After an elaborate fireworks display that lit up the Gulf of St Tropez, the final day of racing at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez commenced with a bustling market day in St Tropez. Sailors eagerly scoured for last-minute bargains, with around 3,000 participants invited to contest the 27th edition of the event.
The Maxi fleet, a highlight of the week, held its prize-giving ceremony, with Modern and Tradition yachts set to be honoured the following day. Although the Tradition yachts missed their last race, skippers acknowledged an exceptional week of competition.
In the Maxi categories, the competition proved intense. In Maxi 1, Karel Komarek’s Wallycento V secured overall victory after posting two wins on the final day, achieving four victories out of six races. Joost Schuijff’s Leopard 3 rounded out the podium in third place.
The Maxi GP class saw the Wallyrocket 71 Django confirm her status as a frontrunner after previously winning the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, while Giovanni Lombardi Stronati’s Vesper fell just short of the top spot in the overall ranking.
In Maxi 3, the Mylius 80 Twin Soul B, helmed by Fédérico Lunardini, emerged victorious, successfully outpacing the Wally 77 Lyra by two points. The Maxi 4 category saw the Italian Vismara 62 Yoru retain her crown despite a penalty today, while Maxi 5 featured a clear-cut win for Crazy Diamond, who secured a clean sweep.
Modern yachts experienced downwind starts amidst a SW’ly breeze, creating a thrilling atmosphere for spectators. In IRC 0, the thrilling match expected between Vesper and Zen more than delivered and the two contenders for outright victory were sticking to one another like glue. However, the Australians on Zen could not keep pace today. Vesper claimed the BMW Trophy after a consistent performance, while Nanoq, winner of today’s race, completed the podium.
Give Me Five, the smallest yacht in IRC 2, maintained a strong presence with two wins during the week. In IRC 3, Pride shone brightly, securing first place for the second consecutive year, while IRC 4 saw Corto Maltese crowned champion after a solid week.
For the Classic yachts, the Race Committee delayed the start, and many opted to remain out on the water for a final experience. Among the competing Big Boats for the Rolex Trophy, Cambria took first place, narrowly ahead of Elena of London.
Other standout performances included victories for Spartan in the Grand Tradition category and Kismet in the Epoque aurique category. Argynne III dominated the Classique Marconi category, while Il Moro di Venezia secured a tie in the IOR category.
In an interview, Charles Caudrelier, a notable figure in sailing, discussed his experience at St Tropez and the upcoming launch of Gitana 18, expressing his excitement for future challenges ahead.
Prize-giving for Modern and Classic yachts, including the Rolex Trophy, is scheduled for Sunday, October 5, 2025.
The full programme for Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez is available online at https://www.lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr/en/presentation/program
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