Fast Facts :
For the fifth edition of the Saint Barth Cata Cup, it was necessary to “push back the walls.” The number of boats had been limited to 50, but due to the growing reputation of the most “fun” regatta on the Formula 18 circuit, the organizers accepted seven more. The tropical setting, the crystal clear water, the ambiance, and the racing conditions attract participants from all over the world.
Among the most well-know of these racers, the roster once again includes Dutchman Mischa Heemskerk, fourth in the last F18 world championships and World Champion of Class A, as well as Carolijn Brouwer, Mixed Team World Champion 2012 and also from The Netherlands, American John Casey, Enrique Figueroa from Puerto Rico, and Greek world champion in the Tornado class, Iordanis Paschalidis.
There will also be an armada of French champions ranging from Yvan Bourgnon, Kinou Mourniac, and Manu Boulogne to Fred Moreau and Gurvan Bontemps.The St Barth Cata Cup would not be such a big success without the participation of these internationally acclaimed racers, who come to Saint Barth from at least a dozen different countries to compete.
Champions From A Dozen Countries
Racing in the bay of Saint Jean will be competitors not only from numerous West Indian islands, but also from Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Holland, Greece, Italy, United States, Germany, Austria, Canada, and of course many from France.
As for the regatta itself, the competition will be stiff, with racers who were stars at the most recent F18 world championships, with four of the teams participating in Saint Barth placing in the top 15 in the general standings. Without forgetting the newest names on the Formula 18 circuit such as Emmanuel Dode, world champion of the Dart 18 class, or Iordanis Paschalidis, winner in the Tornado class.
And once again, Saint Barth is like a fantasy come true for the competitors, with its tropical climate and warm water, its fabulous race itineraries with natural markers, and its around-the-island race that is as magical as it is complicated to navigate.
The fifth edition of the St Barth Cata Cup, with the starting line just three weeks away, promises to be every bit as spectacular as the past…