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.

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

Website: lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr

LAST CHANCE AUCTION FOR PROJECT BOATS:

Dozens of project boats at Blackwater Marina at Maylandsea are being given a last chance by auctioning them off on Sunday October 7 with three months free storage included with every boat sold. Boats in need of saving range from small sailing cruisers to an historic tug, and many are being offered at “no reserve,” with 6% of all proceeds going to three charities. The day will also include a boat jumble and on-water events.

Marina manager Beccs Polden said: “We have at least 30 boats that have become our property in lieu of debt. At least another five, some afloat and others ashore, are being sold by owners who are no longer using them. It’s sad, but we want to do our very best to find homes for them all and give them a chance to be enjoyed.” To give the boats the best chance there will be no buyers’ premium to pay.

No reserve means that the highest bid, even if it’s only £1, buys the boat. The free three-months’ storage that comes with each boat is worth at least £300 for the smallest. One of the larger boats is historic Thames “Tosher” tug Freelance, built in 1916 and in service until 2000. The 33ft tug is fitted with a 1950s Perkins 100 diesel, itself a piece of maritime heritage. Another classic is Demeter, a delightful 21ft wooden yacht built in 1954. In the case of Penny Blue, a charming 18ft wooden Blackwater Sloop built in 1963, the owner is very generously donating the entire proceeds to the auction’s nominated charities. Fibre-glass yachts include a Macwester 8m, Vivacity 650, Westerly Jouster, Westerly Cirrus, Seamaster 925, Moody 346, two Pandoras and a Leisure 17. 

The event, which is free to attend and with free parking, will also include a boatjumble and free RIB rides, canoeing and sailing taster sessions provided by Maldon Sea Cadets. In addition to 6% of the hammer price of every boat sold, stall fees (£10 private/£20 commercial) and bidder registration fee (£5) will all be donated to the RNLI, Maldon Sea Cadets, and GAIN, the charity supported by well-known sailing writer Dave Selby who has a very rare viral condition called Guilain-Barré Syndrome that means he loses mobility in his legs every four-and-a-half weeks and then spends three days in hospital having antibodies pumped into him to restore his legs. GAIN funds vital research into this rare illness (see www.impracticalboatowner.com/charity).

Auction details, bidding registration forms and listings of boats for sale will appear on www.blackwater-marina.co.uk. For more details contact info@blackwater-marina.co.uk or phone 01621 740264.

Event Listing:

7 October: BOAT AUCTION, BOAT JUMBLE AND WATER FUN DAY

7 October, 10am onwards, Blackwater Marina, The Esplanade, Maylandsea, CM3 6AL. Free entry and free parking. RIB rides and sailing taster sessions by Maldon Sea Cadets. Auction starts 2pm; auction viewing from 10am, 6 & 7 October, earlier by arrangement; boat jumble stalls £10 private, £20 commercial. For more details contact info@blackwater-marina.co.uk or phone 01621 740264.

As well as an amazing array of new and pre-owned boats for sale – from a £500 dinghy to a £1 million powerboat – on shore are a huge range of attractions to tempt every interest.

Visit the RYA Scotland Pavilion& Theatre to see a range of companies showing the latest trends in all things boats and boating, there are luxury cars from Porsche, Bentley and Morgan, the Clyde Life Pavilion with Scottish craft and artisan traders, a farmer’s market and food truck area, pipe bands, a children’s play area and,new for 2016, the West College Scottish Food & Drink Pavilion complete with a live kitchen theatre where renowned chef Nick Nairn will be presenting daily cookery demonstrations aided by the Hospitality students of West College.

Website: www.scotlandsboatshow.co.uk