Bruno Troublé, Maurits Van Oranje, Marcel Van Triest, Tom Whidden.
All the 2026 Trophées des Voiles de Saint-Tropez Awards
MAXIS
Saint-Tropez City Cup for the first Maxi in all categories
. Winner: Blue Oyster (Andrew Fitzamurice/Luca Scoppa)
Yacht Club de France Trophy,
Mouthpiece, presented to Ariane de Rothschild
Edmond de Rothschild Trophy for Best Maxi 1
Winner: Jethou (Sir Peter Ogden) 6 points
2nd: V (Karel Komarek) 9 points
3rd: Balthasar (Filip Balcaen) 12 points
Voiles de Saint-Tropez Trophy for the best Maxi 2
Winner: Lyra (Terry Hui) 5 points
2nd: Twin Soul B (Luciano Guandini) 7 points
3rd: Astra 1 (Marcos Vivian) 12 points
Voiles de Saint-Tropez Trophy for the best Maxi 3
Winner: Yoru (Luigi Sala) 6 points
2nd: Why Not (Lasse Petterson) 6 points
3rd: Wallyno (Benoit de Froidmont) 9 points
Voiles de Saint-Tropez Trophy for the best Maxi 4
Winner: Blue Oyster ( Andrew Fitzamurice/Luca Scoppa ) 4 points
2nd: Crazy Diamond (Enzo Pellizzaro) 10 points
3rd: Atalante (Ulrich Volz) 13 points
Voiles de Saint-Tropez Trophy for Best Class J
. Winner: Svea (Niklas Zennström) 9 points, also receives the Corinthian King’s Cup for Best Owner-Skipper, awarded by the J-Class.
2nd: Rainbow ( Peter Harrison) 9 points
3rd: Hanuman ( Giovanni Lombardi Stronati) 10 points
IMA Maxi Mediterranean Inshore Challenge Cup Trophy
. Winner: V (Karel Komarek), Maxi 1
Wally Trophy
Winner: Kilara II (Jérémy Weir)
Trophy for Best Crew Parade:
Winner: Beautiful Day ( USA)
Joint favorites: Easy Blue (Les Moustachus)
Other winners included: Coco des Mers ( Coco Chanel fashion show) and Saida (Fantomas)
TRADITIONS
ROLEX Trophy for Best P Class
. Winner: Olympian (Philippe Oddo) 3 points
2nd: Chips (Bernard Liautaud) 5 points
3rd: Joyant (Stephan Lobmeyr) 7 points
Voiles de Saint-Tropez Trophy for Best Yacht in the Big Boat Category
. Winner: Elena of London (Stephen Benfield) 4 points
2nd: Sumurun (Hugues Boullenger) 5 points
3rd: Lelantina (Patrick Gibert) 7 points
Cogolin Marines Trophy for Best Yacht in the Grand Tradition Category
Winner: Tuiga (Jimmy Spithill) 4 points
2nd: Viveka (Gery Atkins) 4 points
3rd: Mariella (Carlo Falcone) 8 points
Voiles de Saint-Tropez Trophy for best yacht in the Gaff Rig Era category
Winner: Kizmet (Sir Richard Matthews) 3 points
2nd: Oriole (Juan Carlos Eguiagaray) 5 points
3rd: Marilee (Mateo Tacconi) 9 points
Voiles de Saint-Tropez Trophy for best yacht in the Marconi Era A category
Winner: Leonore (Mauro Piani) 4 points
2nd: Falcon (Patricio Monteiro de Barros) 10 points
3rd: Carron II (Angelo Mazzarella) 10 points
Voiles de Saint-Tropez Trophy for Best Yacht in the Marconi B Vintage Category
. Winner: Lak II (Cian O’Carroll) 3 points
2nd: Harlekin (Jean-Yves Redor) 7 points
3rd: One Wave (William Borel) 9 points
Voiles de Saint-Tropez Trophy for Best Yacht in the Classic Marconi A Category
. Winner: Maria Giovanina II (Jean Pierre Sauvan) 3 points
2nd: Palynodie II (Henri Ferbus) 6 points
3rd: Dambuster ( Nicholas Hill) 10 points
Voiles de Saint-Tropez Trophy for Best Yacht in the Classic Marconi B Category
. Winner: Eugenia V (Baptiste Garnier) 3 points
2nd: Star Sapphire (Jacob Glaz) 6 points
3rd: Albacore ( Luis Figueiredo) 7 points
Voiles de Saint-Tropez Trophy for Best 12-meter JI
. Winner: Kiwi Magic (Marianne Petersen) 4 points
