Bacardi Cup will be in a couple of weeks’ time in Miami’s Biscayne Bay for the 91st edition of the prestigious trophy first held in Havana in 1927, right in front of the Bacardi skyscraper.
The international distillery then moved to Miami and so has the regatta that carries its name, running in Coconut Groove since 1962, at Coral Reef Yacht Club.
Bacardi Cup is an open championship, and every year an extraordinary number of sailors gathers in the south of Florida to conquer one of the eldest trophy in sailing history.
Here’s five reasons why you should also participate.
RACE WITH THE CHAMPS
Think about being at the helm of your Star boat - or just the same at the bow - and at the first starting signals turning your head to see five time Olympic medal winner Robert Scheidt (BRA) right there next to you? All of his strategy making, all of his talent and strength right there a boat length from you. 
And then, if you had a very good first bit, you arrive at the mark and turn right behind Olympic Gold medallist Iain Percy (GBR) at his first regatta back on a Star after several years. You could see the way he handles the pressure, the way he is finding the feeling back at the helm of a boat he once sailed successfully with his great friend Andrew Barth Simpson. And then, back at the yacht club, you are having a drink after racing and who is sitting next to you? Paul Cayard, one of the most eclectic sailor in the world, who among the America’s Cup campaigns, the Ocean challenges, always found some time for the Star class. This is also the Bacardi Cup.
EARN SSL RANKINGS POINTS
Bacardi Cup is not an SSL Grand Slam, but given its huge importance in the sailing world, it will give its winner just as many points as if it was one (3,000) and anyone who attends will get points worth the SSL Ranking based on their position. If you are climbing the ranking and trying to be on the top 10 to get a ticket to the SSL Finals next December, you'd better not miss this rich opportunity for 2018!
TAKE PART IN HISTORY
On the Bacardi Cup you can read engraved the names of some athletes who wrote the history of sailing. Back in 1950 E.W.”Skip” Etchells - designer of the ominous famous boat - won it alongside his wife Mary, the next year is legend Sir Durward Knowles - first ever Olympic Gold medal for Bahamas - then on the modern era you can find the names of Mark Reynolds - who won it six times - Vince Brun, Mark Mendelblatt, Xavier Rohart, Lars Grael and many others. Funny enough you cannot find some of the class’s heroes, but they will give it a shot again this year.. 
MIAMI SAILING CONDITIONS
When it’s winter, dark and grey, mostly cold for the whole Northern hemisphere and your Star boat - or any boat - is in the garage, what could be better than jumping on a plane and reach Miami and its sunshine, warm temperatures, palm trees and champagne sailing condition? Biscayne Bay it’s renowned for delivering excellent sailing: steady winds, choppy waves not too high, warm blue waters and a magnificent backdrop with the Miami skyline. If you add one race per day with at least 80 fiery boats, it can't get better than that!
ENJOY A BACARDI EXPERIENCE
Bacardi is the founder, the ever sponsor of the event, and a great host when it comes to parties. The annual Bacardi cocktail, held at the official Bacardi Building on the beautiful terrace, is something you want to experience at least once. Not just because of great food and cocktails served - mostly Rum based, who’d have thought - but because once again you can be part of the history and enjoy a walk among black and white pictures and objects that are heritage of the Bacardi distillery and family. A night to remember.
SSL Press Officer since 2015