Les Voiles de St Barth is more than just a regatta but a true celebration of the island’s nautical lifestyle and heritage. With days until Les Voiles de St Barth 2022 begins, we’ve got all the details covered alongside the top reasons to go. Let’s get started! 

What is Les Voiles de St Barth?

Les Voiles de St Barth Richard Mille – Photo credit: Christophe Jouany

Les Voiles de St Barth is an annual yacht race and regatta held on the Caribbean island of Saint Barthélemy. Not to be confused with the Bucket Regatta. Les Voile de St Barth has a greater focus on the competition in comparison, but we’ve covered all the key differences here. It started back in 2010 and is one of the most prestigious yachting events that continues to attract the world’s top sailing teams. The April event includes a week-long series of competitive races, parties, and beach activities.

It is a significant boost to the local economy and draws people from all over the world, perhaps this year more than ever. Back for the first time since COVID-19, Les Voiles de St Barth 2022 is open and ready to welcome competing sailors back to its shores.

When is Les Voiles de St Barth 2022 happening?

The 11th edition of the Les Voiles de St Barth will be held over 5 race days from 17th to 23rd April 2022.

Which boats will be sailing at Les Voiles de St Barth?

Les Voiles de St Barth Richard Mille – Christophe Jouany

With 80 boats taking part across the 5 days, here are the names to look out for at Les Voiles de St Barth 2022:

• MERLIN
• SAO JORGE
• AIR NEST
• MACH SCHNELL
• ESCAPADO 
• SANG NEUF
• PANACEA X
• JOLT 3 
• OLYMPIA’S TIGRESS
• BANZAI
• VOILACTUS
•  FRENCH CONNECTION
• STARK RAVING MAD VII
• SARAH MERCEDES
• ESCAPE
• YORU
• CLOUDY NIGHT
•  CHAUD PATATE
•  CACCIA ALLA VOLPE
•  FIVE OCEANS
• KARIBUNI PINEL ISLANDER
• ADH14
• CRYBABY
• PROSPECTOR
• ADDICTIVE SAILING
• BONHEUR
• MATADOR
• BLUE SKIES
• FLASH
• NALA
• PHAN
•  GUYADER-SAVEOL
• APOLLO
• UMAREN
• TRIPLE LINDY
•  DEEP BLUE
• CARO
•  DUMIA
• ISOBEL
•  SEACART
•  UMIKO
•  FLYING NEMO
•  EHO1 GLOBAL YACHT RACING
• LEE OVERAY PARTNERS II
• OM II
• DEFIANCE
•  LOUISE ET THELMA
• GIVE ME FIVE
• PAPIRUSA
•  ARABELLA
• VESPER
•  WINGS
• PATA NEGRA
• MAISONS SATEC – PUNCH CROISIERES
• HOLDING PATTERN
• OPTIMUS PRIME
• HERMES
• NINA
• TEAM ISLAND WATER WORLD
• TAZ
• L’ESPERANCE
• MAËLIA CEPAC ANTILLES
•  FUJIN
•  RAMBLER
•  BLITZ
•  EL OCASO
•  BELLA MENTE
• R-SIX
•  LIQUID
• ARAWAK
•  WHISTLER
• LAZY DOG

Why attend Les Voiles de St Barth 2022?

Here are our top reasons to go as a spectator:

1. After a two-year hiatus, the island is ready to set sail once more

This brings the promise of not only an exciting atmosphere but also celebrity sightings.

2. World-class sailing event in a world-class location

Saint Barth’s breathtaking scenery and excellent sailing conditions make it the ideal location for a competitive regatta.

3. It promises the best of the best in the sailing world

Featuring offshore racing specialists, Olympic medalists, world championships, and the America’s Cup champions.

4. The Caribbean Maxi Challenge is open to some

The International Maxi Association (IMA) has just launched a new program in the Caribbean: the Caribbean Maxi Challenge. It is open to all Maxis over 60 feet tall and includes four high-profile competitions, including Les Voiles de St Barth Richard Mille 2022.

5. A regatta with a conscience

The Voiles de St. Barth Richard Mille continues its dedication to making the event as clean and eco-friendly as possible with two key objectives: to preserve paradise and become zero plastic.

6. There are 30 different courses, all decided on the day

The wind, sea state, and forecast are all taken into account in order to ensure that both the sailors and spectators remain interested.

7. Charm and competition in equal measure

Set against beautiful St Barths, people visit Voiles de St. Barth Richard Mille as much for the backdrop as the competition.

8. There’s a variety of different yachts to look at

Expect to see Maxis (under the IRC gauge), Spinnakers (under the CSA gauge), Multihulls (IMRR and OMA) and the Melges 24. Expect to see Maxis (under the IRC gauge), Spinnakers (under the CSA gauge), Multihulls (IMRR and OMA) and the Melges 24. 

Are you visiting Les Voiles de St Barth 2022 for the first time?

We asked our community to share their tips for first-time spectators attending Les Voiles de St Barth 2022. Here’s what they had to say…

1. It’s happening on Gustavia’s quay: Veuve Cliquot kiosk – Beautiful view also from the peak to Milou
2. Join in the fun of dancing and singing in Gustavia at the pier.