Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez: a not-to-be-missed event
Every autumn, the port of Saint-Tropez undergoes a metamorphosis. Superyachts give way to a forest of varnished wood and carbon masts. This is the unmistakable sign of the return of the Voiles de Saint-Tropez, the nautical rendezvous where the sporting excellence of the regattas blends with a festive atmosphere on land. Our Saint-Tropez campsite is just 14 minutes (8.0 km) from the heart of the action. An island of serenity to recharge your batteries after a day of excitement.
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez: what makes this event unique?
The soul of this event comes from a singular history. It all began in September 1981 with a friendly challenge. Dick Jayson, on his Swan 44 Pride, and Jean Laurain, at the helm of the 12-meter JI Ikra, decided to compete on an improvised course. The starting point was the Portalet tower, and the finish line was set in front of Patrice de Colmont’s Club 55 on Pampelonne beach. The trophy? A lunch offered by the loser to both crews. This spirit of friendly competition is the cornerstone of what first became the Nioulargue, then, since 1999, Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, under the aegis of the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez (SNST).
Today, the event attracts some 250 boats and 4,000 sailors every year. Traditional yachts, some of them hundreds of years old, rub shoulders with the most modern boats and impressive Maxis Yachts. This alchemy between eras is what defines the Voiles de Saint-Tropez regatta.
What is the program for Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez?
To make sure you don’t miss a thing, knowing the dates is essential. The next dates for Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez will be from Saturday September 27 to Sunday October 5, 2025. Races generally start at 11 a.m., but are subject to weather conditions. The Maxis often set off from the Bay of Pampelonne, while the other fleets start in front of the port of Saint-Tropez, a spectacle visible from land.
Here’s an overview of the Voiles de Saint-Tropez program to help you plan your week.
| Day | Program |
|---|---|
| Monday | Races: Modern & Maxi Yachts |
| Tuesday | Races: all fleets (Modern, Maxis & Tradition) |
| Wednesday | Races: Modern & Tradition yachts (Rest day for Maxis) |
| Thursday | Challenge Day: Club 55 Cup & Centenaries Regatta |
| Friday & Saturday | Races: all fleets (Modern, Maxis & Tradition) |
| Sunday | Awards ceremony (morning) |
This program is provisional and may be adapted by the race committee.
What’s going on ashore and what’s the atmosphere like?
The energy of the sails is not limited to the sea. On land,
- Live music: every evening, bands and DJs liven up the village and harbor quays, creating a relaxed, festive atmosphere.
- Crew parade: a highlight of the week, when the 4,000 sailors parade around the port in a spirit of camaraderie.
- Petanque competition: the “Pétanque des Voiles” on the legendary Place des Lices is a nod to Provencal culture, bringing together sailors and locals.
- Local entertainment: the blessing of the boats at the start of the week and the parade of Saint-Tropez schoolchildren add an authentic, local touch.
Sir Richard Matthews, founder of Oyster Yachts and loyal participant, sums up the atmosphere: “It’s a magical place. You walk along the quays in Saint-Tropez… it’s unique… with brass bands playing in the streets. Everyone loves it. “.
Practical information: how to follow the races and results?
Wondering how to make the most of the show? Here are some answers.
Where to see the boats?
From land, the best vantage points are the Jean-Réveille mole, the Portalet breakwater or, for a panoramic view of the gulf, the Citadelle and Sainte-Anne chapel.
For a close-up experience of the race, a number of service providers are offering sea outings. Les Bateaux Verts, a partner of the event, organizes regatta follow-ups with commentary (from €38.50). Others, such as Caseneuve Maxi Catamaran, offer full-day outings (around €95).
How can I follow the Saint-Tropez sailing race live?
For those who can’t be there, the YouTube channel “Les Voiles de Saint Tropez Officiel” broadcasts high-quality daily video summaries. Tracking applications such as eStela can sometimes be used to visualize the position of boats in real time, particularly for traditional sailing boats.
Where can I find the Voiles de Saint-Tropez results?
The most reliable source is the official event website. Rankings for Maxis, Moderns and Traditional yachts are updated there every day after the races. For the 2023 edition of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, yachts such as Cannonball in the Maxi A class and Wallyno in the Maxi C class distinguished themselves. The 2024 edition, which celebrated the 25th anniversary of the event, saw notable victories such as Jolt in the Maxi A class and the TP52 Nanoq, skippered by King Frederik of Denmark, in the Modern class. The prestigious Rolex Trophy was awarded to Marga, a 1910 sailing yacht.
What about registering for the Saint-Tropez sailboat?
Taking part in regattas is a dream for many. Registration is managed by the SNST and is by invitation only. The prestige of the event is such that the list of participants is often full months in advance, a testament to its international renown.
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez is much more than just a competition. It’s a time for sharing, where passion for the sea meets a unique festive spirit. After the hustle and bustle of the regattas and the bustle of the harbour, come and enjoy the comfort and peace of your accommodation at our La Rouillère campsite. An ideal base from which to experience every facet of the event. Don’t forget to book your stay so you don’t miss a thing.
