Against the picturesque waters of England and France, the Richard Mille Cup 2024 unfurled its sails, casting a prestigious spell on classic yacht racing. Meticulously restored vintage vessels glided with grace and determination, embodying both the artistry of their craftsmanship and the spirit of maritime excellence.
Highlights abounded throughout the competition. Moonlit sails past Portland Bill under strong winds, a tense finish at the Royal Yacht Squadron marred by unforgiving tides, and a dawn duel across the Channel—all moments etched into the annals of yachting history. Inshore, the rivalry between Viveka, Moonbeam IV, and Mariquita enthralled spectators, resembling a tactical ballet on the waves, each manoeuvre is a nod to skill and strategy.
View this post on Instagram
Spanning over two weeks, the competition highlighted the prowess of these magnificent boats, each embodying a bygone era of maritime excellence. Leading the spectacle was Mariquita, a 1911 masterpiece by William Fife III, whose sleek gaff cutter design remained unbeatable. Starting at the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club and concluding off the Normandy coast, Mariquita and her crew navigated 255 miles of offshore challenges and tackled demanding inshore courses with unwavering skill.
Amidst cheers echoing across the Société des Régates du Havre, Mariquita’s owner Benoît Couturier and skipper Jacques Caraes hoisted the sterling silver cup—a symbol of their triumph and dedication. For Mariquita, the victory was both a culmination of skill and a nod to her storied past, a legacy upheld amidst the waves.
In the smaller yacht category, Patna, a Charles E. Nicholson marvel, commanded attention with her unique design and spirited sailing. Across the fleet, from the venerable Thalia of 1889 to the majestic schooners Atlantic and Elena, every vessel bore witness to a passion for seafaring heritage.
As the sun set on the Richard Mille Cup 2024, it left in its wake not just winners but a renewed sense of camaraderie and respect for yachting’s rich traditions. The cup, crafted by Garrard, bore testament to excellence, mirroring the prestige of the America’s Cup it was modelled after.
