Stuart Simpson with a seasoned Irish Corinthian team, Team Barbarians, delivered a standout performance at the Bacardi Winter Series Event No.1, which doubled as the 2025 Melges 24 North American Championship. Racing in the blue waters of Biscayne Bay, Simpson’s team clinched 2nd in the Corinthian division and 11th overall, in a fleet buzzing with world champions, Olympic medallists, and rising stars of the sport.
The Barbarians – with Sam Hunt (trimmer), Marty O’Leary (tactician), Bernard Fitzpatrick (bow), and Freddie Kemp (kite trimmer) – were among the best of the amateur ranks throughout the regatta. Their campaign was built on consistency and resilience, recording a strong 11-7-4 on the pivotal second day of racing. That leapfrogged them into 2nd Corinthian, in what many described as one of the most competitive amateur Melges 24 divisions in recent years.
Stuart Simpson's Barbarians – with Sam Hunt (trimmer), Marty O’Leary (tactician), Bernard Fitzpatrick (bow), and Freddie Kemp (kite trimmer)
“The level in the Corinthian fleet is extraordinary now,” said Simpson post-regatta. “To race hard, push the pros, and stay in the top group takes immense focus. I’m incredibly proud of the crew—Marty called the shifts brilliantly, Bernard was flawless on the bow, and Sam and Freddie kept the boat motoring fast. It was a proper team effort.”
The regatta wasn’t without drama. Light winds and a shifting breeze tested every team’s ability to stay in phase and adapt. Day two saw the race committee relocating the course to chase better pressure—an inspired move that led to tight tactical battles and breakout performances.
One of the biggest stories of the event was the continued rise of Corinthian teams. Fellow amateur Matt Hamilton's Chop Chop claimed a dominant wire-to-wire win in Race 4, while Eddie Gary’s Troublemaker stayed just ahead in the Corinthian standings to secure the top spot.
However, the Barbarians’ charge up the leaderboard on day two was one of the most notable shifts in the regatta, particularly with their 4th place overall finish in Race 6, mixing it up with professional heavyweights like Harry Melges IV (Zenda Express), Bora Gulari (Mavi), and Drew Freides (Pacific Yankee).
Biscayne Bay, as ever, delivered spectacular backdrops and moments of pure sailing magic—sunset finishes, classic Miami warmth, and that unique Melges 24 energy both on and off the water.
With final results deciding not just the North American title but also the Bacardi Winter Series standings and the season-long 2025 Melges 24 North American Sailing Series, the pressure was on throughout. The Barbarians held their nerve, showcasing the best of Corinthian racing: fast, focused, and fiercely fun.
