Bacardi Winter Series Event 2 takes center stage on Biscayne Bay
by Luissa Smith 24 Jan 02:32 NZDT
January 24-26, 2025
J/70 at BACARDÍ Winter Series 1 © Hannah Lee Noll
The Bacardi Winter Series is back in 2025. Event 2 is set to deliver another thrilling weekend of J/70 and 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 under way 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.
Melges 24 Class
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 'Nefelil' 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."
J/70 Class
The J/70 fleet is set to impress with 40 entries, led by Cate Muller-Terhune and her team on 'Casting Couch' fresh off their victory at Winter Series 1.
Reflecting on the challenges of racing, Cate commented, "Every time you achieve one goal, the door opens for more in front of you, and taking those steps forward is both a physical and mental challenge that is really fun."
Cate and her team will face a formidable field of rivals, with multiple high-profile teams and virtually all the leading boats from the opening event returning for another shot at glory on Biscayne Bay.
Great Britain's 'Brutus III' is determined to better their 2ndplace finish at the same event in 2024, which helped them secure the overall Bacardi Winter Series glory. Charles Thompson's team, who claimed third place at the J/70 Worlds last year, has plenty of experience on Biscayne Bay and a wealth of skill on board. Alondg side British Olympic sailors is the addition of Doug Rastello, 2023 J/70 European Champion.
There are plenty of big J/70 names who will be right up there as well. We will see David Jannetti on 'Two Odd', Daniel Goldberg on 'Bazinga', Bryce Kalow on 'Kid's Table' and John Brim on 'Rimette' to name a few. The battle will be as intense to be the top placed Corinthian, with the 2023/2024 winner Alec Cutler on 'Hedgehog' aiming to defend his title.
A team effort
The event, hosted at Shake-A-Leg Miami, is made possible by the invaluable contributions of our partners. Bacardi leads the way, with essential on-site support from North Sails, Nautical Ventures, Sail22, Race Sense and Harken Derm. These partners will ensure a seamless and successful experience for all participants.