The 29th edition of the St Barths Bucket regatta is set to take place from March 17th to 19th, 2023, in the unspoiled waters off St Barthélemy. This three-day event is a celebration of the world’s most magnificent superyachts and offers an unparalleled balance of camaraderie, competition, sportsmanship, and fun. With a history dating back to 1986, when it originated as the Nantucket Bucket in Massachusetts, the St Barths Bucket is the grandfather of superyacht regattas and has since become a prestigious event in the sailing world.
Unique Racing Format and Classes
The regatta’s pursuit-style racing format adds to the excitement, with individual start times structured so that yachts in each class finish together. This year, the fleet will be grouped into five classes: three for the conventional ORCsy-rated yachts, and two for yachts sailing with ORCcs “Corinthian Spirit” ratings. The goal of the classes is to have yachts that perform in a similar fashion in a variety of different conditions competing in the same class, resulting in close, exciting racing.
Record Number of Corinthian Spirit Racing Entries
This year’s regatta has attracted 25 superyachts and hundreds of sailors to the tiny island of St Barthélemy. Among the record number of Corinthian Spirit racing entries (12 total) is the 44-metre schooner Columbia sailing in L’esprit -2 with four other yachts, including the aforementioned schooner Athos and three ketches. Tony Rey, who organized the Columbia team for the yacht’s corporate charterer Discovery Land Co. and will serve as its tactician, is excited to see the Corinthian class getting so much traction. It’s an amazing opportunity to introduce new sailors to our beautiful sport.”
Participants to the 2023 St Barths Bucket Regatta
The fleet this year includes magnificent superyachts from around the world, such as:
- Athos (Corinthian Spirit) – 62m HJB/Huisfit, designed by Hoek
- Almyra II (Corinthian Spirit) – 50m Perini Navi, designed by Perini Navi
- Anne (Non-Racing) – 53m Vitters, designed by Hoek
- Bequia – 28m Brooklin, designed by White
- Catching Moments (Non-Racing MY) – 46m Richmond, designed by Setzer
- Columbia (Corinthian Spirit) – 43m Eastern SB, designed by S Burgess
- Gitana – 45m Fitzroy, designed by Dubois
- Inukshuk (Corinthian Spirit) – 33m Baltic Yachts, designed by Frers
- JASI – 35m Nautor Swan, designed by Frers
- Kawil – 34m Derecktor, designed by S&S
- LOT99 (Corinthian Spirit) – 29m Nautor Swan, designed by Frers
- MELEK (Corinthian Spirit) – 56m Perini Navi, designed by Perini Navi
- Meraki – 50m Vitters Shipyard, designed by Hoek
- Mes Amis (Non-Racing) – 44m Fitzroy, designed by Dubois
- Nakupenda – 33m Danish Yachts, designed by Fontaine
- NOSTROMO (Corinthian Spirit) – 30m Pendennis, designed by Dubois
- Perseverance 1 (Corinthian Spirit) – 40m Baltic
Social Activities
Aside from the thrilling races, the St. Barths Bucket Regatta also offers a range of social activities to keep participants entertained and engaged throughout the event.
Every day, participants gather at the open-air Bucket Marquee for daily awards, which are presented at 7:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. An official Fleet Welcoming Party is also scheduled for Thursday at 7:00 PM.
The main event on Friday is the official “Bucket Bash” at 8:00 PM, which promises to be an unforgettable night of entertainment and fun. On Saturday at 7:00 PM, the regatta features a “Yacht Hop,” where participants can visit and tour other participating yachts, socialize, and enjoy refreshments.
On Sunday, the Final Awards Ceremony and Party will be held at the Wall House Museum on the far side of Gustavia Harbor from the Capitainerie. Winners in all classes will be named, and the festivities will continue late into the evening.
It is worth noting that the Bucket Regatta also takes social responsibility seriously. Each year, a portion of the entry fee is donated to a meaningful non-profit program in St. Barth. This year, the proceeds will go to the Youth Sailing Program at the St Barths Yacht Club. In addition, the regatta is purchasing and donating a robotic mark that will be used by the club and hopefully at all regattas in St. Barths.
In conclusion, the 2023 edition of the St. Barths Bucket Regatta promises to be a spectacular event that brings together some of the most magnificent superyachts from around the world for three days of competitive racing and exciting social activities. With a record number of entries and a diverse fleet of boats, there will be something for everyone to enjoy, whether you are a seasoned sailor or a first-time spectator. The regatta’s commitment to safety, fair racing, and social responsibility is commendable, and we look forward to seeing the event continue to thrive for years to come. If you ever have the opportunity to attend the St. Barths Bucket Regatta, be sure to seize it – you won’t regret it!
