Saturday, August 24, saw the official start of the 2013 Newport Bucket Regatta, marked by a brisk northerly breeze that foreshadows the coming of fall. The relatively small, eight-boat fleet comprised some of the largest superyachts in the world and got underway mid-morning for the first start at high noon. The cruising oriented Grandes Dames des Mers sailed a 21.5-mile course, while the performance Gazelles des Mers a 26.5-mile course.
Luxury yacht GEORGIA and superyacht MARIE both sailing hard to weather. 150 meters and 75 degrees apart! photo courtesy Jim Teeters
The northerly served up a downwind start for the yachts to sail out of Narragansett Bay, requiring each of the superyachts to set spinnakers as they crossed the line. All performed flawlessly but the 91′ charter yacht BRISTOLIAN got the best start by a good measure, crossing only five seconds after her gun.
The two classes went to different rounding marks in Rhode Island Sound and there was a bit of well managed confusion, when the yachts discovered that one of the rounding marks was off station. This was announced and discussed in an active VHF discourse, the yachts rounded the assigned coordinates and continued on their way.
The fleet came together at a windward turning mark set off Ochre Point, where they rounded, set spinnakers and sailed parallel to Newport’s Ocean Drive in a display more elegant than the “cottages” ashore that made the place famous. Fulfilling the “David and Goliath” myth, 90′ charter yacht SEJAA arrived at the turning mark ahead of the 180′ superyacht MARIE, which rounded just astern and then did a beautiful spinnaker set but unfortunately the halyard shackle failed and dropped the sail in the drink. Even with great crew work, this put the brakes on in a big way, allowing a couple boats to pass. As the yachts sailed back into Block Island Sound before turning north toward the finish, the wind turned fluky, which made acres of spinnaker management all the more difficult.
Newport Bucket Regatta 2013 - 180ft superyacht Marie - Photo courtesy Carrie Fletcher
As the yachts turned for the final upwind leg to the finish, the northerly turned deep schizophrenic, blowing from two directions at once; NW on the left and NE on the right with a deep flat zone in the middle. Those who finished earliest suffered the least and the rocket Wally 130 luxury yacht ANGELS SHARE crossed the line first, over six minutes ahead of SEJAA, then BRISTOLIAN a minute and a half later.
In sum, this was a challenging great day on the water that was followed by an evening of pure Bucket fun. The Open House aboard the yachts touched a level of hospitality that was truly reminiscent of those wonderful low-key gatherings in the original Nantucket Buckets. All were truly dazzled by the minimalist but remarkably comfortable interior aboard ANGELS SHARE yacht, which resonates the same purposeful appeal as her immaculate deck arrangement.
Newport Bucket Regatta 2013 Party - Photo credit to Billy Black
Luxury yachts SEJAA, BRISTOLIAN and ALTAIR yacht spoiled their guests with drinks and fine fair but MARIE stole the show. The walk through on deck and below is a visual feast at every turn, from the display of ancient cannons and flintlocks, to every detail of this elegantly crafted masterpiece. The yacht was fully dressed in “South Seas Style” with inflatable palm trees, flamingos and angel fish swimming in the aft cockpit. Pacific punch was served along with a tropical display of epicurean delights.
Traffic on the walk back up Charlie Dock at the Newport Shipyard was slowed by another visual feast of sorts. . . a couple of lovely and skilled Hula Dancers whose gait was decidedly different than we normal walkers. Then back in the marquis the party got underway!
