St Barths Bucket Regatta 2025 Guide | Edmiston VIP Experiences & Luxury Yacht Charters in St. Barths

Taking place in mid-March each year, the St Barths regatta is the crowning point of the yacht racing circuit, which seasoned sailors, yachting aficionados and luxury travellers aspire to attend each year.

What sets St Barths sailing regatta apart from other yacht racing events is its commitment to celebrating and honouring sailing above everything else, as well as its prestigious atmosphere, which is heightened by its long-standing heritage.

Since its inception in 1986 when it was held to settle a friendly debate, the St Barths Bucket Regatta has gone on to become one of the most exclusive events of the yachting calendar.

Its invitation-only policy ensures only the very best sailing yachts on the circuit are in attendance, while its deep-rooted traditions, competitive nature and spirit of camaraderie combine to create a spectacular showcase of elite sailing.

Today, the St Barths Bucket Regatta is a must-attend event for superyacht owners and enthusiasts alike, and with the promise of a much coveted prize to win, it also attracts some of the sailing world’s biggest names who come to show off their sailing prowess in front of their peers.

Here, we guide you through the St Barths Bucket Regatta 2025, from what to expect to where to moor and how to get the most out of a luxury yacht charter in St Barths.

Background of the St Barths Bucket Race

The story of the Bucket Regatta St Barths feels like a movie script, with the event growing from humble origins to become an internationally renowned yachting race, a peak affair in the luxury events 2025 calendar, that everyone wants to win

It all began almost 40 years ago, in August 1986, when a group of friends in the New England yachting hub of Nantucket, Massachusetts, got together to celebrate a birthday.

As is the norm when a group of yachting enthusiasts gather, talk soon turned to whose yacht was the best and as discussions grew ever more animated, it was decided that the only way to decide for certain whose yacht had the best sailing credentials, was to hold an impromptu race the next day.

And so, the following day, the friends fought it out on a makeshift 15-mile circuit in Nantucket Sound to see who would complete the course in the quickest time.

The winner of that first race was the birthday boy himself, Nelson Doubleday, and in lieu of a proper trophy, an empty champagne bucket was awarded to him and so the race’s name, the ‘Bucket’, was born.

Today, despite evolving into a world-famous regatta – even moving to the stylish Caribbean island of St Barths in 1995 – the Bucket has managed to retain much of its original sailing spirit.

Edmiston’s Executive Director, Bruce Brakenoff, has been closely involved with the St Barths Bucket for many years, assisting clients in getting their yachts to the starting line – even taking part in racing himself.

As a Perini-Navi expert based in Newport, Rhode Island, Bruce is exceptionally knowledgeable on both sailing yachts and the wider cruising ground and can offer invaluable advice on planning a St Barths Bucket yacht charter.

Indeed, Bruce is a great ambassador for the event as a whole, summing it up thus: “Amazing people, amazing location, amazing yachts, amazing everything.”

St. Barths Bucket Regatta 2025 Overview: Dates, Location & What to Expect

Held over four days in Gustavia, St Barths – a period of time when the island becomes obsessed with everything sailing – the St Barths regatta follows a pursuit racing format that sees yachts divided into separate classes.

Yachts eligible to compete are typically over 100ft (30.5m) sailing superyachts, designed for both performance and luxury.

There is a winner of each class, which is decided by who reaches the finishing line in their race first, as well as an overall winner – who lifts the famous Bucket – who is named at a ceremony on the final day of the event, the Sunday, shortly before the event’s closing party.

Each year, a team of ‘Bucket Stewards’, select and invite yachts to participate. The stewards are supported by a panel of racing experts who rate the yachts in terms of displacement, draft, sail area and other characteristics and apply an ORC handicapping system to ensure a fair competition for all.

This year, the St Barths sailing regatta will take place from 13-16 March 2025 and 29 magnificent superyachts are so far lined up to compete as part of the St Barths Regatta racing fleet.

As well as the standard superyacht classes, during the 2025 St Barths Bucket there will also be a Corinthian class (without spinnaker), a 90ft class, a J class, and for the first time this year, a 100ft class. This new 100ft class will feature performance sloops that don’t meet the criteria of a ‘cruising superyacht’ as set out by the Super Yacht Racing Association (SYRA).

Racing will take place from Friday through Sunday for all classes, with the exception of the J class and 100ft class, which also race on Thursday. Yachts in the 100ft class will go one further and race on Wednesday, too.

As well as the racing itself, the regatta is renowned for its elegant social scene, with a packed diary of parties, private gatherings, and exclusive networking opportunities, including a dockside party at the Capitainerie on the Saturday evening.

And although it’s a friendly race, it’s the regatta everyone wants to win and so each year you can expect some of the world’s best yachtsmen and yachtswomen to take the helm of some of the most elegant and beautiful sailing yachts.

Experience the St. Barths Sailing Regatta from a Luxury Yacht Charter

In the spirit of being inclusive, non-racing entrants can join the Bucket as a social entrant, your St Barths yacht charter captain can organise.

As an event soaked in sailing history, it’s only right that you should watch the action from the deck of a luxury yacht charter in St Barths.

Not only is it a fitting base from which to join in this celebration of nautical traditions, but with five-star hospitality throughout, you’ll want for nothing as you gear up for each race, while a sun deck or upper deck terrace provides a prime viewing platform so you won’t miss any of the on-the-water action.

Add to this the privacy and sense of exclusivity offered and it’s easy to see why St Barts super yachts are in such high demand. Edmiston’s expert brokers can help you find the right yacht for you, as well as help plan custom itineraries that will blend regatta action with St. Barths’ best beaches, dining, and nightlife.

Beyond the St Barths Regatta: With a Superyacht Charter, St. Barths has a lot to offer

As one of the most glamorous islands in the world, St Barths is a premier yachting destination year-round, not just during regatta week.

Beyond race week, on your St Barths Caribbean yacht charter you can explore the island’s paradisiacal secluded beaches and secret anchorages, experience some of the island’s rich marine life; and hang out at some of its chic beach bars – think St Tropez with even more sun.

Your broker can also plan a bespoke itinerary that combines the thrill of the regatta with the calm of some of the other nearby Caribbean islands, from St. Martin to Anguilla. With Edmiston you can be assured of an exclusive and effortless experience of all this and more from the moment you step on board.

Secure Your Front-Row Seat at the St. Barths Bucket Regatta 2025 with Edmiston

An event that heralds the best sailing yachts in the world, the St Barths Bucket Regatta is more than a race – it’s a celebration of elite sailing, luxury, and tradition.

For those who want to witness the regatta in its most elevated form, a superyacht charter offers the ultimate blend of privacy, access, and luxury.

With an Edmiston charter for the St Barths Bucket race, you will gain unrivalled access to the world’s most prestigious superyachts, including tailored charter experiences crafted by Edmiston’s expert team and a seamless booking and concierge service for the ultimate regatta experience.

Contact Edmiston to explore the best luxury yacht charters for the St Barths Bucket Regatta and beyond.