Since then, the reputation of the St Barth Cata Cup has spread like wildfire in France as well as in the United States, Italy, Belgium, and The Netherlands, where it's hot news on the Formula 18 circuit, the top racing series for sports catamaran. Officially recognized by the F 18 class, this regatta is quickly becoming known as one of the best in the world!
Passionate amateurs and championship professionals do all they can to get on the roster, as this year the third edition was cut off at record number of 50 teams, and the list was full within the first 48 hours! The number is limited in terms of logistics, and also to maintain the spirit of the Saint Barth Cata Cup, a tropical regatta that has developed a perfect balance among the various levels of participants.
The ingredients of this nautical cocktail are simple yet very appealing: A subtle mix of the highest caliber racers side by side with those who simply love the world of catamaran regattas.
Last year it was Formula 18 world champion Olivier Backès, while this year will see Australian Darren Bundock, multiple Olympic medal-winner and 2011 world champion, who will try for the gold at the Saint Barth Cata Cup. Manu Boulogne, 2003 world champion, returns again this year aboard his Cirrus R.
Dutchman Mischa Heemskerk, winner of the Cata Cup in 2009, champion of Europe in 2007, and third in the 2008 world championships, returns to vie for another victory. Yvan Bourgnon wouldn't miss this edition of the Saint Barth Cata Cup for anything in the word. Not to mention Americans John Casey and Dalton Tebo, who took top honors last year.
There may not be many buoys out on the turquoise waters but rather markers that are part of part of the tropical landscape such as Pointe Milou, Saline, and Gustavia as well as such outlying islands as Ile Chevreau, les Grenadins, Ile Toc Vert, or Pain de Sucre. The great coastal racing has many challenges along the leeward shoreline and long tacks with spinnakers unfurled in the clear waters along the windward shores. The regatta format is also unusual with only one or two races per day, with the highly anticipated race around the island as the highpoint of the event. This gives the participants time to enjoy the pleasures of Saint Barth.
Top-level sailing under the tropical sun: a regatta not to be missed!
Schedule: