La Voile de St. Tropez, formerly known as the Nioulargue, is an annual boat race held the first week of October.
It is considered the last great race of the greatest season - the Mediterranean's - and people come from all over to participate in the festivities which are - trust me - certainly not limited to the sea.
The port is lined by innovative, glimmering brand new sailboats and renovated, whimsical classic yachts. They race. The Frenchies have boules tournaments. Each night the Sube is PACKED (so much that you cannot move) and people party until breakfast; dancing along the port, screaming at local bars, hiding from the drizzles of rain under the "La Voile 2005" tent set up in the Parking du Port.
It's a fantastic atmosphere promoting alcoholism, where everybody buys everyone else drinks in a group effort to get drunk. Then the day comes, they drag themselves out of bed far too early for St. Tropez (8 - 10am), scarf down some croissants, take the sailboats out for a race, and faire le fête all over again.
It's really amazing.
When I first decided to stay for this week it wasn't so much to see this big party or even really to work an extra week. Both were just good excuses to stay in paradise a little longer. Now, having seen this, having been a part of this atmosphere, I am so happy I did. This is fun.
Have you ever seen so many sailboats?
When I say they fill the ocean as far as the eye can see, I'm not exaggerating!
1 comment:
Great description! The race seems like it is an amazing experince. Aren't you happy that you stayed? Sounds wonderful! Enjoy! Love, Mum.
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