The Caribbean island of St Barths is many things. Super stylish, effortlessly chic, and elusively exclusive for starters, with its tropical hillsides adorned with multi-million-dollar mansions and villas, and its streets lined with the likes of Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and Dior. When an invitation came to visit the island for a spot of sailing, naturally we said yes.
But this is not your normal kind of sailing. This is St Barths, so this is ‘millionaire sailing’.
The St Barths Bucket Regatta is an event like no other. Specifically for sailing superyachts, the three-day spectacle sees almost 30 of the world’s finest and most valuable vessels drop anchor in the bay of Gustavia to compete on courses that will take them around the island’s glistening turquoise waters and celebrate their wins at private parties ashore.
Despite the event’s emphasis on fun and camaraderie, aboard these yachts are some of sailing’s most well-known names, with Olympic gold medallists and America’s Cup heroes at the helm. A rockstar crew is frequently flown in to give boats the added advantage.
I should make it clear at this point, that I am not a sailor. But nor are many of those aboard the spectating superyachts that are attracted by the on-water action and fierce competition.
Our viewing platform for the week is the 58m sailing yacht Ngoni, and she finds herself in good company parked up alongside Feadship’s 99.95m motor yacht Moonrise (reportedly owned by Jan Koum, the co-founder of WhatsApp) and the 107m Black Pearl, which is offered for charter at €1.2million a week.
Ngoni is something of an icon amongst the sailing superyacht community. The last boat to come from the drawing boards of one of sailing’s most prolific and multi-award-winning designers, Ed Dubois, she was built by the famous Royal Huisman shipyard in Holland and, at 58 metres long and with a mast that stands 72 metres tall, her sleek and striking profile is instantly recognisable on the water.
Now listed for sale at €38.5million, we took the opportunity to explore below decks in-between the regatta races.
This is a full-custom superyacht, specially designed to meet the requirements of her owner, with no other vessel like her afloat. What’s most striking about Ngoni’s incredibly luxurious interior, is the influx of natural light. The lounge, known as the main saloon, is encased by curved glass on either side and as you move down into the boat and its cabins, glazing in the hull sides offers both light and unobstructed views. The cabins themselves are all ensuite and beautifully appointed – easily challenging the design style and amenities of the finest hotel suites. And if you fear you might be missing the extra hotel luxuries, fear not – secreted beneath the deck on the yacht’s bow is the most amazing Jacuzzi tub.
A full-time Captain and professional crew keep the yacht in immaculate condition, and they’re an intuitive bunch too – one only has to think about food and before you know it, lunch is being plated up at the alfresco dining table or refreshments served in the shade of the cabana seating.
What’s most noticeable about those attending the St Barths Bucket and the atmosphere here, is the level playing field – multi-millionaire, even billionaire, yacht owners rub shoulder to shoulder with their hard-working crew, everyone shares a beer together after the day’s battle, and what you have or have not doesn’t come into it. Regulars of the Bucket regatta will tell you that a well-worn pair of sailing shoes will take you a lot further here than a pair of Gucci loafers.
