Upload
others
View
1
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, 2nd March 2018
2018 BACARDI CUP INVITATIONAL REGATTA SETS EVENT
BENCHMARK ON WATER AND ASHORE
With just two days to go until the 2018 Bacardi Cup Invitational Regatta, the week promises to be special, combining outstanding racing on the stunning waters of Biscayne Bay, Miami
alongside a packed shore side social programme.
For 2018, the Bacardi Cup organizing committee has refocused the series on the original idea of an invitation-‐only regatta. Featuring the best small-‐boat sailors in the world, the Bacardi Cup is synonymous with innovative competition; guaranteeing the highest level of racing over six full days with an emphasis on quality instead of quantity. Celebrating over nine decades of competition, the 91st Bacardi Cup continues to attract the legends of sailing in the Star Class and J/70 fleets. Whilst paying tribute to those who have made history over the years, the Bacardi Cup also looks to the future with an influx of younger teams in the entry line-‐up and ready to meet the challenge laid down by the rock stars of sailing. Competing at the Bacardi Cup is an achievement itself. Racing from the Coral Reef Yacht Club on Biscayne Bay is truly memorable, with
sun-‐kissed turquoise waters, a laid back fun vibe, warm sunshine and water, delivering great racing conditions set against the impressive backdrop of Miami. The cream of world sailing talent will be looking to maximise their performance across the 6 races for the Star fleet and 9 races for the J/70 fleet, and it will take consistency and attention to detail to be rewarded with front of fleet scores. Racing will be super close and super serious, with tactics crucial to take advantage of the nuances of Biscayne Bay as the race tracks test the best with unpredictable breeze changes. A powerhouse of USA Star sailors make up the majority of the Star Class fleet, who are joined by foreign teams from sixteen nations. Too close to call any podium picks yet, but of the almost 80-‐strong fleet, current ace partnerships are reigning Star World Champions Eivind Melleby/Joshua Revkin (NOR) and runners up Lars Grael/Samuel Goncalves (BRA). Amongst the talented teams they will face are two skippers who were the last to claim Olympic medals in the Star Class, Iain Percy (GBR) who secured silver and Robert Scheidt (BRA) the bronze; and from this pair’s recent meets, it is Percy who holds the upper hand. The J/70 has been turning heads since the first boat came off the production line in 2012 and is the fastest growing one-‐design in the world. The preliminary entry list of almost fifty teams from eight nations presents a tough prediction as to who will rise to victory. Assured is the battle set to unfold between two sailors who last year claimed the J/70 World Championship title, Peter Duncan (USA) and Jud Smith (USA), as they now test each other across the starting line in separate teams. Sponsored by the venerable Bacardi Rum brand and the Bacardi family, who have been active patrons since the inaugural Bacardi Cup was presented in 1927, Bacardi carries with it a family spirit that transfers to the sport of sailing. Teams are fierce rivals on the water, but the greatest of friends ashore, helped along by the renowned Bacardi after parties.
The social spirit will be boosted by a packed programme of social events kicking off with the launch party at the Bacardi Cup Welcome Cocktail hosted by Coral Reef Yacht Club on Sunday March 4th. Each night Bacardi will host its esteemed parties at venues including Biscayne Bay Yacht Club and Shake a Leg Miami. The Bacardi brand represents a tradition of excellence, a value which plays out across all aspects of the 2018 Bacardi Cup Invitational Regatta. The driving passion of the organizing committee behind the Bacardi Cup is simple – to run an exceptional event that attracts teams to return year after year, as well as welcoming a host of newcomers. Excellence on the water will be ensured by the Race Management team who are amongst the world’s best, delivering racing at the highest level. A special thank you to this year’s event sponsors and supporters: North Sails, Coral Reef Sailing Apparel, Hatuey, S.Pellegrino, Gubinelli, Tuuci, Nautical Channel, Sun Orchard, Regatta Gingerbeer, Ocean Navigator, Jaguar therapeutics, Coco Walk and the City of Coconut Grove. A full media package will detail racing and shore-‐side activities for both competitors and sailing fans, and will include daily video highlights, social media, worldwide news distribution, as well as keeping racing enthusiasts and media apprised with daily race reports and photo galleries. For more information: bacardiinvitational.com Full results available at https://www.yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eID=4517 Photos and videos available at http://bacardiinvitational.com/press/ Password: PRESS1 Text Credits: ICARUS Sports Photo Credits: Marco Oquendo / Gilles Morelle
Notes to Editors About Bacardi Bacardi is the largest privately held spirits company in the world, producing and marketing internationally recognized spirits and wines. The company boasts an impressive portfolio of more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ rum, the world’s best-selling and most-awarded rum; GREY GOOSE vodka, the world’s leading super-premium vodka; DEWAR’S Blended Scotch whisky, the world’s most awarded blended Scotch; BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin, MARTINI vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES 100% blue agave tequila and many more. Founded more than 155 years ago in Santiago de Cuba on February 4, 1862, family-owned Bacardi employs nearly 6,000 people, manufactures its brands at 29 facilities and sells in more than 170 countries. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. About North Sails North Sails is a unique sailmaker, built on a champion spirit. Founded in 1957 by Lowell North who applied an engineer’s logic to a traditional craft, North Sails transformed the industry and has become the world leader in sailmaking technology. North Sails is the largest division of North Technology Group and the brand’s history of innovation and winning has continued to produce generations of product breakthroughs and champions. In 2014, the brand expanded their profile to include North Sails Apparel, a lifestyle collection that brings the sailmaker’s love of design and technology into fashion. The apparel collections continually develop element-defying materials that allow users to navigate the sea and modern life. About ICARUS Sports ICARUS Sports is a leading Sports Media company, with an extensive portfolio covering more than eighty events worldwide per year, while at the same time producing own documentary series of programmes. As the world's leading sailing and extreme sports content producer and provider, ICARUS Sports distributes content to a vast network of broadcasters and online media, which extends to more than 160 countries, and a total cumulative annual TV broadcast of more than 30,000 hours worldwide.
LIVE PASSIONATELY. DRINK RESPONSIBLY. BACARDÍ, its label, its bottle design and the Bat Device are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Bacardi & Company Limited. © 2018, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.