Sailing

Coral Reef Boating

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."

Star Class Regattas

Star Winter

The Stars Come Out In Winter
The history of the International Star Class is perhaps the richest of any racing keelboat in the world, and much of that history has been written in South Florida. It’s now time to update that history with a new classic – the Star Winter Series.

For half a century, the world’s best sailors have brought their “Starboats” (as their crews call them) down to the beautiful waters of Biscayne Bay for the best in competition and ambiance in one of the world’s premiere sailing and vacation destinations.

With the Olympic Era over (for now), used Stars are a great value for sailors looking for a fabulously rewarding boat to sail in a class with legendary competition. A stunning performer in all conditions, the Star is a surprisingly good value for any two-person team, and with one of the sport’s best-organized Classes, boats hold their value exceedingly well. For a wealth of information on the history and design of the Star, check the Star Class website.

Beginning in 2012, Starboat owners and crews will be able to show off their Stars during the inaugural Star Winter Series (SWS). Four weekends plus the 4-day Star Midwinter Championship makes the SWS the most intense winter series anywhere, designed to maximum racing time while minimizing hassle and expense.

Store your boat all winter long just meters from host Coral Reef Yacht Club, and get up to 20 days of sailing between November and March. There’s easy launch, easy haul access and assistance with every step of the process up to a full concierge service – you decide. Stay at a five-star spa or an economy hotel – you have the luxury of both in nearby Coconut Grove.

For more information, visit www.starwinter.com

Coral Reef Cup

THE CORAL REEF CUP

The sleek and powerful International Etchells made its first appearance on Biscayne Bay in 1988, competing in the Acura Southern Racing Conference. Within the year, the South Florida Etchells owners founded Etchells Fleet 20 and created a schedule of events for their fledgling fleet that included a Midwinter regatta to follow the SORC.

The initial 1989 Midwinter regatta attracted only eight boats, but from this small beginning the number of entrants rapidly increased to as many as eighty, with competitors from Europe, Canada, and as far away as New Zealand, bringing an international atmosphere to the event.

To accommodate the request for more events, three additional regattas were added sequentially, and in 2007 a fifth was created by Coral Reef Yacht Club: the Coral Reef Cup.

To share the experience of racing an Etchells on beautiful Biscayne Bay in the Coral Reef Cup, watch the video "WHO ARE WE."

NOTICE OF RACE

REGISTER HERE

Timeline of Major Regattas

CORAL REEF YACHT CLUB MAJOR REGATTAS

1957 – Gun Cay Ocean Race. Coral Reef Yacht Club's first regatta.

1959 – One-of-a-Kind Regatta. Yachting magazine.

1960 – Southern Ocean Racing Conference affiliation. Gun Cay Race name changed to Cat Cay Race. Subsequent name and course changes; Ocean Triangle, West End, Lucaya.

1962* – Bacardi Cup. Restoration of Historic 1927 race in Havana, Cuba.

1978* – North American Team Championship for International Optimist Dinghies. Origin of the Orange Bowl International Youth Regatta.

1987 – United States Women's Sailing Championship, the Adams Cup.

2002 – Volvo Round the World Race Miami Stopover.

2003 – Lightning Class World Championship.

2007* – Coral Reef Cup. International Etchells Miami Series.

2008 – International Star Class Yacht Racing Association World Championship.

2012 – Volvo Round the World Race Miami Stopover.

2016 – International Star Class Yacht Racing Association World Championship.

2023 – International Etchells Class World Championship.

* Annual Regatta

STAR CLASS ANNUAL SERIES

1979 – Commodore Carlos de Cardenas Trophy

1990 – Levin Memorial

2003 – Schoonmaker Cup

2004 – Zagarino Masters

2009 – Walker Cup

2022 – Star Midwinters

For the website, I would also add:

2026 – Star Class World Championship (scheduled host club, November 2026)

since that's one of the major accomplishments you mentioned on the new website content.

Trophy Case

Click the picture below for a pictoral file of our Club's Perpetual Trophies

Youth Sailing Wall of Fame

Youth Sailing Wall of Fame

The Coral Reef Yacht Club Youth Sailing Wall of Fame celebrates the outstanding achievements of sailors who have represented CRYC with distinction at the highest levels of competitive sailing. It honors the dedication, sportsmanship, and perseverance of youth sailors whose accomplishments exemplify the tradition of excellence that has defined Coral Reef Yacht Club for generations.

The Wall of Fame recognizes exceptional performances in Optimist, Club 420, I-420, 29er, and ILCA (Laser) competition. Whether competing at national, international, world, or Olympic qualifying events, these sailors have demonstrated the skill, commitment, and character that inspire future generations of CRYC youth sailors.

More than a display of accomplishments, the Youth Sailing Wall of Fame serves as a lasting tribute to the legacy of our Youth Sailing Program and the remarkable young athletes who have proudly represented Coral Reef Yacht Club.

Eligibility

Sailors who meet the qualifying criteria below are invited to submit an application for consideration by the Youth Sailing Committee.

Wall of Fame Qualifying Event form