Ready to Rumble: Bacardi Winter Series Kicks Off
Event doubles as Melges 24 North American Championship
January 22, 2026 - Miami, FL, USA — The road starts here. Bacardi Winter Series Event No. 1 launches January 23-25 on Biscayne Bay, bringing the J/70 and Melges 24 fleets back to Miami for the opening act of the 2026 Bacardi racing season.
Nearly 60 boats are launched and ready. Hosted at Shake-A-Leg Miami, the three-day regatta sets the tone for winter sailing at its best, pairing elite one-design racing with Bacardi’s signature hospitality in the heart of Coconut Grove.
“This kickoff event is where momentum is built,” said Eddie Cutillas of Bacardi USA. “Bacardi regattas have always been about bringing the best sailors together, hosting competitive racing, and celebrating friendships that last year after year.”
Melges 24 Milestones
This weekend’s regatta carries added weight, as it also serves as the Melges 24 North American Championship. With the fleet’s world championship returning to the United States later this year, Bacardi marks a critical early-season proving ground. For many, the road to the Worlds begins here.
Among the new faces is helmswoman Lizz Flowers, making her sportboat debut with a new Melges 24 program, Mini Gal. The new team name nods to the WallyCento maxi yacht Galateia, which she helmed to a world championship title in September.
Beyond the North American title, this event marks the grand finale of the 2025 M24 North American Sailing Series. Peter McClennen’s Gamecock currently leads the North American Sailing Series standings. Geoff Fargo’s Sentinel and Steve Boho’s The 300 are locked in a tie for second and third, respectively, only one point behind McClennen.
Also keep an eye on Laura Grondin, Bora Gulari, Drew Freides, Harry Melges IV, and more.
Bacardi Hospitality Shines
When racing wraps up each day, the open Bacardi bar takes center stage. Bacardi hospitality turns competition into community and makes this city feel like home for sailors from around the world.
The Bacardi Invitational Winter Series is made possible by the partners who support it year after year. Bacardi proudly celebrates 99 years of supporting sailing, an unmatched legacy in sport. The event is hosted at Shake-A-Leg Miami with race management support from Coconut Grove Sailing Club and Sail22. North Sails will provide weather briefings, post-race debriefs, and on-site sail service. Centennial Bank, Regatta Brokerage, and Palm Beach Yachts are valued supporters.
Racing begins Friday, January 23.
The season starts now.
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Photo & Text Credits: Hannah Lee Noll
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