Gstaad Yacht Club once again brought Swiss flair and traditional yachting elegance to the south of France during Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2025, celebrating its hallmark Centenary Trophy and deepening bonds within the global yachting community.

Festivities kicked-off on Wednesday, October 1, with Place des Lices transformed into a lively Alpine setting for the now-iconic Swiss Night. For the third consecutive year, crews and guests enjoyed a taste of Switzerland with authentic Swiss food, music and lighthearted activities — from a whimsical cow milking contest to an impromptu ski race in the heart of Saint-Tropez. This evening continues to be a lively celebration of our Club’s heritage and a moment of genuine fun and camaraderie ahead of the competition.

The following day, the spotlight turned to the water for the 14th edition of the Gstaad Yacht Club Centenary Trophy, organized in collaboration with the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez. Eighteen extraordinary centenarian yachts — ranging from the 1890 ketch Sky to the 1925 Bermudian sloop Leonore — took to the starting line off the Tour du Portalet. Sailed in a gentle easterly breeze, the fleet offered spectators a breathtaking display of maritime grace, craftmanship and skill.

Sailed as a pursuit race, which allows yachts of varying sizes and ratings to compete on equal terms, the event delivered thrilling, real-time excitement. Making her debut at the Centenary Trophy and celebrating her 100th anniversary, Leonore (1925) masterfully navigated the nine-nautical-mile course to claim victory, followed by Olympian (1913) and Mariska (1908).

“This year’s race was a vintage edition,” said Manrico Iachia, Commodore of the Gstaad Yacht Club. “The Centenary Trophy has become our Club’s flagship event — a celebration of tradition, beauty, and the enduring spirit of sailing. We were delighted to welcome 18 centenarian yachts, including newcomers Leonore, Black Swan and Cariad, and we look forward to and to see growing international interest each year.”

With its blend of Swiss hospitality, sporting excellence, and timeless elegance, the 2025 Centenary Trophy once again confirmed its status as a highlight of the yachting calendar.

For the third year in a row, GYC also published a special Centenary Trophy magazine, offering a curated mix of yachting history, participant stories, and stunning photography — an initiative that continues to document and promote the heritage of these timeless yachts while sharing best practices with other clubs.

Just as important as the racing was the opportunity for connection. The GYC was proud to welcome several Commodores and board members from fellow or potential ICOYC clubs, fostering meaningful exchanges and friendships. The event has increasingly become a platform for clubs to engage, collaborate, and learn from one another — both onshore and at sea.

We warmly encourage ICOYC Member Clubs to consider participating next year. If your club has members who own or sail on yachts built before 1925, we would be delighted to welcome them to the 15th edition of the Centenary Trophy in 2026, starting October 1 in Saint-Tropez, France. Let’s continue to celebrate the spirit of classic sailing together.