Readers' trip St Barths Bucket 2026: Sailing spectacle of superlatives

Rendezvous with the giants - YACHT was there live for the second time with 24 readers at the St Barths Bucket.

From 6 to 16 March 2026, we experienced a Caribbean cruise in a class of its own on board the SEA CLOUD II with a Final off Saint-Barthélemy. Over seven legs and around 900 nautical miles, we explored the most beautiful sailing areas of the Lesser Antilles and experienced dreamlike scenery on the Îles des Saintes, St Lucia, Martinique, the British Virgin Islands and finally St Barths, before the final leg back to the port of departure, Philipsburg on St Maarten.

"Deceleration at the highest level"

As is usual for voyages on "Sea Cloud II", the focus is on sailing. Every day, Captain Christian Pfenninger had the majority of the 23 sails of the 117-metre-long three-master set by 20 deckhands, who followed a precisely rehearsed sequence of manoeuvres. The trade winds blew at 15 to 30 knots throughout the voyage, making for some fine sailing, even though the windjammer's hull speed rarely exceeded nine knots despite its 2758 square metres of sail area. The guests watched with delight and great interest as the crew set the square sails with practised hand movements and enjoyed the view over the endless blue. "This is deceleration at the highest level," said YACHT editor-in-chief Martin Hager enthusiastically.

Versatile excursions on the most beautiful Caribbean jewels

The shore excursions on the individual islands offered the guests variety and Creole culture in all its diversity. The Îles des Saintes are considered one of the most beautiful anchorages in the entire Caribbean. Fort Napoléon towers over the tranquil bay and offers an unrivalled panoramic view. St. Lucia, on the other hand, presents itself in all its volcanic splendour: tropical gardens explode with colour, sulphur springs bubble between lush greenery and time seems to stand still on the historic Morne Coubaril plantation. The impressive Pitons Mountains, off which "Sea Cloud II" anchored, rise out of the sea like cathedrals. Martinique was followed by a walk through St Pierre's history and an excursion to the Balata Gardens. Beach lovers found their highlight on Norman Island, where guests enjoyed a wonderful beach day with a beach barbeque and Caribbean music. Those who wanted to could get sporty on SUPs or snorkel with turtles. On one day at sea, Captain Pfenninger gave his permission to climb the masts. Around 20 guests took up the offer and, secured with climbing harnesses, climbed to the first platform of the main and foremast, 14 metres above deck. The reward was a spectacular view, adrenalin included.

33 starters at the St Barths Bucket - record!

Gustavia, the picturesque main harbour of Saint-Barthélemy, is transformed into an exclusive catwalk for the UHNWI every year. Where otherwise billionaires and celebrities are among themselves, the "Sea Cloud II" guests experienced the fascination of the Superyacht Regatta St Barths Bucket. This year's superlative event attracted 33 superyachts to the starting line. A record! Guests watched the action from the Lido Lounge and from the foredeck of the 117-metre three-master, surrounded by gigayachts such as "Moonrise" (101.50m), "Rising Sun" (138m) and "Black Pearl" (106m). "The density of sailing superyachts, this year with lengths between 24 and 78 metres, is unparalleled anywhere else in the world," says Martin Hager. So it's worth it. See you next year!