Events
St.Barths Bucket creates world-class competition
Taking place on the lush and lovely Caribbean island of St.Barths, the 14th annual Bucket regatta took place amid strong winds and fierce competition.
34 yachts took part in this year's St.Barths Bucket Regatta, a spectacular superyacht event whose first year saw only four competing vessels and highly irregular rules. Captains were required to gulp a daiquiri before a high-speed tender dash to their yachts, which they were then required to sail off their anchors before racing around the exquisite Caribbean island. Fishing was also major part of the race, with the reward being an ancient and well-worn spittoon, the 'Bucket'. The Bucket was also the first prize awarded in Nantucket at the first large yacht competition 23 years ago, making it a sort of Holy Grail for the yachting community.
This year's race may have differed from the alcohol-based start of 14 years ago, but the prize remained the same. The organisers, led by Hank Halstead, kept the competition controlled and free of the commercial and practical pressures that can sink any unique event such as this.
The St.Barths Bucket Regatta has no sponsor and is funded through discrete financial contributions by industry luminaries as well as leading designers and builders who all keep a low profile. This allows the exceptional regatta to keep the emphasis on the passion of sailing as this regatta is primarily for the yacht owners to truly enjoy the yachts they have invested so much time and effort in.
Perini Navi backed a sprawling roster of 9 boats, including the spectacular Maltese Falcon, new Briand sloop P2 and the new Baracuda whose purple sails were an eye-catching delight. Royal Huisman backed the impressive schooner Meteor as a celebration of their 125 years in the industry.
The starting line for the race is staggered in one minute intervals, with the slowest vessels leaving first to embark on the three day regatta. The finishing order of day one determines the starting order of day two, leaving day three with a collection of superyachts racing closely towards a mass finish.
The fleet of superyachts was divided into two categories: Les Gazelles and Les Grand Dames, or Racing and Cruising divisions.
The winners for this amazing event are as follows:
Overall, presented for best overall performance in all classes and all races -
1st Meteor
2nd Windcrest
3rd Adela
Les Gazelles, racing division -
1st Ganesha
2nd P2
3rd Destination Fox Harb'r
Les Grand Dames, cruising division
1st Meteor
2nd Maltese Falcon
3rd Windcrest
Alloy Cup, best performance by an Alloy Yacht
Destination Fox Harb'r
Holland Jachtbouw All Star Crew Award, yacht crew that demonstrates the most professional service in all tasks while maintaining the best camaraderie, teamwork, respect and overall joie de vivre -
Maltese Falcon
The Wolter Huisman Memorial, presented by Alice Huisman to the yacht that exemplifies the spirit of the Bucket Regatta -
Meteor
Perini Navi Cup, presented to Perini Navi Yacht with best combined result -
Maltese Falcon
Vitter's Shipyard Seamanship Trophy, presented to the yacht that demonstrates best seamanship and sportsmanship while promoting safety -
Virago
Skullduggery Cravat, awarded to the yacht and crew who display the best bucket humour -
Axia
Escargot Cup
Baracuda & Varsovie
Photo Gallery:
Published: 4th Jun 2009
- FILED IN:
- Events
