Three Days. One Regatta. No Shortcuts.
Les Voiles de Cassis
22 - 24 May 2026
in the heart of the excitement
Les Voiles de Cassis - Classic Sailing, Stripped Back.
Not every classic regatta needs a full week to make its mark. Les Voiles de Cassis distils the experience to what matters most: one training day, two race days, and a sailing ground that is difficult to match. That is precisely what makes this event special. Everything feels more concentrated, more immediate, closer to the actual act of sailing.
The racing zone stretches between the Rade de Cassis, the Île de Riou and the Bay of La Ciotat – an open coastal venue at the heart of the Calanques National Park. Sailors have the white limestone cliffs of the Calanques on one side and the red and ochre rock faces of Cap Canaille on the other. The contrast is striking and immediate: two geologically distinct worlds facing each other across a remarkably compact stretch of water.
Cassis itself is exactly the kind of place you would choose for a weekend like this. Getting there via Marseille is straightforward, distances are short, the harbour sits at the centre of town, and the sea is always within sight. Rather than a lengthy social occasion, this is a regatta weekend with a clear purpose: arrive, board, train, race.
We organise your place aboard a classic yacht and support you throughout the event. Experienced sailors will find the intensity they are looking for. Those with less time on the water will discover how much is possible when the conditions and the crew are right. Sometimes three days are all it takes.
Long Story Short: What is the Voiles de Cassis?
Three days. One training day, two race days. A harbour town that fits in your pocket. And a racing ground that happens to be one of the most visually striking stretches of coastline in the Mediterranean.
The Voiles de Cassis is a regatta for classic yachts – boats with history, character and the occasional quirk. We organise your place on board and look after everything around it. You focus on the sailing.
What you need to know:
- Classic yachts – each one different, none of them ordinary
- Cassis – compact, unhurried, and right on the water
- May – the season opening, the conditions at their most varied
- Individual participation or exclusive yacht booking for groups and teams
- Minimum number of participants: 6
No grand format. No unnecessary ceremony. Just a well-chosen place, a well-chosen boat, and three days that tend to be worth considerably more than their length suggests.
Do I Need Sailing Experience to Join a Regatta?
Not at all. Our professional crew will handle all the technical aspects and show you the ropes if you’d like to get involved. There’s no pressure – you can be hands-on or just enjoy the thrill of the race from a comfortable spot on deck. It’s about the experience, not expertise.
Sailing Only – What Options Are Available?
For the True Competitor – The Sailing-Only Ticket
Sharpen your skills, trim your sails, and focus on what truly matters: racing.
Our Sailing-Only Ticket is for those who want to be part of the action – whether you’re a seasoned sailor, an ambitious newcomer with a thirst for competition, or a returning guest looking to focus purely on the sport. No frills, no distractions – just wind in your sails and a finish line to chase, without the added extras of our curated Premium-Regatta-Bundle.
Included:
• Entry in the regatta aboard one of our classic yachts
• Professional, race-proven crew
• Participation in a top-tier international fleet of vintage yachts
Not included:
– Social programme, transfers, meals, or evening events
This option is perfect for those who want to challenge themselves, compete at the highest level, and enjoy pure sailing.
Heads-up: Limited spots. Selected events only. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. Enquire now under the BOOKING tab – and secure your place on the starting line.
What’s the Weather Like During the Voiles de Cassis?
May is a good month to be in Cassis. The light is clear, the pace unhurried, and the sea has not yet surrendered to summer. There is something unfinished about May on the Provençal coast – in the best possible sense.
Pleasant Days and Clear Visibility
Daytime temperatures sit between 18 and 20 °C (64–68 °F), dropping to around 15 °C (59 °F) in the evening. The sea reaches approximately 16 to 17 °C (61–63 °F) – cool enough to sharpen the senses, warm enough to make an evening on the quay genuinely pleasant. Sunshine averages eleven to thirteen hours a day, and rain is rare. The visibility across the racing zone is typically excellent, with the limestone cliffs of the Calanques and the red rock faces of Cap Canaille standing out in sharp relief against the sky.
Wind and Sailing Conditions
May sits in an interesting position in the wind calendar. The Mistral can still assert itself with some force, but it tends to be less dominant than in the colder months. What takes its place is a more varied picture: northwesterlies alternating with winds from the south, morning calm giving way to afternoon breeze. For a classic yacht, this variability is not a complication – it is the point. The boat and the crew are tested across a range of conditions rather than just one.
The Racecourse
The racing zone stretches from the Rade de Cassis out to the Île de Riou and across to the Bay of La Ciotat – a stretch of open water framed by some of the most dramatic coastal topography in the Mediterranean. The headlands create wind shadows and pressure shifts. The transitions between sheltered water and open sea demand constant attention. On this course, a well-sailed classic yacht in the hands of an attentive crew will always have the edge.
In Summary – Three Days That Feel Like More
May in Cassis has a particular quality – the season is still opening, the town is still itself, and the water off the Calanques is at its most interesting. The racing zone between the white limestone cliffs and the red faces of Cap Canaille is not a backdrop. It is part of the experience. Three days here tend to leave a mark that takes longer than three days to fade.
Can a Regatta be Sustainable?
We believe it can. For us, sustainability isn’t a slogan – it’s a conscious choice that shapes everything we do, on board and beyond. When you join one of our classic regattas, you’re not just stepping onto a beautiful yacht. You become part of a carefully curated event: powered by the wind, in harmony with nature, and guided by a deep respect for craftsmanship, tradition, and the environment.
Our yachts are not disposable products – they’re living history. Many of them have been sailing for generations. Their survival depends on skilled restoration, continuous maintenance, and thoughtful use. They stand for something rare today: longevity, not fast consumption.
Our commitment to sustainability extends to every part of the regatta experience:
- Our shuttle service is provided with electric vehicles, keeping emissions as low as possible.
- Our catering comes from trusted local producers who can clearly trace the origin of their ingredients and contribute to the local economy.
- We avoid single-use plastics and use reusable, sustainable tableware for all food service.
- Our crew wear is supplied by PAYPER, an Italian brand known for ethical production and quality. Their clothing is made from 100% premium cotton – designed to last long after the event. Learn more here.
Our regattas are not mass events – they are designed with intention. Small groups. Personal connections. A meaningful atmosphere that honours nature, tradition, and the human touch.
We know that not everything is perfect yet – but every conscious step matters.
They may be small steps – but they are intentional. They mark the beginning of a journey where sustainability and quality go hand in hand. Because true experiences do not begin with sacrifice – they begin with a choice to enjoy more mindfully.
Join the Voiles de Saint-Tropez for the entire regatta or just a day.
Request our free digital event brochure and let us surprise you with something extraordinary.
Discover the Surroundings
Les Voiles de Cassis
NEW: Sailing-Only Tickets
Secure your place on the beautiful 1926 classic Fife yacht Hallowe’en and be part of Les Voiles de Cassis.
Please note that at this stage, no payment is required. After submitting your details, you will receive a reservation confirmation and further information. If you agree with the terms, you can make payments seamlessly via credit card, PayPal, or bank transfer. Kindly note that bookings will only be confirmed upon receipt of payment. Prices are listed in €, per person, and include all taxes.
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