French riviera showdown expected in Saint-Tropez on September 11-12
Saint-Tropez, FRANCE - July 7, 2021 - The stage is set for the France Sail Grand Prix in Saint-Tropez, as Billy Besson leads the France SailGP Team into a thrilling fifth event on the global championship’s calendar, entertaining a home crowd in the south of France on September 11-12. With its glitz and glamor, and super yacht-lined harbor, Saint-Tropez can now add SailGP’s adrenaline-fueled weekend of supercharged F50 foiling catamarans to its list of must-see world class sailing events.
Eight teams will take to the Gulf of Saint-Tropez in an epic nation-versus-nation battle for glory. The fleet racing format doesn’t disappoint as the identical designs of the F50’s even the playing field, and winning each race is determined by sheer strategy, skill, and the power of wind. New speed records - reaching almost 95 km/h - have already been achieved during Season 2, and with the French team achieving a podium placed finish already this season, Besson has his sights set on a win in front of a home crowd.
Besson said: “Racing at home is always special. The entire team is looking forward to the France Sail Grand Prix in Saint-Tropez and the French public being there to cheer us on. We’re on a mission to win one of the Sail Grand Prix events during this second season and a win at home will be even more beautiful allowing us to share the victory right there, in the moment, with our fans. With eight boats flying across the famous waters of Saint-Tropez and powered only by the force of the wind, SailGP is championing a better sport for a better world. The high-speed spectacle promises to deliver an unforgettable event in this iconic natural venue!”
Joining Besson in the quest for top spot on the event leaderboard are Francois Morvan [flight controller], Leigh McMillan [wing trimmer], Matthieu Vandame [grinder], Olivier Herledant [grinder], Timothe Lapauw [grinder]. World class and champion female athletes Amelie Riou and Helene Noesmoen also join France SailGP Team as part of SailGP’s Race for the Future inclusivity and gender equity initiatives.
Waterfront Access - Free of charge
Spectators in Saint-Tropez can follow all the high-speed racing action from the harbor’s seawall and the Promenade des Marines Alliées. With breathtaking views of the iconic nautical stadium, this prime viewing location is ideally situated to provide an incredible fan experience, including live race commentary of all the heart-pounding action on the water. SailGP’s official spectator area, located on the dyke between the Portalet Tower and the Môle Jean Réveille, includes access to refreshments, the Energy Observer - France SailGP Team’s Race for the Future partner - Cube exhibit, as well as the dedicated SailGP Fan Shop that will stock league and team merchandise including must-haves such as caps, tote bags, limited edition event t-shirts and much, much more.
On-water fan experience
SailGP has partnered with local companies to provide the official On-water fan experience for the fifth stop of the global championship’s event calendar. With two ticket categories available - Access, and Premium - official spectator boats offer the closest vantage point to the racing and allow fans unobstructed views of the world-class athletes and supercharged F50 catamarans as they compete at electrifying speeds on the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. All ticket sales are climate positive and contribute to SailGP’s Race for the Future initiative, racing for a better future, championing a world powered by nature.
On-water Access - €55 (incl fees) - includes a seat on a designated Access spectator boat with dedicated on-water access and preferred viewing position on the racecourse perimeter. The outdoor space presents an unrivalled view of the racing action, along with refreshments available for purchase. As food won’t be supplied onboard, it is recommended to pack a picnic for the three hour experience. Two options are available for departing and returning from the same point - Saint-Tropez and Sainte-Maxime.
On-water Premium - €225 (incl fees) - includes a seat on a Premium spectator boat. Exclusive on-water access and a prime viewing position on the racecourse perimeter is accompanied by canapés and food onboard - sourced locally and sustainably. A premium bar will also be serving a selection of alcoholic beverages and soft drinks. Over the course of three hours, Premium spectators will experience unrivalled views of the racing action with an onboard commentator delivering live coverage of every thrilling moment. Two options are available for departing and returning from the same point - Saint-Tropez and Cannes.
For complete On-water spectator program information and to purchase tickets, visit SailGP.com/France.
Bring Your Own Boat Program
Personal pleasure crafts are encouraged to join the France Sail Grand Prix festivities on the water by registering their boat through one of two great options – Access and Premium – to access the best vantage spot on the racecourse perimeter. All registered boats will be included as part of SailGP’s Race for the Future initiatives as the sport’s first climate positive league, making more impact than its carbon footprint. Ensuring the on-water experience is seamless, and access to dedicated viewing areas is granted by security, all registered boats will be provided with a SailGP flag that must be flown on each race day.
Registered Bring Your Own Boat Access spectators flags will be made available for collection at partner harbors - Saint-Tropez Harbor Master's Office, Sainte-Maxime Harbor Master's Office, Port-Grimaud Harbor Master's Office, and Marines de Cogolin Harbor Master's Office - once registration has been completed, beginning two weeks prior to the event.
To submit details for boater registration, visit SailGP.com/France. When completed, registrants will receive e-newsletters with all the essential course details - race day course maps, weather, race schedules, safety guidelines - and access to live commentary available over VHF.
Purchasing the Bring Your Own Boat Premium option for €120 (incl fees) - provides registered boaters exclusive access on both days of racing to thrilling close-ups of the action while positioned at one of the high-speed turning marks. Included in this option is a welcome pack consisting of a tote bag, cap, and premium flag to fly to gain passage into the designated viewing areas.
Complete details of the Bring Your Own Boat program, and package purchases can be found at SailGP.com/France.