The first-ever Richard Mille Cup marks a new era in classic competitive sailing and will promise to deliver a thrilling and captivating spectacle for all sailing enthusiasts. This brand-new vintage yacht race is a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its strong interest in the marine universe. It will gather a fleet of beautifully restored pre-war yachts in a contemporary take on the regatta circuits.
In defining authenticity and promoting pageantry of iconic handcrafted vessels, fifteen yachts dating from the end of the 19th century to the late 1930s will compete in Schooner and Cutter categories. The presence of two spectacular 60-meter-long three-masters will add to the drama along coastlines on both sides of the Channel.
Home and Abroad
The race will make berths at Royal Cornwall, Royal Dart Yacht Clubs as well as the Royal Yacht Squadron before speeding across the final line at the Société des Régates du Havre.
“Classic yachts bear a living, breathing testimony to the highest values of workmanship, heritage and tradition passed on to us through centuries,” says Richard Mille about the challenge. “By creating this challenge, we aim to set sail through history and to bring this high-end craft very much back to life.”
Taking place for two weeks, the regatta 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.
Richard Mille was instrumental in setting up Team Fife, a fleet of famous William Fife Yachts such as Mariquita, Moonbeam IV and Moonbeam on the Atlantic Coast.
William Collier, organizer of the world-renowned Fife Regatta since 1998, will be the ideal partner for this new endeavour. “The Richard Mille Cup strives to recapture the spirit of the pre-war British racing circuit,” says Collier, who has spent his life restoring historical yachts to superb standards.
“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,” Mille added.
Among Richard Mille’s family members is, Pierre Casiraghi who has been with the brand since 2018 as a sailor, and he will be joining the race abroad Tuiga, the Yacht Club de Monaco’s legendary flagship vessel.
The Perpetual Trophy
Richard Mille Cup trophy
Only the very best trophy could do justice to such a prestigious competition. Specially commissioned, the meter-high artwork was hand-crafted by Garrard. For the last 300 years, they have been the jewellers to the British Royal Family and also designed the first America’s Cup.
The Richard Mille Cup will be held from 10 to 25 June.
If you would like to consider participating in the 2024 Richard Mille Cup, you’re welcome to register your interest on their official website.
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