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Unfortunately, action for the Star teams competing in the 84th edition of the BACARDI Cup was curtailed yesterday after a severe thunderstorm threat was issued by the National Weather Service.

While the course utilized by the Stars was further offshore, the other classes were competing on two circles closer to shore where the overall conditions delivered water that was surprisingly smoother than yesterday when there had been high chop due to a strong south-southeasterly wind.

"We've got a front coming in that went through Orlando and we've got a feeling that this is all going to turn nasty real quick," said skipper Andrew Campbell (USA) after the Stars were cancelled.

"Obviously, a lot of sailors are disappointed and want to go out. Ultimately, we understand the decision from the race committee which is concerned for the safety of the fleet, especially if lightning and other things become a factor out there. The next couple days of Star sailing are going to be big moving days for a lot of people, so we're going to get out there, stay focused, and do our best."

Breeze from the south around 15 knots greeted the fleets, along with a sharp drop in temperature as a cold front made its way across the bay.

In the 35-boat Melges 24 class, the first win of the series went to Lorenzo Bressani (ITA). Alan Field (Los Angeles, Calif.) sailing with tactician Steve Hunt (San Diego) and crew Sarah Curran, Jeff Reynolds and Erik Shampain placed second, with Riccardo Simoneschi (ITA) taking third.

In the all-American fleet of eight J/24s, Florida teams captured the top-three spots: Brian Kamilar (Miami) with Francisco Bellocchio, Fabio Galarce, Mauricio Galarce and Enrique Quintero placed first; Patricia Walker with Richard Jarchow, Bill Scheureman, Gary Sprague and Thomas Wenzel were second; and Robert Pincus (Miami) with Patricia Amaducci, Eammon Delisser and JB Slater placed third.

The Melges 20 and Viper 640 were also in action on Biscayne Bay.

Racing for the BACARDI Cup resumes Friday 11 March, and continues through Saturday 12 March. For photos, results and additional information on the 84th Bacardi Cup and 2nd annual BACARDI Miami Sailing Week presented by EFG Bank, visit www.BACARDICup.com and www.MiamiSailingWeek.com