A celebration of Swiss spirit and sailing heritage in Saint-Tropez

Closing the season in style, the Gstaad Yacht Club once again brought a touch of Swiss flair and traditional yachting elegance to the south of France during Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. Now in its 14th edition, the Centenary Trophy continues to strengthen the Club’s ties within the international sailing community.

Festivities opened on Wednesday, 1 October, when the GYC transformed the iconic Place des Lices into a lively Alpine scene for the much-loved Swiss Night. For the third year running, crews and guests enjoyed authentic Swiss hospitality, traditional raclette prepared by René Ryser of Molkerei Gstaad, live music, and plenty of good-natured fun. Light-hearted contests, from “cow milking” to a spontaneous ski race, created a joyful prelude to the racing ahead.

The following day, attention shifted offshore for the Centenary Trophy, organised in partnership with the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez. Eighteen exceptional centenarian yachts lined up off the Tour du Portalet — from the 1890 ketch Sky to the 1925 Bermudian sloop Leonore. In light easterly winds, the pursuit-race format once again allowed yachts of all sizes to compete on equal terms, showcasing the beauty of maritime heritage in motion.

“The Centenary Trophy has become our Club’s flagship event — a celebration of tradition, beauty and the enduring spirit of sailing,” said Manrico Iachia, Commodore of the Gstaad Yacht Club. “We were delighted to welcome 18 centenarian yachts, including newcomers Leonore, Black Swan and Cariad. It’s inspiring to see participation grow year after year.” Celebrations continued that evening at the Prize-Giving Dinner at La Bouillabaisse Restaurant, where Chef Martin Göschel of The Alpina Gstaad, one Michelin star, 18 GaultMillau points, presented a refined interpretation of Alpine haute cuisine.

Marking her 100th anniversary, Leonore (1925) triumphed in her Centenary Trophy debut, expertly navigating the 9-nautical-mile course to inscribe her name on the Perpetual Trophy. She was followed by three-time winner Olympian (1913) in second place and Mariska (1908) in third.

More than a race, the Centenary Trophy remains a joyful meeting of heritage, craftsmanship and camaraderie — a testament to the Gstaad Yacht Club’s enduring commitment to celebrating sailing tradition and Swiss spirit on the global stage.

GYC