It was one of the objectives of the event’s organisers to ensure that from the second edition of the race, which is scheduled from the 4th to 9th April 2011, the Voiles de Saint-Barth would become a regular fixture on the Caribbean racing calendar and be seen as one of the major events of the season. Following on from the success and reputation that was established with the maiden event last year, François Tolède, Luc Poupon and the whole team of organisers are working hard to promote the Voiles de Saint-Barth, in Europe of course, but also throughout the Caribbean and along the US seaboard all the way to Newport, the home of many superyachts and Maxis. Peter Holmberg, the racer based in the US Virgin Islands, an Olympic medallist and America’s Cup winner, took part in the very first Voiles de Saint-Barth sailing aboard the big ketch Sojana. Won over by the concept, he too is working within the Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA) to promote the event. With 25 boats already signed up, the aim of seeing sixty taking part next April is in the process of being fulfilled.

Since the climax of the 2010 Voiles de Saint-Barth, all of those involved in organising this event have been back at work to ensure the success of the second edition of the event. They can already be proud that the partners were keen to sign up again for 2011 after they contributed to the success of the maiden event. Richard Mille will therefore once again be the headline partner. The sportswear specialist Gaastra is also entering the arena, and is the new official partner for the Voiles de Saint-Barth. Their know-how in contributing to sailing events is well recognised, and the range of special clothes linked to the event that they are about to market around the world, will considerably help with the promotion of the event created by St. Barth. Taittinger champagnes, whose presence at the prize ceremonies last spring helped win over many of the sailors taking part, will be back again alongside Rémy Cointreau and Mount Gay rums, which are associated with the famous Red Cap. The Banque des Antilles Françaises, the Guanahani & Spa hotel, the St Barth Hoteliers’ Association and of course, St Barth Tourist Board also come together to join this panel of loyal and committed partners to spotlight the assets of the island.

Thanks to all this support, the Voiles de Saint-Barth is to become even more proficient in every area of the event. The reception on the island, the establishment of a race village, special events and promotions are all being worked on to ensure that in every area the approach is of an even higher standard. Last time, it was the serious, efficient work of the organisers out on the water for the races and the quality of the reception and friendly welcome ashore that left their mark on the racers taking part. The organising team has learnt some lessons from this first experience and is determined to eliminate any imperfections in 2011. A new village, a new range of events and displays, music, fireworks... a festive atmosphere ashore as at sea should ensure we can look forward to another explosive event.

The idea of bringing together so many elegant yachts in the spring in the Caribbean is still an attractive proposition today. Maxi-yachts and superyachts are also included on the invitation list alongside classic yachts. Particular efforts are being made to attract these boats, as many of them spend the winter in Antigua, but also in the United States, where specific measures will be put in place to attract North-American owners. Multihulls are also present in the Notice of Race and the organisers would like to open up the event to the very dynamic and international class of 40-foot monohulls, 44 of which are taking part in the famous Route du Rhum.

Main Sponsor: Richard Mille
Official Sponsor: Gaastra
Partners: Collectivité de Saint-Barthélemy Banque des Antilles Françaises Hôtel Guahanani & Spa Association des Hôteliers de Saint-Barthélemy Comité Territorial du Tourisme de Saint-Barthelémy
Official Suppliers: Champagne Taittinger Mount Gay Rum