Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2024: Finale of IMA Mediterranean Maxi Inshore Challenge

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez: The Epic Conclusion of the 2024 IMA Mediterranean Maxi Inshore Challenge

The International Maxi Association’s (IMA) yearly inshore series is about to reach its conclusion this week with the eagerly awaited Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. This eminent event signifies the final act of the 2024 IMA Mediterranean Maxi Inshore Challenge (MMIC), following a sequence of five events that kicked off with PalmaVela in May and culminated at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup earlier this month.

Maxis out training before the start of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez – photo © Gilles Martin-Raget

A Varied Fleet of Maxis Prepared to Compete

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, hosted by the Société Nautique de Saint Tropez, will feature a fleet of 41 maxis competing under IRC rules. These vessels range from the incredibly fast Black Jack 100, owned by Remon Vos, to the modern classic Swan 65 Saida, helmed by Jürg Schneider, who triumphed in 2022.

Black Jack 100 arrives after recently achieving a new course record at the Palermo-Montecarlo race in August. Meanwhile, the longest vessel in the maxi category is Christian Oldendorff’s Spirit 111 Geist, whereas the smaller entrants include 60-footers like Jean-Pierre Dréau’s Mylius 60 FD Lady First III and IMA President Benoît de Froidmont’s Wally 60 Wallyño. Wallyño is a formidable competitor, having secured victory in this event last year and seeking to become the first yacht to win the IMA Mediterranean Maxi Inshore Challenge three times.

Wendy Schmidt’s 85ft Deep Blue and Pier Luigi Loro Piana’s ClubSwan 80 My Song

Wendy Schmidt’s 85ft Deep Blue lines up with Pier Luigi Loro Piana’s ClubSwan 80 My Song – photo © Gilles Martin-Raget

Maxi Fleet Categorized into Four Competitive Classes

The maxi fleet is arranged into four unique classes, each showcasing top-tier participants. In Maxi A, Peter Harrison’s Jolt, previously called Cannonball, is the leading contender, having won her class for the last two years. Nonetheless, she will face strong competition from Sir Peter Ogden’s 77ft Jethou, the 2021 champion, and Alessandro Del Bono’s newly launched IRC 82 Capricorno, which has already demonstrated its prowess by clinching victory in its second race in Porto Cervo.

In Maxi B, Terry Hui’s Lyra stands out as the top favorite, boasting an unbroken winning streak at this event. However, Lyra will meet formidable challengers in Paul Berger’s Swan 80 Kallima, along with newcomers like Matteo Groppo’s Grand Soleil 72 Bianca.

Wallyño and Other Challengers in Maxi C and D

Within Maxi C, Benoît de Froidmont’s Wallyño remains the boat to outperform, maintaining an impressive record at this event. Other significant opponents include Jean-Pierre Dréau’s Mylius 60 Lady First III and Luigi Sala’s Vismara 62 Yoru.

Maxi D, although the smallest division, features intense competition with three previous winners: Matteo Fossati’s 64ft Stella Maris, Jürg Schneider’s Swan 65 Saida, and Francois Benais’ Shipman 63 Bambo.

Weather Outlook and Racing Schedule

Racing will occur from Monday through Saturday in Pampelonne Bay, with a designated layday on Wednesday. While autumn at Saint-Tropez can bring fluctuating conditions, the forecast for the week appears promising, albeit with a chance of strong winds on Wednesday.

This article has been sourced from press releases and cross-referenced with multiple trusted websites. Facts originally seen at Source along with other Sources. Images are credited to Source. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, readers are encouraged to verify details independently.