They’re coming from Australia, Europe, and the Americas with one goal in mind: to claim victory in one of the most iconic regattas on the international F18 circuit.
From November 19 to 23, 48 crews will battle it out on the spectacular yet demanding waters of the Saint Barth Cata Cup.
With tactical duels, physical performances, and Saint Barth’s unique atmosphere, all the ingredients are in place for an unforgettable show.
Year after year, the Saint Barth Cata Cup confirms its reputation as a must-attend event for the world’s best F18 specialists.
For this 17th edition, teams from across the globe will once again gather on this breathtaking and challenging playground, each determined to take the top spot.
Among them, Australians Brett Burvill and Max Putman (Le Barthélemy Hotel), third at the last F18 World Championships, are making the trip from Perth to take on the best.
“The Cata Cup is an iconic event on the circuit — we’ve dreamed of racing here for many years,” says Brett Burvill. “With so many top-level teams, it’s a great opportunity to see where we stand. The Cata Cup is also an important step in our preparation for the next F18 Worlds in Western Australia.”
The same enthusiasm comes from Gavin Colby, sailing with Kaï Colman (Super U):
“Yes, it’s a long way from Perth, but the Saint Barth Cata Cup is one of those legendary events worth the trip. It combines top-tier racing with a truly unique atmosphere. We know the fleet is packed with talent — it’s going to be a fantastic challenge.”
From St. Barth to Gold: the Cata Cup Shines on the Transat Café L’Or
Seven former participants of the St. Barth Cata Cup lined up at the start of the Transat Café L’Or — a brilliant illustration of the strong link between the St. Barth regatta and the highest level of offshore racing.
The entire organizing team warmly congratulates Franck Cammas and Morgan Lagravière, respective winners of the Cata Cup in 2013 and 2014, for their outstanding victory on the Transat Café L’Or, in the ULTIM and IMOCA classes.
The picture could have been perfect with Antoine Joubert, winner of the 2016 Cata Cup, competing in the Ocean Fifty class — he ultimately secured a magnificent third place after an intense battle. Bravo “Joubi”!
We also send our regards to Manu Le Roch, Anne-Claire Le Berre, Arnaud Vasseur (all racing in Ocean Fifty) as well as Sam Goodchild (IMOCA), whom we followed with particular attention.
A special mention goes to Arnaud, whom we’ll be seeing next week on the waters of Saint Barth — a well-deserved break before diving back into racing!
Once again, it’s clear that the F18 remains a fantastic springboard toward the greatest ocean racing adventures.
At Least Six Teams in Contention for the Title
The competition promises to be fierce. As every year, the Cata Cup brings together the very best of the F18 class: Australians, Argentinians, French, Swedes, Americans, Belgians, and Dutch sailors.
In total, ten nations will be represented in this fully booked edition, featuring 48 teams on the starting line.
From Europe, strong contenders include Jean-Christophe Mourniac / Benjamin Amiot (Gypsea), sailing the brand-new Cirrus 3 designed by Emmanuel Boulogne, and the experienced duo Tim Mourniac / Pierre-Yves Durand (Segeco).
Winners of the 2022 edition, the pair has lost none of the chemistry forged over fifteen years of competition.
“It doesn’t make us any younger!” laughs Pierre-Yves Durand. “But yes, we’re like an old couple — the teamwork is there, and I’m lucky to sail with one of the best helmsmen in the world, fifth at the last Olympics (Nacra 17). Tim spends over 250 days a year on the water. Sailing with him is a real privilege — I just follow his lead! We’re here to enjoy ourselves, sail relaxed, and end the season on a high. One thing’s for sure — the level on the water will be outstanding once again.”
Sailing with Swedish 2023 World Champion Rasmus Rosengren, Belgian Henri Demesmaeker (St Barth Assurances), who frequently crosses paths with Tim Mourniac on the ETF26 circuit, is also aiming for the top:
“At least five or six teams can fight for the title this year, so it’s going to be some great racing. In St. Barth, I’ve had two consecutive years of light, tricky winds. Rasmus is super agile — a big advantage in those conditions. For me, the keys to victory are consistency and risk management,” he explains.
Finding that balance won’t be easy with such tough competition:
“Gurvan Bontemps and Frédéric Moreau (Stickerman) will be serious podium contenders. And of course, my father Patrick Demesmaeker, sailing with Olivier Gagliani — aka ‘3 Pommes’ (Les Perles de St Barth / Bati VRD). Seventeen appearances, two wins, and a second place last year — they’re back highly motivated and know the waters by heart.”
A Regatta Like No Other
Beyond the competition, the Saint Barth Cata Cup remains above all a human adventure and a true celebration of sailing.
Combining world-class racing, friendly evenings on shore, and the island’s stunning scenery, the event perfectly captures the spirit of Saint Barthélemy — passion, camaraderie, and pushing limits.
From November 19 to 23, the world’s best crews will once again take to the water for a regatta that blends performance, adrenaline, and the pure joy of sailing — a unique alchemy that has built the legend of the Saint Barth Cata Cup for the past sixteen years.
