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Since its creation, the Gstaad Yacht Club Centenary Trophy<\/b> regatta has made Saint-Tropez the scene of a spectacle at sea that is unique in the world. It is a heritage and competitive icon in the world of sailing.<\/p>\n
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The Classics, the old rigs<\/b>, are like vintage cars that take part in a few rallies during the year, but don’t often go out because they are fragile. So, it’s a much-anticipated moment for their owners, who come from all over the world. They enjoy getting together and racing like gentlemen with crews made up of sailors loyal to the event. The crew members form a close-knit community of enthusiasts, a touch mercenary, with the air of traveling entertainers.<\/p>\n
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There is only one rule for sailboats to participate in the Gstaad Yacht Club’s Centenary Trophy, organized in collaboration with the Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 Nautique de Saint-Tropez<\/b>: they must have passed the symbolic milestone of 100 years of age.<\/p>\n
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The ketch Sky<\/b>, built in 1890, is 135 years old, while the Bermudian sloop Leonore<\/b> celebrated its 100th birthday this year<\/b>, allowing it to participate in this superb regatta for the first time. Luck smiles on beginners… even though this is a sailboat that has already distinguished itself in numerous regattas.<\/p>\n
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Thanks to a unique reverse handicap start format called a \u201cPursuit Race,\u201d boats cross the starting line according to their rating. The first to cross the finish line is the winner. This formula delights sailors and spectators alike, as it offers close battles right up to the last leg with guaranteed suspense.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThere’s nothing more exciting than setting off alone, chasing those who started before you, while keeping an eye on those coming up behind you. It’s a guaranteed adrenaline rush!\u201d says Juan Carlos Eguiagaray, owner of the Oriole sailboat, which won the Centenary Trophy last year and in 2015.<\/p>\n
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The start was given on Thursday, October 2, at 12:30 p.m. for the first boat of the Tour du Portalet, at the foot of which stands the Bar des Voiles, the must-see meeting place for the week of regattas.<\/p>\n
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With the new location of the Village on the M\u00f4le Jean R\u00e9veille, the show is guaranteed both on the water and on land, allowing the residents of Saint-Tropez and the public to be at the heart of the event. The harbor breakwater is indeed a very strategic location for watching the boats as they come and go.<\/p>\n
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