The standings remain the same at the 52 SUPER SERIES Saint-Tropez Sailing Week after a day with insufficient wind to race The 11 boat fleet of TP52s representing nine different nations waited on the water until 1700hrs before it clouded over and the light breeze which had shown some temporary promise dropped away again and Principal Race Officer Maria Torrijo had to send the fleet back to dock in the historic harbour of Saint Tropez so far has produced two good races but hopes are high that Sunday will produce a suitable finale A very slack pressure gradient over the entire Mediterranean means it is not only Saint Tropez and the Côte d’Azure which has been starved of wind And so Tony Langley’s Gladiator goes into the weekend holding a three points lead over Shawn & Tina Kang’s Alpha + with Takashi Okura’s Sled and Jean-Luc Petithuguenin’s French boat Paprec both three points behind Alpha + “We waited for so long and when we thought we could start the wind just dropped again and that was it we can just wait if we think the wind will come but today the only chance when we had a wind from the south as we were expecting but it died away Sunday does look good and we should have some good races And the Italian navigator Andrea Visintini it is not heating enough to get a decent sea breeze and there is no gradient breeze around at all There should be a front going through tonight so things will get moving a bit but the forecast for tomorrow is still all over the place But this is common around the Mediterranean just now but the situation with no fronts getting through we drink a lot of water to stay hydrated and we do track all the shifts and keep watching the weather all the time but that was not enough and the cloud came in.” Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription Sign up to receive awesome content in your inbox We don’t spam!Read our privacy policy for more info We keep your data private and don't spam. Read our full Privacy Policy © Copyright © 2005-document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Live Sail Die Limited The views and opinions expressed on this web site are soley those of the original authors and other contributors These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of official sailing agencies Live Sail Die is a recognised member of the NZ Marine Industry Association.Live Sail Die drone pilots are CAA Part 102 Certificated I write a lot of Airbnb content as a Condé Nast Traveller journalist and wouldn't feature any properties without Guest Favourite status so it was important to me that anywhere I stay has this nod It means previous guests have deemed the listing true-to-life I can’t imagine having anything less than an utterly chic time in Saint-Tropez The living spaceA responsive host was important as I’d be doing this part of the trip on my own. I’m not alone; recent data from Airbnb suggests that searches for solo trips are up 80 per cent from this time last year. I’ve always loved exploring a new city at my own pace but there’s something vulnerable about closing the door in an unfamiliar place without a friend or partner in tow So I liked that helpful Patricia was always at the end of the phone I text her for various reasons at points during the trip and I was never left waiting for a response so I wasn’t stranded with my case on the mean streets of the French Riviera I wanted a cute base from which to immerse myself in Saint-Tropez’s glamour and allure I wanted to pick up a bottle of olive oil and a straw bag at the markets run my fingers through the racks in the boutiques and celeb-spot at the port before stopping for lunch at Sénéquier while watching the yachts bob in the water I wanted to eat croissants in cafés; mooch along the sentier littoral; see the view from the top of the citadel; drink white white from grapevines grown on the banks of the Riviera I wanted to walk along the beach and dig my toes in the sand The bathroom has a large shower with rainfall head A stay here helped me do all of these things being no more than a 15-minute walk from anywhere I wanted to go – a great boon when you’re on a tight two-day schedule Right on the doorstep is the Gendarmerie Museum where you can learn about the glittering history of films shot in Saint-Tropez Take a leisurely 10-minute stroll and you’re at serene Bouillabaisse beach; head here for a sundowner and you might see the same local artist that I did and a 15-minute sunny jaunt granted my wish to see the views over the city from the top of the Citadel I’m a frequent traveller, but this trip felt especially poignant for me. I’m certainly not the first, but I fell in love with the city's wide cobbled streets, impeccable boutiques and beautiful beaches, already making a vow to return before I’d even left for the airport. My ego may not survive another fitness retreat so, when I next visit the Côte d'Azur, this small-but-perfectly-formed Airbnb will be top of my list of places to stay. Deliver 'lit-from-within luminosity,' that's what Described by the brand as a 'toasting tint' just a small amount of this gel formula reveals a streak-free golden glow in just three hours And bonus points for the infusion of aloe vera glycerine and vitamin E which help to hydrate soothe and smooth for a more radiant complexion in the long run Tropez say: 'The Sunlit Skin Self Tan Express is a glow-giving hero for lit-from-within luminosity and a sunkissed bronze.' One reviewer said: 'Absolutely in love with this tan it goes on like a dream and the formula is so easy to apply For someone like me who doesn’t use fake tan very often because is anxious of doing it wrong Price: £29www.lookfantastic.com It makes for fool-proof application thanks to the soft deftly shaped bristles which hug the contours of the face I always ensure to brush the tan up into the hairline in sweeping motions for a beautifully blended finish but the joy comes with the precision dropper I can pin point exactly where I want to be bronzed Although the formula can be applied all over the skin concentrating on places where the sun would naturally hit makes for a beautiful believable glow that doesn't look too 'done.' I'd say it provides a medium A my skin-but-better bronze that mimics a weekend spent in Ibiza (the wellness side of the Island It isn't sticky and feels skin-like when applied While hitting on the ideal dose for your desired finish might initially involve a little trial and error This facial fake tan is as natural-looking as they come Rachael Martin is Grazia’s beauty editor where she covers all things beauty, health and wellness. Bauer Consumer Media Ltd, Company number 01176085; Bauer Radio Limited, Company number: 1394141; Registered office: Media House, Peterborough Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6EA and H Bauer Publishing, Company number: LP003328; Registered office: The Lantern, 75 Hampstead Road, London NW1 2PL All registered in England and Wales. VAT no 918 5617 01 