St Barths Bucket Regatta 2016 four-day event begins

The 2016 St Barths Bucket Regatta has begun, where six classes of nearly 40 yachts – ranging from 23m to 90m – will battle in the waters over four days around the island of St Barthelemy. With the first instance of this event having occurred over 20 years ago, the annual regatta has grown into one of the most prestigious yacht racing events on the winter calendar. 

For the first time since 2013, the J class returns to the regatta, who will enjoy four days of racing. The remainder of the fleet will see three days of racing. Yesterday’s launch of this year’s event saw three J class yachts meet at the starting line for the first time: Ranger (J5), Velshada (J5), and the anticipated Topaz (J7).

The race is structured to have each class finish together, as opposed to the entire fleet, with an estimated gap of around ten minutes separating each class.

A large number of shipyards will be represented at this year’s event, including Perini Navi, Vitters, Alloy Yachts, Baltic, Southern Wind, and Holland Jachtbouw. The largest yacht in the fleet this year is the 90m Royal Huisman-built Athena. Sailing-apparel brand Gaastra has sponsored this year’s event, providing their range of clothing to competitors.

For more information, visit St Barths Bucket Regatta.

Photos by Studio Borlengi