The The eventwhich was launched almost four decades ago and is being held for the 32nd time this year, remains true to its spirit: it is not a commercial regatta, but a sporting meeting of passionate owners of large cruisers. Nevertheless, it has long been one of the most important events in the superyacht calendar.
Diversity among the giants of the seas
The starting field includes a wide variety of formats - from XL slips ("M5") to beautiful J-Class gems ("Hanuman") and imposing ketch formats ("Maximus") with gigantic sail areas. The smallest yacht in the 32nd St Barth's Bucket Once again this year, the 27 metre long "Hummingbird", a Swan 90, will be on board. The 78 metre long "M5" is the largest yacht in the St. Barths Bucket 2026. 13 metres shorter and yet impressive in size and sail area are the 65-metre-long exceptional yachts "Atlantic", "Adix" and "Aquarius".
Heterogeneous bucket fleet
The wide-ranging field was divided into four "conventional" bucket superyacht classes ("Les Gazelles", "Les Elegantes", "Les Mademoiselles" and "Les Grande Dames"), a Corinthian Spirit class without spinnaker (L'Esprit), a 90-foot class (Les Petites Dames) a 100-foot racing class (Les Cent Pied) and for the first time "Les Performance Ouvertes" (combined racing/cruising class - sporty cruising yachts/cruiser racers). The two 100-footers, the Wallys "V" (ex-"Tango") and "Galateia", are again scored twice in the Bucket Regatta: in "Les Cent Pied" and then again in combination with the three superyachts in "Les Gazelles", the class reserved for the fastest performance-orientated cruising superyachts. The 67 metre long "Hetairos" leads the field in this group. After a break last year, the fast carbon fibre ketch wants to build on its previous successes.
The division into the various classes serves to ensure the most accurate assessment possible according to performance aspects. The ratio of sail area to displacement and the shape of the hull are the key factors in class categorisation. This takes into account whether the boat is a glider or a displacement boat. Information about the designer and the shipyard also helps the race organisers to make a judgement. The ships in the Corinthian Spirit class sail without a gennaker or spinnaker. The basis for the assessment is the ORC rating system ORCsy, which was specially developed for superyachts.
Newcomers and veterans at the Bucket
The majority of the bucket fleet starts the races using the "kangaroo start" method, which means that one boat after the other crosses the line at pre-calculated start times. This guarantees that the yachts cross the finish line as close together as possible and increases the tension.
It will also be exciting for a number of new yachts: Among others, the 59-metre Vitters yacht "Maximus", the 47-metre "Nilaya" from Royal Huisman and the 33-metre "Zemi" from Baltic Yachts-Hallen. In addition to these debutants, familiar names such as "Rosehearty", with tactician and America's Cup legend Paul Cayard, as well as "Ravenger" and "Aquarius" will be returning.
While the spectacular Dynarigg three-master "Black Pearl" (107 metres) is only a spectator at anchor off Gustavia this time, "M5", the world's largest single-masted ship, will actively participate. Together with the new 39 metre long Swan 128 "Be Cool" and three other yachts in the so-called Corinthian Spirit-class.
Class for sporty 100-foot yachts has established itself
For some years now, 90-foot yachts have also been allowed to take part - a step that has significantly broadened the field. The "Hummingbird" and "Freya", among others, will be competing in this category in 2026.
The new Les Cent Pieds class is launching two Wallycentos, "V" and "Galateia", which will once again provide spectacular action. This group is aimed at particularly performance-oriented sloops over 30 metres in length. If the trade winds play along, the starting signal for the first of three challenging coastal races in the 100-footer will be given on Thursday 12 March.
There is a choice of three varied regatta courses with different variations. On Friday 13 March, the eight classes will start on the "Around The Island" course and sail clockwise around St. Barths - the length varies between 16 and 25 nautical miles depending on the wind strength. On day 3 of the Bucket Regatta, the more navigationally demanding course "Not so Wiggley" awaits, which sends the 38 participants in various constellations around the small islands off St Barthélemy and measures 21 to 27 nautical miles. On Sunday 15 March (Day 3), the "Wrong Way Around" course will take the fleet anti-clockwise around the "Island of the Rich".
Fun takes centre stage
Although the competitive nature of the Bucket has increased significantly over the past ten years, the original spirit of the event has remained alive. Not only the stewards of the exclusive event - the Royal Huisman and Vitters shipyards - are highly committed to this, but also the other sponsors and all participants. No other regatta offers owners such a relaxed atmosphere in a circle of like-minded people. The focus is on socialising, atmospheric dock parties and the legendary "Yacht Hop" cocktail competition on board the participating yachts.
Martin Hager
Editor in Chief YACHT
