The Royal Ocean Racing Club wanted to create an international offshore race and hundreds of competitors from 22 different countries are in Antigua, to take part in the RORC Caribbean 600 in association with Antigua Yacht Club.
Antigua has been suffering from a water shortage, it hasn't rained here for some time but today at 07:15 local time, a refreshing squall fell over English Harbour, washing down the boats prior to departure.
In terms of racing, this is quite significant, squalls are like bullets of breeze and using them to your advantage will be a key to improving performance in this race.
"The weather pattern is more uncertain than last year and this race could prove to be far more tactical, it is a very open race, there is a chance for everyone," commented Eddie Warden Owen, Chief Executive RORC.
John Burnie's ORMA 60, Region Guadeloupe are confident they could break their multi-hull record from last year. "If anything there was too much wind last year that combined with the sea state meant that we had to sail the boat slower than her potential. With the flat water and medium breeze that we are expecting we should be able to have more consistent boat speed and there are a few places that we are aware of where we lost time last year," commented John Burnie.
At 1230 local time (GMT-4), the 2nd RORC Caribbean 600 starts off Fort Charlotte, English Harbour, Antigua.
