Maltese Falcon

2011 St Barths Bucket - Days 2 and 3

2011 St Barths Bucket – Days 2 and 3
 
The Maltese Falcon has now completed the St Barths Bucket
Regatta after successfully sailing in the remaining two races without incident. 
This year’s Bucket was treated to fantastic conditions with a nice
breeze, lots of sunshine, and not a drop of rain. 
 
To minimize extra weight, we left our tenders and wave
runners behind while we raced each day. We would like to give a special thanks to
the owner and crew of the S/Y Mariella and M/Y Helios for babysitting them.
 
On the evening of Day 2, we hosted a large cocktail and
dinner party for approximately 70 people. The guests included the owners
of other yachts, rally organizers, and Perini Navi representatives. All
had a great time!
 
After the completion of the last race on Day 3, an award
ceremony was held for all the owners and crews to enjoy. The Maltese
Falcon is proud to have been awarded the ‘Vitter’s Shipyard
Seamanship Trophy.’ This trophy is given to the yacht that
demonstrates the best seamanship and sportsmanship in the interest of promoting
safety on the race course. As the Falcon was the largest vessel in the
regatta, we felt it was important to keep a safe distance from other vessels to
eliminate any chance of a collision or other incident.
 
The event was a great experience for everyone involved, and
we hope to participate again in the future! 
 
Jeremy Smith
Deckhand
 

Day 1 St Barts Bucket

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