Surrounded by the calm, clear waters of the Caribbean Sea and typically enjoying over 300 days of sunshine each year, it’s no wonder St. Barts’ boating scene thrives.
A magnet for luxury superyachts and private charters, the island is known to showcase some of the world’s most spectacular boating events, particularly during the winter season between December and April when the waters are warmest.
High-profile events include the exclusive, invitation-only event St Barths Bucket Regatta alongside the Transat Concarneau-Saint Barthélemy, each of which attract first-rate sailing yachts and keen boating enthusiasts to compete against one another for nautical glory.
First held on the island in 1995 with just four yachts, the St Barths Bucket Regatta has grown exponentially over time to become arguably one of the world’s greatest, a true ballet for sailing enthusiasts which today welcomes an impressive 26 superyachts competing across seven classes.
Held over three days in March each year, the regatta’s organisers are keen to maintain the camaraderie and non-commercial spirit of the event, which first originated in Nantucket, Massachusetts in the US almost 10 years before the event was launched in St. Barts.
The original competition back in 1986 entailed a spontaneous sailing race between superyacht owners in Nantucket, who used a spare bucket as a trophy for the impromptu competition, thus leading to the creation of the Bucket Regatta series.
Transat Concarneau-Saint Barthélemy, meanwhile – today known as the Transat Paprec – is a biennial double-handed transatlantic yacht race.
This year marked the 17th edition of the historic event, with the course beginning as usual in Concarneau on 20th April and concluding on 9th May in St. Barts.
The race features mixed gender pairs competing on identical Figaro Beneteau 2 boats and is the only transatlantic race on completely equal footing in terms of the boats and equipment used.
The unique concept of a double-handed mixed pairs race – which was first introduced to Transat Concarneau-Saint Barthélemy in 2023 – has been praised for its ability to encourage more women to enter into the world of ocean racing.
Indeed, young female skipper Cindy Brin made history this year as the first participant from St. Barts to compete in the race, embarking on an incredible journey covering thousands of kilometres – a challenge local people followed with great enthusiasm.
St. Barts’ crucial role as a prestigious finishing port for the major ocean race has boosted local pride and spirit on the island, whilst significant economic benefits have been afforded by the event which attracts swathes of boating enthusiasts each year.
Another important contributor to St. Barts’ rich boating tradition is Les Voiles de St. Barth Richard Mille, a world-class sailing regatta that showcases high-level yacht racing for a variety of different boat classes, including Maxi, Super Maxi, and Multihull, as well as smaller classes such as Spinnakers and Melges 24s.
Historically attracting at least 15 nationalities and up to 800 sailors, the event was first conceived by François Tolède and Luc Poupon in 2010 with the goal of making St. Barts an even more attractive destination for global visitors.
Capitalising on the island’s perfect sailing conditions, Tolède and Poupon were able to increase visitor numbers through the magnificent boating spectacle.
It’s important to note that embarking on a nautical adventure over St. Barts’ crystal-clear, turquoise waters is not solely reserved for superyacht owners or regatta entrants – a half or full-day boating trip is the ultimate opportunity for any visitor to enjoy the region’s incredible scenery, with countless tours and excursions on offer.
By participating in a boat tour, visitors can explore St. Jean’s picturesque white sand beach, Colombier’s renowned sunsets, Gustavia’s impressive harbour, Gouverneur’s dramatic landscapes, and so much more, with all the island has to offer at their fingertips.
For those seeking a more hands-on sailing experience, the Saint Barth Yacht Club (SBYC) is a sailing school and water sports centre in Gustavia offering a range of classes and water sports rentals with a strong focus on teaching responsible sailing practices.
As such, whether you’re looking to participate in or watch a thrilling, world-class regatta, absorb picturesque vistas with the sea breeze flowing through your hair, or try your hand at mastering the art of sailing, St. Barts’ boating scene has something to offer everyone.