H Bauer Publishing are authorised and regulated for credit broking by the FCA (Ref No: 845898) FranceChevron ProvenceChevron Saint-TropezChevron Save this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links there’s a state-of-the-art kitchen with a breakfast bar and stools plus a roomy dining table and snug L-shaped sofa with plenty of room for all the family Wicker mirrors and ocean-blue cushions decorate this open-plan space elegantly nodding towards its fisherman heritage up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world this picture-perfect town on the French Riviera has transformed into one of the Mediterranean's most overcrowded summer destinations attracting more than 93 million international travellers with American tourists said to be fuelling the surge which covers unlimited travel on the TER regional rail network and intercity trains nationwide and we're promoting lesser-known destinations or alternative ways to explore renowned destinations." or to avoid travelling during the peak summer season encouraging people to combine a city break with skiing in the southern Alps And then there's St-Tropez possibly the most famous fishing village in the world which is encouraging tourists to stay away during high season in a not-so-subtle way: "Don't come in the summer," St-Tropez's mayor told me earlier this year as part of an event called Secret St-Tropez which was designed to promote the town as an out-of-season destination "Come in spring when it's like the St-Tropez of our childhoods." According to Clara Rondini, a member of the Rondini family of Tropézien sandal-makers who have lived and worked in St-Tropez since 1927 the town has lost its charm due to overtourism "It is becoming too much about money," she said "'Une machine à fric' (a money machine) St-Tropez is a peaceful destination about nature Tour guide Frédérique Chagnon-Lecomte agrees that St-Tropez is a different place in high season: "If you come in summer you'll see the sun We don't hate the high season because it enables us to survive but it's important to understand it's just one part of the picture of St-Tropez We're happy during the summer when it's crowded but we also love wintertime [when] we can have our village back." Under Siri's leadership, St-Tropez is trying to become more of a year-round destination. While summer sees celebrities, luxury yachts and hotels and the infamous party scene on Pampelonne Beach, visiting off season allows travellers to experience the town as it once was, where pointus fishing boats deliver the catch wisteria blossoms foreshadow the arrival of bougainvillea and jetties point to the clear blue sea (which is devoid of the many speedboats swimmers and dinghies that crowd it each summer) The mayor doesn't want St-Tropez to be just destination for tourists according to Valérie Vanden-Bossche from St-Tropez Tourism; Siri wants local services for the town's 4,000 year-round residents grocery shops and affordable accommodation you need to make sure locals can afford to live in a place to give it life • Why it's time to rethink what it means to be a tourist • France's centuries-old mountain farm stays • An under-the-radar alternative to the Italian lakes this summer The tourism board is also working on providing itineraries for off-season activities like hiking the 10km of coastal path that connects the town to Pampelonne Beach around the St-Tropez peninsula One of the challenges St-Tropez is facing is encouraging its hotels to remain open through the year. Villa Cosy a luxury hotel and spa on the outskirts of town says it's the longest opening period for a five-star hotel in St-Tropez: "We're able to have 15 long-term contracts with staff because we are open all year and that means we keep employees for longer and we can promote them." Even travellers who have been to St-Tropez many times will find something new and refreshing about visiting in spring or autumn you can see beyond the "bling-bling" yachts the harbour-front restaurants and the boutiques giving you time and space to discover quiet beaches It's certainly a worthy first stop on any journey to find the alternative France If you liked this story, sign up for The Essential List newsletter – a handpicked selection of features For more Travel stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Japanese sashiko: The art of stitching storiesSashiko is a 400-year-old Japanese stitching technique. What makes it unique? 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Gladiator back on winning form as 2025 52 SUPER SERIES season opens in Saint-Tropez Disappointed to miss out on winning the 2024 circuit title after coming into the last event of the season in Valencia with a solid points lead Tony Langley’s world champions Gladiator crew started their assault on the 2025 title on the best possible footing as the 52 SUPER SERIES Saint-Tropez Sailing Week opened with two excellent races on the Gulf of Saint Tropez In beautiful Spring sunshine with flat water and winds between eight and 13kts the sparkling conditions compensated for the absence of wind Wednesday when racing was due to start Gladiator won the first race and then followed up with a good second behind Shawn and Tina Kang’s Alpha + The Hong Kong flagged team which joined the circuit only two years ago here in Saint-Tropez went 5-1 today to make their best ever start to a regatta lying second only three points behind the British team Winners here in 2023 Ergin Imre’s highly fancied Provezza team put themselves on he back foot when they were disqualified from Race 1 after being over the start line After two successive start attempts resulted in General Recalls – highlighting how close the fleet is and how important a good start is Provezza had to watch the race unfold from the sideline In the SSW’ly breeze the race course seemed to deliver a consistent gain to the right of the upwind With Guille Parada now calling tactics supported this season by America’s Cup winning coach Ray Davies and the owner Langley reverting to his preferred role on the helm Gladiator started well on the first race and were able to lead all the way around the windward-leeward circuit get right early to chase Alpha + round the track With young Kiwi match racer Nick Egnot Johnson on the helm this season and 2016 Laser gold medallist Australian Tom Burton calling tactics and the hugely experienced Iain Moore navigating Alpha + held off Gladiator to take first gun Added to their fifth in the first contest they lead third placed Sled – which has Murray Jones steering – and the French boat Paprec of Jean Luc Petithuguenin by one point “We sailed six days in Valencia and four days here already so we felt pretty confident going into today Guille (Parada) is naturally a driver but he is a very good tactician too and we saw that today.” the strategist on Gladiator who first won the MedCup in 2006 with Peter DeRidder’s Mean Machine is delighted to be back in the fleet: “It was an awesome day bit of a one way track to the right and so it was all on on the starts trying to get away clean and heading out to the right There is a lot of pressure stepping on board all the teams are at such a high level so there is no trouble with the crew work and the boatspeed and as an afterguard we are working to get better all the time Tony is back steering and did a fantastic job today But the fleet level is so high we know we can’t maintain this level every day but it was a very special way to start Guille is so talented he knows these boats so very well And so we have to keep thinking ahead on the course so we don’t have any surprises.” 