Gulari / Dyvi Win 2022 Bacardi Cup Invitational Regatta
The weather front that was expected to sweep through Biscayne Bay after racing on Saturday, March 12, arrived early, with the strong wind forcing racing to be cancelled for all classes at 0900 hours this morning.
Each day the weather has unfolded as per the forecast, so with 30+ knots of breeze expected the different course PROs took their decision based on each class and were unanimous to keep safe racing conditions and cancel all racing.
Superb winds for the preceding days delivered five neck and neck races for the Star Class, with an equally intense six race series for the Melges 24s. The overnight scoreboards are final and class podiums decided.
The Bacardi Cup and Bacardi Cup Invitational Regatta wrapped up in fine style with the awards presentation at Shake-A-Leg Miami, accompanied by Bacardi rum and hospitality
“Thank you to the sailors, thank you to the host clubs, thank you to our volunteers on the water and ashore, and thank you to everyone who has been following this fantastic event from around the world,” expressed Eddie Cutillas of Bacardi USA. “The Bacardi Cup Invitational Regatta supports our vision of the world’s best sailors racing together and leaves the best possible imprint; a turnout of inspirational sailors, exceptional racing and after parties that make sure the fun continues long after the finish line.
“Our regatta is an ‘invitational’ in respect of the ‘invited’ one-design classes participating, but sailors from around the world need no invitation to join us here on Biscayne Bay in our annual celebration of sailing - you are all welcome. Save the date for 2023.”
The tradition of camaraderie and high-level competition are embedded in the Bacardi Cup and Bacardi Cup Invitational Regatta, guaranteeing the world’s sailors want to compete. 2022 featured more than 600 sailors, with the crew line-up from over 22 nations.
Save the date for next year at the 96th Bacardi Cup and Bacardi Cup Invitational Regatta taking place March 5-11, 2023.
Three in a row for Bora Gulari (USA) and his crew on Mavi, who adds the 2022 title to his 2021 and 2020 victories, after winning on tiebreak over the Brian Porter’s (USA) Full Throttle. Another tiebreak for 3rd place gave the final podium spot to Drew Freides (USA) on Pacific Yankee.
“Our week was great, we had a little hiccup on the first day with the U flag, but the rest was very solid,” commented Gulari, in a nod to their penalty score in race 3. “There was great Miami weather, best regatta of the year. The winds are perfect, the atmosphere was great and it is a wonderful place to sail.
Acknowledging the talent around him, Gulari said, “The competition is stacked. I am trying to think how many people had Rolex Yachtsman of the Year in the fleet! There’s World Champions left and right, and Olympic medallists. I want to also thank my crew. I have literally the best crew out there and the whole reason we succeed is their hard work.”
On the renowned event hospitality, Gulari didn’t hold back, adding, “It’s wonderful to come in and have a nice Bacardi drink at the end of the day, while putting away the boat. Basically, this is what you live for when you get to go sail regattas. Best conditions, best time of the year to sail in Miami and Bacardi does such a great job organizing the event.”
The Corinthian prize went to Jan Frederik Dyvi and his team from Norway on Team RRH who finished in 11th.
Final Top 5 Results (FINAL, After 6 Races)
1. Bora Gulari/Kyle Navin/Norman Berge/Ian Liberty/Michael Menninger (USA 820) - 11 pts
2. Brian Porter/RJ Porter/Bri Porter/Matt Woodworth (USA 849) - 11 pts
3. Drew Freides/Charlie Smythe/Morgan Reeser/Federico Michetti/Lara Poljsak (USA 865) - 20 pts
4. Harry Melges IV/Finn Rowe/Ripley Shelley/Carlos Robles/Nick Muller (USA 866) - 20 pts
5. Travis Weisleder/John Bowden/Hayden Goodrick/Mark Mendleblatt (USA 858) - 27 pts
Final Top 5 Corinthian Results (FINAL, After 6 Races)
1. Jan Frederik Dyvi/Jan Borø/Herman Horn-Johannessen/Stian Ness Rørvik/Malin Rørvik-Sundelin (NOR 732) - 44pts.
2. Steve Suddath/Shawn Burke/Steve Burke/Jack Smith (USA 862) - 79 pts.
3. Roger Counihan/Travis Maier/Todd Wilson/Bev Cady (USA 775) - 88 pts.
4. Geoff Fargo/Jeff Grange/Jon Bell/Kent Pierce (USA 856) - 88 pts.
5. Megan Ratliff/Hunter Ratliff/Zac Hernandez/Katrina Williams/Doug Nickel (USA 805) - 94 pts.
6. Tony Stanley/Marten Kendrick/Mike Kirshner/Rob Britts/Rachel Green (USA 610) - 105 pts.