Mariquita Book - mk2

LES VOILES DE SAINT-TROPEZ
28 – 6 OCTOBER 2013
Formerly known as the Nioulargue, this is the culmination of
the season for both classic and modern yachts alike.
The history of the Nioulargue dates back to a
casual bar room bet between two yachtsmen
lunching at Club 55 on Pampelonne Beach
in 1981. Three decades later the regatta
endures as the most spectacular of the
season. With low pressure taking hold in
the Mediterranean,
the weather fluctuated
throughout the week,
especially on the final
day when Mariquita
was well placed for a
top three finish in the
general classification.
The race was like a
microcosm of the whole
season, with Mariquita
battling away with Moonbeam IV for hour
after hour. The drama came to a head as
the yachts turned for home. Matty Oates
described it like this: “On the last approach
to Saint-Tropez there is a small dog leg,
which the boats have to take, with a gate at
the end. Sailing through the fleet, there were
spectator boats everywhere. We were coming
in on Moonbeam IV from weather and
calling for water because we were about to
hit the buoy. Moonbeam IV was calling for
water because they were about to hit Seche
rock.” Helmsman John
Caulcutt continued the
story, “To be in Saint-
Tropez with Mariquita
on that last day of the
season, with a forecast
of 10-12 knots of
breeze, and suddenly
finding ourselves in
25-30 knots with the
big jackyard topsail up,
totally over powered and the lee rail under.
Memorable stuff for everyone who was on
the water. What a way to end the season!
Absolutely fantastic. We had a great day out
on Mariquita and one I won’t ever forget.”
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