The participants encountered great weather on the Richard Mille Yachts

The emotional bond that ties Richard Mille to classic yachts was forged in the meeting of two minds. A friendship with Benoit Couturier led the pair to create Team Fife and from there onwards to establish the Cup as a way of renewing the purpose of these sailing yachts.

FALMOUTH, ENGLAND – JUNE 13: <> during day three of the Richard Mille Cup 2023 on June 13, 2023 in Falmouth, England. (Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images for Richard Mille)

How It Began

The idea for the competition revolved around reviving the sport as it was in its heyday, when these great yachts of the early 20th century were first conceived. And that meant being able to enter them in regattas resembling those of the period.

“These early 20th-century sailboats were designed and built for nothing but speed, and it’s that extreme quality I appreciate. Their beauty and efficiency contribute to their formidable personalities. Whether you look at their lines, sails or masts – everything is gorgeous. Even the slightest detail proves to be exceptional – because each has its function.” Richard Mille explains as the Richard Mille Cup revisits the sites of the glorious regattas of the pre-war era for this two-week inaugural edition.

FALMOUTH, ENGLAND – JUNE 12: <> during day two of the Richard Mille Cup 2023 on June 12, 2023 in Falmouth, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images for Richard Mille)

“These yachts, built from noble materials, have a soul. There are actually tremendous similarities between these boats and our watches. Granted, they’re not from the same era, but they are born of the same philosophical approach.” He added.

The Journey Documented

It must be said, racing on the Channel is a journey in time. The first great yacht races of history took place on this body of water. Reinforcing this renewal of tradition, a group of prestigious yacht clubs with long histories threw themselves into supporting this unprecedented competition.

FALMOUTH, ENGLAND – JUNE 13: <> during day three of the Richard Mille Cup 2023 on June 13, 2023 in Falmouth, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images for Richard Mille)

The Royal Cornwall Yacht Club in Falmouth, the Royal Dart Yacht Club of Dartmouth, and the exclusive Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, founded in 1815, all opened their doors to the competing yachts and crews. William Collier, organiser of the Richard Mille Cup, also offered his own insight.

“The Richard Mille Cup has brought back to life part of the pre-war racing circuit. We have been hosted by yacht clubs and raced on the courses that the participating yachts were conceived to compete on. The spectacle of a fleet of pre-first World war gaff cutters and grand schooners racing hard has not been seen at these venues in our times.” He said.

FALMOUTH, ENGLAND – JUNE 13: <> during day three of the Richard Mille Cup 2023 on June 13, 2023 in Falmouth, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images for Richard Mille)

He concluded with, “Racing for two weeks has been a real challenge of endurance and sportsmanship, which in turn has given way to the joys of great camaraderie and unforgettable memories. The Richard Mille Cup has opened a new dimension in classic yacht racing, and one which we will take even further in the future editions.”

FALMOUTH, ENGLAND – JUNE 11: <> during day one of the Richard Mille Cup 2023 on June 11, 2023 in Falmouth, England. (Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images for Richard Mille)

Visit the Official Richard Mille Cup Website to find out more about the competition.