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The Bucket Book Celebrates Bucket Regattas’ 25th Anniversary

February 16, 2012 by

Just in time for the next St. Barth’s Bucket Regatta, there’s a coffee-table book celebrating more than two decades’ worth of spectacular superyacht racing.

The Bucket Book, written by Alessandro Vitelli, Dana Jinkins, and Jill Bobrow, takes a look back at how the Bucket Regattas started in 1986, and how things evolved to the point of last year’s 25th anniversary celebration. Dedicated chapters delve into the details on how the rating system for megayachts was calculated, for example, as well as how safety is always of primary importance.

Of course, The Bucket Book also emphasizes the fun that sponsors, participants, and other attendees have. You get an inside look at what the Bucket Regattas in the United States and the Caribbean are like, too, through the personal stories of the megayacht owners and others who’ve been to the events. And there are plenty of photos of the action on the water, plus the prize-giving ceremonies and other after parties.

The Bucket Book is available now, for $65 (€50), plus shipping. To order yours, visit The Bucket Book page on the Bucket Regattas’ website.

Alternately, you can reserve one to pick up at the St. Barth’s Bucket if you’ll be attending. The race, being held March 22 to 25, promises some real action, with 40 confirmed participants. Twelve of them measure 164 feet (50 meters) or more, with the 203-foot (62-meter) Athos being the biggest. However, arguably more exciting will be the competition among four J-Class yachts: Endeavour, Hanuman, Ranger, and Velsheda. It’s the first time the four are meeting one another in a race.

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Plan Altered for Permanent Megayacht Marina After America’s Cup

December 20, 2011 by

Once the upcoming America’s Cup race in San Francisco ends, organizers won’t proceed with creating a permanent megayacht marina where it was initially intended to be.

As part of the overall race agreement signed some time ago, the America’s Cup organizers retained the right to establish a permanent marina after the race’s conclusion. That marina was to extend from piers 14 to 22½. However, that span includes waterfront by Rincon Park, a public space lauded for its views of San Francisco Bay. Regulations established by the state of California require the city to preserve public access. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, city officials and race organizers reached a new deal last Friday. In it, America’s Cup organizers will instead receive rights to develop Pier 54. The pier is part of the Mission Bay Waterfront redevelopment project, which calls for the creation of housing, retail and entertainment facilities, a hotel, and commercial and industrial usage.

The new megayacht marina agreement echoes one reached by the city and America’s Cup organizers a few months ago, over temporary megayacht moorings. The initial San Francisco superyacht berth plan was in dispute mostly due to the potential of hampering shore-side views and public access to the water at Rincon Park. A California government agency and environmental groups took issue with the temporary docks. Therefore, the America’s Cup organizers and the city reached a deal to move the temporary docks away from Rincon Park.

Even with the permanent marina being relocated, however, there are still issues to be resolved. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, environmental and neighborhood groups filed an appeal to the final environmental impact report. They claim that despite its approval by city commissioners, it doesn’t outline full solutions to traffic jams, detrimental impact to plants, and related issues. The city’s Board of Supervisors will review the appeal next month. If denied, the groups could sue, which in turn could delay development of the America’s Cup Village.

Updates will be posted accordingly.

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Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous at YCCS Virgin Gorda

November 30, 2011 by

The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) Virgin Gorda, the Caribbean outpost of the famed Sardinian superyacht spot, is playing host to a four-day regatta in March open to motoryachts, single-hulled sailing yachts, and catamarans alike.

The Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous, entering its second year, is being held March 14 to 17. While motoryachts and traditional sailing yachts competed last year, this year the catamaran category is new. It’s also open to yachts as small as 60 feet, though the sail- and motoryachts are remaining in the 80-foot-plus realm. Regardless, all yachts are to be divided among three categories: performance, cruising, and catamaran.

So far there’s good interest in the regatta. To date, organizers say, 16 sailing yachts and five motoryachts may compete. The former category includes Bliss, Ganesha, Hanuman, Marie, P2, Salperton, Saudade, and Zefira. Potential motoryachts include Chanticleer, Marama, and Resolute.

Another key draw for competitors is the fact that YCCS Virgin Gorda is a relatively new marina. On the northeastern tip of Virgin Gorda, YCCS Virgin Gorda has 38 slips for megayachts to 328 feet (100 meters). Onboard provisioning, land and sea tours, helipad usage, diving, windsurfing, and other activities can all be arranged through the concierge. Members additionally enjoy use of the spa, restaurant, and other amenities at nearby Biras Creek Resort.

Also nearby, and linked to YCCS Virgin Gorda, is Oil Nut Bay, a new residential development of 88 homes on 300 acres. It, too, has slips for yachts, plus boutiques, a spa, and other amenities.

Registration is still open for the Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous. Visit the website, as well as those for Biras Creek Resort and Oil Nut Bay, for further details.

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