Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2025 - Looking Ahead to the 27th Edition

by Maguelonne Turcat 22 Jun 12:42 UTC 27 September - 5 October 2025

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez day 2 © Gilles Martin-Raget

The elegance of the Classics, the power of the Moderns, the majesty of the Maxis. This dreamlike combination, a legacy of the Nioulargue, will once again come together in the stunning setting of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez from September 27 to October 5.

It promises to bring the village, its quays, and narrow streets to life once more, with over 3,500 crew members expected. The tireless Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez is already preparing this 27th edition to extend the Tropezian summer and offer a magnificent spectacle.

A dazzling show at sea and on land

For this new edition, the organizing team is drawing on the experience gained since 1999, the year Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez was founded, and a particularly successful 2024 edition. "We can always do better," says Pierre Roinson, president of the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez. "It's up to us to live up to our greatest dreams. Our goal is for every sailor who arrives at Les Voiles, even those used to major events, to realize this is a world apart!"

One of the strongest selling points is the richness and diversity of the three fleets. Another is the "Village des Voiles," the flagship of this extraordinary event. Located on the Jean Rèveille seawall - one foot in the old port, the other in the gulf - this beautifully designed space welcomes the public while offering private hospitality areas worthy of the big names that participate in Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. It's a place to enjoy at any time of day - In the morning, to watch the great schooners and Maxis set out; At noon, for the first cannon shots from the Portalet Tower; And in the evening, to relive the regattas at the Bar des Voiles, located at the entrance of the Village. A live band plays daily, letting professionals, amateurs, and the public celebrate their shared passion through music.

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez day 2 - photo © Gilles Martin-Raget

Maxi Class: 45 Years of Excellence

History often repeats itself! Founded in Geneva in 1979 at the initiative of five owners including Edmond de Rothschild (whose eponymous House is a partner of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez), the International Maxi Association (originally ICAYA - International Class Yacht Association until 2001) has governed these exceptional boats for 45 years. The Nioulargue quickly gave the Maxis the place they deserved, and by 1983, the class was included in the Saint-Tropez race programme. It remains the first and only Maxi regatta in France and marked a golden era for legendary yachts like Coriolan, Helisara, and Gitana.

A class for owner-helmsmen, the IMA now includes over 60 yachts longer than 60 feet. When not cruising offshore, they come together to race in a five-event circuit - the IMA Mediterranean Maxi Inshore Challenge - of which Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez is a highlight and a major year-end gathering.

Chaired by Benoit de Froidmont, the IMA aims to harmonize events open or reserved for Maxis, including regulations, race formats, and hospitality - helping retain current owners and attract new ones.

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez day 6 - racing abandoned due to lack of wind - photo © Ingrid Abery / www.ingridabery.com

On the Partners' Side: Edmond de Rothschild joins the Carré des Voiles

After previously partnering with this iconic event, Edmond de Rothschild is renewing its support for Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez for a three-year period. "My family's history is deeply rooted in a passion for sailing," said Ariane de Rothschild, CEO of Edmond de Rothschild. "Supporting Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez reconnects us with cherished memories and honours the vision of Edmond, my father-in-law. Forty-five years ago, one of his dreams became reality with the creation of the Maxi class, shortly before the legendary Nioulargue - a key chapter in the Gitana saga.

Beyond being a competition, Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez celebrates the true essence of sailing - its nobility, elegance, and authenticity. That spirit, which I hold dear, aligns perfectly with our values. Through this partnership, we are proud to carry on this shared philosophy and pay tribute to a way of sailing that is also a way of life."

A Double Transition in Saint-Tropez: Changes at the Helm of "Esprit Village" and the Port

Saint-Tropez is undergoing a significant renewal with the arrival of new leaders at the head of two key pillars of local life. At the presidency of the Esprit Village merchants' association in Saint-Tropez, Alexandra Jager succeeds Pascal Bonnet. A dedicated local architect and vice president of the association for the past year, she has already made a name for herself through her involvement in several major events, notably Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, where the association manages the bar and entertainment in partnership with the Société Nautique. This handover signals a fresh momentum for local commerce, while honouring Pascal Bonnet's eight years of dedicated service. Bonnet now takes over management of the Port of Saint-Tropez as part of an ambitious reorganisation of the harbour master's office. The port council aims to enhance transparency in management and establish strong governance. This dual change marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the town's economic and port activities, injecting new energy into the people and institutions that bring Saint-Tropez to life every day.

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez - photo © Kurt Arrigo

Saint-Tropez Yachting: The Landmark Book from Assouline Publishing

"All I did was awaken the maritime soul of Saint-Tropez" writes Patrice de Colmont, founder of the Nioulargue, in the foreword of this masterful 328-page book from prestigious Assouline Editions.

Published in English, the book draws its strength from the vibrant prose of Laurence Benaïm - French journalist, fashion writer, and Commander of the Arts and Letters- making her first foray into yachting. It also owes much to maritime anecdotes collected by co-author Didier Ravon, and to Laurent Pavlidis, who sheds light on the often-overlooked history of the maritime museum and heritage of Saint-Tropez. But it's the exceptional images by Guillaume Plisson that truly bring this Mediterranean sailing lifestyle to life.

Also noteworthy: the active collaboration of past president André Beaufils and current president Pierre Roinson of the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez. Text: Laurence Benaïm & Didier Ravon - Preface: Patrice de Colmont - Photos: Guillaume Plisson -Assouline Editions

2025 Voiles de Saint-Tropez programme:

Saturday, September 27: Registration for Maxis (over 18.28m) and Classic & Modern yachts up to 18.28m
Sunday, September 28: Registration continues. Race finish for the YCF Autumn Cup (Cannes to Saint-Tropez)
Monday, September 29: Racing for Maxis and Modern yachts
Tuesday, September 30: Racing for all fleets, including the Rolex Trophy
Wednesday, October 1: Racing for Modern and Classic yachts (Rolex Trophy). Day off for Maxis.
Thursday, October 2: Challenge Day and Club 55 Cup for Moderna and Classic yachts. Maxis race
Friday, October 3: Racing for all fleets (Rolex Trophy)
Saturday, October 4: Racing for all fleets (Rolex Trophy), Prize giving for Maxis
Sunday, October 5: Prize giving for Modern and Classic yachts

Principle partners of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez: