Imagine jockeying for first place while cruising crystal-blue waters under full sail by day, alongside some of the most famous nameboards among superyachts. Then imagine mixing and mingling with fellow owners, crewmembers, and representatives from the top megayacht builders and gear manufacturers by night. This will be the scene from March 26 to 29 in beautiful St. Barths, when the annual St. Barths Bucket Regatta kicks off.
Despite the global financial crisis, this year’s race, which is the 14th consecutive regatta, is the largest to date, with 35 yachts scheduled to participate. (By comparison, last year 25 yachts raced.) They range from 100 to 280 feet, with the largest being Maltese Falcon. Additional participants: P2, Baracuda, Paraiso, Destination Fox Harb’r, Timoneer, Unfurled, Rebecca, Adela, and last year’s winner, Windrose.
Also despite the crisis, new sponsors have signed up to ensure the race goes on: Dubois Yachts, Future Fibres, and Christophe Harbour resort and and marina. Returning sponsors range from banking and insurance firms to yacht brokerage companies and what the Bucket Regattas management calls the “Magnificent Five” builders: Alloy Yachts, Holland Jachtbouw, Perini Navi, Royal Huisman, and Vitters Shipyard.
Another notable development for this year’s race is the application of the Velocity Prediction Program (VPP) rating system developed by Jim Teeters of US Sailing. This computer program estimates a yacht’s sailing potential in seconds per mile for any wind angle and any wind velocity based on specific boat data (sail area, keel and rudder dimensions, and more) and environmental data. This brings some parity to the Bucket, given that there’s a range of sizes and styles among the participants. It’s interesting to note that there are already about 100 yachts in the system, and the VPP rule has been applied to other superyacht races in recent years, so it has become quite effective.
Still need convincing to join the action? Check out this video from last year’s competition.
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