17/11/2012
A DECISIVE FINAL RACE

Fast Facts:
 

 

• Two races determine the winner
• Match racing: John Casey—Enrique Figueroa
• Kiké and Kéki Figueroa win the fifth edition of the Saint Barth Cata Cup
• An exceptional event already on the racing calendar for 2013
• Live race coverage on the Cata Cup website

The fifth edition of the Saint Barth Cata Cup once again charmed its participants. But it wasn't until the very last race that this exceptional regatta, where champions and passionate sailors have difficulty finding the best words to define this incredible event, revealed its champion.
In an idyllic setting with great conditions, and an exceptional race format on waters that lend themselves perfectly to this regatta, the boats took part in six incredible races. This evening, the competitors talked of nothing but rudders, long runs under spinnakers, warm sea spray, turquoise waters, and great racing.
The organization of the regatta, by the Saint Barth Multihull association in collaboration with Saint Barth Nautical Center, was again absolutely perfect. The schedule, the various race courses, lunch breaks, and fabulous soirees.
Throughout the event, the wind averaged between 10 and 15 knots, ensuring six coastal races that included an exceptional tour-around-the-island.
Today, with ideal conditions once again, from 15 knots of wind to sparking turquoise seas, John Casey and Dalton Tebo won the morning race, putting them within striking distance of Kiké and Kéki Figueroa. The Puerto Ricans held onto their lead thanks to their two earlier wins during the 2012 Cata Cup.

 

Match Race—The Final Chapter

Back out on the water for the afternoon race, the two adversaries were neck and neck. "During the start of the race, we stayed very close to Casey," notes Kiké Figueroa. "After a good start, we kept our eye on him, but from afar, as our priority was our own race. We could see that he wanted to go fast, but at the end of the regatta we decided to get closer as we neared the buoy. It was very exciting, especially since last week, racing Formula 16 in Florida, we played out the same scenario, and he won. Today it was our turn. But what impressed us the most is the excellence of this regatta: The excellence of the race itineraries, the outstanding soirees, and the kindness of the people of Saint Barth. As long as my body can take it, I will return for the Saint Barth Cata Cup."

The Boulogne Brothers Snatch Third Place

 

As for the French camp, everyone is all smiles: Manu and Vincent Boulogne, sailing together for the first time in over a year, set out to snatch third place and make it onto the podium.
"In this last race, we didn't have a choice," explains Manu Boulogne. "We were back in 17th place at the windward buoy. All of the boats that should have been behind us, were in front... We only had two choices: surpass them or go sightseeing. As there were strong winds, we had a chance to win, so we decided to go for it. At the leeward buoy, we were back up in sixth place. We managed to put enough adversaries between us, and our direct competitor, Greek sailor Ioardanis Paschalidis. We were pleased, as from year-to-year, the level gets higher at the Saint Barth Cata Cup. Each year, the high quality of the conditions and the races attract teams from all over the world. On paper, at least ten teams could have been the winners."

This evening, during the closing ceremony, all of this year's teams already wanted to sign up for the next edition...

 

 

Final race results are online: http://www.stbarthcatacup.com/fr/pages/La+course-Classements/1003/

Formula 18
Due to their strict design specifications, the Formula 18 boats are the kings of racing catamarans. Those who race them are also found on the America's Cup circuit and important multi-hull sea races. A sport that is high-speed, tactical, technical, and spectacular. The boats are built by various shipyards: in the 5th edition of the Saint Barth Cata Cup the boats include Hobie Wild Cat, Nacra Infusion MKII, Cirrus R, Phantom, and C2, representing all of the latest generation of F18.

Specifications: Length: 5.52m; width: 2.60m; Sails: 21.15m²; Mainsail: 17.00m²; Jib: 4.15m²; Spinnaker: 21.00m²; Weight: 180 kg; Price: approximately 20,000 euros.