Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez: “Just like in the old days” for Boris Herrmann

“Tuiga” is the Yacht Club de Monaco’s iconic sailing ambassador. Designed by William Fife III and launched in 1909, The 15mR yacht has been the Monegasques’ flagship since 1995, its representative on the major international sailing stages. In this role, “Tuiga” and her crew also took part in the 28th Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. Among the star-studded crew on board, Boris Herrmann also played his part with great passion.

Boris Herrmann: reunited with his companions

Two-time America’s Cup winner Jimmy Spithill led the “Tuiga” crew as skipper. Crew boss Pierre Casiraghi and navigator Boris Herrmann were also on board for Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, as were Rosalin Kuiper and Team Malizia’s well-known photographer and ‘Fly Captain’, Antoine Auriol. Both were part of that legendary team, on which Boris Herrmann had competed in the Ocean Race round the world in 2023.

“And we also managed to recruit Loïck Peyron at the last minute for the Rothschild party – just like in the old days. It was lovely to see him again,” enthused Boris Herrmann, reflecting on the successful foray into the world of classic sailing. The change of scene came just under a month before the start of his first solo race with the new “Malizia 4” well done. The starting signal for the Route du Rhum The starting signal for Boris Herrmann, the new “Malizia 4” and 116 other solo sailors in six classes will be given at 1.02 pm on 1 November in Saint-Malo.

In Saint-Tropez, Herrmann was able to recharge his batteries with plenty of positive energy and, above all, enjoyed catching up with old friends in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, even though things got rather tight on the course at times such as in the case of ‘Elena of London’. The larger rival’s bowsprit struck the “Tuiga”’s main boom at the start. Boris Herrmann said later: “That could have ended badly.” But once out on the water, the crews managed to avoid the worst.

“Tuiga” wins in the “Grand Tradition” category

“Tuiga” won her group in the “Grand Tradition” category, finishing level on points with the British yacht “Viveka”, which was launched in 1929. 117 years separate the building of Boris Herrmann’s new “Malizia 4” and that beauty, which he sailed with such joy at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. Click here See all results the sailing week on the Côte d’Azur. And here is the final report on YACHT.

"Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez was truly a very special experience. We sailed really well. With Loïck as tactician, Jimmy at the helm, Pierre as crew boss and me in charge of navigation – just as you would on a Mini-Maxi.” Boris Herrmann

Boris Herrmann spoke of a “fantastic crew of 22 people who know the boat incredibly well” and a “great atmosphere on board”. The six-time round-the-world sailor went on to say: “The boat is the flagship of the Yacht Club de Monaco. That’s why it’s such a great honour for us to sail in Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez on it. The boat has taken part in Les Voiles every year since 1995, with just two exceptions, and has won four times – including this year’s victory.”

It’s different! Jimmy Spithill describes the sailing experience on the “Tuiga”.

Boris Herrmann’s assessment was also positive from a sporting perspective. The 44-year-old said: “It was a well-rounded affair. At the end of the day, sailing is sailing. The laylines, how you plan your tactics, how you sail the course – it’s the same on a boat from 1909 as it is on a boat from 2026. It was an amazing experience.”

“The place to be”: a lively atmosphere and good wind in Saint-Tropez

For Boris Herrmann, this was his second time at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. But on his first occasion, he recalls, “there was a storm on, so we couldn’t set sail”. He has already sailed the Giraglia in the area with Jochen Schümann, as well as on the Malizia, double-handed with Pierre Casiraghi, so he knows Saint-Tropez well.

“The atmosphere there is just infectious, cool – a bit of a ‘must-be-there’ sort of place. A bit of ‘bling’ too, as you’d expect, but above all, plenty of great sailing, a great atmosphere, lovely weather and a good breeze.”

The clip featuring the highlights of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2026: