Gulari Wins Bacardi Winter Series, Frederick Dyvi Tops Corinthian Division at Invitational Regatta
Miami, FL - March 9, 2024 - The final day of the Bacardi Invitational Regatta for the Melges 24 was a day of anticipation and pressure. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere in the boat park early in the morning belied the intensity about to unfold racing against many of the best sailors in the world.
For the Melges 24 Bora Gulari at the helm of Kingspoke emerged triumphant ahead of overnight regatta leader Peter-David Karrie racing Nefeli. Two bullets in the final races of the event put him ahead by two points for the win. Karrie finished second with Bruce Ayres’ Monsoon clinching third overall.
Going into the day, Gulari trailed Karrié by 6 points. He did everything he could to close the gap, winning Race 7 and narrowing Karrié's lead to 5 points. The final showdown, Race 8, would decide the winner and it was now just between these two.
Gulari and his team’s unique ability to thrive under pressure, combined with their teamwork and discipline was rewarded with another win. But their fate would be ultimately decided by Karrie who needed a top-five finish to claim overall victory. Fortunately for Gulari, Karrie crossed the line in 8th to secure second overall, while Ayres took third.
“It’s pretty good. I love the boat, I love the camaraderie, I love my people. Everyone’s just so good,” remarked Gulari post racing. On what it means to race at the Bacardi Invitational, Gulari added: “Getting to play with your best friends and trying your absolute hardest every single moment.”
Gulari’s also secures the 2023-2024 Bacardi Invitational Winter Series title by combining his team’s win from BWS 1 and 2 with the Invitational Regatta’s triumph.
Only five teams out of 18 qualified to compete in the Corinthian division.
Congratulations to Jan Frederik Dyvi, Jan Borø, Herman Horn-Johannessen, Stian Ness Rørvik and Malin Rørvik-Sundelin as they are the 2024 Corinthian Melges 24 Bacardi Invitational Regatta champions. This is their 3rd consecutive Bacardi Invitational Regatta all-amateur win. He placed 8th overall.
Dan Berezin’s Surprise came in second, followed by fellow Canadian Greg Chamberlain’s Huzzah in third.
Save the date for next year and come sail with us from March 2-8, 2025.