Bacardi Winter Series Event 2 Takes Center Stage on Biscayne Bay

Miami, USA - January 23-26, 2025  The Bacardi Winter Series is back in 2025. Event 2 is set to deliver another thrilling weekend Melges 24 racing on Biscayne Bay, January 24-26. 

Shake-A-Leg Miami (SALM) will serve as hosts to over 60 teams representing twelve countries. They are primed for three days of high-performance racing. As always, the fleets feature an incredible lineup of talent, from seasoned Olympians and World Champions to rising stars. Success on Biscayne Bay demands not only precision sailing but also an acute understanding of the racetrack nuances, from the ever-changing weather patterns to the subtleties of fleet dynamics.

Bacardi USA’s Eddie Cutillas welcomed teams, saying, “We are thrilled to host such an exceptional fleet at Event 2 of the Bacardi Winter Series. Alongside the well-known professionals, we are excited to see the aspiring and emerging talent take up the challenge. With Miami’s iconic weather and Bacardi’s hospitality, we are all set for another epic event both on and off the water.”

Event 2 marks the halfway stage in the three-event series, which kicked off in December last year, and culminates with the finale at the Bacardi Cup Invitational Regatta, March 5-8. Racing is scheduled to get underway at 11:10 am on Friday, January 24, with the Melges 24, followed by the J/70. Each fleet will race three races each day of the three-day series. Post-race, teams can enjoy unwinding with the legendary Bacardi ambience.

Cuyler Morris and his team on Dark Horse wrapped up at Winter Series 1. Former America’s Cup sailor Morris puts his past successes down to, “Get the best people, prepare well, work hard, and you'll be smiling!”

An expanded Melges 24 fleet lines up for Event 2, including Germany’s Nefeli driven by Peter-David Karrié, who won last year’s BCIR. Other top boats include Geoff Fargo and his team on Sentinel, Richard Reid on Zingara, Peter McClennen on Gamecock, and Laura Grondin on Dark Energy. They are amongst many more that can achieve a podium finish.

McClennen who launched his first Bacardi campaign in 2021, says, “With a three-event series culminating in the Invitational Regatta in March, it’s a wonderful way to both sail at the highest level and enjoy our beautiful Biscayne Bay and Miami weather all winter long.” He adds, “It’s the level of competition that inspires us to come back year after year to work our way towards the top of the fleet.”