Classic sailing giants including Shamrock V and Velsheda to compete in St Tropez

With only one month to go until the start of the tenth anniversary of Les Voiles de Saint Tropez (26 September – 4 October) the event is already looking like a vintage regatta.

Nearly 3,000 crew, competing on over 250 traditional and modern yachts, have received confirmation of their participation – including sailing J class giants Shamrock V (37m) and Velsheda (38m).

This anniversary edition will be an opportunity to turn attention towards Tuiga (pictured), one of the most beautiful traditional craft and a ‘linchpin’ of traditional yachting as one of the very rare 15m Jls designed by W.Fife and launched in 1909.

In addition, sailor Marc Pajot will be at the helm of one of the most highly awaited boats, and certainly the hottest newcomer of the year. The 15 m JI Mariska (28m), also designed by Fife in 1908, will be heading back out to sea for Les Voiles after a two-year restoration in the hands of the associated carpenters in nearby La Ciotat.

Another 100-year-old yacht is the gaff rig sloop Lady Trix, a relatively small craft of 9.5m, designed by Alfred Mylne and restored by Bruno Barbara in the Candela yard in La Rochelle. She will be present in Saint Tropez for the very first time. She was initially designed for the daughter of the owner of several boats made by the Malcolm yard in Scotland.

To find out more about the entrants, visit www.snst.org .

Image courtesy of MonacoEye.com .