Amid the stunning seascapes of the English Channel, 12 magnificent classic yachts set sail in the Richard Mille Cup 2024.
For two weeks earlier this June, spectators witnessed a display of elegance and history along with competitive spirit as the yachts raced in stages from four historic ports in England and France: Falmouth, Dartmouth, Cowes, and Le Havre. Beyond just being a competition, the Richard Mille Cup is a celebration of maritime heritage and yacht design. The authentic pre-WWII yachts attract classic boat aficionados, collectors and hundreds of onlookers.
The competition was fierce among the historic yachts, including great designs such as Marquita (1911), Moonbeam III (1903) and Moonbeam IV (1920). In inshore races and passages between the ports, including two overnight events, the teams faced a variety of racing formats that each provided their own unique challenges.
The event ended with a dramatic finale as Marquita and Moonbeam IV battled neck and neck to the finish line. Moonbeam IV crossed the line just 25 seconds before Marquita, but the crew were unable to celebrate as they had to give time to Marquita on handicap. The competition ended with Marquita taking the win by a mere seven seconds – a thrilling end to the second annual Richard Mille Cup.
As well as securing the win, the Marquita crew gained the honour of raising the Richard Mille Cup, which is almost as impressive as the vessel itself. The sterling silver cup was specially designed by Garrard, jeweller to the British royal family for nearly 300 years. Standing 1 metre high, its design is inspired by the elegance of yachts.
At the heart of the Richard Mille Cup is the brand’s ambitions to create a challenging sports event that pushes competitors across a range of both coastal and offshore races. The Richard Mille Cup has established itself as an unmissable event for enthusiasts around the world, becoming a much-anticipated highlight on the yachting calendar. Richard Mille’s unwavering commitment to excellence and support for ocean racing have set the highest standards in the world of classic competitive yachting.
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