Ready to race at Bacardi Winter Series Event 1 in Miami, USA

J/70s racing against the Miami skyline © Hannah Lee Noll

The opening event of the Bacardi Winter Series 2024/2025 kicks off this weekend, December 14-15, in Miami, featuring the J/70 and Melges 24 fleets.

Hosted at Shake-A-Leg in Miami, the regatta brings approximately fifty teams to Biscayne Bay for what is set to be an action-packed six-race series. The desire to race the Bacardi Winter Series and be on the leaderboard amongst the world's best makes the event an annual pilgrimage for many, with a very impressive line-up descending on Miami from across North and South America and Europe.

Eddie Cutillas of Bacardi USA said, "The anticipation and excitement surrounding the Bacardi series of events is palpable. Racing at the Bacardi Winter Series 1, sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling and competitive season on the iconic racetrack of Biscayne Bay. As always, our team is thrilled to host and deliver the distinctive blend of excellence and energy that makes Bacardi events so unique."

Shooting the breeze in the Melges 24 - photo © Hannah Lee Noll

True to its reputation, this event attracts a diverse cross-section of competitors, with elite sailors facing off against weekend Corinthian teams. In such a highly competitive fleet, where teamwork takes center stage, precise timing and consistency will be critical. The Bacardi Winter Series has always provided high-performance racing and there will be more of the same this weekend. The forecast promises ideal sailing conditions, with temperatures near 80 degrees, and a fresh 17-20 knot breeze set to challenge the fleet.

Racing is scheduled to get under way for the Melges 24 at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 14, followed by the J/70, for the opening three races, and a further three races on Sunday. Post-race, the renowned Bacardi hospitality will keep everyone entertained.

Bacardi Race Series

The Bacardi Winter Series 1 marks the start of the Bacardi race season. The action continues with Winter Series 2 on January 24-26, 2025, building momentum to the finale at the Bacardi Cup Invitational Regatta taking place March 5-8, 2025. In March the J/70 and Melges 24 will be joined by the Snipe, VX One and Viper 640 classes. The prestigious Bacardi Cup for the Star Class will celebrate its 98th Anniversary from March 2-8, 2025.

A team effort

The event, hosted at Shake-A-Leg Miami, is brought to life by the incredible support of our partners. Bacardi, our valued patron, sets the stage with its legendary spirit, signature cocktails and lively energy that defines the Bacardi lifestyle.

We are proud to have the support of North Sails, who will provide essential weather briefings, post-race debriefs, and on-site sail repairs. Nautical Ventures will ensure smooth operations on the water with rib support. Sail22 and Race Sense are also part of the team, contributing their support and expertise to ensure the regatta runs seamlessly.