You know the Bucket Regatta is a hit with local residents when they come in droves to see the spectacle of superyachts racing around the island and returning to the docks each day. Last night, an impassioned turnout of those who loved the late Yvan Garnier put a stamp on that; for years here, he led the set-up and take-down of the many temporary Bucket structures at the Capitainerie, such as tents, seating and the giant Bucket Bar. He always wore a smile and a colorful bandana around his head, so in homage to Yvan, 300 bandanas were distributed as everyone arrived for Friday’s entertainment at the ever-important Bucket Marquee. Also in Yvan’s honor, the Ti Oana Salsa group – with which he was affiliated – taught the audience how to…er…well…take three steps for every four beats of music. (That’s the way of the salsa dance!)
The wind isn’t exactly cooperating this week, so the typical Bucket courses used over the years are having to be modified or replaced with custom options. Saturday morning’s weather briefing saw organizers pouring over different weather models, none of which were matching up. Oh, and speaking of pouring: last night, it didn’t just rain…it poured, and poured hard, knocking out electricity on some parts of the island. Thankfully, it didn’t interfere with the aforementioned Bucket salsa soiree.
Teamwork is a necessity in just about every aspect of Bucket racing. Obviously, sailors must work harmoniously aboard their rides to have any chance of winning, but, as well, they must coordinate pre- and post-racing to get transportation to and from their yachts and rented villas, meet for crew dinners and, of course, find time for the all-important debriefs on the day’s racing (can you say Le Select?). Those making the racing possible must work together on an infinite number of logistical details, from flying in personnel, equipment and supplies to coordinating the many volunteers and a hard-working Race Committee for onshore and on-the-water support.
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