Rent yacht south France : experience Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez at sea
As a keen regatta enthusiast, have you always dreamt of following a sailing race out at sea in the best possible conditions ? Choose our yacht hire in the South of France and experience the very best of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez in September. Our professional skippers guarantee you a swift and spectacular crossing of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez so you don’t miss a thing at this thrilling event.
From the Nioulargue to the Voiles de Saint-Tropez : a century-old tradition
Before setting sail to experience the Voiles de Saint-Tropez, take a moment to learn about the origins of this legendary race. The story begins in 1981. Two skippers – Jean Laurain, skipper of the Ikra, and Dick Jayson, owner of the Pride – set themselves the challenge of organising a race starting at the Portalet Tower in Saint-Tropez, heading towards Nioulargue and finishing at Club 55 in Pampelonne. The result: Ikra won the race, and the Nioulargue was born. Over the years, this event has combined iconic races, festive evenings and pétanque competitions. It came to an end in 1995 before being revived in 1999 under the name Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, organised by the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez. Since then, more than 300 boats have competed each year in the gulf, ranging from classic sailing yachts such as the Pen Duick to more modern models such as the Walligator, Cannonball and L’Esprit d’équipe, as well as production sailing yachts.
Rent yacht south France : the programme and highlights of the 2026 edition to help you organise your adventure
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez usually takes place towards the end of September or in October each year. The 28th edition will be held from 26 September to 4 October 2026. The programme promises to be exceptional, with the eagerly awaited return of the Rolex Trophy, the Edmond de Rothschild Trophy and the Class J yachts.
- 26 September to 4 October, 9.00 am to 9.00 pm : visitors can access the Village des Voiles in the harbour, where there will be live music, boules competitions and more. Numerous stalls and entertainment are also available.
- 27 September : the official opening and the YCF Autumn Cup.
- 29 September : Rolex Trophy
- 1 October : challenge day, featuring, amongst other events, the Gstaad YC Trophy.
- 3 and 4 October : finals and prize-giving ceremonies.
Follow the Voiles de Saint-Tropez at sea with Eden Boat
To experience the Voiles de Saint-Tropez to the full, there’s nothing better than following the regatta from the sea. But be warned: the waters of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez are particularly busy and complex during the event. With a large number of fleets mixing ultra-modern maxi yachts and century-old classic sailing boats, numerous strict exclusion zones and intersecting routes, it is important to choose your boat carefully to ensure you can follow the regatta comfortably and safely.
This is where the Axopar 45 XT comes into its own. Boasting a triple engine setup delivering a phenomenal 900 chevaux of power and a streamlined hull with remarkable stability, this high-end day-boat demonstrates exceptional agility. As soon as the race committee adjusts a course or a fleet begins a decisive tack, your professional skipper can reposition the vessel instantly. Whether it’s to capture the electric tension at the starting line or anticipate spectacular manoeuvres as the boats round the buoys, you are always positioned for the best possible view. Your guests enjoy a fully immersive experience and won’t miss a single second of the spectacle, all whilst strictly adhering to the exclusion zones and safety rules imposed by the regatta organisers.
After a full day spent at the heart of the race, thrilling to the rhythm of the traditional sailing yachts and the Maxis, your captain will gently set course for home. This final sail at sunset, with a glass of champagne in hand as you gaze out at the golden horizon of the Mediterranean, brings to a close an exceptional experience that will remain etched in your guests’ memories.