County Wicklow international yacht designer Mark Mills Design enjoyed a standout performance at the 27th edition of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, one of sailing’s most prestigious regattas.
Mills-designed yachts won three major classes and lifted the Edmond de Rothschild Trophy in the Maxi 1 division, competing against the largest and fastest yachts in the fleet.
As Afloat previously reported, this year’s event brought 245 yachts and more than 3,000 crew members to Saint-Tropez for a week of Mediterranean racing and Riviera spectacle.
In Maxi 1, V, led by North Sails President Ken Read and a crew from 15 nationalities, delivered four wins from six races to finish three points clear of Capricorno.
Navigator Jean-François Cuzon said: “Sailing these boats at the highest level requires constant communication and expertise from everyone’s individual domain. Our international crew brought together a wealth of experience.”
The team benefited from an ongoing development programme with Mills Design and KND Marine, refining systems such as Water Ballast, Interceptor and bulb weight.
The Edmond de Rothschild Trophy was presented to V’s owner and crew by Ariane de Rothschild and future Gitana 18 skipper Charles Caudrelier. The unique prize was crafted from carbon fibre of the upcoming Ultime Trimaran Edmond de Rothschild.
Elsewhere, the Mills 62 Yoru of Luigi Sala repeated last year’s success in Maxi Class IMA 4. Sala’s crew marked a second consecutive victory in Saint-Tropez.
Sala commented: “Next year we hope to achieve this without the fourth.”
