The Fife Jubilee – St.Tropez 2018

The planning for this started a few years ahead, after hearing of the addition of Mariska and Hispania to the two existing 15 metre Fife yachts – Tuiga and The Lady Anne. I’d seen Tuiga and The Lady Anne before on the Mediterranean circuit and at the Pendennis Cup, but not the two new 15’s.

With my love of classics (particularly gaff rigged yachts due to my history with the Falmouth working boats, and subsequently the stunning Fife yachts) I needed to witness the four of them racing together. In my opinion, they, along with the stunning 19 metre Mariquita are the most beautiful yachts in the world . . . (and the Falmouth working boats of course!)

I spoke with a friend who was one of Tuiga’s race crew – Phillippe Gavin (a fellow artist), who confirmed all four would be attending St.Tropez in the 2018 regatta. So that was it, this was the regatta to attend.

As the build up started, I then found out about another element, which was a total and utter bonus. The 2018 Les Voiles de St.Tropez was their 20th anniversary regatta and Fife’s 130th anniversary, so they decided to hold a special regatta within the overall event to celebrate – The Fife Jubilee for the Rolex Trophy. This meant twenty Fife’s all together on the start line. If conditions were right, this could be incredible, but there’s always the chance it could be a wasted trip if the conditions you’re after don’t materialise.

The first day of racing was cancelled due to a gale force Mistral . . . so I was a little concerned! Thankfully the wind abated and racing began on the second day.

After all the planning, it came together in the very first race with clear skies and plenty of swell and breeze making conditions absolutely perfect!

The composition was a bit of a headache, trying to include the four 15 Metres, the whole of the rest of the Fife fleet, along with all the landmarks that make it so recognisably St.Tropez; the Citadel, the clock tower, the Capitainerie, the lighthouse and the hills. After several attempts, I achieved a composition which included all of the elements I wanted.

I’m delighted with the finished painting – one of my best ever.

I’m hoping I did a pretty good job of trying to recreate the atmosphere and spectacle of a truly stunning and memorable sight – one I’ll never forget . .

A limited edition Giclée print from an original oil painting.