Since 1963, Sportmer has been the yachting address I rely on in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Four partners founded it, and today it covers private yacht charter, yacht sales, technical maintenance and concierge assistance, all under one name.
For guests travelling from Switzerland who want to hire a yacht on the Riviera, the charter fleet is broad: Riva, Pershing, Mangusta, Leopard, Saxdor and VanDutch, from day cruisers up to superyachts. The larger boats take up to 12 guests, with 3 to 4 cabins. The Saxdor 400 GTO, a 2025 model for up to 10 guests, suits a day on the water along the coast. Stanislas Richardot and Stéphane Cazes, the brokers, answer charter and sales enquiries.
Sportmer also runs its own shipyard in the gulf. Boats are looked after from mechanics to upholstery, at the quay or under a hangar. Its refit and repair work, paint and varnish included, is said to be recognised along the Mediterranean coast. Winter storage, guarding and engine repair are available close to the bay. For boats of 8 metres and more, mooring rings can be rented in Saint-Tropez, Sainte-Maxime, Port Grimaud and the Marines de Cogolin. Sportmer manages the berth and deals with the harbour office on the owner's behalf. Its pontoon is open to visiting boats, with extra services to keep a yacht ready to sail.
Those thinking of buying will find pre-owned yachts, among them Cigarette offshore boats, Pershing, Riva and Magnum. Owners can also have their own used boat assessed and sold. There is some history here too: in the 1980s, a friendship with offshore racer Don Aronow brought American Cigarette boats to Saint-Tropez. The website is available in English and French.
