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What started out as a three-day event with less than 10 boats in 1927, year on year attracts an international line-up of the best sailors. Nine decades after its foundation, sailors the world over still aspire to participate in the BACARDI Cup, celebrate the regatta’s glorious history and secure their names on the prestigious trophies.

Uniting generations, the BACARDI Cup is like no other event combining six world class race days of pure drama and spectacle, followed by a party atmosphere ashore. The regatta remains a landmark event for the Bacardi Rum brand and Bacardi family.

The enduring legacy of friendship
The tradition of camaraderie and competition surrounding the BACARDI Cup began in Havana, Cuba where it was first sailed as part of the Mid-Winter Championship known as the Cup of Cuba.

For the next 30 years the BACARDI Cup established an esteemed reputation for competition and hospitality. The tradition flourished until political unrest forced BACARDI to leave Cuba in 1957, the last year the BACARDI Cup was hosted by Cuba. It was also cancelled in 1934, during World War II from 1943-1947 and again in 1956.

In 1962, the regatta found a new home in Coconut Grove/Miami at the Coral Reef Yacht Club, where it has continued to sail from every year since. Thanks to the friendship and pioneering spirt of Tito Argamasilla Bacardi, the great grandson of the Bacardi founders, Ding Schoonmaker and Frank Zagarino, the phenomenal legacy and future of the Bacardi Cup was sealed with its transition to Biscayne Bay. Miami native Schoonmaker, former World Champion and eight-time BACARDI Cup winner, and Frank Zagarino, 1969 Bacardi Cup winner, are credited with making the transition work. Ding won his first BACARDI Cup in Havana at the age of 19. Their friendship saved not only the regatta, but the future of an international tradition. Miami became the modern-day home of the BACARDI Cup and the racing home of the Star Class.

The BACARDI Cup is the only Cuban-born sporting event to survive in the United States. It is sponsored in full by Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.

Genius on the water
The BACARDI Cup has grown significantly since, whilst steadfastly retaining its heritage. True to its history, the regatta stays loyal to the initial concept of inclusivity, where Olympic medallists, World Champions, legends, weekend warriors and enthusiasts of all ages race side by side.

Despite its relaxed atmosphere and nostalgia, the BACARDI Cup is renowned for its twists and turns. Staking your place on the leaderboard is never assured, and the challenge for victory remains as tough today as the first edition. Sailors dream of winning the BACARDI Cup – even just once.

Sailing Legends
Since 1927, forty-five different skippers have claimed the BACARDI Cup crown. Ding Schoonmaker stands as the undisputed king, with eight victories between 1951 and 1977. Mark Reynolds got closest to challenging Schoonmaker's record, boasting seven wins between 1984 and 2002.

More recently, Mateusz Kusznierewicz and Bruno Prada have made history with five consecutive wins since 2020.

More than a regatta
Regattas can’t just be about sailing. What makes the BACARDI Cup are the people, the sailors, the race committee, the volunteers, the Bacardi flair, the warm weather, crystal clear water, live music, party tempo – and the intrinsic joy and sensation to be part of something so exceptional.

Celebrating 100 years in 1927, the BACARDI Cup will no doubt continue to lead the sport into the future and retain its role as a unique international sailing tradition.

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