Photo credit BMSW/Cory Silken
One of the most anticipated multi-class regattas in Miami took place from March 3-9 with teams representing countries from all over the world meeting on Biscayne Bay to compete for the celebrated Bacardi Cup and the BMSW regatta trophy.
The 2013 Bacardi Miami Sailing Week, presented by EFG Bank, included five classes, Star, Audi Melges 20, Melges 24, Viper 640 and J/70. The teams competed in multiple races on Biscayne Bay. According to a press release, two races were sailed by the 56 Star teams and the first win of the first day went to defending champions Xavier Rohart and Pierre-Alexis Pnsot of France. The second race was won by 2012 Olympians Mark Mendelblatt and Brian Fatih of Florida.
Mendelblatt said, “We’re happy for the win and we’re surprised to be in it for the Cup. … At one point we were pinned by other boats and forced to go straight which ended up being the best way. … Having a shot at the Cup is such an honor!” Mendelblatt previously won the Bacardi cup in 2005.
Overall, there was a tight point spread among the top-five teams, which led to an intense final day of racing.
According to James Wilson of New York, who led the 45-boat Audi Melges 20 standings after two days of competition, “Good wind, good courses, very competitive and close racing to the end. … Everyone can win, therefore our approach is to do as best we can.”
The Bacardi Cup is now part of an expanded event called Bacardi Miami Saily Week; this is a new Miami tradition that offers sailors with a variety of different classes so they can compete in various regattas.
This year the Bacardi Cup celebrated its 86th anniversary. The event is dedicated to Tito Bacardi and his memory was honored during the week by participants, the sailing community and the Bacardi family.
To see a full list of the final race results, click here.
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