2011 St Barths Bucket – Day 1
Today, the Maltese Falcon participated in the first race of the
2011 St Barths Bucket Regatta (www.bucketregattas.com.) Every year, many
of the finest sailing yachts in the world converge upon St Barths’ main
port of Gustavia for this unique race. This year is particularly special,
as it marks the 25th anniversary of the regatta.
This year, almost 40 vessels are in attendance ranging in
size from 23 meters up to the Falcon’s 88 meters. The yachts are
also very variable in style and design with everything from classic schooners
to ultra-modern race boats taking part. To make the things fair, a
handicap system is in place which directs the yachts to start the race at
different times, with the slowest yachts starting first.
The weather cooperated very well for today’s race,
providing clear skies and wind speeds in the 15-20 kts range from the
East. Starting at 11am, the race course took the yachts counter-clockwise
around the entire island of St Barths, providing beautiful scenery for the
entire day. As much of the race was upwind, the Falcon was heeling far
enough to flood the side decks several times. For today’s race, she
finished in sixth place out of the 13 yachts in her class.
Jeremy Smith
Deckhand