2016 Rio Olympic gold medal winner in the Laser said “We have won a few races here and there over our career in the 52 SUPER SERIES so far but to win one on the first day here in Saint Tropez is not a bad way to start the season We are chipping away and slowly getting better with more experience We have a couple of new changes on board this season getting more and more comfortable in the fleet the racing is so tight as situations develop more and more and you become more familiar with them we are in the mix and we can fight with the big boys when we put it all together.” 52 SUPER SERIES SAINT-TROPEZ SAILING WEEK PROVISIONAL LEADERBOARD AFTER TWO RACES 4+3 = 7     4.- PAPREC (FRA) 6+5 = 11 6.- AMERICAN MAGIC QUANTUM RACING (USA) 7+8 = 15       8.- ALEGRE (GBR) UFD (12)+7 = 19   11.- ALKEDO (ITA) 52 SUPER SERIES – Pure Performancewww.52superseries.com Interested in seeing more Racing News plus all the latest on yachting regattas and offshore adventures around the world renowned for its portfolio of five-star hotels worldwide will debut a property in the glamorous beach town on the French Riviera in 2027 in partnership with the Pariente family - who also owns Oetker Collection's ski resort L'Apogee Courchevel - and Arthur Essebag’s AW Resort The hotel will be designed by Olivier Raffaëlli founding partner of French-Brazilian architectural firm Triptyque with interiors by Paris-based studio Gilles & Boissier owned by Dorothée Boissier and Patrick Gilles Oetker Collection's newest Saint-Tropez property The property - whose name is yet to be announced - will blend the elegance of the Côte d'Azur with the rustic charm of Provence featuring several small two-story outposts that offer panoramic views of the sea This announcement signifies the company’s ongoing commitment to expand its footprint slowly and carefully throughout the world’s most glamorous destinations “We are simply delighted to have such a trinity of new projects from recently launching Hotel La Palma in Capri to our forthcoming first US hotel with The Vineta Hotel in Palm Beach chief executive officer of Oetker Collection “The Saint-Tropez hotel contains all the ingredients of a true masterpiece and we look forward to creating an unparalleled haven that embraces both the laid-back authenticity and sophistication of the region.” A guest room at Oetker Collection's newest Saint-Tropez hotel Nestled between the town of Saint-Tropez and the beaches of Pampelonne in Ramatuelle the hotel will be reconstructed at the former site of Le Mas Bellevue Saint-Tropez the site will be home to an infinity swimming pool bar and restaurant and will offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the sea Guests can enjoy an authentic provincial experience filled with of local flavors and sights in an ambiance that exudes glamour and elegance with both the premises and the gardens showcasing natural materials “We envisioned the hotel as a place where the soul of Saint-Tropez comes to life through its architecture,” says Triptyque’s Raffaëlli this haven bathed in light evokes a timeless space as if it had always been part of the Tropezian landscape This project is a true ode to the natural beauty and unique charm of this legendary village where modernity and authenticity come together in perfect harmony The hotel lobby will showcase textured plaster walls adorned with delicate patterns and a white stone floor Roman inspired arches stand alongside warm wooden beams reminiscent of authentic provincial farmhouses Each detail is conceived to embody a balance between elegance and simplicity arched windows open onto terraces with sea views The hotel is designed to remain discreetly hidden from view as if immersed in the essence of simplicity,” says Boissier of Gilles & Boissier An invitation to embrace the essentials is embodied in the hotel's philosophy.” Although the 11 boat fleet went afloat until mid-afternoon the wind refused to build enough for racing to take place on the first day of the new 52 SUPER SERIES season at the 52 SUPER SERIES Saint-Tropez Cup At most there was just under four knots on what would have been an otherwise idyllic Unlike Tuesday’s official practice racing day when the 8-9kts breeze exceeded the forecast And so American Magic Quantum Racing’s Terry Hutchinson has to wait another day to make his return to the 52 SUPER SERIES fleet after two years away Today was always going to be like this and I think we have to give Maria (ed note Maria Torrijo principal race officer) credit for taking us out and getting into the spot where the best breeze was and it would not have taken much Yesterday’s forecast was very similar and we got a little more Navigator for the team which won the last time the circuit was in Saint-Tropez “It was frustrating but pretty much what we expected yesterday’s forecast was pretty much the same with not a lot of hope but we had a fantastic day with eight to nine knots So you have to keep your mind open a little bit in that models at this time of the year don’t pick up perfectly the conditions and sometimes if they don’t give much of a chance for breeze in the morning some days like yesterday you’ll get more than you expected Greece is the most popular destination for travelers this summer the summer before that was the Amalfi Coast,” she said referring to the famous French and Italian resorts “And it’s no secret why,” Bloomberg writes: “Visitors flock to the country for its pristine beaches airlines have been forced to change their schedules resulting in 28.2 million seats on international flights to Greece this summer Markets like the US and UK are showing momentum even amid global economic uncertainty Both Delta Air Lines and American Airlines are expanding capacity to Athens while adjusting their forecasts for the year as a whole expecting lower demand than previously forecast recommends six hotels in Greece to its readers qualifying them as “stunning.” They are: Cape Sounio Enter your information below to receive our weekly newsletters with the latest insights opinion pieces and current events straight to your inbox The Longines League of Nations™ has added a sun-kissed stop in France’s Côte d'Azur for its second season as the world’s leading Team Jumping competition heads to St The 2025 series will feature four qualifying