Gelliceaux — Captain Clive Walker
As always, it was a fun and well-organized regatta, where we can cross tacks with old and new friends. After trying to win the Bucket for the last 20 odd years and missing by slim margins, to finally win with Gelliceaux feels like a distant dream… the wait was worth it! If everything goes to plan, we will return next year.
Hetairos — Captain Graham Newton
It is always a pleasure to sail here at such a well-run event in such a beautiful location, and it is a highlight of our calendar. Awesome as ever, Peter and his team do an incredible job getting a fleet of such disparate boats around the racetrack in such a competitive manner. Sadly, we will miss next year due to being in refit, but we’re certainly planning on returning in 2026, if we get the invite!
VA VA VOOM — Owner/Captain Dr. Laszlo Zsolt Horvath
We were a “social entry” with our 51-foot sailing yacht. As a passionate sailor it was a great experience to see the magnificent superyachts sail and compete. Thank you to the organizers…It was a very professional organization; we enjoyed all events and will definitely return next year!
Freya — Captain Joph Carter
Being in St. Barths…it’s the best island in the world…what’s not to like?
Nakupenda — Crew Boss Hartwell Jordan
The owner is very kind to invite the same people each year, and we all want to be included. I’m already in deep depression, missing everyone (laughs). We have a new mainsail and rudder we’re learning. The rudder allowed us to track better, and we made small hard-to-measure improvements over the regatta.…if we can improve .001 percent over the course of a race and over three days, it for sure has a big impact (on results).
Nakupenda — Owner/Driver Steve Rowland
It’s enormously satisfying to have the crew as our friends and to have the confidence level we have in them for racing…everything runs flawlessly…it’s pretty good for a cruising boat.
Hanuman — Tactician Peter Isler
We have a heavier jib than Velsheda and no spinnaker pole, which if we had one, we’d have to have seven or more pros aboard. As it was, the owner’s 80th birthday was this week and he wanted to sail with mostly guests and a small crew.
Nostromo — Captain Justin Blackmore
What meant the most to us was the fantastic organization of everything. Communication was great, and everyone was very helpful. It was an excellent event. The owner had a really good time and the social functions meant he got to meet other owners. We plan on returning next year.
New SYRA Manager — Shirley Robertson
I’m excited to take on the reins of the Super Yacht Racing Association. Over the last decade the association has led the evolution of superyacht racing into what is now a safe, fair, and fun circuit around the world. My role now is to make sure super yacht racing continues that legacy and to work with owners, captains, industry and event organizers to ensure superyacht racing is both sustainable and accessible to new owners. I have big shoes to fill, but I’m motivated.
Panthalassa — Mike Gillespie
Being able to participate in undoubtedly one of the most well-known, well-run regattas in the world alongside such an impressive collection of yachts was a privilege for guests and crew alike. As normal cruising does not normally give the scope to really stretch the legs at all points of sail, this was a great way to confirm our yacht’s ability after a year-long refit. The event organizers, staff and communication were first class, providing for all experience levels of Superyacht owners and crews to participate, and all importantly, enjoy the regatta. We plan to return next year.
Velsheda — Captain Will Gibbon
St. Barths always provides an incredible event both on and off the water. The Race committee always gives us three great courses with racing organized in the most professional fashion. It’s great to see such a big fleet and wide range of designs on the water, with both regular teams and new teams getting involved. St Barths never fails to deliver a great social program onshore after sailing! A big thank you to all the bucket team for putting on such an enjoyable event. I’m sure Velsheda will be back in the future.
Namuun — Rotational Captain/Safety Officer Ted Street
This was a time for owners and family and friends to enjoy time together and renew old acquaintances, as they have strong links in the Caribbean. Crew and owners alike could see where Namuun stacks up, as she is new to the regatta circuit and on her first Caribbean season. The breeze was great; (there were) plenty of well-organized events and mercifully brief skippers meetings. Great communication and clarity throughout.
Photographs by Jean Jarreau
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