On Thursday, the classes of the Bacardi Invitational Regatta - J/70, Melges 24, Snipe, Viper, VXOne - will also begin their series. 63 Starboat teams are taking part, including the favorites Mateusz Kusznierewicz POL/Bruno Prada BRA, winners of the last three Bacardis. In addition to numerous US former world champions, 7 German teams will compete, with Piet Eckert SUI/Federico Melo POR and Christoph Gautschi SUI/Steffen Rutz GER representing Switzerland. ----- The event website.