rounds in three continents ahead of the Longines League of Nations™ Final at the iconic Real Club de Polo in Barcelona (ESP) in October The season begins in the Middle East in Abu Dhabi (UAE) on 11-15 February followed by the US qualifier at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala The LLN heads to Europe for the Rotterdam (NED) qualifier from 19-22 June the LLN’s equestrian stars will visit the spectacular French Riviera at the Polo Club de Saint-Tropez in Haras de Gassin FEI President Ingmar De Vos said: “As we look forward to the 2025 season we are very excited to welcome a new qualifier in St Tropez - Gassin and are confident that the series will continue to grow and showcase all that is excellent about equestrian sport.” It’s just weeks until the season opener in Abu Dhabi The Longines League of Nations™ 2025 will see the top 10 teams in the world compete against each other Italy will feature in the Longines League of Nations™ for the first time Italy just edged out Canada and Brazil in the tight battle for the 10th qualification place Inaugural winners Germany return automatically as holders who finished top of the qualification standings USA and Paris 2024 Olympic Team Jumping champions Great Britain next in line Belgium and Switzerland return for the second season who finished second and third respectively during the 2024 Longines League of Nations™ Final The Longines League of Nations™ Final 2025 will be held in Barcelona from 2-5 October with the qualified teams hoping to get their hands on the most prestigious annual prize in Team Jumping. Follow all the action on the LLN’s official site… We take a look at some of this month’s highlights on FEI.org… Looking ahead to the Longines League of Nations™ 2025 season.. The young athlete has made a strong start to the Longines League of Nations™ season… Looking back on the highlights of the year.. We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world Oetker Collection’s 2027 French Riviera opening is part of the company’s biggest-ever growth push—and part of a luxury hotel arms race playing out worldwide 2024 at 3:10 AM ESTBookmarkSaveTimo Gruenert chief executive officer of the luxury hotel brand Oetker Collection says he wants his company to be the Hermès of travel: The French design house is a study in careful slow growth to only the most rarified global markets attracting new clients by creating insider buzz among those who can afford its products This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page The iconic season-closing regatta Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez was an immersive history lesson for Crosbie Lorimer an instrumental figure in the origins of what is now Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez is reputed to have said that strolling along the quays of the riviera town during this regatta was like ‘flicking through the pages of a maritime history book’ Tabarly’s words deftly distil the essence of this unique event held each year in the small town of Saint-Tropez perched on a north facing promontory in the gulf to which it gives its name At first sight it seems inconceivable that this charming but pocket-sized fishing port could possibly accommodate the majority of the 250-boat fleet representing almost 135 years of yacht design history for the last 25 years the skilled RIB drivers of the Capitainerie (Saint-Tropez’s busy harbour master’s office) have somehow nudged towed and coaxed everything from 130ft schooners and modern maxis to small engineless sloops into cheek-by-jowl order along the harbour’s modest walls and pontoons It’s perhaps that very concentration of yachting history that lends this event its charmed intensity drawing huge crowds down the town’s narrow laneways to walk the quays or admire the scene from the numerous waterfront eateries The towering 210ft schooner Atlantic dominates the skyline outside the port of Saint-Tropez returning for the event’s 25th anniversary in 2024 with his 12 Metre Crusader He remains beguiled by the whole experience It’s just unique in my experience with the bands playing in the streets This relaxed end-of-season atmosphere at Les Voiles owes much to the conscious efforts of the host club Société Nautique Saint-Tropez (SNST) to preserve the spontaneous The spur-of-the-moment challenge in 1981 between American Dick Jayson’s Swan 44 Pride and Jean Redele’s 1964 12 Metre America’s Cup boat Ikra is well documented But the twists and turns that SNST’s Patrice de Colmont took to evolve that mismatched challenge into Les Voiles’ popular precursor Gaff and Bermudan rigs fill the horizon during racing for the Tradition yachts For all the amicable ambience that pervades the regatta the competition across the three classes and 19 divisions of Maxis even when the fixed start line location off the town’s sea wall for the latter two classes can often add a random dimension to the results With 15 divisions across these two classes sent off from the line at midday the early divisions can also draw the short straw when the sea breeze makes a late appearance as it did on several days in 2024; a particular challenge for the favourably rated boats in the Moderns class Crews on the smaller classics get a good dousing in champagne conditions But for the likes of Will Ryan, a regular on the TP52 Super Series circuit and strategist aboard King Frederik of Denmark’s chartered TP52 Nanoq at Les Voiles it’s all part of the deal: “For one-design racing you’ll typically go to where the best wind is first and then do good quality racing there but it does come with the consequences that make it a challenging race course.” taking the North Sails Trophy for best IRC B boat in the Moderns despite the King’s absence on royal duties Many of the sport’s best navigators also relish the challenge of the complex weather patterns at Les Voiles holds Les Voiles as one of his top three favourite regattas around the world which has played havoc with many sailors and regattas in the summer of 2024 “It’s interesting because just to the west of us we’ve got the Gulf of Lyon and the Mistral funnels down there “But here we are in a bay and we’ll often see that the Mistral misses the bay in the morning “You typically get a light breeze coming down off the mountains and then you often get sea breezes setting up on each side of the bay frequently from completely different directions.” Those mercurial breezes were much in evidence during this year’s regatta with the Moderns and Classics divisions struggling to get off the start line from the town’s Portalet Tower on several days But even for the four Maxi divisions which enjoyed a mix of coastal and windward/leeward races in the more reliable offshore breezes meeting the race cut-off time proved a challenge on the Tuesday while racing was abandoned across all fleets on the Thursday Black Jack 100 enjoyed consistent line honours wins in the Maxi A division under her new owner Remon