The Caribbean season may have been winding down, but in St. Barths the competition heated up when 40 elegant sailing yachts assembled for the 25th annual St. Barths, 24th – 27th March. Paralleling the rapid growth of the super sail category, the Buckets have given owners who once may only have considered cruising in their large yachts the chance to participate in friendly competition against their peers with handicaps and special racing rules.
With a record 40 yachts, classic and contemporary, St. Barts Bucket Race is an invitational regatta and is especially known for the spirit and demeanour the racers almost automatically take on during the race: they race merely for the love of sailing yachts.
This year there were three Swan yachts entered: Virago, Swan 100, Varsovie, Swan 100 and Song of the Sea, Swan 112. The regatta focuses on inviting yachts that will contribute to the spirit of the event as well as sharing the exhilarating experience of having all these maxi yachts racing together. Swan owners are well known for their camaraderie and excellent racing expertise onboard their yachts.
Virago won first place honours for the overall 2011 St. Barths Bucket, and also won first place honours for Les Gazelles Racing Class in which Virago was entered for racing.
Interesting Rules:
• Essentially, this regatta is a pursuit race so some slower yachts may start first. Of course, the first yacht to cross the finish line is the winner.
• In starting, all yachts will have to rely on sail power only (except when power is needed to steer clear of other yachts).
• If any yachts start ahead of time, 5 minutes will simply be added to their elapsed time because recalls are not allowed.
• Those that maneuver and handle their yachts out of the congenial spirit, meaning they are being too competitive and aggressive, will be excluded from the race.
• Teams and crews can make protests especially as long as it will come with champagne!
