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The St Barth Bucket Regatta tops the island's nautical calendar, with a fleet of magnificent yachts competing in different classes based on design and speed. With four days of racing, the 2025 edition once again promises to be a real spectacle, as these boats, most of which measure over 100 feet (+30 meters), take to the seas for some rather lively competition. "I know I speak for the Bucket Regatta stewards when I say that we couldn't be more excited about the 2025 edition of the Bucket," says Peter Craig, event director. "Once again, it's a spectacular fleet of superyachts that will gather in the coming weeks for what is sure to be a memorable week of racing and unique coastal fun in beautiful Saint-Barth. "
The first Bucket Regatta was held in Nantucket, Massachusetts, in August 1986. At an anniversary celebration organized by Nelson Doubleday, several yacht owners took part in a lively discussion about optimal yacht design and individual sailing prowess. The race was held until 2001, when from 2002 to 2014 it was moved to Newport, Rhode Island. Meanwhile, the Saint Barth version was launched in 1995 with four yachts: Sariyah, Gleam, Parlay and Mandalay by Nelson Doubleday, who had also participated in the first edition in Nantucket. Since 2015, the St Barth Bucket has been the only version of the regatta, with an average of 30 boats in the fleet. Bucket regulars returning this year include Visione, Rosehearty, Adela, Aurelius, Hyperion, Whisper, Wisp, Velsheda and Vijonara, while newcomers include Galateia, V, Nefertiti, Prevail and Liberty, the newest yacht in the fleet, a Southern Wind 2024.
"The Corinthian Spirit class race, which had 11 entrants in two classes last year, will once again be a spinnakerless competition. This will require less crew and there will be no need to optimize the boat for racing, minimizing expenses for the boat owner," explains Jeanne Kleene, event director. "The 90-foot class will return, and a 100-foot racing class will make its debut in 2025. This class will include performance-oriented 100-foot sloops that do not meet SYRA's criteria for cruising superyachts. The class will have a fourth day of windward-leeward racing on Thursday.
On-shore events add a dynamic element to Bucket Week. This year, a concert by the Evan Goodrow Band is scheduled for Thursday, March 13, as well as a special evening in memory of Yvan Garnier on Friday, March 14, with local salsa group Ti Ouana Salsa, while Saturday, March 15 sees the Bucket Bash with the Tanya M. Quintet, all on the Quai Général de Gaulle. On Sunday March 16, the awards ceremony and closing party with music by the Bitin Brass Band will be held on the quay in front of the Collectivité, on the other side of the port.
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Program
Thursday, March 13
- 11:30 am / 12:45 pm: Regatta. Departure off Gustavia
- 8pm: Evan Goodrow concert, quai de la Capitainerie
Friday March 14th
- 11:30 am / 12:45 pm: Regatta. Start off Shell Beach
- 7:30pm: Tribute to Yvan Garnier with Ti Ouana Salsa, quai de la Capitainerie
Saturday March 15th
- 11:30 am / 12:45 pm: Regatta. Start off Shell Beach
- 7:30pm: Concert by Tanya Michelle Quintet, quai de la Capitainerie
Sunday March 16th
- 11:30 am / 12:45 pm: Regatta. Start off Shell Beach
- 2:00 pm / 3:30 pm: Regatta. Arrival off Shell Beach
- 7:30pm: Awards ceremony with the Bitin Brass Band, Wall House quay
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A Caribbean evening
On Friday March 14, on the Quai Général de Gaulle, a very special evening will be held in tribute to Yvan Garnier, who died in?
Garnier, who died at the age of sixty.
A craftsman and sculptor of floatwood objects, he was involved in all the events that brought together the local
the island's craftsmen and creators. "A sailor at heart and a sportsman, he couldn't go for a walk without bringing back some wood", he was
on his company's page? called Les bois flottés.
To celebrate his memory, the Ti Ouana Salsa association will take the reins of entertainment on Friday March 14, offering a vibrant evening full of joy and conviviality, carried along by the bewitching rhythms of salsa.
To add a touch of style and unity to this unique moment, the association is asking guests to join the party by wearing a bandana around their head. A danceable tribute to Yvan Garnier, where music and good cheer will be the order of the day, in a warm and festive atmosphere.
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Saint Barths Bucket Regatta poster
The official poster for the 2025 Bucket Regatta is available from the contemporary art gallery Space, located in Gustavia's Carré D'Or. Only 200 limited-edition posters, created by a new in-house designer for a major fashion brand, are available at a price of 100 euros. Space Gallery, in collaboration with the St Barth Bucket organizers, has made numerous contributions to worthy causes in St Barth over the years. A portion of admission fees and proceeds from the sale of event posters, sold exclusively at the gallery, is donated to local charities and associations on the island. This year, donations will go to two very worthwhile causes: the Foundation for Emergency Medical Equipment (Femur) and the Saint Barth Yacht Club (SBYC) sailing school program.
A partner of the Bucket Regatta for the past eight years, Space Gallery is organizing a cocktail party on Wednesday March 12 to raise funds for both associations, Femur and SBYC.
To reserve your copy, contact the gallery by email info@spacestbarth.com
Blessing of the fleet on March 13
An ancestral tradition is alive and well in Saint-Barth. Centuries ago, the fishing and yachting communities of the Mediterranean saw their local priest bless the fleet, praying for abundant fishing and the safety of all those at sea. Originally mainly Catholic, today this tradition is practiced by churches and ports the world over. Many ports hold annual Blessing of the Fleet events, with parades, services, food and music to attract the local community.
St Bartholomew's Anglican Church in Gustavia will hold its annual Blessing of the Fleet in honor of the St Barth Bucket Regatta on Thursday, March 13 at 5:30pm near the large anchor in front of the church, with drinks served directly afterwards in the Brook Lacour garden. The public is invited to attend.
For more information on the Anglican Church of St. Barth: www.stbartholomewsanglicanchurch.com
Best places to see the show
The best place on the island to witness the departure or arrival of the magnificent yachts taking part in the 2025 edition is undoubtedly Fort Oscar, which houses the Gendarmerie in Gustavia. But due to the ministerial visit scheduled for Saturday morning, March 15, the roof of Fort Oscar will not be open to the public at that time.
Other places of interest The hills of Lurin, Toiny, Pointe Milou, the summit of Anse des Cayes, the Colombier lookout, as well as the park behind the
Gustavia hospital.
