PHOTO Twelve beautiful “paintings” from Les Voiles de Saint Tropez
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Once again this year Les Voiles de Saint Tropez was a success. Boats of all kinds, maxis, vintage queens gathered on the French Riviera to give rise to one of the greatest spectacles of Mediterranean sailing. Two hundred and fifty boats (closed and impassable number, by invitation only). Who won? It matters little (but the rankings can be found at the bottom of the article). In Saint Tropez there was photographer Gianfranco Forza: we asked him to send us the most beautiful photos and especially to tell us why those very boats caught the attention of his lens. Here is his “portfolio”.
The boats that impressed me at Les Voiles de Saint Tropez.
I was able to follow the Les Voiles de Saint Tropez regatta again this year, focusing in particular on the Maxis. I was able to capture several interesting images and would like to share some of them, outlining why they piqued my interest photographically.
Capricorn & others
In this image, with Alessandro Del Bono’s Capricorn (Judel-Vrolijk 83, 25 meters recently launched by the King Marine shipyard) and the other maxis filmed from the stern (Y3K, Balthasar, Django, Deep Blue), the extraordinary sail area of these latest generation giants stands out.
Their impressive unfurled sails catch the wind, turning every gust into pure speed, especially on the aft sides, where the majestic protagonists of these races demonstrate all their power.
Geist, the discreet charm of Spirit
This photo of Geist (a 111-foot, 33.9-meter Spirit Yacht launched in 2020) sailing upwind to Cap Camarat perfectly captures the balance of elegance and power.
Its flowing lines, while inspired by classic design, reveal a surprising strength that can combine grace and extraordinary performance.
What a crew on the Django!
In this photo of Django (a Reichel/Pugh-designed Wally 82 out of the Goertz shipyards), it is the crew that catches the eye.
Ready and responsive as the buoy approaches, they prepare with great dexterity to hoist the gennaker for the next aft side while carefully marking the next opponent.
Galma, proportions matter
In this image of Galma, the brand-new wallywind110 (signed by Judel/Vrolijk), one can clearly perceive the impressiveness of the boat compared to the tiny figure of the helmsman.
Indeed, the proportions emphasize the majesty of this brand-new 33-meter marvel of design and technology, a masterpiece launched by Wally that elicits excitement and admiration.
If the gigagennaker comes down
In this image of Jethou (Judel-Vrolijk 77 from the Baltic shipyard), we can see how even super professional crews can encounter difficulties in the lowering maneuver, an operation that, if not executed perfectly, can jeopardize the outcome of a race.
A “star” light
In these two scenes, the light enveloping Stella Maris (Star 64 design by Roberto Starkel, Base Nautica Stella Polare shipyard) stands out.
The photographs were captured on a beautiful day with sustained breeze, typical of early autumn in Saint Tropez.
What is immediately striking in this image below of Stella Maris are the final trim adjustments on the last side before reaching the buoy, located in front of Pampelonne Beach.
- Here we had told you (also) the story of Stella Maris and its owner Matteo Fossati
Maxiattack!
Thanks to my telephoto lens, which compressed the perspective, I was able to create the impression that the four Maxi’s(My Song, Django, Jethou, Y3k) are arranged next to each other in parallel, almost overlapping.
Balance of symmetries
This image portrays a perfect balance between the symmetries of the two boats sailing upwind Six Jaguar (Swan 65 Sparkman & Stephens) and Stella Maris (Star 64 design by Roberto Starkel yard Base Nautica Stella Polare) as they head for the next buoy.
The Baron’s demeanor
In this scene we are able to admire on Jolt (MM72 designed by Botin) the absolute tranquility of Francesco De Angelis who stands out for his thoughtful and serene attitude, typical of great professionals. It is no coincidence that he is called “The Baron.”
This mood creates a sharp contrast to the palpable tension of the situation.
Lyra’s lyricism
Here Lyra (Wally 77 designed by German Frers) presents herself from above in all her glory as her sailing through the waves generates impressive white spray, ploughing through the blue waters of the French Riviera.
The engagement
In this image we see the challenge between Capricorn and Deep Blue (Botin 85 signed by Botìn & Partners, also launched by King Marine as Capricorn), who face each other in spectacular engagements in the waters of the Riviera, creating a dense network of crossings.
White on the sea of metal
In this image, Bianca ‘s yellow gennaker (Grand Soleil 72, designed by Matteo Polli for Cantiere del Pardo) and the sea merge in a striking backlight that amplifies their chromaticity.
The yellow of the sail is transformed into a vibrant color, revealing its texture, while the sea takes on a fascinating metallic look.
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