Voile Cata Cup: the boats are on their way

Tourists aren't the only ones expected to visit Saint-Barth in the coming weeks. From November 21 to 24, the 16th edition of the Cata Cup will take place. A sporting event in the world of sailing. As proof, once again this year, all the best sailors in the sport are expected to take part. Among them, the 2024 world champion, crowned in Spain last August, Pablo Volker, a former Olympic champion in the person of Mitch Booth, and many other exceptional sailors and racers.
All of them will embark on F18 catamarans to battle it out on the waters of Saint-Barth. In fact, most of the boats are already on their way. They have been loaded in the ports of Toulon, Dunkirk and Saint-Malo. The first containers should be unloaded around October 30. Others will arrive from Miami around November 10.
No fewer than 55 crews have signed up for this 16th edition. The first skippers are expected on November 11. It goes without saying that the defending champions, Ravi Parent and Nicolas Lovisa (JSB1542), will be on hand to try and retain their title. While no women's pairings have been formed, several teams will be made up of one woman and one man.
What's more, at the request of the French Sailing Federation, the Cata Cup has changed rank. In fact, it has been upgraded from third to fourth grade. As a result, the organization now has the status of a major international race.
Another new feature for the 16th edition is the installation of the race village on the grounds of the future Émeraude Plage hotel in Saint-Jean. This will provide the organizers with a larger space for stowing the boats, as well as making it easier for the public to get up close and personal with the catamarans. To achieve this, part of the palisade fence that cuts across the beach area will be dismantled.
As in previous years, the GypSea Beach will host all evening events. With shows, concerts and, of course, the prize-giving ceremonies. The day before the start of the race, on Wednesday November 20, the Cata Cup organization will be offering a session for children from the Public sailing club to take a sailing tour with the skippers.
The Cata Cup is less than a month away. So get ready!