BEST EVER?

THE RACING WAS COMPETITIVE AND THE SHORESIDE COMPONENT WAS WITHOUT QUESTION THE BEST TO DATE
PETER CARAIG

If there is such a thing as a spiritual home for superyachting, then the tiny French-Caribbean island of Saint Barthelemy during the annual St Barths Bucket regatta must surely be it.

Since 1995, blue skies and tradewind sailing conditions, along with the myriad of islets and rocky outcrops that surround the ten square mile island, have provided an idyllic yet challenging racecourse for the crews of the world’s largest, most luxurious yachts to test their mettle.

Now in its 24th year, the 2019 edition of this exclusive invitational regatta over the penultimate weekend of March attracted a fleet of 34 boats – all over 30m/100ft in length – for three days of truly spectacular racing.

While other international regattas and events are often well past their best-before date by the time they get anywhere close to quarter of a century, somehow the St Barths Bucket has maintained its unique appeal.

Event director and race chairman Peter Craig has been in overall charge for the last 10 years and says this year’s event was arguably the best ever.

“I’m basing that viewpoint on the feedback we have received from