The Bacardi Cup will celebrate a major milestone in 2027 as the iconic regatta stages its 100th edition on Biscayne Bay in Miami. Founded in Havana, Cuba, in 1927 with just 13 boats, the event has grown into one of sailing's most enduring competitions. Since 1962, Miami has been its home and remains a key fixture on the international Star class calendar.
Organisers have set an ambitious target of attracting more than 100 Star boats to the start line for the centenary edition, which will run from 7-13 March 2027. The event forms the centrepiece of the 2027 Bacardi Series, which also includes two Bacardi Winter Series regattas and the Bacardi Invitational Regatta.
For the first time, the Bacardi Cup and Bacardi Invitational Regatta will be held on separate weeks, giving each event its own focus.
Interest is already building around the return of defending champion Paul Cayard. The former Rolex Yachtsman of the Year finally secured his first Bacardi Cup title earlier this year after a 46-year pursuit of the trophy. "I've been waiting 46 years for this moment. Pour the rum, Eddie," Cayard said after his victory.
Cayard and Frithjof Kleen will return to defend their title against a fleet expected to include some of the biggest names in Star sailing.
Among the challengers are six-time consecutive Bacardi Cup winners Mateusz Kusznierewicz and Bruno Prada, along with Robert Scheidt and Austin Sperry, who pushed Cayard to the limit in a dramatic final showdown at the 99th edition.
Champions' Toast — Six-time Bacardi Cup winners Mateusz Kusznierewicz and Bruno Prada celebrate a previous Miami victory. The Polish-Brazilian duo are expected among the contenders for the centenary regatta in 2027. Photo: Bacardi archive
The Bacardi Winter Series opens in January with racing for the J/70 and Melges 24 classes at Shake-A-Leg Miami. The Bacardi Invitational Regatta follows in April and will include the J/70 Midwinter Championship.
Winter Warriors — J/70 crews race on Biscayne Bay during the Bacardi Winter Series, which forms part of the build-up to the historic 100th Bacardi Cup in 2027. Photo: Bacardi archive
More than 200 boats and over 600 sailors from more than 20 nations are expected to compete across the full series.
Eddie Cutillas of Bacardi USA said the centenary edition marks the start of a new chapter for the regatta. "For 99 years, we have honoured our past. Now we stand on the edge of an extraordinary milestone. The next chapter begins in 2027," he said.
With a century of history behind it, the Bacardi Cup is preparing for one of its most significant editions.
