A 2025 edition marked by a strong commitment from both classic and modern fleets
The 2025 edition of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, to be held from September 27 to October 5, 2025, promises to be one of the most diverse ever. Between the return of legendary boats, the arrival of new units and class adjustments, the lines are shifting on the Var stretch of water. The participation of the schooner Atlantic and the arrival of the brand-new Magic Carpet e illustrate this dual movement between heritage and technology.
Atlantic, a symbol of 20th-century ocean racing, makes its regatta debut
Never entered in a regatta until now, despite her presence at anchor, Atlantic, a faithful replica of the 1905 Atlantic crossing record holder, will be an active participant in 2025. With an overall length of 69 meters, her entry will require a review of the port's capacity, and confirms the growing interest in large classic yachts in modern gatherings.
Modernized and redesigned classrooms for 2025
With the proliferation of marginal-performance boats, the organizers are talking about possible adjustments to the IRC rating bands to homogenize the fleets. The arrival of several Wally Rocket 51s could generate a dedicated class. The flexibility shown by Société Nautique would enable the event to maintain its sporting legibility, while preserving its invitational logic.
Magic Carpet e, 100 feet of on-board technology
With her lifting rudders, tilting and retractable keel and electrically powered hydraulic systems, Verdier's new 100-footer, built for Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones, marks a turning point in the Maxi class. Its design allows the boat's draught to be reduced from 7 meters to 4.60 meters, an imperative for access to the harbor in the Côte d'Azur. The challenge is as much one of architecture as of maneuverability.
Mini-Maxis: new performance standards
Claimed to be 15% lighter than comparable units, the new Wallyrocket 71 Django has just been launched and could shake up the Mini-Maxi hierarchy. This type of unit means that courses have to be revisited and fleets rethought to avoid excessive gaps at the finish. It accentuates the trend towards the integration of technology in previously more homogeneous fleets.
Port capacity management and registration arbitration
With 14 Big Boats already registered, and additional requests on the rise in all classic categories, the organization has to deal with available depths, infrastructures and capacity. The president of the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez points to a prioritization based on draught and respect for class diversity. It's a logistical and strategic arbitration in addition to the sporting organization.
