Running from 28 September to 4 October, the 28th edition of the Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez is now underway. Spanning 26 to almost 44 metres in length, the 2026 fleet comprises an impressive range of yachts built by some of the world's leading shipyards. Wally Yachts leads the line-up this year, with an impressive 14 yachts taking part. The fleet also includes yachts built by renowned shipyards, including Nautor Swan, Royal Huisman and Vitters.
BOAT takes a closer look at the top 10 largest entrants.
Svea
Length: 43.6m
Builder: Vitters
Designer: Hoek Design Naval Architects
Yacht to know: The almost 44-metre Svea gained significant fame after her wins at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup between 2022 and 2024, the St Barths Bucket in 2018 and the Ibiza JoySail in 2023. Delivered in 2017, she is based on a 1937 J Class design by Swedish naval architect Tore Holm, whose original plans were lost in an attic and rediscovered decades later. Hoek Design Naval Architects, was then tasked with updating the lines to modern J Class rules, resulting in a yacht that combines a classic silhouette with modern racing technology. The result is a yacht built of lightweight aluminium with a 53.75-metre carbon fibre mast. She displaces 182 tonnes, giving her a significant advantage compared to heavier vessels on the racing circuit.
Hanuman
Length: 42.1m
Builder: Royal Huisman
Designer: Charles E. Nicholson
Yacht to know: Named after the son of the Hindu wind god, Hanuman is a familiar face on the racing scene. She won every race in her class at the 2013 Saint Barths Bucket and won class races at the 2014 Superyacht Cup Palma. The first J Class new build by Dykstra Naval Architects, her design is based on the original J Class sailing yacht Endeavour II. A 2018 refit completely overhauled her racing and sailing systems, including a lightweight carbon rig and boom that reduced her overall weight by 500 kg. She also boasts a high-speed Reckmann furling headstay and an impressive sail wardrobe.
Rainbow
Length: 42.1m
Builder: Holland Jachtbouw
Designer: Dykstra Naval Architects
Yacht to know: A regular face among regatta contestants, Rainbow is a modern replica of the 1934 America’s Cup winner and original J Class yacht of the same name. She underwent an extensive refit in 2024, which included an engineering overhaul and a new rig, sails, and winches. Her interiors were penned by deVosdeVries Design, which drew inspiration from the Art Deco style of the 1930s. Mahogany panelling is a distinct feature throughout, and the yacht can accommodate up to eight guests across three en suite cabins.
Aristarchos
Length: 39.9m
Builder: Nautor Swan
Designer: German Frers
Yacht to know: Delivered in 2006 as the flagship of the Finnish shipyard, Aristarchos sports a "Panamax" Southern Spars carbon fibre mast, boom, spreaders and boom-vang, all of which were updated during a series of recent refits. Her interior was designed by Dick Young, who used a leather and walnut theme with swathes of natural light. Large sweeping decks pair with a shaded cockpit for al fresco dining at anchor, while flush teak decks lead to a split-level main saloon.
Atalante
Length: 38.8m
Builder: Claasen
Designer: Hoek Design Naval Architects
Yacht to know: Delivered to her experienced owners in 2015, Atalante is the flagship of Hoek Design’s Truly Classic range and boasts a design reminiscent of yachts of the past. Rich teak decks, twin deckhouses, capping rails and classic lines accompany her aluminium hull, deep-draught keel, 3Di sails, carbon rigging and cable steering. The yacht had a banner year in 2016, when she was a three-time finalist at The ShowBoats Design Awards and won the Sailing Yachts 30m to 39.99m category at The World Superyacht Awards.
Jasi
Length: 35.1m
Builder: Nautor Swan
Designer: German Frers
Yacht to know: One of two Swan 115 models, the 35-metre Jasi was crafted with racing in mind. She sports a hull, flush deck, sailing systems, mast and keel designed to provide a competitive edge in world-class regattas. German Frers added Code Zero cableless technology to make her sails lighter and easier to handle. Her interiors come from the studio of de Vosde Vries Design, which was tasked to create “something different” and contemporary. The result is an interior with light grey tones, stained oak wood finishes and a brushed treatment, contrasted by dark, crown-cut wenge floors.
Sealen B
Length: 35.1m
Builder: Royal Huisman
Designer: German Frers
Yacht to know: The 35-metre Sealen B was delivered in 2000 and built in Alustar aluminium to ABS class and Pleasure Craft classification. Equipped with a carbon rig and in bloom furling system, she boasts a clean, simple deck arrangement with a self-tacking jib. She features a protruding daggerboard that increases her draft from 12.8’ to 19.00’, ultimately maximising upwind performance. Her Stirling & Co and Andrew Winch-designed interiors are light and contemporary, with accommodation for up to six guests.
Geist
Length: 33.9m
Builder: Spirit Yachts
Designer: Sean McMillan
Yacht to know: The flagship of the British shipyard was delivered in 2020 and is characterised as "sculpture in motion". A light and efficient vessel, Geist was constructed in a wood epoxy composite supported by a stainless steel space frame and boasts a "slippery" hull and a sweeping timber interior designed by Rhoades Young. An unusual vessel in that she is completely owner-driven, with no dedicated crew quarters, but can steer herself upwind with ease. Belying her classic appearance, she has an advanced technical specification, including a carbon mast, non-metallic rigging and sophisticated sail-handling systems.
Leopard 3
Length: 33m
Builder: McConaghy Boats
Designer: Ken Freivokh
Yacht to know: The 33-metre Leopard 3 is a powerhouse on the water. Capable of speeds of up to 40 knots, she is one of the world's fastest superyachts. Delivered in 2007, she continues to dominate on the water almost 20 years later, winning the IMA Maxi 1 World Championship at the 36th Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, this year. In 2021, she underwent a full refit that added three en-suite double cabins and two singles, accommodating eight guests.
Vantanera
Length: 30.6m
Builder: Wally
Designer: Wally and Luca Bassani Design
Yacht to know: Delivered in 2003 as one of four 94 yachts from the shipyard, Vantanera is an iconic Wally performance yacht. She is a familiar face on the international circuit, competing in the St Barths Bucket, Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta, Rolex Maxi Worlds and, most recently, the Cyclades Cup. Constructed in carbon fibre, she boasts a "generous" sail plan designed by Germàn Frers, Luca Bassani and the shipyard. Her interiors underwent a comprehensive refit in 2025 under the supervision of charter company Kora Yachts, making her available for private cruising or world-class racing.
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