Press releases
The Saint-Barth Cata Cup On Schedule!
No one will soon forget that on the night of September 5 to 6, 2017, Hurricane Irma, one of the most devastating storms of the century, unleashed its full fury on the island of Saint Barthélemy. In the past weeks, with an enormous display of solidarity, the residents have been actively working toward the island’s reconstruction, with one common goal: that daily life should get back to normal. Motivated by that shared objective, as well as their energy and courage, the organizers of the Saint-Barth Cata Cup decided to maintain the 10th edition of the event on November 13-20, 2017. The challenge is huge, but with the support of the sponsors and encouragement from the racers, everyone felt it was important to bring such activities, as well as hope and joy back to Saint-Barth.
“The decision to hold this 10th anniversary edition of the Saint-Barth Cata Cup or not after the catastrophe that the island experienced was not a simple one to make. At first, we consulted with our sponsors, the Collectivity, the territorial tourism committee... it was primordial for us, the organizers, to have their support. Unanimously, they responded yes, they wished for the event to take place. From there, we had to make sure that we would be able to host the racers from around the world in the best possible conditions, and ensure the safety of the event,” explains island-born Jeff Ledée, creator of the regatta and a seasoned sailor. Today, all systems are go for the 10th Saint-Barth Cata Cup to take place properly, even if, clearly, it is somewhat of a big gamble. “In Saint Barth, the residents are working really hard to get the island back on its feet so that life can get back to normal. What they hope for is to breathe a little easier as they get farther from this moment that was so difficult for entire population. Of course, it’s not easy as everyone faced serious damage, but everyone wants to move forward. What better than to welcome and/or participate in such a convivial event to soothe our hearts?” asks Jeff, who was touched by the incredible response of the racers when they were consulted after the hurricane hit, for confirmation of their participation. “Their response was very positive, as well as very supportive. A number of them even offered to come and give a hand in putting the island back on its feet, with or without the Saint-Barth Cata Cup. Everyone wanted to offer their help and we had no doubt that if the event could take place in very good conditions, it would bring a sense of joy and enthusiasm to the entire island!” adds Jeff Ledée.
Enthusiastic and Supportive Racers
“It’s really great that the regatta will take place. It’s a little bit of a surprise, even if we know that Saint Barth is an island with a lot of resources and the organizers of the event are extremely motivated to help launch the 2018 tourist season,” comments Benjamin Amiot, who knows the event well, having participated three times, quite successfully, having finished eighth in 2014 with James Baeckler, president of the french F18 class, then in second and third place in 2015 and 2016 as a duo with Gurvan Bontemps. “I will race with him again this year. That’s good as we can continue our progression and maybe take first place, but that won’t be easy for this 10th edition, as the level looks really incredible. The idea will be to above all sail well and have a lot of fun, and I can tell already that it will be great. The setting is extraordinary and everything is arranged so that the competitors are welcomed in the best possible way,” notes Benjamin, a true specialist on small multi-hulls, who one finds alternatively sailing the Flying Phantom, Diam 24 OD, D35, or GC32. Among his primary competition, there is notably Franck Cammas, who was skipper of Groupama Team France during the most recent America’s Cup race. Taking first place in 2013, and second in 2014, Cammas has indicated his return to the event after two year’s absence, and will sail with his frequent partner, Mathieu Vandame. Cammas has shared his enthusiasm that the race will be held: “Like all the other racers, when the organizers contacted me to see if I was still interested in participating in this rather unusual context, I didn’t hesitate. It’s good to change the course of destiny. It’s a terrific opportunity for everyone to show that in Saint Barth, they are already on their feet. This is certainly an ambitious project and we are all aware that while the regatta may not take place with all the usual comfort, it will really be ideal to motivate the troops. It’s not just by chance that all of the teams indicated their presence and that they are all ready to come with a trowel to help rebuild anything that needs rebuilding. Everyone is very happy and motivated to participate in this edition of the Saint-Barth Cata Cup, which will certainly have a different flavor,” relates Cammas. How true!
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19/11/2017
What suspense, what surprises! This fourth day of sailing and the final day of the St. Barth Cata-Cup, which should have identified the leaders and defined the podium, actually played out with an improbable scenario, which was peppered with many comebacks. At one point it seems as if the glory of victory would go to Franck Cammas and Matthieu Vandame (ODP 1), who were at the top of the general classification on the morning of the last two races. Yet the glory finally went to winners Iordanis Paschalidis and Konstantinos Trigonis (Relwen), as their competitors made an error on the course. The Greeks are however far from having stolen their victory. These two sailors were consistently at the front of the pack and turned in a remarkably steady performance in spite of highly variable wind conditions. At the end of the day, they finished with a healthy lead, ahead of, in order, Argentineans Cruz Gonzales Smith – Mariano Heuser (Eden Rock Villa Rental) and Belgians Patrick Demesmaeker – Olivier Gagliani (Les Perles de Saint-Barth).
