All the elements were in place to make the sixth edition of Les Voiles de St. Barth an exceptional event, with a magnificent 70-boat fleet enjoying steadfast competition, ideal Caribbean weather and lively shore-side events throughout the week.
a bird’s eye view of the les voiles de st. barth crew party, photo: les voiles de st. barth/michael gramm
les voiles de st. barth crew party entertainment, photo: les voiles de st. barth/michael gramm
les voiles de st. barth crew party, photo: les voiles de st. barth/michael gramm
sailing star power, left to right: terry hutchinson, ken read, loick peyron, photo: les voiles de st. barth/michael gramm
The regatta personified the sailing lifestyle, with fabulous on the water action, rock star sailors and inspired parties.
mod 70 phaedo 3 at les voiles de st. barth, photo: les voiles de st. barth/christophe jouany
comanche vs. rambler 88, photo: les voiles de st. barth/christophe jouany
70 entries for les voiles de st. barth 2015, photo: les voiles de st. barth/christophe jouany
comanche! photo: les voiles de st. barth/michael gramm
Teams came from around the world to compete, and boats ranged from speedy multihulls such as Lloyd Thornburg’s Mod 70 Phaedo 3 to technologically sophisticated new-builds such as George David’s Rambler 88 and Jim and Kristy Hinze-Clarke’s Comanche to the more traditional grand prix yachts and smaller racer cruisers.
caviar treasure hunt! photo: les voiles de st. barth/michael gramm
lay day fun, photo: les voiles de st. barth/michael gramm
flowing veuve cliquot. photo: les voiles de st. barth/michael gramm
yes – dancing on tables, photo: les voiles de st. barth/michael gramm
After tight racing on Tuesday and Wednesday, competitors took to Nikki Beach for Lay Day, enjoying fresh sushi and rose as well as table dancing and fun shore-side competitions such as Paddle Board Jousting, Water Polo, and Caviar Treasure Hunts. After that, it was back to the starting line for two more days of suspenseful competition on the glistening waters off St. Barth.
sponsor richard mille with his regatta watch prizes, photo: les voiles de st. barth/michael gramm
rambler 88 in action, photo: christophe jouany
rambler 88 wins! photo: les voiles de st. barth/michael gramm
While 10 teams claimed trophies for class wins, it was Rambler 88 that took home the ultimate prize, a Richard Mille Caliber RM 60-01 Regatta watch, for winning the overall Maxi division.
a beautiful ending to the 2015 edition, photo: les voiles de st. barth/michael gramm
Les Voiles de St. Barth 2015 was a smashing success in all aspects. “Those who come to race arrive with their friends and families. They come before the race begins and remain for a few days after the awards ceremony in order to enjoy the island’s legendary “French-touch” lifestyle. Overall, this sixth edition was not only successful for racing but also an economic success, a success in terms of media coverage, and the boats put on a beautiful show, said François Tolède, managing director of the regatta.
The next edition is April 11-16, 2016, mark your calendars!
Kirsten is a public relations and social media professional specializing in lifestyle sports and luxury brands. You can follow her on Twitter at @kirferg.