The final day of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2025 arrived with gusts topping 50 knots, enough to set halyards singing and prompt crews to double their mooring lines. Ashore at Place des Lices, the atmosphere was anything but subdued, as sailors, owners, and spectators crowded together for a prize-giving that brought the curtain down on what organisers were calling a "superlative edition."
Pierre Roinson, President of the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, was effusive about the 2025 "vintage," describing it as one of the most successful in the event's history. A record starting fleet, comprising 81 classic yachts alongside 41 Maxis, had drawn enormous crowds to the quayside, where the schooner Atlantic and her companions "worked their magic" for spectators lining the harbour. Roinson captured the spirit of the week simply: "everyone aboard these boats loves the sea and yachting."
Competition among the Maxis had been intense throughout. V, sailed by Karel Komarek, claimed the Edmond de Rothschild Trophy as top Maxi 1 finisher, edging out Capricorno and Leopard 3, while Django 7X took honours in the Maxi GP class. The standout performer of the regatta was Crazy Diamond, owned by Enzo Pellizzaro, which swept the Maxi 5 class and went on to claim the overall Town of Saint-Tropez Cup, completing a flawless series.
In the Big Boat classics, Cambria, owned by Chris Barkham, proved just good enough to take the prestigious Rolex Trophy, finishing narrowly ahead of Elena of London and Atlantic in a closely fought division.
Principal Race Officer Georges Korhel, attending Les Voiles for the 27th time, reflected warmly on a well-run week. He pointed to continued improvements in race management, a strengthening relationship with the International Maxi Association, and the exemplary conduct of competitors throughout. His personal highlight was Friday's Rolex Trophy start, which he described as "absolutely incredible," with Atlantic sharing the line alongside the largest classics in the fleet, a moment he said would remain etched in memory.
Off the water, the event delivered equally memorable moments. Edmond de Rothschild's sponsorship brought fresh energy to the social calendar, with a crew soirée and a boules competition among the highlights. Friday evening's fireworks display lit up the old port for a full 20 minutes, drawing crowds to the waterfront. The Corinthian ethos that has long defined Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, equal parts camaraderie and theatre, was as evident as ever, reaffirming the event's standing as the jewel of Mediterranean sailing.
