98th Bacardi Cup and 2025 Bacardi Invitational Regatta set new entry record
by Luissa Smith 28 Feb 08:06 NZDT
March 2-8, 2025
Bacardi Invitational Regatta © Hannah Lee Noll
The 98th Bacardi Cup and 2025 Bacardi Invitational Regatta (BCIR), taking place from March 2-8, 2025, will set a new benchmark with a record-breaking entry list.
As the sailing world converges on Biscayne Bay once more, the 98th Bacardi Cup and BCIR are gearing up to host an even larger and more diverse fleet than ever before, solidifying their reputation as two of the most prestigious events on the global sailing stage. Building on the record-breaking success of the 2024 edition, the 98th Bacardi Cup and 2025 BCIR are already poised to shatter expectations, with over 210 entries representing twenty-six nations on the provisional entry list - a testament to their enduring appeal and growing legacy.
Racing kicks off on March 3, with the 98th Bacardi Cup for the Star Class, followed by the J/70, Melges 24, Snipe, Viper 640 and VX One classes, who open their three-day regatta on March 6.
"We are super proud of the record-breaking level of entries, the largest ever gathered in Miami," said Eddie Cutillas of Bacardi USA. "To our returning sailors, welcome back - we are excited to have you here once again. And to those joining us for the first time, we are delighted to see the word spreading about what makes this event so special. We hope this is just the beginning of your journey with us.
"The Bacardi Cup and BCIR are a celebration of sailing excellence, camaraderie, and, let's be honest, a whole lot of fun. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a first-time participant, or a passionate spectator, Miami welcomes you with open arms. This is where champions come to sail, and we are proud to see the regatta's legacy continue to grow."
The event brings together a unique blend of sailing legends, Olympians, World Champions, and amateurs, all drawn to the world-class competition and challenge of racing on Biscayne Bay. Off the water the magic continues, as the legendary Bacardi hospitality takes center stage post-race, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of friendship and celebration. The event is as much about camaraderie as it is about competition.
98th Bacardi Cup: A star-studded showdown
The Bacardi Cup, a cornerstone of sailing excellence since 1927, will once again showcase the legendary Star Class, with nearly seventy entries representing sixteen nations set to compete. Racing gets under way at 12:00 hours on March 3, featuring one daily long-distance race throughout the six-day series.
Last year's Bacardi Cup reached new heights as Mateusz Kusznierewicz and Bruno Prada clinched their historic fifth consecutive victory, cementing their legacy as one of the most dominant teams in the event's storied history. As they return to defend their title at the 98th edition, the stakes have never been higher.
The 2025 Bacardi Cup promises thrilling battles between sailing legends and a new generation of talent. Defending champions Kusznierewicz and Prada will face fierce competition from past winners, including Eric Doyle and Payson Infelise, as well as Frithjof Kleen who teams up with Paul Cayard. While Cayard boasts a Star Worlds title, the elusive Bacardi Cup victory remains a coveted prize for the sailing icon.
A host of top international Star teams will be in the mix, including Piet Eckert and Frederico Melo from Switzerland, Peter O'Leary and Stephen Milne from Ireland, and Jørgen Schönherr and Markus Koy of Germany. They will go head-to-head with former Star World Champions, including Augie Diaz and John MacCausland.
These seasoned teams will be challenged by a wave of rising stars emerging from initiatives like the Bacardi Cup U30 Program. This groundbreaking initiative, designed to nurture young sailors through financial support and competitive opportunities, is already transforming the future of the Star Class. In 2025, ten U30 teams are poised to make their mark, adding an exciting dynamic to the regatta and ensuring the Bacardi Cup continues as a beacon of innovation and tradition in the sailing world. The Bacardi Cup U30 program operates in partnership with the Star Class and their Star Education and Access (SEA) program.
Bacardi Cup Invitational Regatta
The BCIR, taking place from March 6-8, 2025, will once again feature the J/70, Melges 24, Snipe, Viper 640, and VX One classes. Over the three-day event, each fleet is set to contest three races per day, for a total of nine races.
The 2024/2025 Bacardi Winter Series for the J/70 and Melges 24 will conclude at the BCIR, the third and final event of the series. In the J/70, all eyes will be on Peter Duncan's 'Relative Obscurity', who claimed victory at BWS2, alongside strong contenders like Charles Thompson's 'Brutus III' and Cate Muller-Terhune's 'Casting Couch', which won BWS1 and secured third in BWS2.
In the Melges 24, Peter-David Karrié's 'Nefeli' is a standout after winning BWS2. They will face stiff competition from a host of teams poised to challenge for the top spot, including Harry Melges IV's 'Zenda Express' and Laura Grondin's 'Dark Energy'. Geoff Fargo's 'Sentinel', the 2024 Melges 24 Worlds bronze medallists, along with Paolo Brescia's 'Melgina', will also be in close pursuit.
The Viper 640 and VX One classes will see defending champions and fresh challengers alike vying for supremacy. In the Viper 640 class, Mary Ewenson and her team on 'Evil Hiss' return as the top finishers from 2024, ready to defend their position. The VX One will see seven of last year's top ten teams reunite, with defending champion Chris Alexander, alongside Grace Howie and Madeline Baldridge, aiming to maintain their winning streak.
The Snipe Class is set for a rematch between last year's top two teams, Ernesto Rodriguez with Issa Uribe and Enrique Quintero with Nico Ocariz. Since their last encounter on Biscayne Bay, Rodriguez has added a silver medal from the 2024 Snipe Worlds and the North American title to his sailing resume. They will be joined by sixteen other teams from Argentina, Poland and the USA.
A celebration of sailing, community and tradition
Beyond the racing, the event is renowned for its vibrant social scene. Miami's unique blend of glamour and laid-back charm provides the perfect setting for sailors to unwind and celebrate after a day on the water.
At the heart of it all is Bacardi, whose unwavering support has made this regatta more than just a competition - it's a celebration of sailing, friendship, and shared passion. From legendary hospitality to unforgettable post-race gatherings, Bacardi's legacy of bringing people together continues to define the event's spirit.
The regatta's grand finale, the awards ceremony on Saturday, March 8, 2025, will honor the winners with coveted podium trophies and class prizes. But for many, the true reward is the camaraderie, the memories, and the chance to be part of a tradition that spans nearly a century.
Our sponsors and supporters play a vital role in making this week unforgettable. North Sails will provide daily weather briefings, post-race debriefs, and sail repairs. Nautical Ventures will support our media team with dedicated ribs. Mr.C Miami, Sail 22, Team One Newport, Hatuey, Gill, Think Inflatables, Tuuci, and Harken Derm are also onsite and integral to enhancing the event experience.
The 98th Bacardi Cup and BCIR are organized in collaboration with our club partners: Coral Reef Yacht Club, Shake-A-Leg Miami, Biscayne Bay Yacht Club, Coconut Grove Sailing Club, the US Sailing Center, and Dinner Key Marina.