Some things loom large in our minds, especially the things we have not done or seen. For me as a sailor and marine photographer it has been two regattas in the South of France, Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez and Les Regattas Royal de Cannes held annually at the end of September on the Mediterranean Sea. These regattas gather an amazing amount of classic yachts primarily from Europe but also from around the world. The backdrop of classic wooden sailboats against the mountains and centuries old villages is simply breathtaking.

Backdrop of od town, boats at rest in the harbor, the Mediterranean Sea — a bucket list is filled. — Louisa Gould

These regattas are on every racer’s bucket list and over the years many Vineyard yachts and sailors have visited. And this year I was there too, not racing but with my camera.

The Royal Regatta de Cannes is the last in the Panerai Classic Yacht Series, which also includes Newport, R.I. and Antigua Race Week. Quai Laubeuf in the Cannes harbor moored all of the yachts, including Sumura, a 1914-built schooner out of New York but restored in Maine. Harry Beach, a Vineyard sailor who crews on board Juno, a Gannon and Benjamin designed, 63-foot schooner, introduced me to the owner and crew of the Sumura and provided a tour of the boat. Harry and Juno had been to Cannes several years ago, but Juno couldn’t sail in the race because these classic regattas in France have very strict rules about being vintage yachts (Juno was built in 2003).

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez is a much bigger regatta as it has modern boats and also a Wally class. This year there were over 300 yachts and 4,000 crew. Saint-Tropez is probably the most gorgeous port for a regatta, second of course to Edgartown and Vineyard Haven. The boats moor stern to the walkway around the harbor so onlookers can watch the boats and crew sail off in the morning and then welcome them back after racing. There is also a long wall surrounding the harbor where onlookers can view the racing.

End of September on the Mediterranean. — Louisa Gould

The pro yachting world is a small one. I saw an old sailing buddy, Andy Greene, who was racing on a Wally. Andy took the daily on Sept. 26 and said it had taken a long time for this team to get to a bullet (win). Andy’s wife owns Nell on Main street in Edgartown.

I chose to shoot the classic yachts with the old town and the Citadel as a backdrop. The harbor is unique in that it faces north so the start for the classic fleets was to sail south, or windward, down the harbor to the Mediterranean Sea.

Louisa Gould is a Vineyard-based photographer and owner of the Louisa Gould Gallery at 54 Main street, Vineyard Haven. For more images from these regattas along with the Moffet and Pat West Race vist louisagould.com or stop by the gallery.