The St Barth's Bucket - Classic Yachts Under Full Sail

Hanuman - the 42m J Class replica of Endeavour II

You've seen them in the magazines.....marvelled...and if you're like me you've probably drooled a little bit.  They're beyond the reach of mere mortals, and their names and provenance will outlive their owners, designers and builders....that's a certainty.  For the yachts chosen to sail in the Bucket Regattas are the finest, most famous and amongst the most expensive on the planet.

We can but dream of sailing on one, no less of owning one, although the cost of maintenance alone would be enough to bankrupt most of us in the space of a few months!  So the closest we might ever get to one of these yachting icons is at events like the St Barth's Bucket Regatta, where those with a golden ticket gather to pit themselves against one another under full sail and in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean under a blue sky.

What's a Le Mans start?

The St Barth's Bucket (winter venue - summer venue is now Newport, RI) was conceived in 1995 and began life with 4 boats on the start line.  It was held informally for a few years and the turning point came during the year of the famous LeMans start. With the fleet at anchor in Colombier, one crewmember was required to drink a daiquiri then take a high speed tender ride out to their vessel.  The yachts were required to sail off their anchor (no engines) then at the end of the race sail onto their anchor for another high speed tender ride to the beach. For obvious safety reasons this was the first and last time the “LeMans” start/finish was attempted.

Today, boats are chosen from a list of applicants and each boat is given a handicap and a clear start line related to it (for safety reasons); the first boat to cross the line is the winner, which can create some exciting line finishes.  With a limit of 30 yachts, the St Barth's Bucket has been all but full every year since 2005, with the prime purpose being to network amongst the fleet.  This year the line up is no less formidable than in previous years....boats range from the 23m W-Class 'White Wings' to the 88m Perini Navi 'Maltese Falcon'.

'Maltese Falcon' - A modern classic by Perini Navi

And designers ranging from the ultramodern Farr to the classics Royal Huisman & Swan.

Leopard 3 - Farr Yacht Design

Want to Get Closer?

For a lucky few, there are spaces aboard Ibis for a grandstand view of these magnificent yachts under full sail, and evenings ashore rubbing shoulders with the Glitterati.  As part of a 14 day itinerary cruising the stunning beaches and snorkelling spots of St Martin & Anguilla, guests will spend 3 days in St Barth's to soak up the atmosphere of this unique event.....cameras at the ready?

For more information see the web page or contact me to check availability.