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Andrew H (219) offers a captivating firsthand account of the inaugural Voiles de Saint Barths regatta, where he put the Richard Mille RM028 through its paces. His report provides a unique perspective on the demanding conditions of Caribbean yacht racing and the watch's performance in such an environment. This article highlights the synergy between high-performance sailing and precision horology, a core tenet of Richard Mille's brand philosophy.
[The RM028 on board Sojana being put through its paces; the racing yacht ‘Rambler’ riding the waves in the background].
The trade winds that blew the ships across the Atlantic and led to the discovery of these islands on the edge of the Americas still lead modern sailors to the same place. Leeward of the main air stream, Saint Barthelemy is a small island in the chain, but has become a magnet for yachting across the globe. Sailing in the trade winds around Saint Barthelemy is different because of the way the wind blows and whips up the waves. It makes for some of the most exciting sailing in the world, and it is now no surprise that a second major regatta has been added to the sailing calendar around this small French island Collectivity.
The weather on the waters surrounding Saint-Barths can change in a matter of minutes; high winds suddenly subside, driving rain gives way to peerless blue skies, and waves as high as a single storey house can appear without warning. Sailing around the Leeward Islands tests the utmost of a sailor’s skill and endurance. When timing is everything, at the start line, when to tack, the distance to the next mark, the time to the competitor’s finish, then a watch that can withstand the same test as the sailor is a necessity. Richard Mille has re-entered the yachting world by sponsoring the inaugural Voiles de Saint Barths; a new regatta that despite being in its first year has attracted yachts and sailors of the highest caliber. Sailing as part of the crew on ‘Sojana’ (a twin mast schooner belonging to Sir Peter Harrison), I was able to put the RM028 through its paces. This message has been edited by 219 on 2010-04-18 14:11:36 This message has been edited by 219 on 2010-04-18 14:13:07
The RM028 represents Richard Mille's dive watch offering within the brand's numbered series lineup. This reference served as the manufacturer's primary diving-focused timepiece during its production period from 2009 to 2018, distinguished by its skeletonized dial treatment and technical diving specifications.
The 40mm titanium case houses the automatic RMAC2 caliber, providing 55 hours of power reserve. Technical features include a rotating unidirectional bezel, sapphire crystal, and 300-meter water resistance suitable for recreational diving. The skeletonized dial reveals the movement architecture beneath, while a rubber strap completes the sports-oriented configuration.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking Richard Mille's interpretation of the dive watch category, combining the brand's characteristic skeletonized aesthetic with functional diving capabilities. The titanium construction and moderate 40mm case size position the RM028 as an accessible entry point within the Richard Mille catalog, offering technical diving features alongside the brand's distinctive visual approach to dial design.
Saint Barthelemy is one of the smaller islands in the West Indies chain. However, despite its more diminutive size, it has more than made up with cache and reputation. While other islands have become over developed Saint-Barths has very much retained its island community feel and all buildings are a maximum two storeys’ high. There are a limited number of hotels, but all are at the higher end of luxury. The main street running through the capital Gustavia (a throw back to the island’
With the change in regatta, from the Perini Navi to the Voiles de Saint Barth, there has been a change in the RM line. While the Perini Navi designs remain in place for the yachts of the same name, with the tonneau case, polished elements, and dark blue bezel (http://www.watchprosite.com/show-forumpost.classic/fi-18/pi-1941009/ti-296633/s-0/), the watch for the Voiles will be based on Richard Mille’s latest aquatic watch: the RM028. Admittedly, while this was originally designed as a diver
Racing in the Voiles was over 3 days with different courses used on each day. My favourite course was on the final day as it was around the island. The conditions went from the tempered calm (just after a rain storm) of the seas around the port of Gustavia, to the north-side of the island where the wind and swell led to 3 or 4 metre waves. It made for exciting sailing. [Yachts under sail at the start of the race] There are a number of racing classes within the regatta. The Swan and Maxi classes
The crew of Sojana tried their utmost, but Rambler’s speed was just too much over the three days of racing. A victory for Sojana on the third day’s racing was not sufficient to overhaul the results of the previous two days, and Rambler ran out worthy winners. The celebratory prize giving ceremony had awards for each class of yacht, and the overall prize was for the Richard Mille trophy. As with the Perini Navi Cup, Richard designed a trophy specifically for the event and with the representative
Hello Andrew, What a race! Thanks for sharing the event with us and taking such great pics of the RM028. -MW
What a wonderful look inside the event. Its nice to see Richard heading back to the sea. Although I don't think I would have the nerve to place my RM on the deck of the yacht for a photo op, it was definitely worth the risk based on the photos that show the design relationship between the watch and the yacht. Very cool photos. Thanks so very much for sharing the event with us. Chris
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