The highly anticipated 96th Bacardi Cup and Bacardi Invitational Regatta (BCIR) is gearing up for an extraordinary event, scheduled to take place from March 5-11, 2023. With a remarkable line-up of 180 teams across six classes, this year’s regatta promises to be the largest in its history.
The festivities will kick off with the prestigious Bacardi Cup for the Star Class on March 5, followed by the J/70, Melges 24, VX One, Melges 15, and 69F races starting on March 9. The idyllic setting of Miami provides the perfect backdrop for glamourous sailing, accompanied by social events, daily après-sail happy hours, and live entertainment courtesy of Bacardi.
Eddie Cutillas, representing Bacardi USA, shared his excitement about hosting sailors from 26 countries, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome over six hundred sailors to enjoy the racing, the Bacardi hospitality, and the South Florida lifestyle. The Bacardi Cup is not just about sailing; it’s about the people, the camaraderie, and being part of something exceptional.”
The regatta will unfold on Biscayne Bay, with support from esteemed yacht clubs such as Coral Reef Yacht Club, Shake a Leg Miami, Biscayne Bay Yacht Club, Coconut Grove Sailing Club, and the US Sailing Center.
The 96th Bacardi Cup, steeped in tradition and history, has been an enduring event for over nine decades. Star sailors from around the world aspire to compete in this renowned race and etch their names on its prestigious trophies. This year, 75 teams will vie for supremacy, with defending champions Mateusz Kusznierewicz and Bruno Prada aiming for their fourth consecutive victory. However, they will have to surpass the legendary Ding Schoonmaker, who holds the record for the most Bacardi Cup wins with eight titles.
The Bacardi Invitational Regatta will feature races across three days for the J/70, Melges 24, VX One, and Melges 15 classes, while the 69F class will follow an open format. The winners of the J/70 and Melges 24 races will also secure the 2023 titles of the Bacardi Winter Series (BWS).
In the J/70 class, John Heaton’s team on ‘Empeiria’ has emerged as a dominant force during the lead-up events at BWS 1 and 2. However, they face stiff competition from last year’s BCIR winner, Paul Ward’s ‘Eat Sleep J Repeat,’ and strong contenders like ‘Brutus III’ and ‘Rowdy.’
The Melges 24 fleet witnessed the mastery of Drew Freides’ team on ‘Pacific Yankee’ at BWS 1 and 2. They will be determined to claim the top spot at the BCIR, challenging Peter Duncan’s ‘Raza Mixta’ and Harry Melges IV’s ‘Zenda Express,’ who finished first and second, respectively, at the 2022 Melges 24 Worlds.
The VX One fleet consisting of 26 teams, including last year’s winners on ‘Tudo Bem,’ promises thrilling competition with a range of skill levels.
The Melges 15 will make its debut appearance at the BCIR with ten boats competing in this exciting new class. Eddie Cox of Melges expressed enthusiasm about adding this world-class event to their calendar.
Lastly, the foiling 69F class, featuring six teams, will race in an open format, ensuring unlimited races each day for the participants.
The regatta will culminate on March 11 with the Awards Ceremony, where podium trophies, class prizes, and special awards such as the EFG Rising Star Award and the Quantum Sails Mover and Shaker Award will be presented. The event sponsors and supporters, including Bacardi USA, EFG International, Quantum Sails, and many others, have played a vital role in making this year’s BCIR a grand success.
The 96th Bacardi Cup and Bacardi Invitational Regatta symbolize a perfect blend of fierce competition, camaraderie, and unforgettable celebrations. As the sailors embark on their quest for victory, Miami will once again showcase its charm as a sailing destination like no other.
Follow the racing at:
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_Jorn Kaae | Premier Guide Miami