18/11/2017
On Saturday, the third day of competition of the St. Barth Cata-Cup, light winds were dancing on the water. Yet the race committee was successful in holding two good races: a raid between Toc Vert, Fourchue, and Bœuf; then a smaller loop between Toc Vert and Les Grenadins. In spite of very uncertain conditions, some of the sailors kept up a steady pace, starting with Franck Cammas and Matthieu Vandame. Placing third and first in the day’s two races the ODP 1 duo had a superb day. They not only won the Prix St Barth Assurances – Allianz, but they also seized the top spot in the overall provisional ratings, by a hair in front of the Greeks Iordanis Pachalidis – Kontantinos Trigonis (Relwen), who had been in the leader’s seat since the start of the regatta. The lead is so small that tomorrow’s races will be decisive
17/11/2017
A loop around Toc Vert and Bonhomme by way of Boulanger, then a run between Les Grenadins and Bonhomme with Frégate on the exterior: that was the itinerary of the day for the 47 teams in the St. Barth Cata-Cup, while their nerves were really put to the test on this Friday of sailing. And for good cause, as sailing on the leeward side of the island they had to make do with winds from the south-southeast of only six to 10 knots; winds that were unstable in terms of force and direction. And while the cards continued to fall randomly throughout the day, certain duos managed to perform quite regularly, which was certainly the case by Belgians Patrick Demesmaeker and Olivier Gagliani (Les Perles de Saint-Barth), who sailed two perfect races to victory and were the big winners of the Prix Eden Rock Villa Rental. In the general rating after three races, the lead remains with the Greek duo Iordanis Paschalidis – Konstantinos Trigonis (Relwen), who are continuing to make a strong impression.
16/11/2017
On Thursday, the 47 teams of the 10th annual St. Barth Cata-Cup set sail on a serious note for the first day of competition, as the race committee took advantage of winds of 8 to 12 knots from the south-southeast for a first tour of the island. As a result of the conditions, it was necessary to be highly observant and show finesse in these kinds of conditions and the favorites immediately proved excellence, confirming their status. The winning trifecta of the day? In order: Iordanis Paschalidis – Konstantinos Trigonis (Relwen), Pierre Le Clainche – Antoine Joubert (designaffairs – 001), and Franck Cammas – Matthieu Vandame (ODP 1).
15/11/2017
After three days of getting the boats ready to sail, training, and confirmation of registrations, the 47 two-person teams for the 10th annual St. Barth Cata-Cup into the spirit of the regatta. On Thursday, starting at 2pm, they will compete in the first races of the event (Prix Design Affairs – 001). The competition promises to be intense as this special anniversary features not only the six duos that have won this event in the past, and are back to compete again, but also a large number of the biggest names in the F18 class. Here’s a preview of what to expect:
18/10/2017
No one will soon forget that on the night of September 5 to 6, 2017, Hurricane Irma, one of the most devastating storms of the century, unleashed its full fury on the island of Saint Barthélemy. In the past weeks, with an enormous display of solidarity, the residents have been actively working toward the island’s reconstruction, with one common goal: that daily life should get back to normal. Motivated by that shared objective, as well as their energy and courage, the organizers of the Saint-Barth Cata Cup decided to maintain the 10th edition of the event on November 13-20, 2017. The challenge is huge, but with the support of the sponsors and encouragement from the racers, everyone felt it was important to bring such activities, as well as hope and joy back to Saint-Barth.
18 May 2017
The Saint-Barth Cata Cup will celebrate its 10th anniversary on November 13-20, 2017. To make it a truly great event, the organizers have decided to offer wild cards to all duos that have won this regatta since it was created. Intrigued by the idea to team up again with their winning partner—for some as many as nine years later—and one again compete in the waters of the Caribbean, the sailors who took first place between 2008 and 2016 will all be returning, with the exception of John Casey, who has been unable to confirm his participation. His former teammate, American sailor Dalton Tebo, will be present, partnering with Charles Tomeo, alongside such duos as Emmanuel Boulogne/Tanguy Kervyn, Mischa Heemskerk/Eduard Zanen, Enrique Figueroa/ Keki Figueroa, Franck Cammas/Matthieu Vandame, Morgan Lagravière/Arnaud Jarlegan, Patrick Demesmaeker/Olivier Gagliani, Pierre Le Clainche/ Antoine Joubert, and the 65 tandems selected at random from the 90 pre-registered. This 10th anniversary Cata Cup promises to put on a great show with serious battles for first place out on the waves!
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