For American sailors in eight of the Olympic classes and the 2.4mR, the event is the first of two that will determine the US Olympic sailing team for this summer's Games.

"There's a lot at stake this year at Sailing World Cup Miami," said Josh Adams, managing director of US Olympic Sailing.

"For the first time in the event's 27-year history, it's being used as part of the US selection process and part of country qualification process for the 2016 Olympic Games.

"The training leading up to this regatta is at a very high level.

"For the US Sailing Team Sperry and our overall Olympic programme, there's great value in this event.

"Our athletes are able to go out and train against the world's best."

The Sailing World Cup in Miami is US Sailing's premiere racing event and the second of the six-regatta 2016 season.

Action is scheduled to feature all 10 Olympic classes and two of three Paralympic classes, the 2.4mR and Sonar.

Athletes, volunteers and regatta officials were all in attendance at the Opening Ceremony on the lawn of the Coral Reef Yacht Club.

The 68 nations represented breaks the record set in 2015.

"Sailing World Cup Miami is a pivotal event for Olympic sailors on the road to Rio," said Sailing World Cup manager, Antonio Gonzalez de la Madrid.

"The calibre of the athletes that will be on show in Miami is exceptional and many of the medallists here will be on the Olympic podium in August.

"Racing in Miami in January provides a welcome respite for the European sailors looking to escape the European winter."

Among those competing are Italian world champions Giulia Conti and Francesca Clapcich in the 49erFX, France’s Billy Besson and Marie Riou in the Nacra 17 and Danish Laser Radial star Anne Marie Rindom.

Racing is due to conclude on Saturday (January 30) with the double-point medal races.

The Sailing World Cup in Miami is presented by Sunbrella.