The Island Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Bucket Regattas
March 24-27, 2011
If you haven’t yet finalized your trip to St. Barth, why not come down for “The Bucket”? It’s a great time to visit.
St. Barth’s Bucket has a lively history dating back to 1986 in Nantucket, where the Bucket was born, just for bragging rights, and has evolved over the years with some owners recruiting professional sailboat racers for their crews. Stateside, the regatta is now held in Newport, Rhode Island, long known for its strong nautical traditions. The first St. Barth Bucket race was launched in 1995. St. Barth provides a beautiful and glamorous venue for these yachts to sail to peak performance. And there’s been lots of fun, what with Champagne and canapés along the way.
This three-day, invitation-only race around St. Barth created for the world’s biggest and best super yachts will be held the weekend of March 24-27, 2011. The race is much anticipated. Run by owners for owners of mega-yacht sailboats (i.e., over 100 ft. [34m]), it’s a magnificent spectacle to behold. An article in Forbes magazine once described the race as a “gathering of swells,” and indeed it is. There is as much focus on winning the party as the race!
The festivities begin with a skippers’ meeting followed by a welcome party on the Quai Général de Gaulle. The first day begins with a get-acquainted counterclockwise sail around the island – for the captains to ready themselves. The second day is a tacking duel where all sprint toward the finish. On Saturday, the finale is a clockwise dash around the island.
The awards include a Swiss Cowbell – a congeniality award – and the coveted Escargot Trophy for last place. The winner will have the honor of having their name engraved on the Bucket itself, rumored to have started its life in France as a spittoon, and receive the St. Barth Medal. A party for all is held on the Quai Général de Gaulle in Gustavia.
The St. Barth Bucket has become a celebration for the entire island, and 2011 will be even more special. You should come! An insider’s tip: some of the best viewing spots include the hills of Lurin and Pointe Milou. Be sure to join the party on the quai on Saturday night and the awards ceremony on Sunday evening. You never know whom you will see there! There is a commemorative book in the works which will feature gorgeous pictures taken of the event over the years.
Happy Anniversary to the Bucket Regattas!
Here is the preliminary schedule. To reserve your villa or hotel accommodation for this fun event, please call -1-800-421-3396 or email [email protected].
