Les Voiles de St. Tropez 2023

Thrilling Results Across Classes

The 2023 edition of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, held fromSeptember 30 to October 8, delivered intense competition with over 250 of theworld’s finest classic and modern yachts battling it out across variousclasses. In the Maxi A category, Cannonball, helmed by Peter Harrison,secured an impressive victory after a closely fought race with North Star.Meanwhile, in the Maxi C class, Benoît de Froidmont’s Wallyño dominatedthe competition, securing the top spot with an unblemished record. In theprestigious 12-Metre class, Nyala, skippered by Patrizio Bertelli,emerged victorious in the Vintage division, while Kiwi Magic claimed theModern/GP division.

Challenging Conditions and Tactical Drama

The 2023 regatta was not without its challenges.Lighter-than-expected winds plagued the early days of the event, leading totactical battles that tested the crews' skills. Despite the light conditions,the race committee managed to run multiple races each day, with sailors havingto rely on quick decision-making and precise sail trimming. A notable incidentoccurred when Cannonball and North Star engaged in a fiercebattle at the leeward mark, with Cannonball emerging victorious despitesome tactical errors earlier in the race. This nail-biting finish underscoredthe importance of experience and teamwork.

Star-Studded Attendees

As one of the most glamorous events in the yachting world,Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2023 attracted a host of celebrities andhigh-profile figures. Among the notable attendees was Prince Frederik ofDenmark, who competed aboard his yacht Nanoq, finishing strongly in theIRC division. Hollywood actors and musicians, such as Simon Le Bon of DuranDuran, were also spotted mingling with yacht owners and industry elites at theexclusive soirées and yacht parties that punctuated the event’s social calendar.

Iconic Classics and Modern Marvels

One of the key features of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez is thediverse fleet of yachts, ranging from century-old classics to cutting-edgeracing machines. In 2023, the event continued its tradition of showcasing someof the most iconic classic yachts, including Tuiga and The Lady Anne,which impressed spectators with their timeless beauty and performance. On themodern side, high-performance yachts like Galateia and Deep Bluekept the racing exciting with their close duels, pushing the limits of modernyacht design.

Conclusion: A Memorable Edition

The 2023 edition of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez will beremembered for its challenging racing conditions, stunning yacht performances,and star-studded social scene. With competitive racing across both modern andclassic divisions and the continued glamour of its celebrity attendees, thisyear’s regatta further solidified its place as one of the premier events in theyachting calendar. Whether on the water or in the exclusive social events, LesVoiles de Saint-Tropez 2023 was a week filled with unforgettable moments.

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