The Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez (SNST) is proud to announce it will host the inaugural Cape 31 Gold Cup from 12–17 October 2026, welcoming the international Cape 31 fleet to the Gulf of Saint-Tropez for the first time. This landmark regatta will bring together the world’s top teams to compete for the title of International Cape 31 Overall Class Champion, marking a defining moment in the development of this rapidly growing global class.
The Gold Cup will follow the Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit finale in Hyères (24–26 September 2026), which will serve as the official Pre-Gold Cup regatta, allowing teams a final competitive opportunity before arriving in Saint-Tropez for the season’s ultimate showdown.
A World-Class International Fleet
The Cape 31 is one of the fastest-growing modern one-design keelboat classes, attracting top owner-drivers, professional sailors, and Corinthian teams from across Europe and beyond. Designed for close, high-performance racing, the Cape 31 delivers tight competition, tactical racing, and spectacular downwind speed — making it one of the most exciting classes on today’s international sailing circuit.
The class continues to expand rapidly, with strong fleets established in the United Kingdom and across the Mediterranean. The 2026 season will feature two major championship circuits running throughout the Northern Hemisphere summer, culminating in Saint-Tropez where the international fleet will unite for the first ever Gold Cup.
With new teams joining an already highly competitive fleet, the event is expected to showcase an exceptional level of racing and further strengthen the Cape 31’s position as a leading international one-design class.
Strong Local Challenge
Among the contenders will be Saint-Tropez’s own Give Me Five, helmed by Adrien Follin, the team that originally invited the Cape 31 Class to race in Saint-Tropez. A leading Corinthian campaign, Give Me Five claimed the Corinthian European Championship title in Sanremo 2024, secured the overall season Corinthian title, and in 2025 finished second overall in the international circuit, just behind Stig. Racing on home waters, the team will be a serious challenger for the inaugural Gold Cup title and a strong local favourite.
Saint-Tropez – A Fitting Stage for a Historic First
Renowned for hosting world-class sailing events and offering outstanding racing conditions, Saint-Tropez provides the perfect setting for the Cape 31’s first Gold Cup. The combination of elite competition, international teams, and the iconic backdrop of the Côte d’Azur promises a spectacular week of racing both on and off the water.
“The Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez is delighted to welcome the Cape 31 fleet for the first ever Gold Cup,” said Tor Tomlinson Cheney, International Cape 31 Class Secretary. “The strength of the international fleet, the growth of the class, and the quality of racing expected make this a milestone event. Saint-Tropez offers the perfect venue to crown our first Gold Cup Champion.”
Further details regarding entries, racing schedule, and event programme will be announced in due course.
2026 Cape 31 Mediterranean Series Calendar
Porto Cervo — 24–26 April 2026
Puntaldia — 15–17 May 2026
Bonifacio — 5–7 June 2026
Scarlino — 10–12 July 2026
Hyères (Pre-Gold Cup Event) — 24–26 September 2026
2026 Cape 31 UK Series Calendar
Round 1 — Royal Yacht Squadron — 8–10 May 2026
Round 2 — IRC Europeans — 22–25 May 2026
Round 3 — Summer Series — 12–14 June 2026
Round 4 — Cape 31 National Championship — 3–5 July 2026
Round 5 — Cowes Week — 2–4 August 2026
Season Finale / VAC — 11–13 September 2026
Saint-Tropez (Gold Cup) – October 12-17, 2026
