99th Bacardi Cup Day 1
by Hannah Lee Noll 3 Mar 06:05 UTC
March 2-7, 2026
Biscayne Bay brimming with Stars on day 1 of the 99th Bacardi Cup © Hannah Lee Noll
Cayard and Kleen edge Kusznierewicz and Prada in dramatic photo finish
The 99th Bacardi Cup opened Monday with champagne sailing and a close finish that set the tone for the week ahead. On a 15 to 17 knot champagne day, 77 Star teams charged off the line on Biscayne Bay for the first of six scheduled races.
After more than two hours of long-course racing, Paul Cayard and Frithjof Kleen (USA) claimed the opening victory over six-time consecutive Bacardi Cup champions Mateusz Kusznierewicz and Bruno Prada (POL). Robert Scheidt and Austin Sperry (BRA) finished third.
"The competition is super strong," said five-time Olympic medalist Robert Scheidt. "It's like a world championship. There's a mix of Olympic medalists, world champions, and legends of the sport. The racing is fierce, but the camaraderie is most special. That's what makes the Star Class unique."
The opening beat stretched more than two nautical miles, with the left side paying early before the breeze began oscillating across the course.
"It was a beautiful day on the water," said Kusznierewicz. "Champagne conditions. But very tactical. On the final beat we were waiting for a right shift. It came just a little too late."
That late shift defined the finish.
On the final approach, the leaders split one last time. As Kusznierewicz and Prada gained at the top of the final beat from the right, they appeared poised to overtake Cayard and Kleen in the final moments. Cayard recognized the favored end of the finish line and held his lane.
"Mateusz was physically ahead of us," said Cayard. "If I had gone to him, he would have crossed me. But the wind had shifted so far right that we could nearly lay the finish. We tacked and managed to hold on."
Behind the front three, Diego Negri and Sergio Lambertenghi (ITA) finished fourth, followed by Brian Ledbetter and Brian Terhaar (USA) in fifth.
Race 1 Results: (top five)
1. Paul Cayard/Frithjof Kleen (USA)
2. Mateusz Kusznierewicz/Bruno Prada (POL)
3. Robert Scheidt/Austin Sperry (BRA)
4. Diego Negri/Sergio Lambertenghi (ITA)
5. Brian Ledbetter/Brian Terhaar (USA)
Suits & Ties
Following opening-day tradition, the fleet gathered tonight at Bacardi's new global headquarters for a private Star Class party, an annual celebration that blends heritage, hospitality, and respect for the competition.
Addressing the fleet, Bacardi USA's Eddie Cutillas underscored the significance of the moment.
"The Bacardi Cup is not just another regatta. It is history. It is loyalty," said Cutillas. "For almost one hundred years, Bacardi has stood behind this class through change, through growth, through generations of sailors. We're hoping this goes another ninety-nine, another hundred years."
A Youthful Signal for the Star Class
Monday's start line also marked a notable milestone. Of the 77 entries, 10 teams are under 30 years old. For a century-old class known for its celebrated champions and technical demands, the U30 presence signals continued generational momentum within the fleet.
Racing resumes Tuesday with the Race Two starting gun scheduled for noon.
The 99th Bacardi Cup is supported by Centennial Bank, North Sails, Shore Premier Finance, Palm Beach Yachts, Regatta Brokerage - the Brian Kamilar Team and Shake-A-Leg Miami.
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