What was behind the creation of the Richard Mille Cup?
Richard Mille was a partner of the Fife Regatta, which brings together every 5 years the old rigs designed by this legendary architect of the last century. We wanted to go one step further by offering vintage yachts the chance to get together and compete on a race course they sailed a century ago. This is not a parade, but a real regatta over two weeks in the South of England. It involves four historic yacht clubs in England and France and, for the second year running, has brought together around ten old rigs, or replicas built to match. We bring back to life the early days of yachting and their illustrious participants with a lot of authenticity and passionate people. The concept is similar to our Le Mans Classic motor race. Three of the yachts that took the start had not raced together for a century, and they competed in the same race via the same centuries-old yacht clubs! The English Channel doesn't have the same appeal as the Mediterranean, and only enthusiasts come here to admire the wild beauty of the English coastline and prove that they are real sailors who can master the local currents and winds to win the competition. In fact, we are hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron of Cowes, one of the oldest clubs in the world, in the cradle of sailing that is the Isle of Wight.
How do you see the Richard Mille Cup evolving?
The crews, owners and yacht clubs express a great deal of gratitude and satisfaction with this initiative, which is unique in its approach, because it helps to preserve the sailing heritage while training young people thanks to the support of certain owners. There are many regattas around the world, but this one is all about authenticity. It can only take place if the owners include it in their sailing programme, and we are going to discuss with them the agenda and the location, which could change so that the whole thing remains federated and potentially attracts other enthusiasts. These boats require a lot of maintenance and special care for their regatta configuration, and we have to take that into account.
In contrast to old sailing ships, Richard Mille also supports the Franco-Swiss SP80 project...
In fact, the goal is not at all the same, since it involves beating the sailing speed record on water, at more than 80 knots. We already had in common our partner NTPT, who builds our carbon casings, as well as this racing car that flies above the waves, towed by a kite. Their engineers worked together and we enabled them to speed up their research by providing them with our resources. We hope to see them succeed next year.
You were previously involved with Les Voiles de St. Barth for over ten years. What have you gained from this partnership?
Les Voiles de St. Barth was created in 2010 and our local retailer put us in touch right from the start to launch the project together. The first edition attracted 25 boats and the event has grown to attract over 80, including some fantastic units. The Maxi Yachts came from all over the world, with crews of 20-25, lining up on the water to race at a high level. It made for spectacular images and an incredible experience for our guests. The participation of the owners was very important to us, and many of them decided not to come after the Covid. After this mutually beneficial decade of association, we've set our sights on our own regatta, the Richard Mille Cup, the nature of which appeals to us enormously.
You have also just announced your support for The Famous Project, another human story?
Absolutely, although it's very different. Both the person and the project convinced us to get involved. Sailor Alexia Barrier's ambition is to complete the first non-stop round-the-world race with an all-female crew. She has given herself the means to compete with the men by acquiring the former giant trimaran IDHEC, which holds a number of records, and by putting together a crew of experienced female ocean racers, with a two-three year timetable aimed at the famous Jules Verne Trophy. The chemistry worked with Amanda Mille, the brand and partnership director. The concept matched our values and we chose to support it.
Richard Mille himself loves sailing, as does his partner Peter Harrison, who looks after Europe and the Middle East. Does this play a role?
Of course it did. They're excited. Richard loves authenticity and Peter is an experienced racer who struggles to win on ultra-modern boats. Yet he loved the Richard Mille Cup experience when he came to sail with the crew at the start of the course. Even if you don't come from the world of sailing, you can't help but be struck by the beauty of these boats on the open sea, all sails out, competing side by side. It's simply a magnificent sight.
What watches result from these nautical partnerships?
During our partnership with the Voiles de St. Barth we created limited series for diving and regattas, inspired by our encounters, but we don't necessarily try to develop products for each partnership. That's how it always works at Richard Mille, with creations stemming from human stories.
More generally, what are your priorities for 2024?
The challenge is still to consolidate the brand, to keep the same energy, the same desire to present new products and to innovate, to supply our 40 boutiques around the world. Every year, we launch at least five new products, the latest being the RM 27-05 Flying Tourbillon Rafael Nadal, the world's lightest and strongest flying tourbillon: less than 15 grams! At the same time, we are steadily and slowly increasing production in order to satisfy our customers, and the company is undergoing a generational change that is taking place in a spirit of continuity. Although they remain very much involved, Richard Mille has handed over the reins to his children Alexandre and Amanda, and his partner and co-founder Dominique Guenat to his children Cécile and Maxime. Together, we hope to maintain the same dynamic in order to perpetuate the brand, its values of innovation and strong partnerships, authenticity and technology to push back the boundaries.
