This is the jaw-dropper – many of the world’s finest restored classic yachts tied stern to in the historic stone harbour of St Tropez, and racing in the gulf during the day make for a truly awesome sight.
The event started with a race between a modern and a classic yacht at the end of September in 1981 and grew into a classic boating jamboree called The Nioulargue – named after an offshore reef buoy marker for the racing. In 1999 it became Les Voiles and it celebrates 20 years in 2019.
It’s one of those events that should be on every classic sailor’s bucket list – even if it’s just to watch the 300 or so boats (of all types and size) out racing from the harbour mole and then to have a pint in the Irish bar.
Accommodation can be surprisingly good value – at this end of the season and the conviviality of the crews is infectious. Nearest airport is Nice.
SOCIÉTÉ NAUTIQUE DE SAINT-TROPEZ
Parking du Port – BP 72
83992 SAINT-TROPEZ Cedex
Tel. + 33 (0) 4 94 97 30 54
Fax + 33 (0) 4 94 97 87 00
info@snst.org
Event website: lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr