The start of October marked the much-anticipated return of the Centenary Trophy to Saint-Tropez, the only regatta in the world dedicated exclusively to yachts over 100 years old. Hosted by the Gstaad Yacht Club (GYC) in partnership with the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, the event celebrated its 13th edition with a blend of tradition, camaraderie, and competitive sailing.

Swiss Night Sets the Tone
The festivities kicked off on Wednesday, 2 October with the now-traditional “Swiss Night,” a nod to the Gstaad Yacht Club’s heritage. Held at the “La Renaissance” cinema, attendees enjoyed screenings of two films: one chronicling the history of the Centenary Trophy and another exploring the story of Wiki (1920), a classic yacht intertwined with the ecological challenges of the Mediterranean.

Outdoors, the atmosphere was lively with a whimsical cow-milking contest featuring a Swiss “cow” specially brought to Saint-Tropez and a playful ski race staged in Place des Lices. Sailors and guests embraced the light-hearted competition, with the crew of “Marga” (1910) emerging victorious. Their prizes included custom Gstaad-branded towels and wooden boards, courtesy of Gstaad Saanenland Tourism.

The Race Day
On Thursday, October 3, skippers and owners gathered at the port’s VIP lounge for the morning briefing. The pursuit-style regatta format ensures that the slowest-rated boats start first, creating dramatic finishes as faster yachts attempt to overtake.

This year’s fleet featured three newcomers: “Arrow” (1924), “Joyant” (1911), and “Lonna II” (1905). Among the seasoned competitors were “Olympian” (1913), a three-time winner, and “Oriole” (1905), which proved to be a formidable contender.

In light winds, “Oriole” showcased flawless sailing, maintaining its lead from start to finish. “The regatta was fantastic,” said Oriole’s owner, Juan Carlos Eguiagaray. “We sailed in light wind, but it remained consistent throughout the race. We are very happy and sailed very well without making any mistakes. It was a calm but very interesting day. We really love this regatta.”

A Tradition Worth Preserving
Reflecting on the event, Daniel Heine, Sailing Officer of the Gstaad Yacht Club, expressed his satisfaction: “The assessment of this 13th edition of the Gstaad Yacht Club Centenary Trophy is very positive. Each year, we are excited to welcome new boats as the fleet ages. Today, we opted for the shorter course because there wasn’t much wind, which created superb conditions for the competitors and allowed for a great race.”

The Centenary Trophy is more than a race; it’s a celebration of history and the dedicated sailors who preserve these remarkable vessels. The event’s long-standing partnership with the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez underscores its commitment to tradition.

As plans for the 14th Centenary Trophy take shape, the Gstaad Yacht Club eagerly anticipates welcoming this extraordinary fleet back to Saint-Tropez, continuing the legacy of a race that connects the past and future of sailing.

GYC