St Barths
25 March 2011
The Bucket Rageatta
3-24 St Barths Bucket Regatta started today and we could not have timed our arrival any better. Sailing into La Fourchue from St Martin we almost ran into the mega sailboats as they rounded the last mark and headed for the finish line. Among those racing past us was the famous and unique Maltese Falcon (286 feet), the worlds largest sloop (244 feet) Mirabella V, and the romantic Elena of London which is a replica of the 1911 racing schooner Elena (178 feet). Elena has wonderful lines and a multitude of sails that give her an awe inspiring appearance. The Maltese Falcon is a Dynarig launched in 2006. She has three masts and a futuristic look, yet is reminiscent of an old square rigger. Falcon is stunning under sail! This year is the 16th anniversary for the St Barth Bucket with many parties and even an air show.
3-25 Today we moved the three miles to the west end of St Barths and anchored in Anse de Columbier to watch the second day of racing and spend the night. What a charming anchorage this is with great snorkeling and a sandy beach. There are many boats and people everywhere as the Bucket Regatta draws a big crowd to the Island. Tomorrow we will move over to the main harbor of Gustavia, several friends are here as well so you know there will be cocktails! Gustavia is a beautiful town with red roofed buildings and plenty of flowers giving it a European charm.
3-27 We cleared out yesterday afternoon and had dinner on Here Today along with Winergie. This morning we left for Antigua not knowing where the wind would really take us. With 20 knots of wind from the east we landed at Nevis after 9 hours of sailing with the rail in the water the practically the entire time. We were exhausted when we arrived and went to bed early.