George Sakellaris A Winner in Les Voiles de Saint Barth Richard Mille Yacht Race

George Sakellaris with crew and prize at Les Voiles de Saint Barth Richard Mille.

The 9th edition of Les Voiles de Saint Barth ended on Saturday the 14th of April after a fierce confrontation between the 53 crews competing  in 7 classes, and this despite a rather singular context, seven months after the devastating passage of Hurricane Irma.

The Maxi and Multihull classes raced 28 miles, while CSA 1 and 2 covered 22 miles, and CSA 3 fought it out over a course of 18 miles. These robust conditions were helpful to some and complicated life for others, resulting in some major changes in the standings. Yet at the end, there were seven great winners that sailed to glory.

The most incredible duel of the week erupted between George Sakellaris’ Proteus and Sorcha, belonging to Peter Harrison, CEO of Richard Mille Europe Africa Middle East, among the Maxi 1 contenders. The two 72-footers were neck and neck from start to finish completing the race less than a minute apart on the finish line. However, a slight edge favored George Sakellaris’ men, who took home the Richard Mille Maxi Cup for the 3rd time in a row. The crew received the RM 60-01 Flyback Regatta Chronograph.

Saturday’s incredible conditions put the perfect finishing touch on an incredible week of competitive racing, leaving the sailors smiling and with plenty to talk about as they enjoyed the awards ceremony and fireworks display before adventuring off  for the evening’s entertainment.

All the crews present this year are already talking about returning for the 10th edition of Les Voiles de Saint Barth Richard Mille. The organizers announced they moved the regatta one week later, April 14 – 20 so it takes place during the Caribbean low season. This decision will help sailors in two ways: more availability to housing and in the marina, and most important, this means low-season rates, which reduce by 30 percent or more.