The Côte d'Azur is the place to be this September...
Caroline Blatter 18 Sep 2021 The French Riviera/ Antibes/ Cannes/ Nice / Monaco / Mediterranean / Regattas & Cruising Rallies / Yacht / Boat Shows
After cancelled events around the world these last 18 months, and changes to the way we live, work and travel - there has been great joy and relief shown by many who were able to attend the recent racing regattas and Boat Show in the South of France, moving away from our screens to meet fellow friends and colleagues in person, and not on Zoom or webinars!
There is overwhelming support for in person meets, the yachting industry taking the positive experiences & lessons learnt from the digital explosion COVID brought, moving us towards an exciting future!
Image from Cannes Yachting Festival 2021
The Cannes Yachting Festival: 7-12th September 2021
This friendly welcoming trade show, on the Cote d'Azur in the heart of the stunning port of Cannes, was a huge success, with a steady footfall throughout the week.
Vieux Port hosted new motor boats ranging from 3 to 45m in length alongside the Luxury Living section.
Port Canto was the setting of the Sailing Area, for new yachts from 10-35m in length, and large previously-owned yachts over 22m in length.
SailGP 2021 - Bob Martin Image
SailGP Saint Tropez: 11-12th September 2021
The Grand Prix of sailing came to the beautiful waters of Saint Tropez, with the eight teams competing in adrenaline fuelled racing. Elite athletes fly cutting-edge wingsailed F50 catamarans in five thrilling close-to-shore fleet races, followed by The Final for three of the highest ranked teams to face off and be crowned event champions.
Team Japan with Olympic champion Nathan Outteridge at the helm is at the top of the leaderboard, followed by Team United States led by America's Cup Sailor Jimmy Spithill, and the youngest competing team, Spain, in third place.
The last event of the SailGP Circuit this season is in Cadiz, Spain on the 9-10th October. This is a fabulous spectator sport from a yacht anchored around the course!
The final race at this last event is The Grand Final - where the highest ranked teams in the season leaderboard go head-to-head to be crowned SailGP champions and win the $1 million prize!
So which team will be the overall Winner of this 2021 season?
Les Voiles d'Antibes 2021 - Patrick Hanez Image
Les Voiles d'Antibes: 15-19th September 2021
One of the most regal regattas in the lovely port of Antibes, with a wonderful selection of vintage and classic yachts of all sizes and ages, representing the great history of international yachting and the camaraderie sailing brings.
Monaco Port Hercule & anchorage beyond - Ameller Image
Monaco Yacht Show: 22-25th September 2021
One of the most prestigious displays of superyachts in the world set in the iconic Port Hercule, Monaco, begins next week. Attracting some of the largest superyachts, where 'superlatives' are the norm, industry leaders & personnel from this niche superyacht industry descend on the principality of Monaco: from shipyards, yacht brokerage and charter companies, to services, suppliers & the yachting community! This is the first chance for many to network and meet after the challenges of the last 18 months.
There is normally excellent representation from the Caribbean, the southern hemisphere, the Pacific region and SE Asia, who will be missed this year.
New Show times 10 - 6.30pm, with strict Health measures in place to gain entry, maintaining a COVID safe event.
Follow this link to BUY TICKETS.
Les Voiles de Saint Tropez - Gilles Martin-Raget Image
Les Voiles de Saint Tropez: 25th September - 9th October 2021
Week one: 25th -2nd October - for modern yachts up to 18.29m LOA and Classic yachts.
Week two: 4-9th October - for Maxi yachts
This ‘Grand Finalé’ to the summer season set in Saint Tropez brings together traditional yachts with boats of the third millennium. 250 yachts of all ages and sizes are expected by a team of 100 volunteers on shore and on the water, whose role is to ensure these two weeks run smoothly - and most of all enjoyed by the sailors and hundreds of spectators that flock to Saint Tropez!
They will not be disappointed with exceptional start lines in all classes!
Of the nearly 80 classic yachts taking part, 21 are over a hundred years old.
More than 45 yachts ranging from 18 - 42m will race in week two, with prestigious Wally Yachts rockstars Magic Carpet Cubed, Y3K, Green Eyes, Ryokan 2, Rose, and defending champion, Lyra.
Amongst the offshore maxi's are Rambler 88, Leopard 111, 30.45m Comanche at les Volies for the first time, and the ever graceful much loved J-Class Yachts, Velsheda and Topaz.
Baltic yachts new Baltic 68 ‘café racer’ Pink Gin Verde, with her two electric motors and a hydro-generator system will race for the first time, alongside the 30m Reichel/Pugh design Southern Wind, Morgana, built in South Africa.
Finally, Silvertip, the 2002 New Zealand built 34m Dubois and regular of southern hemisphere regattas will also be at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2021.
Image from Rendez-Vous Riviera at The Saint Tropez Polo Club
Rendez-Vous Riviera Event: 3rd October 2021
* FINAL TICKETS - LIMITED SUPPLY *
To end the season, the spectacular Rendez-Vous Riviera at the Saint-Tropez Polo Club is for all car enthusiasts, with 60 fine Classic Cars on display in luxury surroundings, the day hosted by fashion model and TV presenter Jodie Kidd, and Le Mans racing legend Derek Bell.
There will be live music, a DJ, fashion shows, cocktail and champagne bars, rosé tastings and superb food served throughout the day, a perfect way to end the summer season.
(Tickets are fully inclusive of all drinks and food throughout the day, limited supply so book now!).
