The Bucket Bar is open! And last night’s Fleet Welcoming Party was a hit for hundreds of Bucketeers who gathered on the Quay for their first night of official socializing (not as important as the racing, but it’s a close second). Singer/songwriter/guitarist Soley, one of the emblematic figures on the island, regaled the happy-footed audience with his unique mix of dance music: sometimes Samba, sometimes Reggae, Salsa, Flamenco, Jazz, Rock…. While that was happening, owners and sponsors enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the beautiful Nikki Beach in St. Jean.

Celebrating at the Bucket bar!

For the health safety of sailors and officials, all gatherings for the Bucket are open-air this year. That included Wednesday morning’s skippers’ meeting for the J Class yachts (which started their racing yesterday) and Wednesday afternoon’s Superyacht Racing Association (SYRA) Annual General Meeting, which Race Director Peter Craig called a “reset” for the organization after two years of dealing with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Still, the SYRA’s mission has not changed. It is “to enhance the enjoyment of superyacht owners by pursuing all possible measures to ensure safe and fair racing, along with meaningful competition.” Calling all superyacht owners: if you aren’t a member of SYRA, you absolutely should be!

Skipper's meeting at the 2022 Bucket Regatta.

The Youth Sailing Program at the St. Barths Yacht Club (SBYC) was thrilled to receive a check from the Bucket to help their sailing school, where every year, over 400 children take to the water and learn to respect each other and their environment. This donation, as well as one that will be made to the Territorial Fire and Rescue Service (STIS) of St. Barths at the closing party, was made possible through 100% of Bucket poster sales (get yours at SpaceSBH) and 500 Euros from each entry fee. Hooray SBYC and STIS for all you do for the island!

Check presented the the official 2022 Bucket charity.