Bacardi Cup Invitational Regatta 2025 - Day 1
by Luissa Smith 4 Mar 00:48 UTC
March 3-8, 2025
Sixty-five Star Class teams gather on Biscayne Bay, Miami, for the 98th edition of the Bacardi Cup © Marina Semenova
The 98th Bacardi Cup, held from March 3-8, 2025, kicked off in spectacular fashion, living up to its reputation. With sixty-five Star teams competing, the opening day delivered thrilling action and set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable week of racing.
A steady easterly breeze of 11-13 knots provided perfect conditions for the opener. Defending champions and five-time winners Mateusz Kusznierewicz and Bruno Prada need no introduction. Once again, they proved their dominance, applying relentless pressure on the fleet. In a nail-biting finish, they clinched victory in the final meters by the narrowest of margins, edging out John Dane III/Markus Koy.
The day's racing began with a general recall, and on the second start Piet Eckert/Frederico Melo seized the early advantage. Making a notable return to Biscayne Bay, after more than a decade-long absence, was Bermuda's Peter Bromby, a three-time Bacardi Cup champion (2009, 2003, 2001), sailing with Mark Strube, the 2005 winner. They closely tailed Eckert/Melo upwind, while Kusznierewicz/Prada steadily worked their way into contention.
Eckert/Melo rounded the windward mark in the lead, but their advantage was short-lived as Dane/Koy executed a perfect move to take control of the fleet. Kusznierewicz/Prada also edged through, to sit right behind in second place as they headed downwind. The shifty conditions rewarded those who could make gains by playing the puffs.
Through the gate and back upwind, Dane/Koy and Kusznierewicz/Prada approached from opposite tacks. Dane/Koy crossed Kusznierewicz/Prada, with the two rounding the windward mark in that order. Eric Doyle/Payson Infelise, the 2019 Bacardi Cup champions, held third place, while Eckert/Melo slipped to fourth, followed by Paul Cayard/Frithjof Kleen in fifth.
The final downwind leg delivered intense drama as Dane/Koy initially held a comfortable lead and a massive duel unfolded. However, Kusznierewicz/Prada showcased their exceptional downwind dynamics to gradually reel them in inch by inch and close the gap. In a nail-biting finish, the two boats were neck-and-neck with just 200 metres to go. When it mattered most, Kusznierewicz/Prada edged ahead to claim victory by just a few boat lengths.
"It was 'Bacardi' conditions on Biscayne Bay," commented Kusznierewicz. "We didn't actually start too well but played our game, and the goal was not to be too behind on the first top mark.
"We had a plan, but the only thing we didn't know was there was going to be so much tacking! I think we did about forty tacks because of the wind shifts. Normally here you can end up with 4 tacks the whole race! So, it was quite exhausting!
"It was a fight with John Dane and Markus Koy. We had to really give it. I can sleep well today!"
With only marginal gains to be made upwind, their superior downwind speed was pivotal to success. Kusznierewicz steered the boat with just his fingers to minimise movement on the rudder, whilst they played the boat to catch the waves. "It is like dancing," he explained.
Second to Dane/Koy, who held onto first or second throughout the race, and third to Doyle/Infelise. Dane/Koy clearly demonstrated the potential for them and others to challenge and possibly unseat Kusznierewicz/Prada.
"We had a very good first day. It was windy and we are one of the heavier crews," said Dane. "You can't ask for a better sail here on Biscayne Bay. I love doing the winter down here, I just love sailing here."
Dane won the 2006 Bacardi Cup, and most recently finished 14th in 2024. Dane was equally pleased that their training partners, Doyle/Infelise, who finished third, almost caught the leading two downwind. Doyle first sailed with Dane when he was twelve years old, so they enjoy a long-standing friendship.
"It was as good as it gets on Biscayne Bay," said Doyle. "It was shifty, a really hard fleet, with everyone coming from every direction and it was great. The Bacardi Cup is the big draw to bring everyone here in the winter - it's fantastic. Now it's time to enjoy some nice Bacardi cocktails!"
Leading the ten U30 teams are Roman Stelzl/Pirmin Sablatnig in twenty-second overall.
The fleet extends their heartfelt thanks to the Mr. C Miami Coconut Grove Hotel for hosting a truly special cocktail party after racing for the Star Class teams. The evening was an unforgettable experience for all.
Racing continues on Tuesday, March 4, with racing scheduled to start at midday.
Provisional Results after Day 1: (top ten, 1 race)
1. Mateusz Kusznierewicz/Bruno Prada (POL 8587) - 1 pt
2. John Dane III/Markus Koy (USA 8504) - 2 pts
3. Eric Doyle/Payson Infelise (USA 8580) - 3 pts
4. Paul Cayard/Frithjof Kleen (USA 8550) - 4 pts
5. Piet Eckert/Frederico Melo (SUI 8599) - 5 pts
6. John MacCausland/Samuel Gonzalez (USA 8448) - 6 pts
7. Hubert Merkelbach/Christian Nehammer (GER 8446) - 7 pts
8. John Loe/Phil Trinter (USA 8481) - 8 pts
9. Leandro Altolaguirre/Lucas Altolaguirre (ARG 8565) - 9 pts
10. Peter Bromby/Mark Strube (BER 8317) - 10 pts
Full results available here.
The Bacardi Cup Invitational Regatta will kick off on March 6-8, with racing for the J/70, Melges 24, Snipe, Viper 640, and VX One. Over the three-day event, each fleet is set to contest three races per day, for a total of nine races.
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.