Every year, the Bucket Regatta in Saint-Barthélemy brings together the world's most majestic sailing ships

Bucket Regatta 2025 © Malou Montésinos

For over three decades, some thirty of the most impressive sailing superyachts criss-crossing the oceans come together in a truly breathtaking nautical communion. Combining aspects as diverse as elegance, performance, moral values, conviviality and fair play, the event offers enthusiasts three days of wonder and exceptional shows.

Minimum 28 m

The first criterion for taking part in the Bucket Regatta is that the boat must be at least 28 meters long. More than 1,000 people come to trace new wakes around the island during this period. This population includes many owners, their guests and crews. Commissaires, members of the organization and supporters of the  "âeurosBucketâeurosÂ" Trophy complete this large family of yachting enthusiasts.

Le port de St Barth abrite les participants de la Bucket Regatta
The port of St Barth is home to the participants of the Bucket Regatta

You don't sign up for the Bucket Regatta. Participation is by invitation only, but there's no reason why you shouldn't apply. Each race takes place on a coastal course, in a competitive spirit generously tinged with good manners and courtesy. The skills of the crews are put to good use and showcased during these low-lying navigations.

Slaloming through a â??euroscayesâeurosâ? dédale, these 90' to over 200' units are close enough to the shore to create a rare and impressive spectacle.

Only reward: the coveted Bucket Trophy

We don't enter this series of races for the money. The Bucket organization awards no cash prizes. Only the prestige of being awarded the âeurosseauâeurosâ motivates the contenders, who are no novices... Many illustrious sailors of the highest calibre in the world of competitive sailing come here to enjoy the delicious pleasures of tropical regattas.

Well, this year, 2025, they weren't spoiled by the weather, with light airs of up to eleven knots, but often less than 5 knots. It's easy to imagine how difficult it would be to navigate on a stretch of water strewn with icebergs, aboard units weighing several hundred tons and measuring over 100 foot euros!

The social dimension is not neglected by the organization

A number of âeurosà terreâeurosâ? events are held in a spirit of friendship and conviviality. A daily prize-giving ceremony celebrates the â??euroskadorsâeurosâ? of the day. The popular Bucket Bar brings crews together from 4:30 p.m., while the stage features a different set of musicians every evening. Proceeds go to local charities, including the yacht club and the hospital...

Bucket" takes place according to a "âeuroscourse poursuiteâeuros" protocol

Considering the average size of the boats, and the exceptional dimensions of some of them, the organizers had the wisdom to give each boat a personalized start. Before the start of the event, each competitor is assigned a handicap in minutes, based on his or her speed capabilities. In this way, boats with very different performance levels can take part in the same regatta, with the least fast boats starting first. This minimizes the risks inherent in the starting phases.

What's more, the appeal of the competition is heightened by the fact that the ranking takes place in real time at the finish line. The finishes are often breathtaking and captivating.

The Bucket Regatta has been around since 1986

First held on the East Coast of the United States in 1986, it wasn't until 1995 that the event took place in the waters off Saint-Barth in March. Over the years, the size of the participating vessels has increased, and many renowned regatta sailors have exercised their talents. However, the organizers have always endeavored to preserve the spirit of friendship and conviviality that inspired the founders of the âeurosBucketâeuros. This gathering of maxi yacht owners remains marked by a total absence of commercial objectives. The coveted âeurosBucket trophyâeuros, a simple metal bucket, is a perfect illustration of the event's purpose. It could be stated as follows: " The Bucket is all about having fun on the water, racing with friends in a relaxed atmosphere... "

All you need is a sailboat over 90 feet long... or an invitation from a "âeuroscopain sympaâeurosÂ" who has one.

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