St Barths Bucket Regatta

What is the St Barths Bucket Regatta?

St Barth is one of the smaller Antillean islands, with a wild, luscious topography and near-guaranteed 15-20 knots of breeze. It’s enough to lure some of the world’s finest sailing talent to its shores. The first St Barths Bucket Regatta was in 1995 with just four yachts in attendance – SARIYAH, GLEAM, MANDALAY, and PARLAY. To this day, it remains an invite-only race for yachts that are upwards of 30m (100ft) in length.

It’s thought it was the Route de Rosé – a yacht race in the 1990s that traditionally started in Saint-Tropez at the end of the Mediterranean season in mid-October and finished in St Barths at the beginning of December in time for the start of the Caribbean season – that first brought international sailors to shores of St Barth. Entrants loaded cases of rosé wine on board, one of which had to be landed in St Barth to be consumed at the race-end celebrations.

Today, yachts make the migration from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean via a raft of other races, including the RORC Transatlantic. It was the St Barths Bucket that put the island on the racing map, but ever since even travellers not competing in sailing flock to Gustavia to cruise its charmed Caribbean waters by yacht.

When is the St Barths Bucket?

Usually held in the month of March, superyachts from around the world gather in the Port de Gustavia, one of the most popular and beautiful natural harbours in the world, to witness the racing, admire the boats, and attend the legendary yacht parties. Gustavia has been prized for its velvet sandy beaches, corrugated red roofs and French influence, particularly with its cuisine. March is considered one of the best months to visit the island, when the trade winds blow, the glowing sun beams and rainfall is rare. It’s also during the low season, so crowds are scarce.

Why St Barths is at the heart of the Caribbean regatta season

St Barths is the epicentre of the Caribbean regatta season due its reliable trade winds, challenging coastal racecourses, and exclusive atmosphere. With iconic events like the Bucket and Les Voiles de St Barth Richard Mille, you’ll find the finest superyachts and sailor flock to Gustavia harbour.

And beyond the waves, the regatta spirit stretches into the race village beyond with friendly handshakes. These events are more than just a competition; they’re friends who return each year to compete against each other at the highest level.

Experiencing the St Barths Bucket Regatta by yacht charter

As an event soaked in sailing history, it’s only right that you should watch the action from the deck of a St Barths yacht charter. Fortunately, the St Barths Bucket Regatta coincides perfectly with the peak Caribbean sailing season, with steady trade winds and idyllic anchorages making for ideal sailing conditions.

Not only is a yacht a fitting base from which to spectate, but with five-star hospitality throughout, you’ll want for nothing as the sun deck and upper deck terraces provide prime viewing platforms for some of the best views of the action.

And for those that aren’t content to just sit back and watch, non-racing entrants can join the Bucket as a social entrant, which your charter yacht’s captain can arrange.