The French Caribbean offers sublime scenery and ideal weather conditions for sailing enthusiasts. Discover our selection of five not-to-be-missed races in this region, perfect for all sailing enthusiasts, whether beginners or seasoned sailors.
1. Panerai Transat Classique, Martinique – January
The Panerai Transat Classique is a transatlantic crossing reserved for classic and traditional sailing yachts. Linking Lanzarote, in the Canaries, to Martinique, this prestigious race is an opportunity to celebrate the elegance and timeless beauty of classic yachts, while taking on a demanding sporting challenge. This prestigious event attracts traditional sailing enthusiasts from all over the world, offering an unforgettable maritime spectacle.
2. Bucket Regatta, Saint Barts – March
The Bucket Regatta in Saint Barts is a prestigious race that brings together some of the finest and most imposing yachts in the world. This spectacular three-day event offers spectators an impressive spectacle of majestic yachts competing in a competitive yet festive atmosphere. Renowned for its elegance and exclusivity, every year the Bucket Regatta attracts an international clientele of high-end sailing enthusiasts.
3. Les Voiles de Saint Barts – April
Les Voiles de Saint Barts is a not-to-be-missed event, attracting international crews every year to compete in five yacht categories: multihull, maxi, IRC 52, spinnaker and non-spinnaker. During four days of intense competition, interspersed with a day of relaxation, crews enjoy a spectacular technical course. The race village also offers a wide range of entertainment, with live music concerts in a variety of genres, water-based activities including paddle boarding and water games, and a pleasant picnic on the beach to round off the festivities.
4. Transquadra, Martinique – July
The Transquadra is a unique race reserved exclusively for amateur sailors over the age of 40. The competition takes place in two stages: a first leg from Martinique to Madeira, followed by a second leg to Barcelona. This event allows amateur sailors to experience an exhilarating transatlantic adventure while discovering magnificent maritime landscapes.
5. Route du Rhum, Guadeloupe – November
The Route du Rhum is a legendary and emblematic solo sailing event, a transatlantic race from Saint-Malo in Brittany to Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe. Held every four years, this prestigious race attracts thousands of spectators, fascinated by the human and technological feats of the solo sailors. The start is spectacular, with huge crowds gathering on the Breton coast to cheer on the sailors as they defy the Atlantic Ocean.
6. Course de l’Alliance, Saint-Martin – November
The “Course de l’Alliance” is one of Saint-Martin’s most important events, distinguished by its convivial and intercultural dimension. The main aim of this regatta is to strengthen ties between Saint-Martin and its neighboring islands, Anguilla and Saint-Barthélemy. For three days, participants sail from island to island, discovering local specialities and sharing moments of exchange and conviviality with crews from the various participating islands.
Practical tips for attending the races
- Prepare for the sun: Take along adequate sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses) to enjoy the day in comfort.
- Optimum observation: Bring binoculars to make sure you don’t miss any of the sea action, and a camera to capture the best moments.
Luxury accommodation available
PrestigeVillaRental.com can help you make the most of your nautical holiday in luxurious surroundings, with a selection of top-of-the-range villas located in the immediate vicinity of the key venues for these exceptional events. We would also be delighted to welcome sailors’ families during and after the races, to offer them the ideal setting to get together and share these special moments.
