The Eigth Annual Newport Bucket Regatta
September 10 - 12, 2010
The Newport Bucket Regatta is an invitational regatta set in the Corinthian spirit. The regatta is open to yachts over 90’ L.O.A., unless invited under the Grandfather Clause. Yachts participating will do so at their own risk. This is a fun regatta and safety is the highest priority of the Race Committee. Therefore, we extend an invitation to the owners, captains, crews and guests who participate to make this a fun and safe event.
Event Organizers
The Newport Bucket Regatta is organized by The Bucket Regatta, LLC, Newport, RI.
Eligibility
The Newport Bucket Regatta is an invitational event, open to sailing yachts over 90’. Considering the unprecedented level of interest in the Bucket Regattas in recent years, the invitational aspect of the event has become increasingly relevant. With the Regattas often over-subscribed it is important for all applicants to understand the basis upon which entrants are selected.
The invitation matrix is comprised of many factors including the yacht’s size and past participation, with major credit for contributions to the spirit of the event (the fun factor), and the crew’s understanding that Bucket Regattas are primarily about camaraderie and sharing the exhilaration of sailing these magnificent yachts to their potential in a competitive, yet seamanlike manner. This event is focused upon the yacht Owners; hence chartered yachts receive low priority.
Entry and Rating Applications
Official entry applications for the Newport Bucket Regatta will be available on 15 June 2010. To obtain an application, and/or to advise the Bucket Committee of your intention to enter the Regatta, contact the Committee at lisa@bucketregattas.com . We will add your yacht to the provisional entry list and will send out official applications as they are ready for distribution.
Handicap applications for the Bucket Regatta will be available on the event web site on 15 June 2010.
Racing Rules
The Newport Bucket Regatta will be sailed under the Superyacht Racing Protocol, version 3.
In recognition of the fact that the yachts participating in Bucket events are too large and too constrained in their ability to maneuver, to be safely governed by the traditional Sailing Rules, the Superyacht Racing Protocol is a variation on the COLREGS, the International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea. Well-considered comments on any aspect of the Protocol are absolutely encouraged. The Protocol has evolved into an effective set of safety rules and guidelines that recognize the handling limitations of the superyacht fleet.
The Protocol, incorporated in the regatta Sailing Instructions, will also be emailed to all entrants in advance, distributed at Registration and will available on the Bucket Website: www.bucketregattas.com no later than 31 August 2010.
Ratings
Handicapping in all Bucket Regattas is accomplished by a pursuit start system, wherein each yacht is assigned her own starting time for each race, slower rated yachts starting first. The finishing order across the finish line determines the daily results.
Ratings and start times are determined using the Bucket Rule, a VPP (Velocity Prediction Program) assisted handicapping system administered by Jim Teeters of the Sailing Yacht Research Foundation (SYRF), and the Bucket Organization. The Bucket Rating will give an accurate projection of each yacht’s performance under the full range of wind velocities and wind angles under which the fleet will be racing. For each day’s racing, the rule analyzes each yacht’s potential in the forecast conditions, adjusts start times and assigns the starting sequence, accordingly.
It is important to note that the Bucket Committee does not routinely change ratings between races. Corrections may be applied to a yacht’s base rating, but only after repeated observation of race results which do not accurately reflect the yacht’s demonstrated on-water potential. Rating corrections are applied, only for “gross anomalies” as defined above.
For all entrants, it is critical to submit the information requested on the Event Application as accurately as possible. This is the primary input data used for your performance analysis and is easily obtained by your yacht designer, sailmaker or other marine consultants. Without exception, the greater accuracy provided by the yacht, the better the yacht’s chance of consistently performing well under the rule. For a complete description of the Bucket Rule and its application, visit the Bucket Website: www.bucketregattas.com
Classes
In 2005, when the Bucket Regatta grew beyond all expectations and the fleet doubled in size, it was determined that the fleet should be split into classes which considered their essential attributes. However, the distinction of “Cruising Class” and Racing Class” seemed just, oh so pedestrian, for a fleet of this stature. In the RC’s opinion, the designation of Les Gazelles des Mers” for the Racing Class and “Les Grandes Dames des Mers” for the Cruising Class, seemed far more appropriate. Both classes sail together on the same course, with awards for each division, and for the Bucket Overall Trophies as well.
Captain’s Meeting
The Captain’s Meeting will be held at 1730 on 10 September 2010 (location to be determined and posted on the event website). Each yacht must be represented at the Captain’s Meeting by her Boat Captain, designated Safety Tactician and “Racing Tactician” (if applicable).
Dockage
Please contact the Newport Shipyard directly to make your dockage arrangements.
www.newportshipyard.com; Dock office: 401 846 6002.
Registration
Registration will begin on Friday 10 September 2010 at 0900 hours. Ten days prior to the event, the Captain will be notified with items required to complete registration. The Captain or the designated crew member should report to the registration desk with the information required.
Contacts
Applications, Accounting and General information: Lisa O’Connell, lisa@bucketregattas.com
Media, sponsorship and general information: Holly Paterson, holly@bucketregattas.com
Managing Director: Hank Halsted, hank@bucketregattas.com
Race Chairman: Peter Craig, peter@bucketregattas.com
Provisional Schedule of Events
Friday 10 September 2010:
0900 Registration at the Newport Shipyard Marquee
1730 Captains Meeting, under the marquee at Goat Island Marina. Mandatory attendance for Boat Captain, designated Safety Tactician and “Racing Tactician” (if applicable)
1900–2100 Welcome Party at the Newport Shipyard Marquee
SATURDAY, 11 September 2010:
0900 Daily pre-race briefing at the Marquee
1200 Scheduled start time for first yacht in fleet
1800 – 2000 Fleet Open House
2000 – 2300 Bucket Bash at the Marquee - Cocktails, Dinner, Dessert and Dancing
SUNDAY, 12 September 2010:
0900 Daily pre-race briefing at the Marquee
1200 Scheduled start time for first yacht in fleet
1800 Newport Bucket Regatta Awards Celebration, at the Museum of Yachting, Fort Adams
(NOTE: For the most current schedule, always check our Schedule of Events page)
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