MELGES 24 CLASS RACING AT ALL-NEW BACARDI INVITATIONAL WINTER SERIES AND ICONIC BACARDI CUP INVITATIONAL REGATTA

The Melges 24 Class is all set to feature in an exciting line-up of racing in Miami this winter, kicking off with the brand new Bacardi Invitational Winter Series, before the season finale at the renowned Bacardi Cup Invitational Regatta, 6th-9th March 2019.

Hosted at Shake-a-Leg-Miami, the first race weekend for the Bacardi Invitational Winter Series will be 1st-2nd December 2018, with the next face-off on 19th-20th January 2019. The Melges 24 will be joined by the J70, offering a perfect sports boat partnership.

"We are super excited to be expanding once again by adding two additional events to our programme," said Sara Zanobini, Event Director of the Bacardi Cup Invitational Regatta. "The Melges 24 had a clear demand for more racing in Miami over the winter months, and we are delighted to offer a new three-stage race series, with the Bacardi Invitational Winter Series leading into the Bacardi Cup Invitational Regatta."

The Bacardi Invitational Regatta series is focused on an invitation-only regatta for the best small-boat sailors in the world to compete in tight, competitive, thrilling racing, with an emphasis on quality. Winter racing in Miami guarantees a warm, sunny climate and superb race track conditions. The large race area ensures each class has its own course, with flexibility to switch courses so everyone can experience the different weather and challenges of racing on Biscayne Bay.

"As with the renown of the Bacardi Cup, we can expect that the sport's biggest names will be attracted to the high quality racing on offer, with the entry list set to feature super-talented World Champions, Olympians and America's Cup stars,"concluded Mark Pincus, Regatta Chairman.

Post-race, the venerable Bacardi Rum brand, the locally-headquartered ‘king of hospitality' which has sponsored the Bacardi Cup since its inception, will greet and host competitors each evening, with great food, music and plenty of Bacardi rum. The nightly parties make sure the fun continues long after the finish line, as teams and supporters are welcomed to unwind shore side and recount the day's racing highs and lows.

"The U.S. Melges 24 Class Association (USM24CA) is thrilled to be a part of the Bacardi Invitational Regatta Series (BIRS)," said Travis Weisleder, President, USM24CA. "Having a well-organized, three-part Series as a major component of the 2018-19 racing calendar is something the USM24CA has been looking to secure for quite some time. The Melges 24s simply love racing on Biscayne Bay, and it has proven many times over it is the perfect stage for showcasing the boat's unparalleled speed, agility and fun factor. The Class anticipates that numerous teams from all across the US and Canada will participate, and also be joined by teams from Europe, just as Key West Race Week did many years ago."

The 92nd Bacardi Cup and Bacardi Cup Invitational Regatta will complete its final event of the series 3rd-9th March 2019, with Star Class racing from 4th-9th March, and the J70, Melges 24 and Viper 640 Classes racing from 7th-9th March.

For more information:
bacardiinvitational.com
facebook.com/BacardiCupInvitational/
instagram.com/bacardi_regatta/

About BACARDI: Bacardi is the largest privately held spirits company in the world, producing and marketing internationally recognized spirits and wines. The company boasts an impressive portfolio of more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ rum, the world's best-selling and most-awarded rum; GREY GOOSE vodka, the world's leading super-premium vodka; DEWAR'S Blended Scotch whisky, the world's most awarded blended Scotch; BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin, MARTINI vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES 100% blue agave tequila and many more. Founded more than 155 years ago in Santiago de Cuba on February 4, 1862, family-owned Bacardi employs nearly 6,000 people, manufactures its brands at 29 facilities and sells in more than 170 countries. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. www.BacardiLimited.com