Français
World champions, ocean racers, Olympians, seasoned professionals and, in the midst of this constellation of exceptional sailors, local crews. Some are young, very young. Others a little more... experienced. But their age doesn't matter, because they're all approaching the 17th edition of the Saint-Barth with a common desire: to make the most of it. And, if possible, to shine during the regattas which start this Thursday, November 20.
In keeping with tradition, Wednesday was devoted to the young sailors. They had the chance to come aboard alongside the crews to discover the sensations of the F18. ©Pierrick Contin
Of the 48 F18 catamarans entered in the competition, four will be helmed by an all-local tandem. On the "Orange" boat, the duo is even pushing the envelope a little further, since it's two brothers who will be throwing themselves into the adventure. Jonah and Fenesoa Raveloson, aged 25 and 21 respectively. Growing up here, I was always into sailing," explains Jonah. I continued in France when I left for my studies. When I came back, I had the opportunity to sail on an F18, which allowed me to get into regattas and realize my childhood dream of racing with the big boys and trying to put myself on the same level. "His brother was a little quicker to give up competitive sailing, but when Jonah suggested he enter the Cata Cup in 2021, he didn't hesitate. This year marks the fifth time Jonah and Fenesoa have joined the St-Barth Cata Cup fleet.
Jonah and Fenesoa Raveloson,
There's a high level of competition," smiles Jonah. This is the fifth time we've done it, so we're getting used to it, but it's still impressive. We're meeting new people. We've got guys preparing for the Olympics, former ocean racers, world champions, there's a bit of everything! That's the great thing about this regatta: you get to mingle with everyone and be on the same starting line. The other sailors are open-minded, so you just have to talk to them. It's also nice to get together after the race and forget what happened on the water. "
In previous editions, the two brothers have often had to deal with minor breakdowns on their boats. "But we've always finished the race," says Jonah, who has some ambitions: "This year, if we could be the first Antilles or even the first Saint-Barths... We're going to do our best to be ahead! "Fenesoa confirms: "We'd like to make the top 30 or 25. "
"Old meets young
Antonin Sciou (20) and Christophe Maxor (19)
For their second joint participation in the Cata Cup, Antonin Sciou (20) and Christophe Maxor (19) are no less determined. We'd love to get into the top 10," says Antonin, all smiles. Okay, maybe that's a bit ambitious. But to finish first in Saint-Barths would be great. "Especially as Christophe remembers the 2024 edition: "We did well. We managed to come 7th at the first mark on a regatta. "
The pair, who sail together all year round, are particularly fond of the F18. We got together on this boat to do the sport we love," says Antonin. At the Cata Cup, the old meet the young, and the cohesion is really cool. There's a lot of playing and racing on the sea, but on land you can ask them for advice, and I love that. There are all kinds of levels and techniques. We always try to do the Cata Cup. What's more, it's at our place! "
Volunteers from the St-Barth Multihull Association, organizers of the event, have been on deck for weeks.
Titillating the best!
Relaxed, Turenne Laplace is about to take to the water for... "My twelfth or thirteenth Cata Cup, I don't know," he whispers. His team-mate is Noah Turschi. It's a great race, one of the island's great festivals," says Turenne. From a sporting point of view, it gives us the chance to rub shoulders with top-level racers. We have a lot of exchanges. It helps us to progress. At each Cata Cup, we try to hold our own, even if it's complicated. But sometimes, we tickle them, and that's great fun! The fact that racers come from so far away is huge. We've got a golden stretch of water. Every time we take part, it's an extraordinary memory. My best memory? A race with my brother where we finished fifth, even in the lead! We wondered if we'd missed a buoy. In general, we're between 20th and 12th. We're going to try to get there. "
Another island crew, Yanis Brin and Anthony Magras, will be trying to make their mark. But there's also another representative from the island: Léanna Grivel. She's taking part in her first Cata Cup and will be sailing alongside Pascal Marchais from Guadeloupe.
Once the containers have been unloaded, it's time to assemble the F18s and flock the sails.
Program for the 17th St Barth Cata Cup
Race village: Emeraude plage de Saint -Jean
Thursday, November 20 :
- 10 a.m.: Start of the Design Affairs 001 Grand Prix
- 7:30pm: Opening ceremony at Gyp Sea Beach. Cocktail reception by invitation. Proclamation of the day's results
Friday November 21st :
- 10am: Start of the Eden Rock Villa Rental Grand Prix
- 7.30pm: Proclamation of the day's results. Dinner at Gyp Sea Beach
- 9:30pm: Free concert open to the public at the Gyp Sea Beach with the band The Union.
Saturday November 22nd :
- 10am: Start of the Grand Prix St-Barth Assurances Allianz
- 7:30pm: Proclamation of the day's results. Dinner at Gyp Sea Beach
- 9:30pm: Free concert open to the public at Gyp Sea Beach with Willy Caïd.
Sunday November 23 :
- 10am: Start of the Super U & U Express Oasis Grand Prix
- 7:30pm: Proclamation of the day's results and St Barth Cata Cup 2025 prize-giving ceremony. Dinner at Gyp Sea Beach
- 9:30pm: Closing party at Gyp Sea Beach. The Love Boat Party. open to the public. Dress code: Sailor.
