One of the Caribbean’s most sought-after regattas is back. 

The St Barth Bucket Regatta has made its triumphant return to the French Caribbean island this year after a two-year hiatus amid the pandemic. 

“Everyone I run across is enthused about welcoming back the superyacht fleet and the Bucket Regatta,” says Peter Craig, chairman of the Bucket Regatta. 

The event, which officially kicked off March 17, gathers some of the world’s leading sailing super yachts for four days of unmatched maritime adventure. 

“From the perspective of what we have all endured over the last two years, we couldn’t be more fortunate to be back sailing here with so few restrictions and a healthy fleet of 30 boats,” said Race Director Peter Craig. “Remember that some of these yachts have not raced much, if at all, in the past 18 months, so this is a special time for owners and their crews to re-unite on the water with their families, friends and teams of professional and amateur sailors that traditionally gather for this regatta.”

The yachts range from a trio of historic J-class boats to a group of 24 sailing super yachts across five classes, along with three yachts in the “90s class.” 

The super yacht fleet ranges anywhere from 28 to 60 meters, a mix of sloops, schooners and ketches. 

“It is fantastic to be back racing in St. Barths,” said Hetairos Captain Graham Newton. “It truly is one of the most beautiful places in the world to race, and it’s nice to see such a good fleet here. The vast majority of our team are the same that we have sailed with for quite some time now and they did a pretty good job in 2019! …we are very much looking forward to getting back on the racetrack to try and pick up some more silverware for the owners.”

The event has a pursuit racing format, with individual start times so yachts in each class finish together, according to organizers. 

Of course, there’s just as much celebration on land, with a slate of parties and other events, including the open-air Bucket Bar, the Fleet Welcoming Party and the Bucket Marquee, among others. 

Tradewind Aviation is the official airline partner of the event. 

It’s one of the premier events on the St Barth event calendar, along with festivals like the St Barth Gourmet Festival, the St Barth Cata Cup and the Caribbean Rum Awards St Barth. 

For more, visit the St Barths Bucket Regatta.