Final adjustments before the start: a busy day... and smiling children

On the eve of the launch of the 17th edition of the St Barth Cata Cup, the 48 crews involved spent Wednesday putting the finishing touches to their preparations. Adjustments at sea, tweaks on land, technical checks: a studious atmosphere reigned on Saint-Jean beach, transformed for the occasion into a veritable training base.

A useful final day for everyone

Having arrived several days ago, some crews had already found their feet on the water... sometimes a little too much so. Between minor ‘off-track’ incidents and last-minute repairs, everyone made the most of this final day to leave with a boat in tip-top condition and their motivation intact.

‘We had some damage during training yesterday,’ said Dutchman Ad Noordzij, who is sailing this year with his son Maarten (Wood Stekke). ‘We're taking advantage of this last day of preparation to get the boat back into optimal condition. We're ready, and above all, we're ready to have fun: that's why we're here.’

The same concentration can be seen among the local sailors Jonah and Fenosoa Raveloson (Orange Caraïbes), who are busy finalising the last adjustments. ‘We're going to do a short sail this afternoon to validate the settings. The goal is to finish in the top 25 and be the first boat from the West Indies, even though the competition will be tough.’

Ideal conditions for a very promising edition

For Honoré ‘Nono’ Lavaly, President of the Race Committee, the week is already shaping up to be exceptional: "It's a pleasure to be here. With nearly 50 boats and a very high level of competition, this edition promises to be exciting, especially as the forecast is ideal with around 15 knots of wind throughout the week. The St Barth sailing area is perfect for F18s: varied and technical, it allows for the creation of original courses. That's what makes this event so special." On the programme: two races per day and a complete tour of the island, in conditions that promise spectacle and intensity.

On the eve of the first race, enthusiasm is palpable throughout the race village. With ideal conditions forecast, an exceptional field of competitors and a collective energy already well established, everything points to a spectacular week of fast-paced, exciting racing. The crews are ready, and the 17th St Barth Cata Cup promises to be nothing short of memorable.

Wednesday, children's day

As is tradition, Wednesday was also dedicated to the youngest members of the crew. Nineteen children had the chance to join the crews and discover the thrills of F18 sailing.

On Saint-Jean beach, despite a steady 20-knot wind, Maeli, Mathilda and Charly — all three aficionados of Caribbean Waterplay — showed no sign of apprehension. As windsurfing specialists, they thoroughly enjoyed this immersion in the heart of the Cata Cup fleet: "It was great, it makes you want to do it.  Sailing and abseiling with these super-friendly racers was incredible!" 

One thing is certain at the end of the day: the future of the St Barth Cata Cup is assured.

Programme for Thursday, 20 November

• 10:00 a.m. - Design Affairs OO1 Award
• 7:30 p.m. - Opening ceremony at Gypsea Beach, by invitation only.
• Announcement of the Design Affairs OO1 Award results
• Cocktail reception