The 47.4-metre Royal Huisman sailing yacht Hyperion has been crowned the overall winner of the 2025 St Barths Bucket, securing victory in the Les Elegantes Class after two first-place finishes and a second-place result.
This year’s edition of the St Barths Bucket saw 26 superyachts competing across seven classes, with race organizers opting for shorter courses to accommodate the light wind conditions, which occasionally dropped as low as four knots.
Hyperion’s Triumph
Despite the challenging conditions, Hyperion showcased remarkable adaptability and tactical awareness, edging out fierce competitors like Adela and Ravenger. The yacht, delivered in 1998 and designed by German Frers with interiors by Pieter Beeldsnijder, is a Bucket regatta veteran and has frequently appeared on the podium in previous years.
courtesy of Baltic Yachts
Racing helmsman Ed Danby praised his team’s ability to capitalize on fleeting wind shifts and execute precise maneuvers, saying:
“We were robbed of the tradewinds this year, but driving these giant yachts around in four knots of wind is seriously challenging.”
Credit: Cory Silken
The 2025 St Barths Bucket Trophy
The Bucket Trophy, awarded to the yacht that best exemplifies sportsmanship, seamanship, and competitive performance, was granted to Hyperion. The selection process considers both race results and overall commitment to the spirit of the Bucket.
Special Awards and Class Winners
In addition to Hyperion’s victory, several other yachts were recognized:
- Best Overall Starter (Presented by Vitters): Symmetry
- Owner Driver Award (Presented by Yacht Club de Monaco): Gitana
- Spirit of the Bucket (Wolter Huisman Memorial Trophy): Vijonara
Class Highlights
- Les Elegantes (Classic yachts): Hyperion narrowly claimed victory over Ravenger and Adela.
- Les Gazelles (Performance yachts): Velsheda and Visione traded top finishes.
- Les Petites Dames (90-footers): Hummingbird led early but Whisper secured the final win.
- Les Grande Dames (Heavy-displacement Perini Navi yachts): Panthalassa dominated despite the light winds.
- Les Mademoiselles (Smaller classics): Whisper took the overall class win.
- Les Cent Pied (100-footers): V delivered strong, consistent results.
- L’Esprit (Non-spinnaker class): Vijonara outmaneuvered rivals in shifting winds.
Credit: Michael Kurtz
A Regatta to Remember
Despite the lack of trade winds, the 2025 St Barths Bucket showcased the skill, patience, and tactical expertise of its competitors. As another chapter in the regatta’s prestigious history comes to a close, the spirit of camaraderie and world-class racing remains at the heart of this legendary event.