Vos but it was Peter Harrison’s Jolt that held off Sir Peter Ogden’s Jethou to take both the Barons de Rothschild and IMA trophies For the professionals that sail at Les Voiles this regatta is often seen as a welcome counterpoint to the intensity of fully professional events The 130ft modern classic Naema is an Alfred Mylne replica Dual Olympic medallist and multiple World Champion in the Tornado class is these days usually to be found racing with all-professional crews on some of the fastest maxi yachts in the world At Les Voiles he was enjoying a changed role that he described as ‘tactician/coach’ with two other pros and a mixed crew of family and friends aboard Matthew Gander’s CNB 76 Playstation PS5 One thing you should do is take your watch off If you start looking at your watch you’re going to… What particularly strikes you as you step on board Columbia is the atmosphere Judging from the beaming owners and crew,… He offered some insight into the role that professionals play on the mostly amateur-crewed day racer Maxi yachts at regattas like Les Voiles but the atmosphere here is quite friendly and relaxed too but in fact they’re really cruisers that race and most of these boats are not raced on a regular basis “We typically go through the boat before the event checking all the strops and blocks; they might say ‘Oh we haven’t used that spinnaker for two years,’ or ‘We don’t know how it should be hoisted or how it sheets.’ It’s just applying the race mentality onto a non-racing boat.” Danish sailor Nicolai Sehested is more typically seen wearing a helmet as the skipper of Rockwool, Denmark’s SailGP team But as regular tactician on Terry Hui’s division-winning Wally 77 Lyra in the Maxi B division Sehested enjoys the relaxed atmosphere of this event too “It’s probably most sailors’ favourite place in Europe to race for many reasons There’s always just very varied conditions And you get to see so many cool boats racing at the same time You can even hear it now,” says Sehested as a trumpeter belts out a polished rendition of Verdi’s Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from a neighbouring classic But should anyone try to subvert the competitive but friendly spirit of this invitation-only regatta SNST’s president Pierre Roinson has some tongue-in-cheek words of warning: “Influence peddling is always a factor – try to change things around so they can join a class more in their favour Determined to sail his 26ft Solent Sunbeam Dainty in the Tradition class at Saint-Tropez in the boat’s centenary year in 2022 Peter Nicholson pursued a long campaign with the SNST Committee to offer the boat an exemption to their minimum waterline length rule The ever-practical Committee eventually saved face for all by offering Dainty guest status making her the smallest boat in the regatta Nicholson has spent almost 60 years sailing Sunbeams finally calling it quits at the end of this year But having broken Dainty’s boom at the Cannes regatta a fortnight before Les Voiles he and his crew were counting their blessings that they made it all competed at this year’s 25th anniversary regatta “There is nowhere in the Mediterranean they could mend it or replace it So I phoned back home to Haines Boatyard in Itchenor who had a spare,” said Nicholson having realised that the greater challenge was getting a 3.7m-long boom delivered to Saint-Tropez in time “I asked an old friend Viv Williams if his [grown-up] children – who regularly run deliveries – could help Viv said they were all busy but he quite liked the idea of coming down himself So he drove it the 900 miles and we were up and running for the first race – which we won Fittingly for her last appearance at Les Voiles Dainty also won Best Yacht in Guest Category for the week Among the smaller boats in the Moderns class were five Cape 31s racing under IRC the eventual winner of the BMW Trophy for the best IRC C Division boat and said his crew loved the change of format to IRC rating against other yachts at Les Voiles Competitive racing in the Epoque Aurique class You can come here to an IRC event and be competitive but it’s just nice to do an event that’s a bit more relaxed.” the name of Saint-Tropez is associated with the jet set celebrities of the 1960s and 70s whose 90th birthday in 2024 was celebrated with a wrapped image of her younger self on the lighthouse that marks the port’s entrance But Saint-Tropez’s appeal was first brought to popular attention by the post-impressionist artists of the late 19th Century whose colourful pointillist paintings of yachts in Saint-Tropez harbour reflected his own interests as a very accomplished sailor and owner of numerous yachts The design of a number of the 19 yachts that competed in the Gstaad Centenarian Trophy pursuit race for classics over 100 years old would doubtless have been familiar to Signac not least the 1905 Herreshoff-designed (gaff-rigged) Oriole As the mixed fleet of classics approached the port’s finish line in the late afternoon sun the magnificent Fife-designed gaff cutter Tuiga – eventual winner of the Château Saint-Maur Trophy – was surrounded by the huge spectator flotilla Battling waves – the 1918 Eight Metre yacht Apache Such is the almost venerated aura that surrounds the regatta-founding challenge between the Swan 44 Pride and the 12 metre Ikra (not present in 2024) that the former occupies the most prominent berth on Qaui de Jean Jaures each year moored under the watchful eye of Admiral Suffren’s soaring statue With so much of the regatta’s rich and well-documented history centred on Pride it would be reasonable for Will and Gillian Graves (the third generation of the extended family to race Pride at les Voiles) to feel the weight of that storied heritage But Will Graves sees it as a legacy to be embraced “I’ve been coming here for 14 years now and it’s an amazing event for a family This is a heritage that Bill has from his father – Gillian’s grandfather – and I hope that our kids come and get to see this The new Carkeek-designed Daguet 5 retired after breaking one of her rudders during a collision with a spectator boat The Pride/Ikra challenge has been re-enacted by both boats in previous years while the SNST also continues the tradition by encouraging other yachts to issue their own match race challenges for the coveted Club 55 Paul Watson Cup Filip Balcean’s Balthasar and Pier Luigi Loro Piana’s My Song threw down the gauntlet for a match race But at the officially described ‘boozy’ post-race lunch which tradition dictates will take place among the challenge crews and SNST officials at Club 55 on Pampelonne Beach there was obviously a shared concern about the result In light of the marked disparity in ratings between the two yachts the SNST committee later deemed My Song and Balthasar joint winners of the Club 55 Paul Watson Cup The June 2025 issue of Yachting World is out now 'Am I sad or am I just pale?'" the "Indifferent" singer tells PEOPLE Oetker