Sailing enthusiasts in Falmouth and Dartmouth, off England’s southwestern coast, were treated to a visual delight this week with the inaugural Richard Mille Cup. This classic yacht regatta, running across the English Channel to France, featured 11 yachts from the late 19th century to the late 1930s.
Inspired by pre-World War II sailing regattas, the Richard Mille Cup is not just a race but a human adventure that evokes aesthetics and emotions. Mr. Mille, the founder of the watch company sponsoring the event, described it as such during a news conference in Paris last month.
The race began in Falmouth, England and will conclude in Le Havre, France, with stops at four prestigious landmarks: the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, the Royal Dart Yacht Club, the Royal Yacht Squadron, and the Société des Régates du Havre.
The participating boats are divided into two categories: schooner and cutter. To be eligible, the yachts must have been built prior to 1939 or be faithful replicas. The race itself combines offshore passage races and inshore day races, making it a diverse challenge that appeals to a wide range of boats.
Interestingly, participants in the invitation-only event are not competing for prize money but for a one-meter-tall trophy created by Garrard, the renowned British jeweler. Garrard, known for creating the first America’s Cup sailing trophy in the mid-19th century, also designed the sapphire engagement ring once worn by Diana, Princess of Wales and now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales.
The decision to hold the Richard Mille Cup in the English Channel was a deliberate one, aiming to depart from the typical glamorous cocktail evenings associated with Mediterranean sailing regattas. Mr. Mille stressed the importance of rough and authentic conditions to truly capture the essence of classic sailing.
While the Swiss watchmaker Richard Mille is a longstanding partner of classic car events, this foray into classic sailing is one of their first ventures in the field. In addition to being the event’s sponsor, Richard Mille has a presence in the race through Team Fife, which consists of three vintage yachts, including Moonbeam IV, owned by Mr. Mille himself. Built in 1914, Moonbeam IV won the prestigious British King’s Cup in 1920 and 1923. The yacht is currently skippered by Marianne Lebleu, a woman, with a predominantly female crew.
In a refreshing departure from tradition, Team Fife also includes a smaller Moonbeam vessel crewed by sailors under 30. Benoit Couturier, the manager of Team Fife, explained that this was a deliberate decision to challenge the usual stereotype of older skippers, injecting new dynamics into the project.
In conclusion, the Richard Mille Cup combines timeless elegance with the thrill of a challenging race, evoking the spirit of classic sailing while celebrating the rich maritime history between England and France.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
