The International Twelve Metre Class will again be anchored in sporting history as the focal point for the 2024 Paris Olympics Torch Relay. On May 10, the Olympic flame will traverse the quay in front of the 12mR fleet assembled for the Toulon Provence Regatta from May 7-12, 2024.
Toulon Provence Regatta: 12mRs Anchor Olympic History
Newport, RI (February 29, 2024) Last weekend hundreds of volunteers gathered for an orientation session in support of the Toulon Provence Regatta. Organizers are now busy coordinating the 150 volunteers per day needed to activate the week-long festivities. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will again anchor the 12mR Class in sporting history as the focal point for the 2024 Paris Olympics Torch Relay. (The 12mR Class raced at the Olympic Games in 1908, 1912 and 1920.)
Regatta registration includes free dockage in Toulon Harbor from May 6-13th; where the 12mR fleet will be at the heart of the Olympic Torch celebrations. Numerous social events are planned throughout the week and crews will also receive complimentary tickets to surrounding events including a Sea Film Festival and the Coupe de France Exhibit (displayed in Toulon) from the Musée de la Marine in Paris. On May 10, the Olympic flame will traverse the quay in front of each 12mR, followed by a crew dinner and a magnificent drone spectacle.
This giant media screen at the center of Toulon Harbor from May 7th –12th will engage visitors and crews alike with a larger-than-life view of the historic events.
The sailing schedule includes two days of practice (May 7-8) and four days of racing (May 9-12) with several races per day– multiple locations and courses are indicated in the Notice of Race. Live race tracking on Facebook Live and YouTube will follow all of the action. Finally, the high-style of the Toulon Provence Regatta will be appropriately reflected in bespoke trophies designed by artists of the prestigious École Camondo which will be presented at the the Prize Giving on May 12.
Early registration ends on April 15, sign-up today and save €100 — just enough for another round of rosé?
THE YACHT CLUB DE FRANCE, founded in 1867, remains faithful to its vocation: to contribute to the development of pleasure boating in all its forms; in cruises and in racing, defend and promote the values of solidarity, courtesy and moral elegance that animate all seafarers. Recognized as a public utility on the eve of the Great War, the Yacht Club de France is proud to have counted among its members Jules Verne, Virginie Hériot, Alain Gerbault, Commander Charcot, Marin-Marie, Eric Tabarly. Respect traditions, bring together the sailors of tomorrow.
THE COUPE DE FRANCE by YACHT CLUB DE FRANCE was created in 1891 to develop the building of racing vessels in France. For its 55th edition, the challenge reunites the 12mR Class for twelve events throughout the Mediterranean Sea.
THE INTERNATIONAL 12 METRE ASSOCIATION encompasses a living history of racing yacht design by the world’s foremost naval architects including Olin Stephens, Clinton Crane, William Fife III, Philip Rhodes, Johan Anker, Ben Lexcen and more who pushed their designs to the very limits of innovation. The resulting boats represented the pinnacle of yacht development from 1907-1987 for the highest levels of international sailing competition– the Olympic Games (1908-1920) and the America’s Cup (1958-1987).
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