Dark Horse / Team RRH — Declared Winners at Bacardi Winter Series Event 1

15 December, 2024 - Miami, USA - The highly anticipated Bacardi Winter Series Event 1, held December 14-15 on Biscayne Bay, Miami, faced tough conditions as strong winds impacted the racing schedule for the 46 participating teams. 

Racing was suspended after one race on Saturday, December 14, with the weather intensifying on Sunday and proving too challenging for racing. However, the event vibe continued off the water at Shake-A-Leg Miami, where teams enjoyed a weekend of camaraderie and Bacardi’s legendary hospitality. 

Sunday's winds surged to 26 knots with gusts hitting 30 knots. The Race Committee initially postponed racing for an hour, hoping for conditions to moderate, but the forecast offered no let up. Principal Race Officer Mark Foster announced the cancellation at the morning competitors’ briefing at Shake-A-Leg Miami. Teams continued to enjoy making the most of their time in Miami.

“Although the conditions on the water were demanding, it was still a fantastic weekend”, commented North Sails’ Allan Terhune, crew on the winning J/70. “We were all in to race, but the Race Committee made the right call. 

“It was great to catch up with other teams ashore, and we truly appreciate the exceptional Bacardi hospitality, which makes the experience unforgettable. We can’t wait to be back in January!”

Dark Horse USA863 - Cuyler Morris with Keiran Searle / Manu Weiler / Charlie Hibben / Elizabeth Whitener

Hannah Lee Noll

Teams gathered at Shake-A-Leg Miami to celebrate the podium finishers at the prize giving ceremony. The overnight results stand after Saturday’s race:

Melges 24 Final Top 5

Melges 24 (One Design - 13 Boats)
1. Dark Horse, Melges 24 24, Cuyler Morris / Keiran Searle / Manu Weiler / Charlie Hibben / Elizabeth Whitener, Aspen, CO, USA
2. Zingara, Melges 24 24, Richard Reid / Brian Kamilar / Serena Vilage / Mark Spearman / Alan Johnson, Port Credit, Ont, CAN
3. TRIM REAPER, Melges 24 24, Brian Wynne / Eddie Adams / Ricky Welch / Emily Alfortish / AJ Pereira, New Orleans, LA, USA 
4. Gamecock, Melges 24 24, Peter McClennen / Mike Marshall / Severin Gramm / Wilson Stout / Seth Rosenthal, Newport, RI, USA 
5. Smile and Wave, Melges 24 24, Jaime Torres / Marty Kullman / Neil Battrum / Nick Amendola / Nick Barta, Puerto Rico, PUR 
Full Results

Photo gallery © Hanah Lee Noll

Team RRH NOR749 - Jan Frederik Dyvi / Jan Borø / Herman Horn-Johannessen / Stian Ness Rørvik / Malin Rørvik-Sundelin

Hannah Lee Noll

 The Melges 24 fleets are primed for action as the series continues to BWS #2 on January 24-26, 2025. The finale will unfold at the Bacardi Cup Invitational Regatta, March 5-8, 2025