Collection has revealed plans to open a new property in St Tropez in 2027 Working closely in partnership with the property's owners the new hotel — which is currently unnamed — is planned to open in time for the 2027 season the property will be laid out like a small hamlet comprised of numerous small two-story buildings This expansion continues a trend of growth for Oetker Collection, which cut the ribbon at its new Capri property, Hotel La Palma, back in 2023, and will soon have the grand opening of the Vineta Hotel in Palm Beach next year "We are simply delighted to have such a trinity of new projects and now St Tropez - all are bywords for glamour and destinations beloved by many of our dear guests," said Timo Gruenert "The St Tropez hotel contains all the ingredients of a true masterpiece and we look forward to creating an unparalleled haven that embraces both the laid-back authenticity and sophistication of the region." The opening of this new St Tropez haunt in 2024 will increase the hotel group to 13 properties, including big names like Le Bristol Paris and Hotel du Cap Eden Rock Oetker Collection insists this growth is part of 'the company's ongoing commitment to expand its footprint slowly and carefully' as well as bar and restaurant offerings that deliver the full Provençal experience blending local flavors with an ambiance that exudes the glamour one would expect from an Oetker Collection hotel in St Tropez This new Côte d'Azur stay has been designed by French interior designers and architects Patrick Gilles and Dorothée Boissier working out of Paris-based studio Gilles & Boissier These designers have aimed to imbue the property with a sense of sophistication while remaining understated Expect the property and its gardens to be bursting with natural materials Dorothée Boissier rather creatively compares the property to a sailboat saying: "A simple gesture brings the water close enough to feel the sea spray softly caress your face as if immersed in the essence of simplicity embodied in the hotel's philosophy: What you have is all you need" Designed by French interior designers and architects Patrick Gilles and Dorothée Boissier of Paris-based studio Gilles & Boissier the hotel will offer a sophisticated yet understated retreat where everything breathes tranquility and serenity Boissier makes the comparison to the experience of a sailboat "A simple gesture brings the water close enough to feel the sea spray softly caress your face embodied in the hotel's philosophy: "What you have is all you need" Inspired by the typically Tropezian atmosphere the design language of Gilles & Boissier reveals itself through a subtle interplay of materials and textures The lobby will showcase textured plaster walls adorned with delicate patterns and a white stone floor Roman-inspired arches will stand alongside warm wooden beams reminiscent of authentic Provençal farmhouses Each detail is conceived to embody a harmonious balance between elegance and rustic simplicity Gilles & Boissier is a French architecture and graphic design agency spearheaded by husband-and-wife duo Gilles & Boissier is internationally lauded for their wide variety of high-end international projects as well as their line of carefully crafted furniture and ready-to-buy accessories As creators of unique and poetic environments Gilles & Boissier's work is influenced by their French heritage and vision of art they aim to infuse their work with the legacy of French culture made accessible to an international audience Hotel website The FEI Board has confirmed the events for the 2025 Longines League of Nations™ season with the Polo Club de Saint-Tropez in Haras de Gassin replacing the traditional Swiss venue in St Gallen as host to one of the four qualifiers in the series and due to uncertainty regarding the future plans for the arena Gallen will no longer be part of the Series moving forward," the FEI stated in a press release The 2025-season will like last year open in Abu Dhabi followed by the qualifier at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala before returning to Europe for the next qualifier in Rotterdam the fourth and last qualifier will take place at the Polo Club de Saint-Tropez in Haras de Gassin The Longines League of Nations™ 2025 will see the top ten teams in the world compete against each other Italy will feature in the Longines League of Nations™ for the first time The other nine nations competing in the 2025-edition of the series will be Ireland “The Longines League of Nations lived up to all expectations in its first season we took some bold decisions but the success of the first season demonstrates that fortune favours the brave!” said FEI President Ingmar De Vos in the FEI press release “The new format proved to be innovative and showed the very best of team equestrian sport The top sport that was on show is a credit to the commitment of the participating Athletes all of whom gave 100% to ensure the 2024 Season was a spectacular success The FEI is also grateful to Longines for their trust and continued support we are very excited to welcome a new Qualifier in Saint-Tropez-Gassin and are confident that the Series will continue to grow and showcase all that is excellent about equestrian sport.” © 2025 World of Showjumping - All rights reserved Powered by Artionet - Generated with IceCube2.Net a narrative emphasised by the likes of Brigette Bardot in And God Created Woman it’s retained its insider cachet as the stomping ground of the jet set as well as forming the backdrop to some of France’s most glamorous boltholes Here is our guide to stepping into St Tropez’ coastal style For off-duty dressing that retains a put-together charm, look for structured shirt dresses in rustic prints or fabrics, such as linen. This easy-to-wear silhouette will see you from the farmers market to lunch at a beach club. Pair with flats and a basket bag or a large sunhat for a touch of retro charm. Our favourite bags for overnight stays and weekends away New Balance dad shoes are the ultimate travel sneaker From roomy canvas carryalls to sleek leather work bags, a good tote is a travel essential The suitcases every British traveller needs to know about exclusive experiences and our expertly curated destination guides reviews of rare spirits and delicious cocktail recipes pioneering yacht builds and boundary-pushing private jets Explore the worlds of haute horology and fine jewelry as well as carefully selected style guides Explore the finest properties on the market standout interior styling and architectural wonders From science-backed retreats to traditional spas Be inspired by our conversations with Leaders in Luxury Elite Collections is a trusted distinction of excellence Get insider access to luxury’s best-kept secrets and exclusive offers Elevate your inbox with the best in refined living Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.You will recieve a confirmation shortly following 2023's opening in Capri and next year's Palm Beach debut Oetker Collection has revealed plans to open a new property in St Tropez in 2027 Working closely in partnership with the property’s owners This expansion continues a trend of growth for Oetker Collection, which cut the ribbon at its new Capri property, Hotel La Palma, back in 2023, and will soon have the grand opening of the Vineta Hotel in Palm Beach next year and now St Tropez – all are bywords for glamour and destinations beloved by many of our dear guests,” said Timo Gruenert “The St Tropez hotel contains all the ingredients of a true masterpiece and we look forward to creating an unparalleled haven that embraces both the laid-back authenticity and sophistication of the region.”  