This year’s Voiles de Saint-Tropez came to its end last week, marked by the participation of 24 Swan yachts. With podium finishes across the board, the Swan fleet dominated the leader board at this popular event. It was a landslide of victories across the IRC classes at this important gathering of the most important classic as well as modern yachts of this era.
ClubSwan cocktail reception hosted by Swan 90S charter yacht Solleone
Five days of racing were scheduled, plus the traditional lay day with the ClubSwan cocktail reception onboard Swan 90S charter yacht Solleone. ClubSwan members and guests thoroughly enjoyed a relaxing evening and soaked up the ambience of St Tropez harbour in true Swan Style.
Swan 53 Yacht Music, 1st in IRC Group 2 © Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
The South African Swan 53 sailing yacht Music, owned and sailed by James Blakemore finished 1st in IRC Group B. James Blakemore commented, “It was a really fantastic week of sailing at the very well organized Les Voiles de St Tropez. Although the conditions for the first day of racing were not ideal for us with quite light winds, we managed a credible 6th position. After the first race things improved and Music performed beautifully in a slightly stiffer breeze. As always my crew were at the top of their game and no time or hardly any was left on the course. I am very happy with my Swan 53 and its performance! We were very proud to achieve 1st place in our Group IRC B, as well as win the Edmond de Rothschild Trophy for our overall finish. Les Voiles is one of the most spectacular regattas taking place in the lovely waters around St Tropez and the one that all the crews really enjoy.”
Swan 42 Yacht Natalia, winner of ClubSwan award © Nautor's Swan
In IRC1 it was Swan 601 @robas in 2nd overall, while the Club Swan 42s and Swan 45s dominated IRC3 with the top six finishers all being Swans. Club Swan 42 Natalia finished first in the IRC 3, winning the ClubSwan Award for the best placed Swan overall. Swan 45 Earlybird was the top placed Swan 45 finishing 2nd in their class.
The next event on the ClubSwan calendar is the Swan Mediterannean Challenge during the Rolex Middle Sea Race, which starts in Malta on October 19.
