New for the Voiles

Voiles de Saint-Tropez set sail today

Tension is rising in Saint-Tropez on the eve of the start of the 8th edition of Les Voiles de St Tropez. The Société Nautique team, the City and the Port are ready to welcome approximately 3,000 crewmembers and friends who are coming to enjoy the gulf and the famous Cote d'Azur town for a week different from all the other weeks. For eight days, as it was for La Nioulargue, the port will again become a showcase for an incredible collection of the most beautiful traditional and modern yachts, the harbour so full there is often barely space to put a fender between each boat. Along the quay and in the streets, the summer population is replaced by another world: sailors, yacht owners and crewmembers, celebrities or unknown. Welcome to Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2006.

Péan, a 20 year celebration

At Les Voiles de Saint Tropez, Lionel Péan with his full crew, will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their historical victory with l’Esprit d’équipe during the 1986 Whitbread Round the World Race. The only French team that has succeeded in winning the Whitbread will sail aboard the 12 metre JI Sovereign. They will compete against Sovereign’s sistership Ikra, owned by one of the founders of La Nioulargue.

IdeaArgo, first appearance

The ideaArgo Association (based in Italy) will make its first showing on the water in les Voiles de Saint-Tropez aboard the 12 metre French Kiss. Their goal is to take part in the next running of America's Cup with a group of handicapped sailors led by Brazilian skipper, Lars Grael (Torben Grael’s brother). Lars Grael, who has won several Olympic medals, lost a leg in an accident during a regatta. The project was officially presented in Turin last March and is receiving more and more international support every day. Grael recently received a 'welcome' citation from the UNO. The team purchased the old 12m, JI French Kiss and the boat's former skipper Marc Pajot, sailing on board Pen Duick VI for the week, has agreed to join the crew during Les Voiles.

Rolex Trophy for Tradional Yachts

Rolex, the renowned Swiss watchmaker is reinforcing its partnership with La Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez by entering the Voiles de Saint-Tropez 'Partner’s Club'. On this occasion the Rolex Trophy has been created and will be awarded to the 'Tradition' class sailing yacht of more than 16m LOA, that has the highest point total for the regatta. The winner will also receive a Rolex Submariner timepiece.

Trophée de l'Escale 2006

The French Federation of ‘ports de plaisance’ and the national association of the mayor’s and tourist communes has awarded to the city of Saint-Tropez the 'Trophée de L’Escale 2006'. This distinction rewards the efforts and the investments carried out by the French marina destinations regarding their respect of the environment and the quality of facilities accessible to visiting sailors. The Saint-Tropez port has been chosen by a jury chaired by Jean-Pierre Saunier, Secretary-General of Conseil Supérieur de la Navigation de Plaisance (council authority for recreational sailing), and composed of journalists and marine professionals on the basis of several criteria: welcome quality, environmental quality, quality of services provided in the harbour, proximity of services and quality of life.

Schedule

Modern Yachts
Saturday 30th September – Sunday 1st October: Welcome and control
Monday 2nd, Tuesday 3rd, Wednesday 4th, Friday 6 and Saturday 7th October:
Coastal races, 1st start 11.30 am
Thursday 5th: J. Laurain Day, Wally Day, Challenge Day, from 12.00

Traditional Yachts
Saturday 30th September - Monday 2nd October: Welcome and control
Sunday 1st: arrival from Cannes of the Yacht Club de France’s Autumn Cup
Tuesday 3rd, Wednesday 4th, Friday 6th and Saturday 7th: Coastal races, 1st start 12.00
Thursday 5th: J. Laurain Day, Challenge day, Trophée Mer et Bateaux - La Grande Classe, Club 55 Cup, from 12.00

Open to all: Prizegiving Ceremony - Sunday October 8th, from 11.00 am