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Traditions steeped in history
Once again this year, the classic yacht fleet will feature some of the finest vessels in our maritime heritage. Among them, the arrival of Atlantic, an identical replica of the 1903 schooner that set the record for crossing the Atlantic in 1905, a record that stood for 75 years. With her three masts and 64-metre overall length, she will be competing for the first time in the Rolex Trophy alongside eight other big boats.
Other stars of classic yachting will be putting on a show: the auric ketch Cariad (1896), the 23 m JI Cambria winner in 2010, the Black Swan launched in 1899 by Camper & Nicholson, or the majestic Croce del Sud, a 43-meter three-masted yacht. Despite a few summer disappointments âeuros dismasting of the 15 m JI Tuiga in Mahon or love at first sight of Invader âeuros the traditional fleet confirms its vitality and capacity to attract.
Maxis: an impressive, competitive fleet
With 41 maxis registered, Les Voiles is one of the world's biggest events for these regatta giants. Divided into four classes, they will be competing for the prestigious Rothschild Trophy.
Spectators will be able to admire emblematic units such as the Wallyrocket 71 Django 7X, the Wally V, Galateia, My Song and Jethou. The remarkable return of the ex-Magic Carpet Cubed, renamed Tilakkhana II under the leadership of Pascale Decaux, promises lively racing. Its crew will include renowned sailors such as Dee Caffari, Marie Riou and Sophie de Turckheim.
Another eagerly-awaited return is that of Lindsay Owen Jones, now at the helm of his new Verdier Magic Carpet E design, which has already made a name for itself at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo.
Modern: diversity and rivalries
The modern category will feature 125 boats in five classes, confirming its eclecticism. Spectators will find both TP 52s, emblematic racing machines, and more accessible units such as Tofinou 9.50s, represented in large numbers.
The TP 52s will compete for the BMW Trophy in IRC 0. Among them, Nanoq, chartered by King Frederik X of Denmark, will replace Wally Rocket 51, which suffered a summer accident. Also worth watching: Kilara II, another new-generation Wally, as well as Frédéric Puzin's Daguet 5 and Albator 3, the Botin 44 designed by Philippe Frantz, who distinguished himself this year at the Admiral's Cup.
Last but not least, the new Maxitude, a Lombard Lift 45 with a scow hull, reflects the trend towards powerful, spacious hybrid racing-cruising boats.
Focus on 12m JI and sustainable yachting
A special focus will be placed on the 12 m JI boats, with five entries. The famous French Kiss, celebrating her 40th birthday, will be one of the most eagerly awaited of this historic fleet.
At the same time, the Communauté de communes du Golfe de Saint-Tropez will be offering events and conferences on yachting and the protection of the marine environment, highlighting anchorage and light equipment zones (ZMEL) as solutions for reconciling nautical activity and the preservation of ecosystems.
Notebook: a tribute to Peter Nicholson
Voiles 2025 will pay tribute to the memory of Peter Nicholson, owner of the classic yacht Dainty, who passed away this year. A loyal competitor, he took part in 19 editions, winning the SNST Trophy in 2024 for the best yacht in the "Guest" category.
