Though it was necessary to cancel racing on Sunday due to high winds, the show went on as planned at the Bucket’s final Awards Ceremony and Party. It took place at the White House Museum on the far side of Gustavia Harbor, and as expected, nothing – not even the disappointment of an abbreviated series – could get in the way of joyous celebration there, as hundreds of people gathered to watch, if not participate in, the collecting of class trophies and special awards.
Since 1986, the St. Barths Bucket has hosted the largest sailing yachts on the planet, and this year, 30 entries comprised seven classes: five for traditional superyachts, and one each for historic J-Class boats and the newly added Les Petites Dames (28-metre yachts). Set end-to-end, these behemoth sailing vessels (ranging from 28 to 60 metres) would cover a linear 1.2 kilometres, yet it is equally impressive that, collectively, they graced the island of Saint-Barthélemy with their majestic beauty not only while sailing near shore but also while at rest in Gustavia’s inner and outer harbor, creating magical scenes to be enjoyed from every angle and by all.
To accept their trophies, owners and crews from the top-three teams in each class took to the stage while victory songs – specially chosen for each – blared over loudspeakers. The excitement culminated with the announcement of the Overall 2022 Bucket Winner, Hetairos. The 60-metre Dykstra NA ketch, built by Baltic Yachts, was the largest yacht competing and won her class (Les Gazelles). It was determined, by using quantitative criteria, that she had “prevailed in the most competitive, closely contested class;” thus, the honor of proudly hoisting high the stunning Hermès Bucket Trophy went to the capable team that sailed her. (Hetairos also won overall in 2019.)
Other special awards given were the Wolter Huisman Memorial Award, recognizing the yacht that has competed in the true spirit of the event, given to Sonny III (Les Petites Dames); the Owner/Driver Award, recognizing an owner who does an outstanding job at the helm, given to Vijonara (L’Esprit de Mar); and the Best Starter Award, recognizing the yacht that executes the closest start over the course of the regatta, given to Hetairos.
Earlier in the program, the second half of this year’s annual Bucket donation was presented to the volunteer Territorial Fire and Rescue Service of St. Barths. (The first half, presented earlier in the regatta, went to the St. Barths Yacht Club Youth Sailing program.) Accepting a check for €12,000 on behalf of the organization was Bruno Magras, who since becoming the island’s President in 2007, has wholeheartedly supported the Bucket regattas on these shores.
Special thanks were given to Bucket Stewards Royal Huisman and Vitters Shipyard as well as to “Friends of the Bucket” whose support makes this event possible.
“It is amazing what our supporters, organizers and participants have built together here,” said Event Director Peter Craig, who served as emcee for the evening. “At the end of the day, however, it is the yacht owners who make this event truly unique and special. We thank each and every one of you for making the journey and being part of this special fleet.”
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