The Richard Mille Cup is born from a desire to create a challenging sporting event with competition through a range of inshore and offshore races.
This unique race presented an opportunity for the most beautiful classic yachts and their owners to express themselves on the seas and to unleash the potential of their vessels. The idea for the Richard Mille Cup revolved around reviving the sport as it was in its heyday, when these great yachts of the early 20th century were first conceived. And that meant being able to enter them in regattas resembling those of the period with 11 classic yachts, all built before 1939, and 200 crew members.
“These early 20th-century sailboats were designed and built for nothing but speed, and it’s that extreme quality I appreciate. Their beauty and efficiency contribute to their formidable personalities. Whether you look at their lines, sails or masts – everything is gorgeous. Even the slightest detail proves to be exceptional – because each has its function. These yachts, built from noble materials, have a soul. There are actually tremendous similarities between these boats and our watches. Granted, they’re not from the same era, but they are born of the same philosophical approach.”
Richard Mille, Founder
This invitation only, two-week inaugural edition, revisits the sites of the glorious regattas of the pre-war era. Racing on the Channel is a journey in time. The first great yacht races of history took place on this body of water. Reinforcing this renewal of tradition, a group of prestigious yacht clubs with a long histories threw themselves into supporting this unprecedented competition. The Royal Cornwall Yacht Club in Falmouth, the Royal Dart Yacht Club of Dartmouth, and the exclusive Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, founded in 1815, all opened their doors to the competing yachts and crews.
“The Richard Mille Cup has brought back to life part of the pre-war racing circuit. We have been hosted by yacht clubs and raced on the courses that the participating yachts were conceived to compete on. The spectacle of a fleet of pre-first World war gaff cutters and grand schooners racing hard has not been seen at these venues in our times. Racing for two weeks has been a real challenge of endurance and sportsmanship, which in turn has given way to the joys of great camaraderie and unforgettable memories. The Richard Mille Cup has opened a new dimension in classic yacht racing, and one which we will take even further in the future editions.”
William Collier, Organiser, Richard Mille Cup
For more information please visit Richard Mille