Every year, the St. Barths Bucket Regatta attracts some of the most competitive sailors from around the globe to race on the beautiful waters of the Caribbean. The four-day event also features onshore parties, live music, and other festivities, making it the perfect event for both sailors and spectators alike. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just looking to enjoy some amazing racing action, the St. Barts Bucket Regatta is not to be missed. Read on for everything you need to know about this world-renowned sailing event.

The history of St Barths Bucket

The first bucket regatta was put together by Nelson Doubleday in Nantucket, Massachusetts in August 1986. Seven superyacht owners raced on the Nantucket Sound, and due to the spontaneous nature of this race, a nearby bucket was awarded as a prize to its winner, earning the event its name.

The St. Barths Bucket Regatta, on the other hand, was first held in 1995 and has been held annually ever since. Over the years, the superyacht regatta has grown in popularity and now attracts some of the most competitive luxury yacht sailors from around the globe.

Why sailors from around the world flock to St Barths for the event

There are many reasons why sailors from around the world set course to St Barths for the annual Bucket Regatta. First and foremost, this invitational regatta takes place on some of the most beautiful waters in the Caribbean. The event is also well-known for its great yacht action, with four days of exciting competition.

Additionally, the event features onshore parties, live music, and other festivities, making it the perfect event for both sailors and spectators alike. If you’re looking for an amazing sailing event to watch or participate in, the St. Barths Bucket Regatta is not to be missed.

What to expect during the four days of racing

The St. Barts Bucket Regatta is a four-day event that features some of the most competitive sailing in the world. Sailing yachts from around the globe descend on St Barths to compete in the event, which takes place in mid-March every year. The regatta features four days of racing on some of the most beautiful waters in the Caribbean.

On the water, the regatta is an exciting competition. Some of the world’s best sailors vie for victory on their sailing yachts. The luxury yacht racing action is thrilling to watch.

But the regatta is not just for yacht owners. The event not only includes luxury yachts, but also a myriad of parties onshore as well as impromptu get together among sailors in the bustling town of Gustavia. If you’re looking for an amazing sailing regatta to watch or participate in, the St. Barts Bucket Regatta is not to be missed.

Bucket regatta 2022 took place after a 3-year hiatus on March 17-20, 2022, and the next edition is scheduled to take place on March 15-19, 2022.

Where to see the boats if you are not participating

St Barths Bucket is an invitational regatta, which limits the number of people that can experience it right up close. However, even if you are not participating, you can get a close look at the superyachts in front of the Captainerie building in Gustavia harbor.

To see the races, people often gather near higher vantage points closer to the coastline and the harbor to get their fill of the action. Fort Carl is a great spot to catch the action, and so are the roads running parallel to the beaches in Colombier, Toiny, Flamands, and Pointe Milou.

It is also possible to charter boats to follow the races on the water, which can be a thrilling experience.

And finally, both my villas in Pointe Milou, Maison Domingue and BelAmour, as both have sweeping views of the Caribbean sea. One of the best vantage points to see the regattas is the big rock on Pointe Milou right behind Maison Domingue.

Onshore parties and other festivities

In addition to four days of exciting yacht racing action, the St. Barths Bucket Regatta also features onshore parties, live music, and other festivities. The regatta is a major draw for both sailors and spectators alike, with something for everyone to enjoy. Every year, spectators flock to St Barths to watch the superyachts competing. The final day of the event sees a closing party and spectacular fireworks over the Gustavia harbor. If you’re looking for an amazing sailing event to watch or participate in, the St. Barths Bucket is not to be missed.

Finding accommodation during St Barths Bucket

Accommodation for this event can be difficult to find, as the demand is high and many hotels and resorts are fully booked well in advance. However, some tips and tricks can help you find accommodation for the St. Barth’s Bucket Regatta, even at the last minute.

Check out nearby islands for your stay

One option is to look for accommodation on nearby islands. Many people who are attending the regatta will be coming from nearby islands such as Antigua, St. Lucia, and Grenada. You may be able to find accommodation on one of these islands and then take a short boat or ferry ride to St. Barths from St Martin for the event.

Villa rentals

Another option is to look for vacation rentals/ villa rentals. Villa rentals afford you a lot more privacy and make it easier to find a property that suits your unique needs. These especially make a lot of sense for larger groups. There are many websites that list vacation rentals, both private and shared, in the Caribbean. Villa owners also list their properties online for you to book direct as well. You may be able to find a rental in St Barths that has availability during the dates of the regatta.

Contact hotels directly

Finally, you can also try contacting hotels and resorts directly. Many of these establishments hold rooms back for last-minute bookings, so it’s always worth enquiring about availability. You may be able to get a good deal if you are flexible with your travel dates.

Charter a boat

This particular option gives you the benefit of discovering St Barts and surrounding islands by boat, which is a wholly captivating experience, while also allowing you to catch the Bucket action up close while anchored in Gustavia harbor. Learn more about chartering a catamaran, sailboat, or motor yacht in St Barts here.

With a little bit of planning and some flexibility, you should be able to find accommodation for the St. Barth’s Bucket Regatta, even at the last minute. Just remember to book early to avoid disappointment.

The St Barths Bucket Regatta is one of the most prestigious sailing events in the world, attracting luxury yachts and the most competitive sailors from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just looking to enjoy some amazing racing action, the St. Barths Bucket is not to be missed. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!