Some of the most magnificent classic yachts from around the world have embarked on a 580 nautical mile race, the Trophée Bailli de Suffren.

22nd Edition of Tophée Bailli de Suffren atop the Cugó Gran Macina Hotel

This year’s 22nd edition saw the fleet course stop over in some of the most magnificent ports in the Mediterranean in Saint Tropez, Bonifacio, Trapani and finally concluding in Birgu, Malta.

Von der Heyden Yachting’s Riva Aquariva Super & six participating yachts at the Grand Harbour Marina

Unique in its historical significance, naval etiquette and Corinthian spirit, the Trophée Bailli de Suffren has, for over the past two decades, brought together more than 108 classic yachts.

Dubbed as the Gentleman’s Race, it is the only international classic boats race in the world, and follows in the footsteps of Pierre André de Suffren of Saint-Tropez, Bailli and Grand Cross of the Order of St John of Jerusalem and Vice-Admiral of the French Navy under Louis XVI.

Co-hosted by Yachting Malta and Von der Heyden Yachting and coordinated by the Marenostrum Racing Club, of Saint-Tropez, the Trophée Bailli de Suffren held its prize giving ceremony yesterday at the Sheer Bastion, atop the Cugó Gran Macina Hotel.

The overall winners of 2023’s edition, divided into Classic, Spirit of Tradition and Multihull (Multicoque) categories were:

• Classic: Eugenia 5 at Baptiste Garnier

• Spirit of tradition: Flora at Philippe Descorps

• Multihull: Rebel at Gerard Marchetti

Overall Winner: Amiral Satan 2023 for the Classic Yacht Eugenia V. Armateur Cochin Henry. Skipper Garnier Baptiste Ketch Bermudien (Photo credit: Jonathan Borg)

Her Excellency Agnès von der Mühll, the Ambassador of France to Malta, Lionel Péan, President of the Marenostrum Racing Club (MRC), Olivier Plique, MRC Ambassador in Malta and David Cremona, Commodore of the Royal Malta Yacht Club all had words of congratulations to the international fleet of 14 participating yachts.

Charter Manager of Von der Heyden Yachting Dylan Steyn said the company is “honoured to host the prestigious Trophée Bailli de Suffren awards ceremony at the historic Cugó Gran Macina hotel.

“Built in 1554 by the Order of St. John, the building played a vital role in protecting Senglea and later in servicing ships with its ‘sheer’ crane machine structure.

“We are delighted to be part of this staple tradition, embodying values of quality, speed, and style at sea.”

Von der Heyden Yachting is one of the Von der Heyden Group’s leisure subsidiaries in its portfolio specialising in yacht charter, sales and service of world-class yachts around the Mediterranean.