"This is our fifth win in a row," beams Don Macpherson, owner of Swan Freya. The yacht has just spent the week in the British Virgin Islands racing in the Loro Piana Regatta, where she won her class, and now, on the second day of the St Barths Bucket, has two line honours to boast - putting her in good stead for an overall victory.

"I think we sailed a really clean race and deserved that result," he adds. Driving the boat himself, Macpherson is well positioned to comment on one of the main discussion points at this year's Bucket: whether the Superyacht Racing Association (SYRA) should introduce handicap credits for owner-drivers.

Don Machperson at the helm

"The Maxi Yacht Association dictates that owners have to tale the helm for most of the race, so it would be nice to have some recognition," says Macpherson. "Whether that be in the form of a credit or separate prize giving."

With Freya on a winning streak, TSO asks Macpherson if there are any other boats in this year's Bucket fleet that have caught his attention? "I think Nilaya and Inoui are very nice boats," he comments.

"But my favourite has to be the new Unfurled - we used to race against the old Unfurled at the maxi regattas so it's really interesting to see the new version in all her glory."

For updates on the Bucket racing, check SuperyachtNews.com.

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St Barths Bucket

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