St Barths Bucket is a go for 2018, according to its Management Team, headed by Peter Craig, Event Director and Race Chairman. “The Bucket Stewards are committed to a 2018 St Barths Bucket that will provide all that this storied event is famous for: superb competition, fantastic shoreside socials, and the Bucket hallmarks of camaraderie and sportsmanship,” the team said in a statement on October 10.
“In the days immediately following Hurricane Irma, the Bucket stewards were firm in their support of a 2018 event in St Barth even though the number of entries could be far less than in previous years,” Mr Craig told St Barts Life. “The reasoning was very simple – it is the single best action we can take on behalf of the people of St Barts.”
Mr Craig went on to explain the revenue that the event, which has been held every year since 1995, brings to the economy of St Barts “will have a direct and positive impact, but perhaps more important is the message going out now that St Barts is clearly on the road back”.
He added, the Bucket organisation was active helping deliver critical supplies in the immediate aftermath, made an early donation, and raised awareness of recovery support through our Bucket network, but the early announcement that the 2018 edition of this renowned superyacht regatta will definitely take place next March may in fact be our most meaningful action.”
Although Mr Craig is not on island, he said that “we are all very impressed by the resolve and resiliency that the people and their leaders have shown” and that “many restaurants, villas and hotels plan to be ‘open for business’ and ready to welcome visitors in November and for the holidays.”
St Barths Bucket will take place March 15-18, 2018. To date, over 25 superyachts have showed intent to enter and the list has been posted on bucketregatta.com, where regular updates will be made, as well as for the Schedule of Events (see “Racing” link).
“The feedback we have received from past Bucket participants, owners and captains, has been incredibly supportive and touching,” the Event Director shared.”This is but one example: ‘At this point we are committed to returning to the Caribbean and participating in the Bucket. The owners feel that it is critical to support the islands that have given so much to the yachting industry. Please sign us up.'”
Addressing inquiries about helping St Barts post-Irma, the St Barths Bucket Team suggested two humanitarian campaigns, both of which work directly with the government and the Red Cross: Help St Barths Gofundme account and Lion’s Club of St Barts.
READ ALSO St Barts-Hurricane IRMA disaster relief fund set up, Stelios Foundation pledges €100,000