The opening of this new St Tropez haunt in 2024 will increase the hotel group to 13 properties, including big names like Le Bristol Paris and Hotel du Cap Eden Rock Oetker Collection insists this growth is part of ‘the company’s ongoing commitment to expand its footprint slowly and carefully’ Situated in prime position between St Tropez and the beaches of Pampelonne in Ramatuelle, the hotel is to be constructed at the previous site of Le Mas Bellevue St Tropez. Planned to feature 52 rooms and suites — each with its own private terrace or patio — these rooms will surround a large infinity pool, sure to act as the property’s focal point. There will also be a sizable wellness facility This new Côte d’Azur stay has been designed by French interior designers and architects Patrick Gilles and Dorothée Boissier maintaining the area’s prized tranquility saying: “A simple gesture brings the water close enough to feel the sea spray softly caress your face embodied in the hotel’s philosophy: What you have is all you need” [See also: Reservations Open at NYC’s Renovated Waldorf Astoria] It’s impossible not to be inspired by the impressive landscape that surrounds St Tropez, a fact Gilles & Boissier clearly understand from first-hand experience. The hotel’s lobby will use textured plaster walls that have been adorned with patterns, contrasting pleasantly with the white stone floor. While subtle flourishes give a nod to the architecture of Rome expect plenty of arches that blend with wooden beams inspired by Provençal farmhouses The hotel’s rooms will follow a similar theme featuring arched windows that gaze down from their elevated position across a picturesque sea view such as straw headboards will deliver a certain sense of calm bringing travelers back to the Cote d’Azur setting Set to open in time for the 2027 season to begin this latest addition to the Oetker Collection remains a few years away yet if the group’s other properties are anything to go by this latest venture is sure to be a fine addition to the competitive St Tropez scene oetkercollection.com [See also: The Dolli Hotel Review: Top-tier Athens Hospitality] You’ve heard of its rosé-soaked lunches and champagne-sprayed dance floors where calm and balance are the ultimate luxuries Tropez is known for many things—Brigitte Bardot pétanque on the Place des Lices—but its proudest creation may well be a thick slab of pastry cream sandwiched between two domes of sweet brioche and sprinkled liberally with sugar The lush tarte tropézienne is all over the place during the month I recently spent in the town Local lore has it that a pastry chef served it on the set of …And God Created Woman prompting Bardot herself to christen it the tarte de St In a place with its own brand of pastry and celebrated suntan—you know the lyrics Tropez tan”—wellness may not be the first thing that springs to mind Tropez could almost be considered a spa town Not in the Austrian tradition of chewing raw beets 30 times at every meal where wine and cheese are essential to civilization Look beyond the norm and find a plethora of homestays offering private pools we've rounded up the best Airbnbs in Saint Tropez to aid you in your search this neat apartment immerses guests into the wonderful atmosphere of central Saint-Tropez and its interiors certainly match the elegant flair of its surroundings Soft cotton stools and round slatted coffee tables sit beside a shiny kitchen island while floor-to-ceiling glass doors slide open onto Juliette balconies in every room ensuring a light and airy space at all times Peer over the colourful canvas railing on the largest balcony for a glimpse of the shared garden below hotel-worthy pool area lined- with palm trees awaits Other handy perks include the washing machine free WiFi and private parking space in the basement Sleeps: TwoPrice: From around £184 per night this one-bedroom apartment is ideal for those with an eye for style letting the sweet garden view through wide-open windows take centre stage while attached is a white-marble bathroom with a rain shower and LED mirror lights Dining arrangements include a sprawling oak table inside and a romantic garden table for two on the lovely shaded terrace outside Lounge on the sun-drenched lawn beside sweet-smelling flowerbeds before cooling off with a refreshing dip in the bijou octagonal pool Sleeps: TwoPrice: From around £630 per night this home is perfectly positioned for a more laidback retreat among the town’s lavish buzz offers a peaceful alternative to the swanky beach-club hotspots further along the coast This stay may only have one double bedroom and a sofa bed open-plan layout here means this sleeping arrangement feels far from cramped packed with artisanal wooden tables and handwoven wicker decorations plus a glossy-tiled kitchen peeking through a bar window Bright amber walls dotted across the rooms playfully add a pop of colour half-stone patio outside is secluded within three rows of flourishing greenery Sleeps: FourPrice: From around £102 per night this oceanfront Airbnb offers unmatched proximity to the world-famous harbour making it one of the few stays on our list with views of the turquoise waters with the lounge consisting of just an antique oak chest and two leather armchairs sitting beside the sleek kitchenette Climb up the industrial-style ladder to the mezzanine floor bedroom showered with sunlight from the slanted ceiling window while the other bedroom is tucked behind light-wood doors below for privacy Sleeps: FourPrice: From around £84 per night where every nook and cranny is stuffed with vintage portraits mysterious ornaments and even a nostalgic yellow moped All three bedrooms are queen-size and ensuite while the master bedroom also offers a walk-in dressing room and adult guests can indulge in the generously sized wine cabinet stacked with local bottles and walls are forest green - and even the garden sticks to the colour scheme A pocket of the jungle on the French Riviera and crawling vines immerse the stone patio within a serene bubble of greenery where the alfresco dining table lies beneath the shade of a natural veranda Sleeps: SixPrice: From around £616 per night this gorgeous townhouse stands