Les Voiles du Vieux-Port 2025: tradition, elegance and passion in Marseille's harbour

From June 20 to 22, 2025, the Voiles du Vieux-Port will once again set the harbor of Marseille abuzz with the rhythm of classic yacht regattas. Organized by the Société Nautique de Marseille, this event has established itself as an emblematic rendezvous for traditional Mediterranean sailing. This year's edition promises to be particularly rich, with some thirty boats taking part, a parade in the Vieux-Port and a brand-new concours d'élégance.

Maxime Leriche Published on June 2, 2025

A regatta dedicated to traditional sailboats

Â©PiÃ©rick Jeannoutot — ©Piérick Jeannoutot

Created in 2003, this event brings together boats with a strong maritime pedigree: Marseille houaris, One Tonner, 8 m JI, vintage yachts and IOR classics... These boats, some over a hundred years old, are maintained with the utmost care by their owners. The regatta takes place over several coastal courses in the harbor, scene of the sailing events of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The Société Nautique de Marseille, organizer of the event, is home to the largest cluster of traditional sailing boats in France. All year round, these boats can be seen along the quayside, accompanied by information panels detailing their history, type and architect.

A parade and concours d'élégance in the heart of the port

New for 2025, the boats will be paraded through the Old Port, followed by a concours d'élégance. The jury will award a prize to the yacht most remarkable for its looks, state of preservation and fidelity to the original style. The winner will receive a watch donated by Richard Frojo, a well-known watchmaker among Marseille sailors.

A fleet on its way from Porquerolles

Before reaching Marseille, some competitors will join the event via the Yacht Club de France Spring Cup. This two-stage regatta links the Porquerolles' Classic (June 12-15) with the Voiles du Vieux-Port. The connecting course covers 53 nautical miles, divided between a stage between Porquerolles and Sanary (25 MN, June 16) and another between Sanary and Marseille (28 MN, June 18).

This initiative is part of the calendar of the AFYT (Association Française des Yachts de Tradition), which this year celebrates 30 years of promoting and regulating classic sailing in the Mediterranean.

Catherine Chabaud at the helm of the Yacht Club de France

May also marks an institutional turning point with the election of Catherine Chabaud as President of the Yacht Club de France. The first woman to hold this position, the âeuros sailor and two-time VendÃ©e Globe âeuros competitor intends to reinforce the institutionâ??s role in the preservation of maritime heritage, international influence and environmental commitment.