25 Years of the Trophée Bailli de Suffren: A Jubilee Celebration of Classic Yachting and Timeless Adventure

This summer, a rare and extraordinary tradition sails into its 25th year. Out from the storied port of Saint-Tropez to the historic harbours of Malta, the Trophée Bailli de Suffren returns from 28 June to 12 July 2025 for its jubilee edition: a quarter of a century of wind, waves, camaraderie, and classic yachting, tracing the footsteps of a legendary mariner.

Established in 2000 by Henri-Christian Schroeder, the regatta was inspired by Vice-Admiral Pierre André de Suffren, Bailli of the Order of Malta and one of France’s most celebrated naval tacticians. The Mediterranean’s premier offshore event for classic sailing yachts has humble beginnings: it all started as a spirited wager over drinks in Saint-Tropez, and eventually turned into a part race, part voyage, part floating salon event. Not merely a competition. The Trophée Vailli de Suffren is a celebration of the seafaring spirit. There's elegance, sportsmanship, and rich maritime ties between Malta and France.

At its heart lies a unique ethos, one that prizes the Corinthian spirit over sheer conquest. Competitors often greet one another at each port with Champagne, rather than rivalry, reinforcing the race’s status as a gentleman’s affair. The prize? The fabled Sabre d’Honneur de l’Amiral Satan, a ceremonial naval sabre named in homage to Suffren’s fearsome nickname among British foes. Both coveted and symbolic, the sabre is a reward made for not just speed but the grace, integrity, and joie de vivre of true classic sailors.

This year’s fleet features twelve of the Mediterranean’s finest vintage and traditional yachts. Among them, the legendary Lelantina, which was the first winner of the sabre and a four-time champion. Joining the Lelantina is a grand cast that includes the 1920s elegance of Alzavola, the rugged performance of Ojala II, and the enduring charm of Tangaroa, Irina VII, Vela, and more. From centenarians like Wiki to seasoned racers like Eugenia V, each vessel carries a story: a floating time capsule of craftsmanship, heritage, and ocean lore.

The 2025 route, befitting the milestone year, is a Mediterranean odyssey. Departing from Saint-Tropez, the fleet will chart a course through Corsica (Bonifacio), Sardinia (Porto Rotondo), and Sicily (Trapani) before reaching Malta on the 12th of July, where the yachts are expected to arrive in full splendour and be greeted by enthusiasts and dignitaries alike. The Maltese capital, with its fortresses, knightly heritage, and panoramic Grand Harbour, is the perfect backdrop for the final act of this maritime ballet.

As always, the journey promises more than nautical miles. Crews will toast to old friends and new discoveries, dance under the stars to seashanties, and swap tales, tactics, and cocktail recipes over VHF radio. It is this joyful anarchy, half regatta, half Riviera reverie, that has made the Bailli beloved by sailors and spectators alike.

This jubilee edition honours not just a race, but a way of life. It salutes the enduring allure of the sea, the romance of the past, and the people who keep it all afloat with laughter, blazers, champagne, and sails full of wind. As the 25th Trophée Bailli de Suffren nears its final destination, Temple Magazine proudly joins in the celebration, saluting the sailors, the ships, and the sabre that continue to inspire our Mediterranean dreams.

The fleet is expected to arrive in Malta on the 12th of July 2025. Keep an eye on the Grand Harbour and join us in welcoming these maritime icons to our shores.

Facebook: Trophée Bailli De Suffren