Germans Win Bacardi Cup Opener

Miami, FL (March 7, 2016) – The 89th Bacardi Cup got underway today for 69 Star teams, beginning the six day event that concludes March 12. With one race held daily, Germans Robert Stanjek and Frithjof Kleen took today’s bullet followed by Peter Vessella/ Phil Trinter (USA) and Arthur Anosov/ Edward Morey (USA).

With winds around 18 to 20 knots from the East, the racing area was set about 1.75 miles south of Dinner Key Channel with 2-mile legs.

Eager to get started, 69 boats checked in for the 1st race of the event with a slight delay due to a large number of boats entering the bay and then more delays due to strong winds and mark positioning issues. After the first race was abandoned, the re-start endured six general recalls.

The first boat around the weather was Mark Robert Stanjek / Frithjof Kleen (Germany), Arthur Anosov / Edward Morey (USA) and Peter Vessella / Phil Trinter (USA), second and third respectively. From here onwards the trio battled till the end for the first three positions.

“Today was a tough day,” says Frithjof Kleen sailing GER 8340. “We didn’t enjoy the long wait before getting the race started; it was two long hours; disappointing. In any case it’s great to be back in Miami for the Bacardi Cup and then for the upcoming Star Worlds. We have a charter boat and Robert and I have to learn the boat and improve. Despite the win we are not there yet and we are not 100% happy even if it’s always great to collect a first in the legendary Bacardi Cup.”

Peter Vessella collected a second place in today’s race: “Today was a very physical and mentally challenging regatta. We had good shifts at first and it was easy to stay with the top group. Definitely a grind true Star race!”

Behind the duo Anosof/Morey in fourth place the back-to-back champions Lars Grael and Samuel Goncalves from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. “Strong winds today, happy to be in the top five!” commented Lars Grael. “We look forward to a third back to back to back win in this great regatta, and we will try to achieve it with a great average. Robert (Stanjek) deserved the win and it shows why they are World Champions.”

While the racing of the Bacardi Cup is for the Star Class only, on Thursday, March 10 the J/70, Viper 640, VX One and A-Cat classes will join the Stars to race the 7th Bacardi Miami Sailing Week, which all continue until Saturday, March 12.

This year’s on the water activities are coordinated by Coral Reef Yacht Club in collaboration with the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club and with the help of the U.S. Sailing Center and Shake-A-Leg Miami.

Details: BACARDI Miami Sailing Week – 89th BACARDI Cup – Event details – Facebook

Report by event media.