2018 Bacardi Cup Invitational Regatta sets event benchmark on water and ashore
by Icarus Sports 3 Mar 2018 14:08 AEDT
4-10 March 2018
Bacardi Cup Invitational Regatta © Marco Oquendo / Gilles Morelle
With just two days to go until the 2018 Bacardi Cup Invitational Regatta, the week promises to be special, combining outstanding racing on the stunning waters of Biscayne Bay, Miami alongside a packed shore side social programme.
For 2018, the Bacardi Cup organizing committee has refocused the series on the original idea of an invitation-only regatta. Featuring the best small-boat sailors in the world, the Bacardi Cup is synonymous with innovative competition; guaranteeing the highest level of racing over six full days with an emphasis on quality instead of quantity.
Celebrating over nine decades of competition, the 91st Bacardi Cup continues to attract the legends of sailing in the Star Class and J/70 fleets. Whilst paying tribute to those who have made history over the years, the Bacardi Cup also looks to the future with an influx of younger teams in the entry line-up and ready to meet the challenge laid down by the rock stars of sailing. Competing at the Bacardi Cup is an achievement itself.
Racing from the Coral Reef Yacht Club on Biscayne Bay is truly memorable, with sun-kissed turquoise waters, a laid back fun vibe, warm sunshine and water, delivering great racing conditions set against the impressive backdrop of Miami. The cream of world sailing talent will be looking to maximise their performance across the 6 races for the Star fleet and 9 races for the J/70 fleet, and it will take consistency and attention to detail to be rewarded with front of fleet scores. Racing will be super close and super serious, with tactics crucial to take advantage of the nuances of Biscayne Bay as the race tracks test the best with unpredictable breeze changes.
A powerhouse of USA Star sailors make up the majority of the Star Class fleet, who are joined by foreign teams from sixteen nations. Too close to call any podium picks yet, but of the almost 80-strong fleet, current ace partnerships are reigning Star World Champions Eivind Melleby/Joshua Revkin (NOR) and runners up Lars Grael/Samuel Goncalves (BRA). Amongst the talented teams they will face are two skippers who were the last to claim Olympic medals in the Star Class, Iain Percy (GBR) who secured silver and Robert Scheidt (BRA) the bronze; and from this pair's recent meets, it is Percy who holds the upper hand.
The J/70 has been turning heads since the first boat came off the production line in 2012 and is the fastest growing one-design in the world. The preliminary entry list of almost fifty teams from eight nations presents a tough prediction as to who will rise to victory. Assured is the battle set to unfold between two sailors who last year claimed the J/70 World Championship title, Peter Duncan (USA) and Jud Smith (USA), as they now test each other across the starting line in separate teams.
Sponsored by the venerable Bacardi Rum brand and the Bacardi family, who have been active patrons since the inaugural Bacardi Cup was presented in 1927, Bacardi carries with it a family spirit that transfers to the sport of sailing. Teams are fierce rivals on the water, but the greatest of friends ashore, helped along by the renowned Bacardi after parties.
The social spirit will be boosted by a packed programme of social events kicking off with the launch party at the Bacardi Cup Welcome Cocktail hosted by Coral Reef Yacht Club on Sunday March 4th. Each night Bacardi will host its esteemed parties at venues including Biscayne Bay Yacht Club and Shake a Leg Miami.
The Bacardi brand represents a tradition of excellence, a value which plays out across all aspects of the 2018 Bacardi Cup Invitational Regatta. The driving passion of the organizing committee behind the Bacardi Cup is simple – to run an exceptional event that attracts teams to return year after year, as well as welcoming a host of newcomers. Excellence on the water will be ensured by the Race Management team who are amongst the world's best, delivering racing at the highest level.
A special thank you to this year's sponsors and supporters: North Sails, Coral Reef Sailing Apparel, Hatuey, S.Pellegrino, Gubinelli, Tuuci, Nautical Channel, Sun Orchard, Ocean Navigator, Jaguar therapeutics, Coco Walk and the City of Coconut Grove.