Nearly thirty years to the day since the original event, La Nioulargue, Les Voiles de Saint Tropez and the famous bay are continuing to exert their magic over the most beautiful yachts on the planet, classic and modern alike. Organised for the first time in 1999 by the Société Nautique de Saint Tropez, Les Voiles de Saint Tropez will be running their 13th meeting this year.

The 2011 edition will of course pay tribute to La Nioulargue, confirming its support of the original spirit of the event: fair play, marine sense and a taste for all things festive. The highlight is the involvement of the Ikra, a 12m JI, which will compete in the first race against the American Swan, Pride. The original race between these two protagonists, which actually gave rise to La Nioulargue, was organised by Patrice de Colmont back in 1981 under the name of "Club 55 Cup", the stake being lunch at Club 55 for the winner.

For the first time this year, a "Centenarian's Race" will be organised during Les Voiles, involving between 15 and 20 boats and will be contested on Thursday, during the Challenge Day. The modern yachts pay the traditional entry fees, while the traditional boats are called upon to make a donation at their discretion, for the benefit of the SNSM (French equivalent of the RNLI), a "custom" introduced by Patrice de Colmont.

There is plenty for the landlubber on shore as well. The outdoor Grand Village system organised around the new look bar and its terrace, has been revamped with a few tweaks to the layout, most notable of which are the partners' area and some small 3m by 5m modules next to the official Voiles Kappa clothing stand. This space, specially fitted out for the duration of Les Voiles, is open everyday free of charge to all, from Saturday 23rd September to Sunday 2nd October, from 09h00 to 19h30.

As regards entertainment, there is a very full agenda including the famous Sardinade or fish fry (Tuesday evening), a bowling competition (Wednesday evening) and the crew procession (Thursday evening), with a number of new features and surprises courtesy of the Société Nautique de Saint Tropez, in partnership with "l'Esprit Village à Saint Tropez" under the leadership of Serge Malapelle.

PROGRAMME

CLASSIC YACHTS
Sunday 25 and Monday 26 September: Reception and scrutineering
Sunday 25 September: arrival of the Yacht Club de France's Autumn Cup from Cannes
Tuesday 27 September, Wednesday 28, Thursday 29 (J. Laurain Day, Challenge Day, Club 55 Cup), Friday 30 and Saturday 1 October Coastal course, 1st start 1200 hours

MODERN YACHTS
Saturday 24 September - Sunday 25: Reception and scrutineering
Monday 26, Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28, Thursday 29 (J. Laurain Day, Challenge Day), Friday 30 and Saturday 1 October: Coastal course, 1st start 1130 hours

General prize-giving for all
Sunday 2 October, from 1100 hours

DRAGON SAINT TROPEZ 
Monday 3, Tuesday 4: Reception, launches and scrutineering
Wednesday 5, Thursday 6, Friday 7, Saturday 8, Sunday 9: Racing in the bay
Early evening on Sunday 9: prize-giving

All images © Gilles Martin-Raget, All Rights Reserved

Folk Legend Joan Baez is coming to Monaco Folk legend and political activist Joan Baez is coming to Monaco this autumn for a unique concert at the Grimaldi Forum on the 4th of October. READ MORE

The Magic Power of herbs and citrus fruits Growing wild or cultivated, herbs and citrus fruits are a key essence of Liguria. Perfumes, shapes and colours that hide extraordinary food and medicinal virtues ... >> READ MORE

Your chance to shine with the Stars of the Catwalk in Cannes! How would you like to be part of the biggest fashion show in the world? Well now you have the chance, in conjunction with ... >> READ MORE