Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez:

the Mediterranean's top sailing event

Combining spectacular races at sea and a festive atmosphere on land, this regatta is one of the world’s largest sailing events, showcasing classic sailboats and ultramodern yachts alike against the iconic backdrop of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.

The history of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez

One of the sailing world’s top annual events, the story of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez began in 1981 when a group of friends and sailing aficionados challenged each other to a duel between two magnificent boats – a 12-metre JI Ikra and Swan 44 Pride – to determine the better of the two. The contest marked the birth of the Club 55 Cup regatta, named after the restaurant located next to the finish line. The event gained traction from the following year, attracting other sailors and prompting a new name – La Nioulargue -, meaning “nest out at sea” in Provençal. Although the adventure came to a sudden standstill in 1995 further to a dramatic collision between two sailboats, it underwent a triumphant rebirth in 1999 under the name Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. Today, it is one of the world’s most prestigious regattas, remaining loyal to it founding values of fellowship, elegance and sportsmanship.

An exceptional fleet, featuring the world’s finest sailboats

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez features a variety of boat categories ranging from classic boats to traditional yachts, modern sailboats and Maxi Yachts, promising a magnificent show of tradition, power and innovation wherehistory meets cutting-edge engineering. Each route is adapted to the type of boat, with the classic and traditional sailboat races showcasing elegance while the modern craft and Maxi Yachts battle it out on more technical courses with a focus on performance.

A whole week of regattas and entertainment in the heart of Saint-Tropez

Various highlights pace the week-long competition: the traditional procession of the crews through Saint-Tropez, the challenge day and Club 55 Cup, with participants jostling for first place on the historic Nioulargue route. If you’re keen to watch the races play out, the must-do vantage points are Le Portalet, at the entrance to the Gulf, and the Citadel ramparts overlooking the bay. And while the boats are at full throttle at sea, the atmosphere on land is just as palpitating: the Village des Voiles forms its beating heart with a non-stop week of pétanque contests on Place des Lices, together with evening events and various entertainment. Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez is also a great opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with our nautical heritage, observe the race preparations and chat with some of the crews – a proximity that remains one of the features of this exciting event. The regatta ambience continues every evening with prize-giving on the quaysides in a uniquely warm and friendly atmosphere you simply won’t find elsewhere.