One of the most revered sailing regions among the classic yachting community, the Côte d’Azur regularly attracts vessels of all varieties for its sailing regattas. Glamorous coastal destinations, like Monaco, Antibes, St Tropez and Cannes, transform into yachting hotspots at various points throughout the year, with ports filling with varnished teak and white sails.
September and October are superb months for sailing yacht charters on the French Riviera, with four weeks of sensational racing beginning with the Monaco Classic Week in mid-September, followed by the Cannes Royal Regatta, and concluding with the Voiles des Saint Tropez. Alternatively, if you’re planning a sailing yacht charter in the spring, the Voiles d’Antibes opens the Mediterranean classic regatta circuit with five days of magnificent racing.
Monaco Classic Week, 13-17th September 2017
September brings a stunning fleet of classic yachts to Port Hercules, where the Yacht Club de Monaco hosts one of the greatest gatherings of belle époque vessels in the world. Monaco Classic Week welcomes over 60 classic sailing yachts to race in the deep waters of the Bay of Monaco. The event also hosts exhibitions of the most beautiful classic and vintage motor yachts. With a lively schedule of competitions, yacht parades, and entertainment in the village after the day’s racing, there is an abundance of things to see and do during the Monaco Classic Week.
Cannes Royal Regatta, 23rd-30th September 2017
The Cannes Regatta is the final event in the Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge for the Mediterranean summer circuit, making this a prestigious and much-loved event in the yachting calendar. Now in its 39th year, the Cannes Royal Regatta brings together a large fleet of Classic, Metrique, Tofinou, Dragon, Spirit of Tradition, and 5.5m yacht classes. The sight of the spectacular vessels racing across the Bay of Cannes is one of the greatest spectacles of the sailing world. The friendly competition of the Cannes Regatta is famous, as rival yacht crews battle it out for the coveted Panerai Trophy. A sailing yacht charter during the regatta is a superb way to get involved in this iconic event.
Voiles de Saint Tropez, 30th September-8th of October 2017
When the Cannes regatta concludes, the sailing world turns its attention to the Voiles de St Tropez – the regatta that closes the Mediterranean racing season. This unique event brings together both classic yachts and high-tech modern sailboats. Over 300 yachts and 4,000 sailors flock to St Tropez in the early days of autumn to race in the breeze and enjoy the famous conviviality of this splendid event. Whether you’re interested in the Tradition class or the power of Modern and Wally yachts, the Voiles des St Tropez makes for a thrilling occasion.
Voiles d’Antibes, 30 May-3rd June 2018
The Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge resumes once more with the Voiles d’Antibes in June 2018, as the classic yachts make their way back from the Caribbean or unfurl their sails after the Mediterranean winter. There exists a fabulous sense of reunion and friendly rivalry at this regatta. The snow-capped Alps make for a spectacular backdrop as the yachts sail along the coast in the late spring sunshine, before returning to the race village set below the ramparts for evenings of live entertainment and good fun. Considered by many to be the friendliest event of the Mediterranean regatta circuit, Antibes’ classic regatta is a firm favourite of yacht Owners, crews, and sailing yacht charterers.
Whether you’re chartering a sailing yacht to take part in the racing or would prefer to watch the race in style from the deck of your vessel, a regatta yacht charter in France offers the ultimate immersive experience in the sport, history, and camaraderie of sailing. The backdrop of the Cote d’Azur just adds to the glamour and fun of these incredible events, as you sail off the coast of Monaco, Antibes, Cannes or St Tropez, returning each evening to the vibrant social scene of the race village. Enjoy the sport and spectacle as your yacht’s sails billow above you and the breathtaking landscapes of the French Riviera slip by.
