For those who prefer their sports a little less virtual and a little more historical, the news of newly-announced classic yacht sailing regatta – the Richard Mille Cup – will be a welcoming wind change.
Named for the avant-garde luxury watchmaker, Richard Mille, the event (from June 10 to 25) will attract aficionados and collectors of historical yachts competing between Great Britain and France, from Falmouth to Le Havre, with stopovers in renowned sailing landmarks Dartmouth and Cowes in a series of inshore and offshore races.
While competitive sailing is already a hugely popular (and profitable) sport, where the Richard Mille Cup looks to find its space is in racing of classic yachts – notably, authentic pre-war boats originally built before the 1930s.
“Classic yachts bear a living, breathing testimony to the highest values of workmanship, heritage and tradition passed on to us through centuries,” says entrepreneur and founder, Richard Mille. “By creating [the Richard Mille Cup], we aim to set sail through history and to bring this high-end craft very much back to life,”
Looking to promote the beauty and pageantry of iconic handcrafted vessels, is underlying ethos of the Richard Mille Cup is pinned to the word ‘authenticity’.
“Restoration alone isn’t enough, though. These yachts need an environment in which they can thrive, and that’s why it’s so important to involve the Yacht Clubs allowing competitors to mingle in an atmosphere redolent of the true spirit of the pre-War era”
The Richard Mille Cup will see 15 yachts dating from the end of the 19th century to the late 1930s competing in Schooner and Cutter categories.
They set sail on June 10, 2023.