'Trophée du Bailli de Suffren' returns to Malta’s Grand Harbour Marina

'The most beautiful race in the Mediterranean' to be hosted by Grand Harbour Marina.

4 July 2011, 12:00am

2 min read

Grand Harbour Marina in Vittoriosa will be welcoming a fleet of 18 classic sailing boats currently participating in the annual high profile regatta Trophée du Bailli de Suffren which set sail from Saint Tropez in the south of France and will be finishing off in Malta’s Grand Harbour Marina on the 5th of July.

The participating yachts range in size from 11 to 64 metres, and in ages from the 1914 classic Moonbeam IV through to Atlantic, built in 2010.

The 580 mile, 12 day offshore race departs from St Tropez with stop overs in Porto Rotondo, Sardegna and Pantalleria before its final call in Malta.The race, now in its 10th edition, is reserved exclusively for classic yachts and is recognized as one of the most beautiful races in the Mediterranean. On Friday 8th July, the whole fleet will embark on the 50^th Malta Syracuse Race classic regatta.

“It’s all happening and it’s all happening at Grand Harbour Marina in Vittoriosa,” says Ben Stuart, Manager of the Marina in Vittoriosa. “The Trophée du Bailli de Suffren is a great boat show and we are very proud to be hosting the final juncture of this exclusive classic yacht event. Few events around the world offer the spectacular views that this regatta is bound to provide as this fleet will be entering our Grand Harbour.Our Grand Harbour Marina, with Malta’s medieval bastions as a natural backdrop, is the ideal berthing location for these amazing boats whose timeless beauty will grace Malta’s waters for three days,” added Mr Stuart.

The Trophée du Bailli de Suffren higlights an antique connection that exists between Malta and France. The race is in fact named after Pierre André de Suffren, an Admiral of the French Navy who came to Malta in 1748 to perform the cruises with the galleys of the Order.

During their stay in Malta, the crews will have the opportunity to visit some of Malta’s best sights and will also be hosted to a gala dinner at the French Embassy. An award ceremony will also be held at the Royal Malta Yacht Club.