In the summer of 1981, a simple beachside rivalry sparked a tradition that would endure. A spontaneous match race between the Swan 44 Pride and the 12-Metre Ikra in Saint-Tropez began what became the iconic Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. Pride, designed by Sparkman & Stephens and launched in 1973 by Nautor, was already a force. She was a Newport–Bermuda Race champion, a standout at Swan World Cups, and a symbol of grand prix racing of her era.

Built for Dick and Celia Jayson of Riverside Yacht Club (Connecticut), Pride earned a storied reputation. She took second place out of 115 entries in the inaugural Swan World Cup in 1980, and then first place in 1982. Her match race with Ikra not only ignited the Nioulargue (later Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez) but also cemented her place in sailing lore.

After 1995,  Dick Jayson retired Pride from racing. She remained moored near Saint-Tropez, mostly inactive. Pride made a singular comeback in 2001 for the regatta’s 20th anniversary. Jayson helmed alongside the original crew, but that would be her final appearance for over two decades. In 2006, a pair of Italian enthusiasts, Alfonso Visentini and Livio Nardo, fell in love with Pride. They acquired her and spent two years restoring her in Venice, reviving her spirit and sending her sailing anew in Italy, Greece, and the Adriatic.

Years later, fate brought Pride back into the original owner’s family. Gillian Jayson, Dick’s granddaughter, and her husband, Will Graves, rediscovered her in Italy during their tenth wedding anniversary. That reunion culminated in their repurchasing Pride to prepare her for a new challenge against Ikra, 42 years after their legendary match.

The refit was entrusted to Cossutti–Ganz Yacht Design, celebrated for its mastery in restoring classic yachts. Their mission is to make Pride both race-ready and family-friendly. They utilize modern materials, including carbon fiber, composites, and stainless steel. The team is simplifying the layout and enhancing ease of handling, while preserving Pride's racing heritage as designed by Cossutti Yacht Design.

This transformation began in winter 2022–2023 at Marina Sant’Andrea. The process included 3D scanning and replacing the aluminum mast with a carbon fiber fractional rig. It also entailed redesigning the deck layout, simplifying the running rigging, and refitting the below-deck systems. The goal was clear: preserve Pride’s soul while enhancing her performance and safety.