The entry list continued to grow for the 2013 Camper & Nicholsons Trophée Bailli de Suffren, as the 55m (180 foot) Elena picked up the gauntlet thrown down by the similar sized Atlantic. These two classic schooners are set to go head-to-head in the three-leg offshore race from Saint-Tropez to Malta.
Built In 2009, Elena is a reincarnation of the 1910 Nathanial Herreschoff schooner. Carrying 1,800 metres of sail downwind, she is regularly seen competing in the Voiles de Saint-Tropez and is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful sailing yachts afloat today.
Also announcing their entries were the two William Fife gaff cutters Mariska (27m/90ft) and Moonbeam IV (32m/105ft). Dating from 1908 and 1914 respectively, these two historic yachts should be evenly matched on the water and are expected to provide their own match racing excitement as well as vying for overall honours.
According to Sean Purdy, C&N Marinas’ Marketing Director, 2013 looks set to be a vintage year for the Bailli de Suffren. “The names of Herreschoff and Fife are legendary,” he said. “And these yachts possess a grandeur and elegance that is truly unique. It will be fantastic to see them competing on the kind of offshore course that they were originally built for.”
The event is open to classic yachts of 11m or longer, and was won last year by the 20m (66ft) White Dolphin. The race starts from Saint-Tropez on Saturday 22 June, and entries close on 15 June.
Camper & Nicholsons Trophée Bailli de Suffren
www.bdsrace.com