Les Voiles de St. Barth Richard Mille returned with record attendance. The two-year forced absence has whetted the appetite and attracted even more sailing enthusiasts, eager to sail and socialize

Images courtesy of © Théo Questel, Christophe Jouany

More than 1,100 sailors from around the world have taken to the turquoise waters around Saint Barthélemy for the triumphant return of the 11th edition of Les Voiles de St. Barth Richard Mille, last April. No doubt the two-year forced absence has whetted the appetite and attracted even more sailing enthusiasts, eager to sail and socialize

Created in 2010 at the behest of François Tolède and Luc Poupon, today the event has become an unmissable meeting for monohulls – included in the calendar of the International Maxi Association – and multihulls alike. The reason for this is the unique competitive spirit and sociability that colours the race, both on the water and on land, which have earned it a spot as a major event in the Caribbean.

Today, it has a real international dimension, each year gathering together 15 or so nationalities, the most high-performance boats in the world and the top international sailors.

Moreover, the increasing popularity of the multihull classes contributes to the event’s strong numbers. “This is a trend that was already notable in recent years and continues to grow,” says co-founders François Tolède. “At 18 strong, the catamarans and trimarans represent a quarter of the fleet.”

During the 2022 edition, Pata Negra, Mach Schnell and Crybaby in CSA 5, Offshore Multihull and Diam 24 OD respectively, thoroughly enjoyed all the days while each claiming their overall class wins.

While, five-time winner of Les Voiles de St. Barth Richard Mille, American Jim Swartz and company won the Maxi class, claiming the Richard Mille Maxi Cup Trophy, with their JV 72 Vesper and earned the Richard Mille RM 028 Richard Mille Automatic Diver Watch.

“It’s been a joy to be back racing, and this is one of my favorite events,” said Swartz. “Full credit to the competitors for a great week of racing; it’s great to be back on the water and racing again. Saint Barth can’t be beat for delivering incredible conditions that challenge teams at every level.”

Next year, this concentrated adrenaline and competition will take place April 16 – 22, 2023, see you there.