For nearly 50 years, March on Biscayne Bay meant one thing-the Star Class’s star studded BACARDI CUP. They’ve had the place virtually to themselves, but this winter, with the creation of Bacardi Miami Sailing Week, an invitational one-design regatta run concurrently with the BACARDI CUP, they’ll have a lot more company on the water and in the hospitality suite.

“BACARDI wanted something more, to expand the Cup to a bigger event,” says Gabriele Pedone, of STUDIOMILANO, a Miami-based firm tasked with launching and running the event. “The BACARDI CUP will always be the capstone event, and when we approached a number of classes, the reception was awesome. They were excited to be part of something with such a rich history.”

The March 7 to 13 regatta will have three circles-one reserved exclusively for the Stars. The resurgent Viper 640 class was the first to accept its invitation, classifying the regatta as its North Americans. The Melges 20 class will use it as a stop on their Audi Sailing Series, and the Melges 24 and J/24 classes are in as well.

Pedone says that the City of Miami is rallying behind the event, too; it’s keen to capitalize on the estimated 20,000 sailors that already come to Miami each winter. “It has a lot of influence, so we’ve gotten great deals on hotels and restaurants, and it’s given us big areas to use for free trailer parking and hospitality areas.”

With such assistance, says Pedone, they’ve been able keep entry fees to approximately $100 per person, and to deliver what he says will be a vibrant regatta village conveniently located on Dinner Key, with free parking, VIP lounge, vendors, interactive games, and even a volleyball court. But more importantly, he adds, the sailing will be classic Miami in March-the same conditions that have lured Star sailors back for 47 years-warm sun, warm water, and reliable winds.

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