You would not be wrong to say that our island of St Barthélemy is synonymous with superyachts. The Port of Gustavia is often rated as one of the best-looking natural harbors in the world, and the island plays host to some of the most iconic sailing events in the world.
One of these events is the St Barths Bucket Regatta, which returns this year on March 17-20 after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The Bucket Regatta has been a fixture in St Barts since 1995.
If you are attending the event in 2022 and would like to check in with other attendees and get advice from St Barths Insiders on what to do, don’t forget to join our Facebook Group for St Barth regulars. For regular dispatches from the island, you can also follow us on our Instagram.
A brief history of the Bucket Regatta
Nelson Doubleday organized the first-ever Bucket Regatta in Nantucket, Massachusetts in August 1986 as a birthday celebration. The stated prize of the event was sailing bragging rights, but in the end, the racing accomplishment was commemorated with a literal spare bucket, thus giving birth to the race’s quirky moniker.
In March 1995, the Bucket Regatta was organized for the first time on the glamourous island of St Barths, and this tradition has continued since, with some of the world’s most notable sailors participating each time.
Key info for participating sailors
Festivities kick-off with J Class yachts registration and captains briefing at 9 am on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at the Bucket Marquee on the Quay. The Regatta closes with the Final Awards Ceremony and Party scheduled for Sunday, March 20, 2022, at 7 pm in the Wall House Museum across the Harbor. You will find the full events schedule here.
Watching the Races, After-Parties, and Fireworks
The great thing about sailing events is that you can watch them from any of the beaches or beach bars around Gustavia. Just make sure you have reservations for the latter as many others will share your excitement for watching the races.
The Port in Gustavia and surrounding bars are ideal if you are looking to join in on the post-race parties and get-togethers.
The Sunday night Awards Ceremony and Party is the biggest celebratory event where the actual bucket presentation ceremony happens and is followed by a spectacular fireworks display. The party is for regatta registrants only but the crowd is fairly welcoming if you decide to take a chance and attend. If not, the Port of Gustavia and the Upper Road going out of Gustavia to the Airport are both great outlooks for watching the fireworks.
Remember, parking is a menace during the Regatta so consider parking on the other side of the Port.
Official 2022 St Barths Bucket Regatta Merchandise
Space Gallery St Barth, St Barts’ very own inclusive contemporary art space now has on sale the official 2022 St Barths Bucket Regatta poster that can be purchased in person or via email. The dimensions and pricing are available on their website, but the gallery makes for a wonderful visit if you are on the island so we would recommend making a stop while you are in St Barthélemy.
And that’s it! You are all set to witness one of the more premier sailing events in the world firsthand. Share your 2022 St Barths Bucket Regatta experience with other St Barths Insiders in our Facebook Group or tag @saintbarthcom in your Instagram memories of the regatta.
A big thanks to St Barths Insider and our group member Phil Sturm for sharing his infinite wisdom on the subject!
