The best sailing photos from St Barths Bucket 2017

A key fixture in the Caribbean sailing calendar, the St Barths Bucket attracted an impressive fleet of yachts for 2017. We round up the best of the weekend’s action.

This year’s event ran from March 16-19 with 38 entrants ranging in length from 30 to 88 metres. As always, the island of St Barths provided a spectacular backdrop to the action, which took place in breezy conditions.

The largest yacht racing at St Barths this year is also one of the world’s largest sailing yachts. 88 metre Maltese Falcon was launched in 2006 by Italian yard Perini Navi with exterior design by Ken Freivokh and naval architecture by Dutch firm Dykstra. This monumental schooner yacht entered Class D and finished in fifth place overall, with a best finish of fourth place during Race 2.

Six yachts made up the J-Class Fleet at the 2017 St Barths Bucket, and these classic yachts delivered both spectacular racing and a close fight for victory between Hanuman (JK6) and Velsheda (JK7). The two yachts tied for first place during the opening race and ended the weekend level on total points, but Hanuman took the top prize by winning the tie-break.

Launched by Royal Huisman in 2009, Hanuman was built to a Charles E. Nicholson design with naval architecture by Dykstra. Velsheda's history_ _dates back to 1933 and her most recent refit was completed at Pendennis last summer.

Another contender for the J-Class crown at St Barths Bucket 2017, Topaz started strongly with a third-place finish in Race 1 before slipping down the rankings to finish fifth overall. Launched by Holland Jachtbouw in 2015, this was only her second outing at a J-Class regatta. Measuring 42.63 metres LOA, Topaz features exterior styling and naval architecture by Dutch studio Hoek Design.

The 56 metre Perini Navi sloop Rosehearty dominated Class D at the 2017 St Barths Bucket, winning two out of three races. This all-aluminium sailing yacht features a Ron Holland-designed hull that was splashed for the first time in 2006. Her regatta triumphs include winning the Perini Cup in 2015.

The St Barths Bucket attracted a multitude of charter yachts looking to get the best view of the action. The 83 metre Feadship superyacht Savannah is immediately recognisable, with her four-deck superstructure providing an excellent vantage point for guests.

After the conclusion of the Bucket, attention now turns to the start of the Mediterranean season, with the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta one of the key highlights.