97th Bacardi Cup and 2024 Bacardi Invitational Regatta Welcomes Record Entry

Melges 24 – Harry Melges IV / Finn Rowe / Ripley Shelley / Carlos Robles / Nick Muller pushing hard on ‘Zenda Express’

Miami, January 28, 2024 - The 97th Bacardi Cup and the Bacardi Invitational Regatta, March 3rd-9th, 2024, will break all past entry records with an unprecedented two-hundred and thirteen teams gearing up to compete on Biscayne Bay, Miami.

The regatta kicks off on March 4th with The 97th Bacardi Cup for the Star Class, followed by the J/70, Melges 24, Snipe, Viper 640 and VX One classes, who open their three-day Bacardi Invitational Regatta (BCIR) on March 7th.

“We are thrilled by the level of entries, the largest gathered in Miami so far,” said Eddie Cutillas, Bacardi USA. “For our returning sailors, it is fantastic to have you back. If you are new to our event, we hope you come to consider Miami your sailing home away from home after this week.

“Hosting the Bacardi Cup and BCIR is an honor and a privilege, very rewarding, and let’s be realistic a really great time! Let the good times roll over the coming days and thank you for your support.”

Teams from twenty-five nations will compete against the stunning backdrop of Biscayne Bay, renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful yet demanding race courses. The regatta boasts its usual star-studded entry list, with a mix of sailing legends, World Champions, Olympians and Pros lining up against weekend enthusiasts. Miami, with its distinctive allure, delivers not only glamorous sailing but also a vibrant social scene. Hosted by Bacardi, teams will enjoy daily happy hours, entertainment and music.

The grand finale will culminate with the awards ceremony and presentation of trophies and class prizes on the podium, on Saturday, March 9th.

The 97th Bacardi Cup and BCIR are hosted in collaboration with our club partners: Coral Reef Yacht Club, Shake a Leg Miami, Biscayne Bay Yacht Club, Coconut Grove Sailing Club and the US Sailing Center. 

The BCIR will consist of nine races spread across three days. The J/70, Melges 24, Snipe, Viper 640 and VX One classes are chomping at the bit to get on the water. Racing gets underway at 11:00 hrs on Thursday, March 7th.

Beyond the quest for BCIR victory, the J/70 and Melges 24 are gearing up for the climax of their three event 2023/2024 Bacardi Winter Series. The focus will be on Bora Gulari’s Kingspoke after their dominance at BWS2, along with runners up Alec Anderson on Sentinel and Bruce Ayres’ on Monsoon. They, along with numerous other Winter Series teams are set for the final showdown.

A special thank you to this year’s event sponsors and supporters: Bacardi USA, EFG International, Quantum Sails, Nautical Ventures, Shake-A-Leg Miami, Sail 22, HATUEY®Beer, Tuuci, Termodinamica USA, Harken Derm, Team 1 Newport, SLAM, Gubinelli Wines, Jaguar Therapeutics, Drop Jolly, Hobie Eyewear, Coconut Grove Business District, Zhik, Coral Reef Yacht Club, Biscayne Bay Yacht Club, Coconut Grove Sailing Club, US Sailing Center and the City of Miami.

Text Credit: Luissa Smith
Photo Credits: Martina Orsini / Matias Capizzano

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