There was a dramatic ending to the recent St. Barth’s Bucket regatta, an event, which celebrated 25 years of Bucket racing this year
Two yard sisters each 40m plus sailing yachts battled for the lead on the final race day.
Christopher and classic ketch Rebecca both built by the Cornish shipyard Pendennis performed spectacularly, during a race that culminated in a nail biting downwind leg of the clockwise course with both yachts at the head of the 40-strong regatta fleet.
Christopher completed at the yards Falmouth facility early in 2011 flew through her first Atlantic crossing in 12 days, arriving in the Caribbean in good time to take part in the regatta.
Her 42 metre yard sister Rebecca designed by German Frers was completed by the yard in 1999
Racing at the helm of Christopher, designer Ron Holland commented, ‘Racing aboard a yacht, after she directly sailed across the Atlantic to St Barth’s from completion in Falmouth, presented potential challenges. Considering this, I was thrilled with her performance during the Bucket.
We found the yacht capable in all the conditions experienced. The highlight of the regatta was finishing alongside Rebecca on the last race. This was an exciting conclusion to the story of her creation.’
Although the competition between the two yachts was intense, both raced in good spirit, with Rebecca taking the title in the ‘Les Elegantes des Mers’ class and Christopher finishing just behind her in fourth place. The regatta proved a great success for both yachts, and an excellent starting point for the Christopher adventure.
Christopher:
- LOA 46m (150.9ft)
- Draught 3.8m (12.5ft keel up), 9.4m (31ft keel down)
- Beam 9.5m (31.2ft)
- Naval Architects Ron Holland Design
- Interior Design Ron Holland Design, Courtney & Co., Pendennis
- Owner’s Representative Duane MacPhail, Palm Beach Yachts International
Accommodation provides three staterooms and a study providing the Owners and their guests with accommodation for up to 12, with a further four cabins to sleep up to eight crew.
Rebecca:
- LOA 42.42m (139ft)
- Draught 4.5m (14.75ft)
- Beam 8.7m (28.5ft)
- Year 1999
- Naval Architects German Frers design
- Interior Design Robin Black