25 years of nautical prestige

For the past 25 years, around the end of June, a unique ceremony in honour of Malta has taken place in the glamorous French Riviera town of Saint-Tropez, beneath the imposing statue of French Admiral and Knight of Malta, Pierre André de Suffren. On the world-famous quay where some of the world’s most luxurious superyachts dock, the ceremony marks the start of the Trophée Bailli de Suffren — a distinguished regatta that traces a course from Saint-Tropez to Malta. This “gentlemen’s race” is reserved for elegant vintage classic boats and has earned its place as one of the Mediterranean’s most charming sailing traditions.

Permanent Secretary Christopher Cutajar addressing race participants at the inauguration dinner in Saint-Tropez.

This year’s edition of the ceremony, held on June 28, was particularly special, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the race. The opening ceremony, followed by the official departure of the race observed from the Saint-Tropez Capitainerie, was presided over by the Mayor of Saint-Tropez and attended by a distinguished Maltese delegation. This included Mr Christopher Cutajar, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism; H.E. Pierre Clive Agius, Malta’s Ambassador to France; Mr Claude Zammit Trevisan, Director France at the Malta Tourism Authority; and Malta’s Honorary Consuls in Nice, Bordeaux, Lyon, Tours and Strasbourg.

The monument of Pierre André de Suffren in Saint-Tropez. Photo: Valerie Bessone

More than just a sailing competition, the Trophée Bailli de Suffren is an annual tribute to Malta’s historical legacy. It is a commemoration of the important strategic role which Malta played as the Mediterranean island base of the Order of the Knights of St John. It also honours the deep-rooted cultural and maritime ties between France and Malta, personified by Saint-Tropez’s most illustrious native son, Pierre André de Suffren, a naval hero who served as Vice-Admiral of the French Navy and a distinguished member of the Order of St John.

Over the years, the regatta has fostered not only historical reflection but also enduring friendships and exchanges — forged through the noble sport of sailing. The Malta Tourism Authority has supported the event from its inception, spearheading the initiative through its Paris office in close coordination with the French organisers and various Maltese institutional partners and sponsors. This year’s supporters also included Yachting Malta, the Grand Hotel Excelsior and Marina, the Birgu Local Council, the Royal Malta Yacht Club and Stephen Cordina Aroma & Therapy.

Birgu Mayor John Boxall, former Saint-Tropez Mayor Jean-Pierre Tuveri, and former president MareNostrum Sailing Club Christian Benoit outside the Auberge de France during the 2012 twinning of Saint-Tropez and Birgu.

Today, Malta’s support for this race carries even greater significance. As Malta steers its course to position itself internationally as a quality premium destination, association with events of this calibre plays a crucial role in shaping perception and enhancing brand value. The Trophée Bailli de Suffren is one of a select few prestigious sporting events which is actively promoted by the MTA to appeal to France’s high-value, discerning travel market. Sailing enjoys a cultured and exclusive following in France, and this event in particular - a niche regatta reserved for classic wooded ketches - enjoys the obvious advantages of having the institutional backing of the Municipality of Saint-Tropez, as well as strong goodwill earned along 25 years of existence.

Malta’s engagement with the regatta is both strategic and heartfelt, grounded in shared history, common values, and warm relations. In 2012, the harbour towns of Birgu and Saint-Tropez were formally twinned, thanks in part to the mutual presence of Camper & Nicholsons managing both marinas, and to the permanent exhibition dedicated to Admiral de Suffren at the Maritime Museum in Birgu. Both towns share a rich maritime character, a strong local identity, and common challenges and opportunities shaped by their boating and tourism economies.

At the inauguration ceremony and start of race, Saint-Tropez, June 28, 2025.

The vision embodied by Henri-Chistian Schroeder and Christian Benoit, past presidents of the Saint-Tropez Marenostrum Racing Club and founders of this legendary race, is still alive today, having been forged into a Mediterranean tradition. This year’s silver jubilee edition coincides with the 2025 UN Ocean conference held in Nice, another occasion for Malta to join France in proudly showcasing a commitment to protecting and preserving our ocean and seas as a common source of peace and prosperity.

As we once again welcome the race organisers and participating crews to our shores, headed by Mr Lionel Péan, current President of the Marenostrum Racing Club, we draw a parallel between the transformation of this regatta over the years and Malta’s own transformation from a sun-and-sea tourism destination to one defined by excellence in service, infrastructure, and capability in hosting prestigious international events.

Malta remains committed to attracting and supporting high-calibre events from international source markets, as a key part of its vision to align the tourism sector towards a more premium, sustainable future.

Sailing Yacht Orient, on June 28, 2001, 1st edition of Trophée Bailli de Suffren.