The 16th St. Barth Cata Cup: A Thrilling Showdown on the Horizon

The 16th St. Barth Cata Cup: Sailing’s Premier Showdown in Paradise

In just one week, the 16th edition of the St. Barth Cata Cup will set sail, bringing together an impressive fleet of 54 teams. Among them are Spanish sailors Pablo Völker and Federico Polimeni, fresh off their gold medal win at the Formula 18 World Championships. Competing in the event for the first time as a team, they will face seasoned specialists and past champions on the challenging waters around Saint-Barthélemy from November 21 to 24. Will their winning streak continue in this unique long-distance race format?

A High-Stakes Competition

The St. Barth Cata Cup is known for its demanding courses, technical sailing area, and unpredictable conditions. Defending champions Ravi Parent and Nicholas Lovisa return, determined to secure back-to-back victories. Meanwhile, French duo Gurvan Bontemps and Benjamin Amiot are chasing their elusive first win after five second-place finishes. “The event is a mix of serious competition and celebration,” says Bontemps. “It’s physically demanding, but the festive atmosphere and stunning setting make it unforgettable.”

Elite Sailors and Fierce Rivalries

This year’s lineup includes top talents such as:

• Cruz Gonzales Smith and Mariano Heuser (Argentina): 2021 winners and improving with their new boat.
• Patrick Demesmaeker and Olivier Gagliani (Belgium): Two-time champions and event veterans.
• Agustín Krevisky and Juan Martín Benítez (South America): Consistently in the international Top 10.
• Yvan Bourgnon and Jean Boulogne (France): Renowned figures in the sailing community.
• Gavin Colby and Kai Colman (Australia): A dynamic duo returning to the F18 circuit.

Pablo Völker and Federico Polimeni are the favorites, but their success will hinge on adapting to long-distance formats with more off-the-wind and spinnaker runs.

New Additions and Festive Highlights

This year’s edition features a new race village at Émeraude Plage on Grand Saint-Jean, promising enhanced festivities and camaraderie. As always, the St. Barth Cata Cup blends intense racing with a vibrant social atmosphere, making it a marquee event in the sailing world.

Don’t miss the action as world-class sailors compete in this sold-out event that promises unforgettable moments on and off the water. Stay tuned for updates and race highlights!

captain has written for ALL AT SEA since 2020.