2nd: French Kiss ( Marc Pajot) 4 points
3rd: France ( Christophe Bereloot) 8 points
Voiles de Saint-Tropez Trophy for Best Yacht in the IOR Category
. Winner: Resolute Salmon (Alberto Franchella) 3 points
2nd: Encounter (Bart Weduwer) 6 points
3rd: Ornella ( Hugues Destremau) 7 points
Centenary Trophy, awarded by the Gstaad Yacht Club
Winner: Kismet (Sir Richard Matthews)
Trophy for Best Crew Parade:
Winner: Belle Aventure and Her Circus
Favorite: Star Sapphire (TheCuties)
MODERN
BMW Trophy for Best IRC 0
. Winner: Spirit Of Lorina (Marcello Pica – Jean Pierre Barjon) 7 points
2nd: Interlodge IV ( Gwen Fragomen) 14 points
3rd: Nanoq (His Majesty King Frederik of Denmark) 15 points
BRIG Trophy for Best IRC 1
. Winner: Lisa R (Giovanni de Vincenzo) 6 points
2nd: Prétexte 2 (Jérémy Lagarrigue) 9 points
3rd: Searcher 2 (Pete Smith) 18 points
Suzuki Marine Trophy for Best IRC 2
. Winner: J Wow (Andrej Tschirikow) 7 points
2nd: Fremito d’Arja ( Dario Levi) 8 points
3rd: Flight of Durgan (David Grylis) 12 points
Saint-Sails Trophy for Best IRC 3
Winner: Topas (Dr. Harald Bruning) 7 points
2nd: Pride (William Grave) 9 points
3rd: Letto di Pletto (Rainer Badent) 9 points
Saint-Sails Trophy for Best IRC 4
Winner: Overdose Neo (Lilyan Bretagne) 9 points
2nd: Iskareen (Arnt Bruhns) 11 points
3rd: Corto Maltese (Michele Colosante) 13 points
Club 55 Maxi Yacht Cup
Winner: Tilakkhana II(Pascale Decaux)
Club 55 Yacht Cup
Winner: Hallowe’en (Inigo Strez)
Pétanque Tournament:
Winner: Mad IV (Christophe Lenoir, Serge Bazzano, and Nicolas Bardes)
Runner-up: Black Legend 4 (Julien, Valentine, and Anne-Sophie)
Trophy for the best parade of crews:
Winner: Dialix (La Boule Tropézienne)
Favorites: Raving Swan (Mini mousse) and Asterix and Obelix & Co. Harbour Master’s Office/ The Convicts of Nautical Life
PARTNERS OF THE SAINT-TROPEZ SAILS
Major Partner
ROLEX
Premium Partners
, BMW
, EDMOND DE ROTHSCHILD
Preferred Partners
, WALLY
, SUZUKI MARINE
, BRIG
Associated Partners
, VSC CORPORATE RECOVERY CONSULTING,
, PORT DES MARINES DE COGOLIN,
, NORTH SAILS
Suppliers
MERCANTOUR EVENTS
BYBLOS
PEPINIERE DU GOLFE
CHAMPAGNE BARONS DE ROTHSCHILD
CHATEAU SAINT-MAUR CRU CLASSE
MAITRES VIGNERONS DE LA PRESQU’ILE DE SAINT-TROPEZ
TIKAMOON
L’ECOLE DU LUXE
Institutional Partners of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez
CITY OF SAINT-TROPEZ
PORT OF SAINT-TROPEZ
SAINT-TROPEZ TOURISM
ESPRIT VILLAGE IN SAINT-TROPEZ
FRENCH SAILING FEDERATION
YACHT CLUB DE FRANCE
INTERNATIONAL MAXI ASSOCIATION
INTERNATIONAL MEDITERRANEAN COMMITTEE
Organization
Saint-Tropez Yacht Club, President: Pierre Roinson
Chief Race Officer: Georges Korhel
Registration: Frédérique Fantino
Maritime Safety: Gilles Doyen
Logistics and Procurement: Alice Coquant
Communications and External Relations: Chloé de Brouwer
Website
www.lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr
www.societe-nautique-saint-tropez.fr
Instagram: les_voiles_de_saint_tropez
Facebook: Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez Official
X (formerly Twitter): @VoilesSTOrg
YouTube: Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez Official
Production Media
Written by: Pierre-Marie Bourguinat
Video: Guilain Grenier, Images 6 G Production/SNST
Photo: Gilles Martin-Raget
Press Relations : Maguelonne Turcat
