Paul Cayard and Frithjof Kleen made it two wins from two races at the 99th Star Bacardi Cup on Biscayne Bay, Miami, on Tuesday.
The American-German pairing converted an early tactical move into victory in Race Two of the six-race Star class series, sailed in a steady easterly breeze of 13 to 15 knots.
Mateusz Kusznierewicz and Bruno Prada (POL) finished second, while Robert Scheidt and Austin Sperry (BRA) took third.
The race hinged on the opening beat.
Cayard, Kusznierewicz and Scheidt separated early on the left side of the course and steadily built an advantage over the fleet. The trio maintained control through the race, extending their lead as conditions remained steady across the two-hour contest.
On the final downwind leg, the leaders stretched further clear.
Cayard rounded the right-hand gate first, with Kusznierewicz close behind and immediately splitting left. Scheidt rounded the opposite gate in third.
The order remained unchanged on the final beat to the finish.
“Can’t start Bacardi much better than that,” Cayard said after racing. “But it was very tough racing out there with Mateusz and Robert — very physical in 15 knots. It’s a two-hour nonstop physical exertion.”
Despite the perfect 1-1 scoreline, the veteran American was cautious about the days ahead.
“It won’t be any different tomorrow, and it won’t be any easier. Long way to go,” he said.
The result gives Cayard and Kleen an early lead in the overall standings ahead of Kusznierewicz and Prada, with Scheidt and Sperry third.
Irish Challenge In Miami
Three Irish helms are competing in the 99th edition of the historic regatta.
After two races, Robert O’Leary and Fionn Lyden sailing Swifty (IRL 8118) lie 26th overall with a scoreline of 15-36.
Peter O’Leary and Joost Houweling aboard Dafne (IRL 8465) sit 43rd following an 11th place in Race Two after a retirement in the opener.
Anthony O’Leary and Steyn Van Driessel in Antix (IRL 8379) are placed 53rd overall after finishes of 34th and 65th.
Building For The Next Hundred Years
Beyond the racing, discussions ashore highlighted the enduring partnership between Bacardi and the Star class as the regatta approaches its centenary.
“Bacardi Cup, for me, is second only to the Star Worlds in all of sailing,” said former champion Augie Diaz. “It’s the perfect storm — Bacardi’s passion and the Star Class. It’s a meeting of two great families.”
That sense of continuity is reinforced by the Star Education and Access (SEA) programme, which helps young teams join the fleet with boats and financial support.
“The boat is special, but at the core of it, it’s the people,” said SEA programme committee member Danny Cayard. “Everybody always comes home to the Star Class because it’s family.”
Nearly ten under-30 teams are racing in Miami this week, reflecting the class’s effort to invest in its future.
For German sailor Nick Heuwinkel, competing through the programme, the significance of the moment is clear.
“It’s the 99th Bacardi Cup, and we’re already looking forward to the one hundredth,” he said. “That’s why we’re here — to be part of that future.”
With four races still to sail, the fleet continues its pursuit on Biscayne Bay as the historic regatta builds toward its centenary edition.
Top 5 overall after Race Two 1. Paul Cayard/Frithjof Kleen (USA) 2. Mateusz Kusznierewicz/Bruno Prada (POL) 3. Robert Scheidt/Austin Sperry (BRA) 4. Diego Negri/Sergio Lambertenghi (ITA) 5. Eric Doyle/Payson Infelise (USA)
