Speaking on behalf of Perini Navi, Royal Huisman, Vitters and Rybovich Bruce Brakenhoff of Perini Navi shared exciting news at a Press Conference held on the SYBAss section of the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show.
Brackenhoff broke the news as the show opened saying, “As most of you know, the Bucket events in St. Barths and Newport are amazing gatherings that the 4 of us have supported with great enthusiasm. Over 25 years ago these events began as a weekend party in Nantucket, highlighted by a spirited fun race in Nantucket Sound. It was hosted by 2 owners for 4 of their friends whom also owned boats
Through the years the Bucket grew into an event by the Industry and for the Owners. As the number of participants and the size of the boats increased the profile of the events increased too, but the Spirit of the Bucket never seemed to change. It’s still an event by the industry, for the Owners, the racing has stayed Corinthian, the partying always huge and the fleet breath taking….but it’s still “The Bucket”.
“We at Perini Navi, Royal Huisman, Vitters and Rybovich have enthusiastically supported the Bucket ownership and done whatever we could to help grow the participation numbers and make the event into what it is today: The single most recognised, Corinthian Spirited Superyacht Sailing event in the world. There have also been a core group of other companies related to the sailing industry that have loyally backed the events year in and year out adding to its wonderful identity.
One of the beauties of The Bucket is that commercialism and marketing is strictly frowned upon, but networking and socialising are encouraged.”
“The Bucket is a gathering, a parade and a celebration of big sail boats, with a really good Regatta thrown in. This sense seems to have been a big part of the magic formula that is The Bucket!”
“Perhaps it was serendipity, but last May the opportunity to take over the Management and stewardship of the Bucket Regattas crossed our paths and as such on Monday morning we will conclude the purchase of the events from Tim, Ian and Hank the current owners.”
“Beside our passion for the Buckets, the only reason we are doing this is to try and keep that magic formula and not change it. The spirit of the Bucket, the sense of camaraderie and the overwhelming Corinthian spirit seems to relate extremely well with the hundreds of Owners and their friends that have attended and re-attended year after year. We intend to keep it that way and will change little, if anything.”