What makes the Trophée Bailli du Suffren one of the most beautiful races in the world?

First, there is the route, which takes the competing boats from Saint-Tropez to Porto Rotondo and onwards to Castellammare del Golfo and finally, the Grand Harbour.

Then there are the boats: beautiful classic yachts set against the backdrop of a deep blue sea. The race is also historical and takes its name from the 18th century French admiral Pierre Andre de Suffren de Saint-Tropez. The admiral spent his early career in Malta, where he received the title of Bailli de Suffren from the Knights of St John. He also earned the nickname ‘Admiral Satan’, due to his formidable and feared status.

The Trophée Bailli du Suffren was the brainchild of three friends, Henri-Christian Schroeder, Christian Benoit and Pierre Hugo. Their aim was to organise the longest race for classic yachts, visiting four of the most beautiful ports in the Mediterranean. The race soon gathered generous support and nowadays is considered a special race.

The Trophée Bailli du Suffren is still raced with the original spirit with which it was first organised: that of the gentleman sailor.

When was the first Trophée Bailli du Suffren held and with what aims?

The first race took place in 2001. It was conceived over a few glasses of champagne at a book signing for a novel – a work of political fiction about the Knights of St John – published by Henri-Christian Schroeder, one of the race’s founders.

As Schroeder was celebrating with some friends at the Hotel Sube in Saint-Tropez, they realised that they were right next to the statue of Pierre André de Suffren, the Bailli. The novel, the champagne and the Bailli’s historic connection with Malta inspired a plan to sail there from Saint-Tropez and follow in his footsteps.

What makes the Trophée Bailli du Suffren so special?

It is unique in the Mediterranean for being an offshore passage race for classic yachts – all other classic regattas tend to be made up of much shorter inshore races. It is also steeped in history, from the Bailli himself to the participating yachts, some of which are over 100 years old.

Who can participate in the Trophée Bailli du Suffren?

Classic yachts over 11m LOA may enter in one of three classes. Vintage yachts are pre-1950 and classic yachts are pre-1976: both race with a CIM rating. Spirit of Tradition yachts are modern boats built to a classic design and they race under the IRC rating rule.

What course do the participants follow?

The race starts in Saint-Tropez and the first leg of 193nm is to Porto Rotondo, Sardinia. The second leg is to Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily, and covers 240nm. The third and final leg is 197nm to Grand Harbour Marina, Malta. This makes a total distance of 63nm.

The Trophée Bailli du Suffren’s notice of race refers to a “gentlemanly race” and says that “competition should remain friendly”. What do these values add to the race?

People take part in the Trophée Bailli de Suffren as much for the social aspect as for the competition. While they may take the racing seriously on the water, they don’t take themselves too seriously and are keen to make new friendships, renew old ones, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with being fellow seafarers.

What level of interest and participation has this year’s edition attracted?

There has been plenty of interest already, including from several previous participants. The final entry list doesn’t close until a week before the race, which starts on Saturday, June 27.

The route
Leg 1: Saint-Tropez to Porto Rotondo, Sardinia. 193nm.
Leg 2: Porto Rotondo, Sardinia to Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily. 240nm.
Leg 3: Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily to Grand Harbour, Malta. 197nm.

Caroline Navarro is sales and marketing manager at Grand Harbour Marina.