Leg 1

On 26 June, following the official starting ceremony at the memorial of Pierre André de Suffren, the fleet left the old port of St. Tropez for the 20th edition of Trophée Bailli de Suffren, a 580 nautical mile race from St. Tropez to Malta. The classic yacht event is supported by Yachting Malta.

Unique in its historical significance, naval etiquette and Corinthian spirit, the Trophee Bailli de Suffren has for the past twenty years brought together more than 108 classic yachts.

Dubbed as the Gentleman’s Race, it is the only international classic boats race in the world and follows in the footsteps of Pierre André de Suffren of Saint-Tropez, Bailli and Grand Cross of the Order of St John of Jerusalem and Vice-Admiral of the French Navy under Louis XVI. 

This year’s course will see the fleet stop over in some of the most attractive ports in the Mediterranean - Bonifacio (Corsica), Trapani (Sicily), Mġarr (Gozo) before completing the course at the Royal Malta Yacht Club.

“The Trophee Bailli de Suffren is the embodiment of classic yachting. It combines one’s passion for sailing, history and exploration in some of the most beautiful locations in the Mediterranean. Malta’s medieval bastions could not provide a better backdrop for these classic yachts, whose timeless beauty is the epitome of elegance” enthused Mr John Huber, Chairman, Yachting Malta. “It is a pleasure to support this event once again, as it gives us the opportunity to showcase another side of Malta’s potential for such events.”

The first leg brought beautiful sailing conditions for the participants, with up to 17 knots of wind and everything from close hauled racing to long stretches under spinnaker.

After a 2 day stopover in Bonifacio, the fleet started the next leg today with the finish at the next stopover in the Italian port of Trapani.

Text Credits: Trophée Bailli de Suffren
Photo Credits: ICARUS Sports