out for its garden space stretching from barbecue decking to a lounger-lined lawn to a generously sized pool on the backdrop of funky statues and hanging vines save for the stone fireplace in the corner while each dainty bedroom is embellished with floaty curtains Other amenities include air-conditioning in every room while the location is both five minutes from the centre and peacefully enclosed within a cul-de-sac Sleeps: SixPrice: From around £464 per night Sleeps: TenPrice: From around £756 per night, with a four-night minimum 2024Photo: Courtesy of ArevSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAdmittedly I was at a wedding nearby where the reception started at 9 p.m But while most of my fellow guests had taken a shuttle straight to the Nice Airport bleary-eyed and hungover in a wrinkled dress—likely not the Vogue editor they expected An attendant brought me a cappuccino and a pastry basket while another told me they would expedite my room to be ready for an early check-in it’s easy to offer such personalized service there’s no formal check-in desk or lobby at Arev you walk into what feels like an entryway to a house—except instead of a living room before you Madrilenõ designer Luis Bustamante is the mastermind behind the interiors I can best describe them as like being inside the world’s most impeccably decorated yacht: couches and chairs are covered in navy or red upholstery Although there are plenty of inside areas to enjoy the outdoor terrace—delightfully shaded from the St Tropez sun—is where I decide to take my coffee which a waiter tells me is over 100 years old A DJ begins playing by the pool to the delight of several guests: this in St there are plenty of places to be social: their courtyard called “Place des Oliviers,” boasts two shops while the grounds also include a padel court So I decide to go into town to do some shopping It’s only a five-minute walk—or two-minute bike ride—away The Arev team have revived the Strand Restaurant and Champagne Lounge Tropez restaurant that closed a few years ago and it is delicious: I splurge on the Dover sole and eat most of it I wash it down with a delicious blackberry mocktail but in my attempts at being a semi-respectable journalist I ask the table next to me about their alcoholic beverages “It’s the best cocktail I’ve ever had!” The woman responds enthusiastically.) I receive an Instagram DM from my friend who was at the wedding My room boasts the same nautical-inspired color scheme as the social spaces in the hotel but a little more pared back: bright colors serve as trims for a more soothing palette of whites and creams In my bathroom are products by local company Maison St There’s also a small patio with chaise loungers—perfect if you want to soak up the sun in private A guest room at Arev boasts a nautical color scheme I climb into bed and my friend is right: with its French bed linens and Hungarian goose-down duvet and pillow I get a smoothie and avocado toast for breakfast and text my friend if she’d like to join me I start mulling my afternoon… and how that DJ by the pool now sounds fun The Danish Home Lighting Trend That Can Improve Your Mental Health In America’s Cities, Saunas Are Becoming the Hottest Social Spot Millie Bobby Brown Shares Her Favorite Paella Recipe—and Details About Her Wedding to Jake Bongiovi A Day-by-Day Guide to Hiking the Legendary Nakasendo Trail in Japan Never miss a Vogue moment and get unlimited digital access for just $2 $1 per month INSHORT: Several social media posts have claimed that a yacht seen in the waters of St Tropez “Nigeria Presidential Yatch cruising somewhere around Saint Tropez in France,” starts a Facebook post dated 8 September 2024 “The truth is that Nigeria is not the poverty capital of the world. Nigeria is rich. Nigerians are poor. They are poor because of the wickedness of their leaders,” the post said the Nigerian government had bought a yacht planes and built a multi-billion naira residence for the vice president Nigeria’s vice president is Kashim Shettima The post includes a video of a large yacht sailing past what appears to be a dock. A flag that looks like the flag of Nigeria can be seen flying from the top of the yacht President Bola Tinubu was sworn in on 29 May 2023. His term has been buffeted by a major economic crisis. This has been compounded by an increase in the price of petrol in September 2024,  leading to further tensions among Nigerians In November 2023, many Nigerians rejected the government's plan to buy a presidential yacht for US$6 million. But Tinubu still went ahead with the purchase which included sport utility vehicles for Nigerian lawmakers The video of the yacht was posted with the same claim here and here (Note: See more instances at the end of this report.) But does the yacht in the video belong to the Nigerian government Get a weekly dose of facts delivered straight to your inbox On 7 September 2024 Otega Ogra, senior special assistant to Tinubu, debunked the claim on X (formerly Twitter) “There have been false claims circulating that a private individual's yacht spotted in St. Tropez is a Nigerian government yacht. The 42m Bennetti yacht currently being shared online has been privately owned for around 5 years since it was constructed,” Ogra also posted The flag on the yacht has the same colours as the Nigerian flag but it also carries what appears to be a coat of arms in the middle.  “Flags used by the President or armed forces do not contain the coat of arms like the one on the yacht,” Ogra said Since no photos of the presidential yacht are available, Africa Check examined images of the flags on the presidential aircraft and cars. The flags did not have the coat of arms Retired Nigerian Navy General Admiral Harry Aragundade confirmed that the coat of arms is not inscribed on the flags of presidential yachts Several other reputable news organisations also debunked the claim here, here and here.  You can republish the text of this article free of charge, both online and in print. However, we ask that you pay attention to these simple guidelines as in most cases we do not own the copyright 3. Make sure you credit "Africa Check" in the byline and don't forget to mention that the article was originally published on africacheck.org A fact-checker has rated your Facebook or Instagram post as “false” Click on our guide for the steps you should follow The content we rate as “false” will be downgraded on Facebook and Instagram public figures need to be held to account for what they say non-partisan organisation which assesses claims made in the public arena using journalistic skills and evidence drawn from the latest online tools sorting fact from fiction and publishing the results Help us keep it that way by supporting our work Africa Check values your trust and is committed to the responsible management, use and protection of personal information. See our privacy policy. Support independent fact-checking in Africa