Mille asserts that classic yachts embody the highest workmanship, heritage and traditional values passed down through centuries. By organising this challenge, “we intend to embark on a journey through history and revive this exquisite craft”, says Mille. Supporting Mille’s perspective is William Collier, the organiser of the internationally acclaimed Fife Regatta since 1998. He emphasises that the Richard Mille Cup aims to revive the essence of the pre-war British racing circuit.
Richard Mille was pivotal in establishing Team Fife, an initiative to unite a fleet of William Fife yachts along the Atlantic Coast. Centred around Brest, the team encourages competition, exchanging knowledge and expertise, and draws in renowned yachts such as Mariquita, Moonbeam IV and Moonbeam. The Richard Mille Cup is positioned to celebrate the elegance and grandeur of these handcrafted vessels while promoting their allure to a wider audience.
The classic yacht Mariquita was built in 1911 by the great William Fife III; Mariquita — “ladybird” in Spanish — is a 38m-long cutter of the 19MJI class. She is the last remaining class representative, which declined after the war. This is according to boatsnews.com.
In the meantime, yachtharbour.com states that the Moobeam yachts began life in 1902 when Charles Plumtree Johnson, an eminent London lawyer, decided to go back to William Fife for the creation of his third yacht, taking into account his navigation projects as he wanted to race under the new RORC tonnage which included sailing ships with fitted-out interiors. Moonbeam III was launched in 1903 and was a magnificent yacht that has become one of the most successful classic yachts in the world.
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Fifteen yachts from the late 19th century to the late 1930s participated in the Richard Mille Cup, competing in the Schooner and Cutter categories. The regatta will feature the breathtaking presence of two magnificent three-masted yachts, each measuring 60m in length, intensifying the excitement and spectacle along the coastlines on both sides of the Channel.
Race participants will navigate through centuries of history, passing through esteemed institutions such as the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, Royal Dart Yacht Club and the renowned Royal Yacht Squadron. They then set a course across the Channel, heading towards the ultimate finish line at the Société des Régates du Havre. Adding to the excitement, Pierre Casiraghi, a member of the Richard Mille family and a sailor associated with the brand since 2018, will join the race aboard Tuiga, the legendary flagship vessel of the Yacht Club de Monaco.
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After the race, a prestigious prize awaits the winners: A specially commissioned trophy designed by Garrard, jewellers to the British royal family for the past three centuries. The House of Garrard boasts a remarkable legacy in crafting sporting trophies, including the Ascot Gold Cup, the British Masters trophy, the Cricket World Cup and America’s Cup.
From the beginning of this new yacht racing series, Richard Mille had the vision to create a trophy that would truly embody the essence of the event and its participants. Standing at 1m in height, the Richard Mille Cup has been expertly crafted using sterling silver. The design is inspired by the graceful lines and elegance of the yachts that will compete for the trophy. The intricate details and the dynamic movement of the sails are beautifully captured, seemingly hovering above the waves.
The Richard Mille Cup is a testament to the brand’s dedication to excellence and fascination with the marine world. With the inaugural edition of this event, the Richard Mille Cup heralds a new era of classic competitive sailing. It promises to captivate and inspire all who witness it.
