25th Anniversary Celebration
The Mediterranean Circuit reached its zenith with the grand finale – the 12th Gstaad Yacht Club Centenary Trophy! Saint-Tropez during Les Voiles exceeded expectations and offered a glamorous setting once more exceeding expectations. The 2023 edition marked a pivotal year, celebrating the 25th anniversary of both Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez and the Gstaad Yacht Club.

Midweek, the Centenary Trophy took center stage, an ingenious collaboration between the Gstaad Yacht Club and the Regatta Committee of the Société Nautique de Saint Tropez. The event showcased extraordinary centenarian boats, and this year’s spectacle lived up to its promise, boasting novel enhancements for a more immersive experience.

Innovations and Intimacy – A Regatta Like Never Before
Two notable novelties graced the event. First, the relocation of the event village to the pontoon by the SNST brought spectators closer to the action, enhancing the connection between onlookers and crews. Second, the Gstaad Yacht Club introduced a pre-race magazine, enriching the visitor experience with background stories and contemporary insights.

Centenary Trophy Festivities Unfold
The 12th Centenary Trophy festivities kicked off with a lively Swiss night at the bucolic Places de Lices in the heart of Saint-Tropez. The evening featured a retrospective film, a presentation on the “Save the Med” project, and a unique milking competition involving a Swiss cow. Brought by GYC. As anticipation for the regatta built, the evening concluded with thoughts turning to the main event on Thursday.

A Race Like No Other
Skippers and crews gathered for a pursuit race in regatta format, ensuring equal opportunities for all boats. The 9-mile coastal course, with progressive winds of up to 10 knots, provided an intense competition, culminating in a grand victory for the NY50 Spartan. Spartan 1913, sailing under the American flag, secured its name on the Centenary Trophy’s plaque for the second time. Charlie Ryan, skipper of Spartan 1913, expressed the thrill of the race, highlighting the unique aspects of the pursuit format and the camaraderie among competitors. The awards ceremony at La Bouillabaisse marked the conclusion of the season, celebrating not only the sailors but also the partners and the Gstaad Yacht Club team.

Culinary Extravaganza and Gratitude
The exclusive Centenary Trophy Awards ceremony featured a sophisticated aperitif and awards dinner, showcasing local specialities from both destinations and fine wines from partner companies. This delightful culmination of the season was a testament to the success of the event and the collaborative efforts of all involved. The Gstaad Yacht Club extended its heartfelt thanks to the partners who shaped the event’s success and continue contributing to its future.

GYC