| MIAMI, FL. USA-(2-4-2004) The rock stars of sailing regattas are heading back to Biscayne Bay in March 2004 to compete in the only Cuban-born sporting event that survives today in the United States - The 2004 Trofeo BACARDI. World champions, Olympic medallists and former BACARDI Cup champions such as Mark Reynolds of San Diego, Paul Cayard of San Francisco, Xavier Rohart of France, Ian Walker of Australia, Iain Percy of Great Britain, Peter Bromby of Bermuda, Ross Macdonald of Canada, Torben Grael of Brazil, and Fredrik Loof of Sweden are expected to go head to head in the 77 th running of the legendary BACARDI Cup Regatta. More than 100 two-man teams from 22 countries will be competing as a tune-up for Star Class racing in the Athens 2004 Olympics and forming perhaps one of the longest and most impressive starting lines ever on Biscayne Bay, Miami. `There is no race quite like the BACARDI Cup which embodies class, sportsmanship and the spirit of racing,` said Jose Argamasilla Bacardi, great grandson of the BACARDI founder. `This is where seasoned amateurs can test their skills against the best sailors in the world.` Star Class Racing
All participants compete aboard 22-foot Olympic-class Star sloops, the oldest Olympic class having been first used in 1932. Race teams comprise two members: a skipper and crew. Participants sail one race each of six days on a 10.5-mile course. The six races of the BACARDI Cup, beginning this year on Sunday, Mar. 7, will each proclaim a daily winner, with the overall winning team demonstrating the best performance in five of the six races. The Coral Reef Yacht Club and the U.S. Sailing Center in Coconut Grove will serve as race headquarters. The BACARDI Cup is sponsored in full by BACARDI U.S.A., Inc. For more information visit www.starclass.org or www.bacardicup.com
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