SAINT TROPEZ CULTURE

THE SAILS OF SAINT TROPEZ

From La Nioulargue to Les Voiles: a legendary regatta.

It is one of the symbols of what best characterizes the Tropézien spirit; freedom, ingenuity, the celebration of traditions and the unique setting that makes up the Gulf of Saint Tropez… For its founder, Patrice de Colmont, its creation is the result of a “happy coincidence”. This happy coincidence was the challenge thrown at the American owner of a Swan 44, passing through Saint Tropez, upon seeing the Ikra entering the Port. To the question “Could you beat it?”, its owner answered in the affirmative, and Patrice de Colmont did not waste a minute, and proposed the same challenge to the skipper of the Ikra, Jean Laurain, who accepted.

style inspiration and embodiment of the Saint-Tropez spirit.

The next day, the start was scheduled for the Portalet tower. They headed towards the Nioulargo shoal, "Nest of the open sea" in Provençal, to then reach the finish line, which was decided at Club 55, a restaurant also founded by Patrice de Colmont. There, a table awaited the crews to celebrate their arrival and reward the winner, Ikra. A journalist witnessing the scene headlined that a new "America's Cup is born!", but the instigators of this regatta no longer cared and almost forgot about the event. However, the following year, the vengeful crew of the Pride returned to Saint Tropez, bringing with them other ships and crews eager to be part of the challenge.

Although the second edition marked the beginning of the craze for what would become the Nioulargue, a friend of De Colmont warned him: if he wanted this challenge to become a real regatta, the presence of Maxis was essential. Thus began what the founder would call “the greatest bluff operation in world yachting.” Chartered jet, loaded with cigars and champagne as persuasion, and surrounded by a crew of about ten friends, Patrice de Colmont went to meet the Aga Khan, then president of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda.

The people of Saint-Tropez returned home victorious, proud of the participation of four Maxis in their regatta. The legend of the Saint-Tropez regatta was launched, supported by the village's international reputation. From then on, each year a new edition of the Nioulargue took place, constantly attracting new ships and crews, some among the most iconic in the history of nautical sports. The famous "Marge," which hosted Alain Delon during the filming of Plein Soleil, or the "Manitou," which belonged to JFK, are present in the list of exceptional rigs that participated in the Nioulargue, a list that has continued to grow over time.

It was in 1995 that a tragedy occurred, leading to the suspension of the event. Driven by their egos, the crews of two ships intimidated each other by pretending to cross. Unable to tack in time, the accident was inevitable and resulted in the death of a crew member. The trial marked the end of the Nioulargue, absolving its founders of any responsibility. However, by 1999, the Société nautique de Saint Tropez had decided to perpetuate this Tropezian tradition and revive the legendary regatta, now under a new name: Les Voiles de Saint Tropez. For the legendary French sailor Eric Tabarly, “Walking along the quays of Saint-Tropez during the event was like wandering through the pages of a maritime history book.”

This history, this annual event, was a treasure trove of inspiration for the creation of Yerevan and continues to this day. A blend of old and new, from the architecture and decoration of old sailing ships to the sailor uniforms worn by the crews, all these elements are reflected in the creation of certain silhouettes in our collections as well as in the layout of our Tropézienne boutique.

“Walking along the quays of Saint-Tropez during the event was like wandering through the pages of a maritime history book.” Eric Tabarly