Watch the crew action and beautiful sight on board the 52m schooner Meteor as she races at the St Barths Bucket superyacht regatta

One of the most interesting facets of the St Barths Bucket superyacht regatta is the broad range of ideas about what makes the ideal yacht. From replica schooners such as Elena of Londonto the modern interpretation sailplane of the schooner Adela, to the Perini Navi yachts sailing by day and partying by night, every one of the 36 yachts racing at the three-day regatta this year represents a very different aesthetic and sailing experience.

On board Meteor, a lovely clipper bowed schooner, the interpretation is traditional and she sails in magnificently stately fashion. This video and photos are from today’s race and shot on board.

The 52m Meteor Meteor, designed by Dykstra Naval Architects and launched from the Royal Huisman yard in the Netherlands in 2007 was never originally designed for yacht racing at all, but rather as a gentleman’s cruising yacht. She is a beauty, finessed to perfection for the event, and her owner’s priority is having a fun and safe race.

Even in the light winds we had today, rarely topping 12 knots and not really enough for this big yacht and many of the other heavier superyachts, seeing so many crew in action downwind is an interesting choreography.

These photos show some of the action, including overhauling other yachts on the pursuit race course, such as the 55m Herreshoff schooner Elena of London.

Today’s victor was the brand new Andre Hoek ketch Elfje, a great result for a brand new yacht on her first ever regatta. She’s a stunner. Watch the videos and see the photos of this new launch here.

On board Meteor

On board Meteor

On board Meteor

On board Meteor

On board Meteor

On board Meteor

On board Meteor

On board Meteor

On board Meteor

On board Meteor