The Bacardi Cup

One of the World's Most Prestigious Regattas

The Bacardi Cup traces its origins to Havana, Cuba, where the Trofeo Bacardi was established in 1927 as a premier Star Class regatta. Following the Cuban Revolution, the event came to an end, the Havana Yacht Club was closed, and the Bacardi family relocated to Miami, home to the company's U.S. headquarters.

Recognizing the importance of preserving this celebrated sailing tradition, Coral Reef Yacht Club member, International Star Class Champion, and Past Commodore Carlos de Cárdenas approached Bacardi Corporation President Pepin Bosch in 1961 with a proposal to revive the regatta in Miami. Together, they forged what would become one of the longest-standing partnerships between a private sporting event and a corporate sponsor.

In 1962, the Bacardi Cup found its new home at Coral Reef Yacht Club, where it has flourished ever since. Combining world-class competition with exceptional hospitality, the regatta attracts many of the sport's finest sailors and has earned an international reputation as one of sailing's most iconic events.

The original Trofeo Bacardi trophy, first awarded in 1927, was donated to the International Star Class following the regatta's revival and entrusted to Coral Reef Yacht Club, where it continues to symbolize nearly a century of sailing excellence.

As seven-time Bacardi Cup champion and Star World Champion James "Ding" Schoonmaker said best:

"It's a wonderful event—simply one of the world's best."