From Six Boats to 28

A record Cape 31 Gold Cup fleet gets its first look at the Gulf of Saint-Tropez as the Mediterranean Circuit prize winners are celebrated

Two years ago, six Cape 31 teams came to Saint-Tropez. On Tuesday a record 28 lined up in the Gulf for the Gold Cup practice race.

“Just two years ago we were here in Saint-Tropez with six teams, and now we’re back with 28. It’s an amazing achievement,” said Lennard van Oeveren of Motions at the opening aperitif.

The day began ashore with registration and the final round of equipment inspection and sail measurement, after five randomly selected boats had been weighed on Monday. The breeze was late to arrive but filled in for a good practice race, giving crews a valuable first feel for the fleet. With the UK and Mediterranean fleets on one start line for the first time, only a few teams have raced in a Cape 31 fleet of this size before.

In the evening the fleet gathered for the opening aperitif at Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, with a welcome from Pierre Roinson, President of the club, Adrien Follin, Gold Cup organiser and owner of Give Me Five, and van Oeveren.

The evening also celebrated the 2026 Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit prize winners. Alessandro Rombelli’s Stig were crowned circuit champions on 10 points net, after winning in Porto Cervo and staying on the podium in Bonifacio and Hyères. August Schram’s Stella Maris took second on 12 points, having won back to back in Bonifacio and Scarlino, and Christian Schwoerer’s La Pericolosa completed the overall podium on 14 points.

Accepting the overall season award, Rombelli said: “I’m really looking forward to the battle with some amazing teams and such a big fleet.”

Racing starts on Wednesday 14 October, with the first warning signal at 10:30, and continues until Saturday 17 October, when the first name will go on the Cape 31 Gold Cup.

The Cape 31 Gold Cup is hosted by Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, with Quantum Sails, Sertinox and Exhibit Group as event partners. Henri Lloyd and North Sails support the class.

Full results: https://cms.cape31class.com/racing/results/regatta/cape-31-gold-cup-2026-2026
Circuit standings: https://cms.cape31class.com/racing/series/12