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The Spectacle will Soon Begin

Lionheart and Rainbow prepare to go out for some test sailing.

latitude/Richard
© Latitude 38 Media, LLC

St. Barth has been pretty quiet for the last 10 days or so, but that all changed this morning as the St. Barth Bucket, which we’ve often referred to as the "greatest spectacle in sailing," starts later this week and the boats and support troops have started to show up. There will be 36 or more entries in the 100- to 300-ft range. This will include five J-Class yachts, approximately 135 feet in length, the greatest grouping of these magnificent yachts ever.

What’s the big covered up pile in front of Rainbow? Part of her sail inventory. You need a couple of vans – and some really big guys – to move them around.

latitude/Richard
©2013 Latitude 38 Media, LLC

We were down on the docks early this morning, where Ranger, Rainbow and Lionheart were getting ready to go out for a practise session. You can’t believe how many people it takes to make such a programs go. As for the amount of money . . . forget it.

When the Bucket hits St. Barth, the whole island and all the restaurants sell out. Most everyone tries to make a little money, including Stevie ‘the car thief’ and Wegman the artist. The two are seen her at Le Select working on the pricing for the bike rental business.

latitude/Richard
©2013 Latitude 38 Media, LLC

You also can’t beliveve the noises coming off these boats. Winches, lines, blocks, all shrieking as they are being tortured by their loads. Meanwhile, the large crews mull around, studiously ignoring the horrible noises. You know what it takes besides skill to crew on a J boat? Cajones. Big ones.

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As we reported in a special ‘Lectronic report on Saturday, there was a starting line collision — with a severe injury — in the second race of the Banderas Bay Regatta Friday.