Back in business for St. Barth Cata-Cup

Forty-seven teams are set to begin competition for the 10th edition of the St. Barth Cata-Cup for Formula 18s, to be held on the island of Saint Barthélemy on November 16-20, 2017.

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:

“The St. Barth Cata-Cup, for me, is a little like the long distance world championship for F18’s. The level is always incredible, and is even more so this year for the 10th anniversary of the regatta,” says Orion Martin (second place in the 2015 edition and team-mate of James Baeckler), giving a quick assessment of the level of the competition.

In fact, there are big champions on the roster, starting with all the winners of the past editions from 2008 to 2016: Dalton Tebo, Emmanuel Boulogne, Tanguy Kervyn, Enrique Figueroa, Keki Figueroa, Franck Cammas, Matthieu Vandame, Patrick Demesmaeker, Olivier Gagliani, Pierre Le Clainche, and Antoine Joubert.

“We are going to put our title in play but we know it won’t be easy to win again,” notes Antoine Joubert, sailing with Pierre Le Clainche, put on a great show and winning he regatta in 2016, the first time they participated. “Clearly, there are at least 10 boats that could win this year.”

Bruno Magras, president of the Collectivity of Saint Barthélemy, salutes the courage shown by the organizers of the Saint Barth Cata Cup. “This event has become over the years an important part of the island’s nautical activities, but more so now how it is effectively a great way to revive the spirit of the population, which was subject to a major hurricane on September 6.

“This is an initiative, I support most heartily, as an elected official, because, without a doubt, it can help us forget a large part of this disaster, and beyond the boundaries of the island, help kick-start our economy.

“We must encourage events like this. We have made great efforts that are visible, I think, in getting the island back on its feet. However, in terms of hospitality we have a slight handicap, as all of the large hotels remain closed.

“But I remain confident, and know that those who love the island will continue to come and even if this season risks being a little quieter than usual, the future will be excellent as everyone is pitching in to renovate and get the big hotels back to their excellent standing. All that contributes to overcome the terrible trauma that many were subject to.”

Event details – Entry list – Facebook

About the St. Barth Cata Cup
The ST. BARTH CATA CUP is a high-calibre sporting event where catamaran enthusiasts come together under the Caribbean sun. After three editions in 1992, 1993 and 1994, the St. Barth Cata Cup was relaunched in 2008 by Vincent Jordil, Jeff Ledee and Thierry Linares. The St. Barth Cata Cup brings together competitors of various nationalities, from world champions to Saint Barth residents.

Source: Dominique Ladouceur