Star Class Honoring the Past, Leading the Future
Over six hundred sailors in more than 200 boats and representing 24 countries took to the water across four race courses off Miami today. The Melges 24, J/70, Snipe, Viper 640 and VX One classes joined the Star fleet for the Bacardi Invitational Regatta, in a spectacular showcase of international sailing talent.
On the water it was a fantastic sight with boats filling Biscayne Bay. Shoreside you couldn’t walk down the dock without rubbing shoulders with Olympians, World Champions, America’s Cup sailors and some of the sport’s greatest names from around the world. Biscayne Bay served up wind, sun and perfect planning conditions. It was a day of dial shifting, as teams changed tempo to adapt to the variable pressure.
Nailing a win in race 4 of the Bacardi Cup, Paul Cayard/Frithjof Kleen edge closer to series leaders and defending champions Mateusz Kusznierewicz/Bruno Prada. Some phenomenal performances in the other classes saw plenty of contenders go full stretch to establish themselves on the leaderboard. Notable was a hat trick from Ernesto Rodriguez/Taylor Scheuermann in the Snipe.
After racing, it was time to soak up the atmosphere shoreside accompanied by Bacardi’s renowned hospitality. The event dances to a serious and fun tune, blending world-class racing, lively parties and a unique lifestyle experience, in celebration of the spirit of sailing.
Racing continues on Friday, March 7, with the first starts scheduled for 1200 hrs.
98th Bacardi Cup
The leaderboard tightened as Cayard/Kleen claimed victory in Race 4, narrowing the gap to just 2 points behind series leaders Mateusz Kusznierewicz and Bruno Prada.
As the battle for supremacy intensifies, Cayard/Kleen have positioned themselves as the favourites to overhaul Kusznierewicz/Prada. The defending champions have an insatiable desire to win, but it is never an easy ride to win the Bacardi Cup.
Cayard/Kleen were delighted to get a win, adding to an already impressive scorecard of 4,3,4,1. They astutely interpreted the super tricky 10-12 knot breeze and big shifts. Cayard described the day’s racing as a test of skill and adaptability, with "north-west winds, which are common and very, very shifty." Reflecting on their strategy, he admitted, "We started a little too far to the right, so we had to work the right side on the first beat and take our opportunities to get back with the boats on the left, which were the leaders."
Despite the early challenge, Cayard/Kleen stayed focused. "We just sailed the shifts pretty much the whole race,"Cayard added, "and we were fortunate enough to work our way back up to the front. We were pretty happy with the day."
A special father/son moment unfolded as Paul found himself in a battle to the finish with his son Danny, racing with Will Stout. The race culminated in a nail-biter, with Cayard/Kleen beating Stout/Cayard by about a foot.
For Danny, the Bacardi Cup has been a special experience, not just for the racing but for the chance to compete alongside his father. “I don’t know what else you could ask for here at the Bacardi with the wind and the shifts and the close competition,” he said. “For me to be able to race against my dad so close, it’s just been amazing. Looking forward to two more.”
Third to Eric Doyle/Payson Infelise, with Jack Jennings/Pedro Trouche finishing in fourth.
Provisional Results - Top 3 after Race 5
1. Mateusz Kusznierewicz/Bruno Prada (POL 8587) - 10 pts
2. Paul Cayard/Frithjof Kleen (USA 8550) - 12 pts
3. Jack Jennings/Pedro Trouche (USA 8464) - 23 pts
Thank you to our sponsors and supporters play a vital role in making this week unforgettable: North Sails, Nautical Ventures, Mr.C Miami, Sail 22, Team One Newport, Hatuey, Gill, Think Inflatables, Tuuci, and Harken Derm are all 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.
