A Celebration of Maritime Heritage on the French Riviera
The timeless elegance of classic yachting is set to take center stage on the French Riviera this autumn. On Thursday, 1 October, the most beautiful centenarian yachts will officially gather in the pristine waters of the bay of Saint-Tropez. This highly anticipated maritime gathering marks the 15th edition of the Gstaad Yacht Club Centenary Trophy.
Held as a specialized segment within the broader and world-renowned Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez regatta, this unique race has steadily grown in prestige. Over the years, it has established itself as an absolutely unmissable event specifically reserved for sailing yachts that are over one hundred years old. The Centenary Trophy was originally created by the Gstaad Yacht Club and is expertly co-organised in partnership with the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez. For a decade and a half, the competition has successfully celebrated the refined elegance, the deep maritime heritage, and the enduring sporting spirit associated with classic sailing.
The Technical Thrill of the Pursuit-Race Format
Since its inaugural creation in 2011, the Gstaad Yacht Club Centenary Trophy has maintained a highly special and unique place within the extensive programme of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. By strictly reserving the starting line for yachts over one hundred years old, the race intentionally shines a light on exceptional sailing vessels that serve as true, floating witnesses to the absolute golden age of yacht design and maritime craftsmanship.
Beyond the sheer beauty of the fleet, the technical structure of the regatta is what makes the Centenary Trophy so distinctive in the modern racing calendar. The event utilizes a pursuit-race format. In competitive sailing, a "rating" is a calculated handicap system designed to balance the performance differences between vessels of varying lengths, sail areas, and hull designs. For this trophy, the race starts are staggered according to each individual yacht's rating.
This staggered start means that, in theory, the entire fleet is mathematically timed to come together in the final, thrilling stages of the race. This highly spectacular and intense racing format provides crews with the rare opportunity to sail in close physical contact with the entire fleet. The pursuit structure culminates in a highly contested finish off the coast of Saint-Tropez, located precisely at the foot of the historic Tour du Portalet. Because the handicap is applied at the beginning of the race rather than through post-race time calculations, the first yacht to physically cross the finish line is immediately declared the winner of the Centenary Trophy.
Insights from the Fleet and Organizers
Operating these massive, historic vessels in close quarters requires immense skill and seamless crew coordination. Hugues Boullenger, the captain of Sumurun, shared his perspective on the intense competition. Sumurun holds the distinction of being the largest yacht in the current racing fleet.
"The Centenary Trophy is a truly special regatta," stated Boullenger. "It is a unique moment within Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. The pursuit format is very original: with our high rating, we start among the last boats and have to work our way back through the fleet." Boullenger further explained that this dynamic format allows his crew to sail closely alongside classic yachts they do not necessarily meet in other conventional races, offering a chance to admire their historic counterparts up close. "Racing almost in real time is quite rare in classic sailing, and it adds a real sporting challenge. It is a magnificent regatta that we greatly enjoy."
Daniel Heine, the Sailing Officer of the Gstaad Yacht Club, highlighted the emotional and historical weight of the upcoming anniversary. "Celebrating the 15th edition of the Centenary Trophy is a great source of pride for the Gstaad Yacht Club," Heine remarked. "For fifteen years, this unique regatta has kept the history of classic sailing alive by bringing together exceptional centenarian yachts and passionate crews in Saint-Tropez." Heine also took the opportunity to warmly thank the co-organizers, the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, citing their trust, outstanding hospitality, and invaluable partnership as the vital elements that allow the Centenary Trophy to continue writing its remarkable story.
Two Prestigious Clubs: Heritage and Collaboration
The success of the Centenary Trophy relies heavily on the collaboration between two distinct but equally passionate yacht clubs. The Gstaad Yacht Club was uniquely founded in 1998 by a group of passionate sailors with an unconventional mission: to "create a unique global yacht club away from the water, rather than another local yacht club by the sea". Located high in the Swiss Alps, the club was initially met with some surprise by the traditional maritime community. However, it has since grown into a formidable organization boasting 400 members from more than 40 different countries.
The Gstaad Yacht Club supports sailing projects at every level, ranging from junior development programs to professional campaigns, and plays an important role in Olympic sailing and classic yachting. Furthermore, since 2011, the club has heavily integrated environmental well-being and ocean protection into its core activities, collaborating with notable figures and organizations such as Sylvia Earle, the Blue Marine Foundation, and IUCN Ocean Ambassador William Winram.
Partnering with them is the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, an institution founded in 1862. The SNST has been organizing major nautical events for more than 160 years, remaining open to modernity and innovation while deeply respecting tradition. Supported by 500 members and a dedicated team, the SNST organizes major international events, including Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez and the Rolex Giraglia (co-organized as the Loro Piana Giraglia). Showcasing its modern racing pedigree, the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez also served as the challenger club for the French team in the 2024 America's Cup and will reprise this prestigious role for the 2027 America's Cup in Naples.
Swiss Traditions on the Riviera
Before the sails are hoisted and the starting guns echo across the bay, the event will prioritize shoreside conviviality and cultural exchange. On Wednesday, 30 September, the Gstaad Yacht Club will officially open the celebrations by hosting the 4th edition of the "Swiss Night".
Held on the famous Place des Lices, this event will see Switzerland momentarily take over the heart of Saint-Tropez. The evening is designed to offer participating crews and their esteemed guests a genuine taste of Swiss traditions and the alpine way of life. The festive programme will include a variety of alpine specialities, alongside lighthearted traditional activities such as a cow-milking contest and an unmissable ski race, guaranteeing a warm and vibrant atmosphere ahead of the serious competition on the water.
The Centenary Trophy Hall of Fame
To win the Gstaad Yacht Club Centenary Trophy is to etch a yacht's name into modern classic sailing history. The roster of past champions showcases a diverse range of historic vessels that have mastered the pursuit format:
- 2011: Bonafide, originally launched in 1899.
- 2012: Marigold, originally launched in 1892.
- 2013: Due to unfavourable weather conditions, the race could not take place and the trophy was not awarded.
- 2014: Olympian, originally launched in 1913.
- 2015: Oriole, originally launched in 1905.
- 2016: Spartan, originally launched in 1913.
- 2017: Tilly XV, originally launched in 1912.
- 2018: Tilly XV, successfully defending her title.
- 2019: Olympian, securing her second victory.
- 2021: Olympian, claiming the trophy for a third time.
- 2022: Kismet, originally launched in 1898.
- 2023: Spartan, returning for a second win.
- 2024: Oriole, securing her second victory.
- 2025: Leonore, originally launched in 1925.
As the fleet prepares to converge at the foot of the Tour du Portalet this October, the classic yachting community waits with bated breath to see which historic vessel will add its name to this prestigious list.
Stay tuned to NAVIS for more updates on this evolving story and exclusive coverage of the international classic yachting circuit.
