Newport Bucket Regatta Image Gallery by George Bekris
(click on image below to view gallery)
(Click on Hanuman photo above to view Gallery of Newport Bucket Regatta Photos By George Bekris)
Athena, the 295′ Huisman yacht and this year’s race committee boat, was even hard to make out in the foggy start conditions on Saturday for the first race start . Soon after the start the sea breezes kicked in and blew the fog out leaving a beautiful New England summer day. The breeze held for the afternoon at around 20kts. The 19 boat Bucket Regatta fleet flew around the course in the ideal conditions.
Timoneer, the 147′ DuBois/Vitters Ketch, dominated the day. Her seasoned crew racing flawlessly and furnishing first by 5 minutes. The new Perini Navi Performance 125′ Sloop, P2, came in second.
Hanuman and Ranger Battle It Out (Photo By George Bekris)
The two J Class yacht entries Ranger and the newly launched Hanuman (Endeavour II) were reminiscent of the old America’s Cup days with their beautiful long lines. The New Hanuman took third place after a close contest between the two boats. They beat Ranger ,who placed fourth, by only 38 seconds. Avalon finished fifth, followed 13 seconds later by the Swan 100, Virago in 6th, and the Swan 80, Selene 36 seconds later in 7th.
(click on images to enlarge)
Hanuman Upwind Racing (Photo by George Bekris)
Broken down into classes the results were: Les Gazelles des Mers (Racing Division), P2 finished first, Hanuman second, with Ranger in third place. Among Les Grandes Dames des Mers (Cruising Division), Timoneer is in first place, Avalon in second and Taza Mas in third place.
Ranger Flashing a Smile (Photo by George Bekris)
It was hard to tell which boat team won the party following the race. Clearly a great time was had by all the crews.
Timoneer 3rd Place Overall Winner (Photo by George Bekris)
In another Bucket first, the 156′ Pendennis Shipyards, MITSEAAH, engineered to power at over twenty knots and sail with respectable performance, was challenged on day one in keeping up with the racing yachts on the upwind leg. Respecting the fact that the Bucket is also here to showcase the best attributes of each yacht while cultivating good racing, MITSEAAH was invited to start the race under full power, then execute a high speed 360 degree turn and roar off to the windward mark, where she re-converted to a sailing yacht, shut down the power and got into the race! Her left-field handicap worked well too; she crossed the finish line in fifth position.
Mitseaah Blasting their way across the start line Sunday (Photo by George Bekris)
Sunday’s racing started out with Mitseeah blasting across the start line at 20 kts without a bit of sail up.
Summer Wind 2nd Day Racing Winner (Photo by George Bekris)
The racing started out with light wind but sea breezes filled in during the afternoon. Summer Wind placed first, followed by Taza Mas in second , Sea Diamond took third for Sundays racing.
Avalon Second Place Winner Overall (Photo by George Bekris)
Jerry Kirby must not have gotten enough sailing time in during the Volvo Ocean Race. He was onboard Hanuman as Bowman.
Jerry Kirby Bowman On Hanuman For Sunday's rRacing (Photo by George Bekris)
These awards, first through third, are presented for the best performance overall for combined results, all classes, all races
Overall
1st P2
2nd Avalon
3rd Timoneer
Les Gazelles (Racing Class)
1st P2
2nd Hanuman
3rd Wild Horses
Les Grand Dames (Cruising Class)
1st Summerwind
2nd Taza Mas
3rd Timoneer
All Star Crew Award presented by Holland Jachtbouw
(also presented by The Yacht Report and Crew Report Magazines)
At each Bucket Event, every yacht is asked to cast a ballot for the yacht crew among the fleet that demonstrates the most professional service in all tasks, while maintaining the best voie de vivre, camaraderie, teamwork and respect among the crew. This is the crew that displays the pinnacle of the profession and has the most fun at it – the yacht that everyone wants to work aboard. Because the award is earned by peer recognition, it has earned serious stature within the marine industry.
Sea Diamond
Vitter’s Shipyard Seamanship Trophy
The Vitters Seamanship Trophy is awarded to the yacht that demonstrates the best seamanship and sportsmanship in the interest of promoting safety on the race course. All participants in the Bucket acknowledge that superyachts have serious limitations operating safely in close quarters and therefore, the RC has always valued safety well above performance. This award will recognize the yacht that best demonstrates that understanding. It also goes to prove that nice guys don’t always finish last!!
Taza Mas
Skullduggery Cravat
Avalon
Newport Bone
Easterner
The Chippewa Bomb
MitSeaah.
Challenge and Adventure Image Galleries of Newport Bucket Regatta by George Bekris
(click on image to view gallery) 
http://www.challengeandadventure.com/Newport_Bucket2009/ 
http://www.challengeandadventure.com/Newport_Bucket2008/ 
http://www.challengeandadventure.com/Newport_Bucket2006/ 
http://www.challengeandadventure.com/Newport_Bucket2005/ .
