MAIN SPONSOR OF THE VOILES DE ST BARTH REGATTA 6-11 APRIL 2010

On 11 April, the first Voiles de St Barth Regatta culminated in a spectacular finale. Richard Mille, the main sponsor of the regatta, hailed the success of the first edition of the event and the sporting performance of the 23 competing crews.

Two hundred yachtsmen, including leading international skippers such as Loïck Peyron, Lionel Péan, Oman Sail, Ken Read and Peter Holmberg, took up the challenge thrown down by François Tolède from the St Barth Yacht Club, under the patronage of famous photographer, Patrick Demarchelier, who participated in the race on a Swan 45.

The weather conditions were perfect –brilliant sunshine, turquoise seas with a powerful swell and strong trade winds which remained reasonably stable at 20 knots throughout the Regatta, resulting in superb battles. The participating teams unanimously agreed that the organization of the event had been perfect. Each day the teams were presented with a different challenge which not only tested their sailing capabilities to the maximum but allowed them to enjoy the breathtaking scenery at the same time. Over a course of 20 to 30 nautical miles, the yachts in the each of the four racing classes battled for position providing a thrilling spectacle for the fortunate spectators.

At the end of a very close competition, the Rambler crew led by George David, took the honours in the “Super Yachts” class ahead of the Scot, Mark Fitzgerald’s giant ketch Sojana. In the “Classic” group, Donald Tofias’ Wild Horses triumphed by only 4 seconds over the all female White Wings crew. Robert Velasquez led the men of l'Esperance to victory in the “Racing Cruising” group while the racer James Dobbs brought Lost Horizon home first in the “Racing” group just ahead of Patrick Demarchelier, on Puffy, after a sensational long, close fight.

As Main Sponsor, Richard Mille created a limited edition of his automatic diving watch RM 028 to mark the occasion and shares in the success of this first regatta which has brought him further recognition in the world of sailing.

The RM 028 Les Voiles de St Barth’s particularity is its bright yellow elements which deck the crown and bezel. For the first time in the Richard Mille collection, this model is presented with a yellow rubber strap. The Voiles de St Barth logo is featured on the dial at 8 o’clock.