The RORC Caribbean 600 attracts the world's fastest racing yachts, magnificent superyachts and corinthian production cruisers. Gathered in Antigua for the start of the 600-mile blast around 11 Caribbean islands, the fleet is a phenomenal sight. Among the spectacular entries this year are two colossal schooners; Eleonora and Adela, with at least 12 classic-designed yachts joining them on the race course.

Adela dates back to 1903 and at 182ft (55 metres), she is the largest yacht competing in the race. Displacing 250 tons and capable of 17 knots of boat speed, the forces on board are off the charts; the mainsail alone can generate 50 tons of load. Adela has an extraordinary record in the race; coming in the top ten overall under IRC in all four races she has competed in, including third overall in 2013. Adela is unbeaten in the Spirit of Tradition Class and is likely to have 35 crew for this year's race. Since she last competed in 2015, the schooner has undergone major modifications to her rudder and keel. Changing a headsail on Adela requires crew out on her mighty bowsprit, a position for agile, strong and trustworthy crew.

"We are really starting from scratch in terms of how to sail Adela after the refit," commented crew boss Guy Salter. "There have also been a few changes to the crew, so we will be working on boat handling in the run up to the race. We still have ‘Shag’ on the helm and that is a good thing. Experienced guys from the Maxi era are the closest thing to experts on driving these sort of boats and when you have crew on the bowsprit, which is really just an extension of the foredeck, you need someone on the helm who knows how to drive a displacement yacht. He won't come up at a mark until it is safe to do so. Protecting the crew is the most important part of the race."

The crew of the 162ft Eleonora, the exact replica of the famous 1910 Herreshoff schooner Westward will include members of the Royal Yacht Squadron and Royal Ocean Racing Club © onEdition

Displacing 213 tons with an overall length of 162ft (49.5 metres), Eleonora is an exact replica of the famous 1910 Herreshoff schooner Westward. Since her launch in 2000 she has followed Westward’s heritage of racing, however, this will be Eleonora's first RORC Caribbean 600.
"It is an event that the crew have been looking forward to ever since it was decided to enter," explains Brendan McCoy, Captain of Eleonora. "Adela has shown formidable speed in the Caribbean 600 and she has an advantage over us in waterline length and sail area, so it will be against the odds to beat her over the water. On IRC rating, we just don't know how we will fair and the conditions will play a big part. However, it will be an achievement to sail Eleonora well around the course. There are so many manoeuvres; it will be a real challenge for the crew and that is what we are looking forward to. For the race, we will have members from the Royal Yacht Squadron and the Royal Ocean Racing Club on board and we are keen to ensure they all have a memorable race."

Classic yachts have always been a part of the RORC Caribbean 600. Competing this year is the 78ft Maxi Kialoa III, best remembered for victory in the 1975 Sydney Hobart, with the race record lasting for 21 years. The 70ft mahogany ketch, El Oro which was originally owned by the founder of Bic pens has been sailed from Australia to compete. Mat Barker's 65ft sloop, The Blue Peter has unfinished business after retiring from last year's race. The Blue Peter is a true classic, almost unchanged since being launched in 1929.

Nine majestic yachts, built by Nautor's Swan will also be competing this year, including three classics designed by Sparkman & Stephens; Swan 48s, Isbjorn and Sleeper, a Swan 44 Freebird. Other classic designed sloops in the RORC Caribbean 600 include the 88ft Dutch Frers, Tulip, Irish C.N.B Briand 76ft, Lilla and Hound, a 60ft Nielsen Custom from the United States.

The 9th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 will start from Antigua on February 20th 2017 and in excess of 70 yachts are expected, with over 900 sailors from 24 different countries taking part.

The Royal Ocean Racing Club has partnered with Rolex SA, adding the RORC Caribbean 600 to the leading Swiss watchmaker's prestigious roster of yachting events around the world.

The RORC Caribbean 600 has quickly become an important event in ocean racing circles in the course of its short history and a 'must do' race on the calendar of those who take their ocean racing seriously. The RORC Caribbean 600 circumnavigates 11 of the Leeward Islands, starting and finishing in Antigua, going as far north as St. Maarten and as far south as Guadeloupe. The race has grown steadily in its nine-year history and the 2017 edition is due to have a new record entry of over 70 boats.

Commodore of RORC, Michael Boyd is delighted at the rapid development of the RORC Caribbean 600:

"Next year is the tenth anniversary of the RORC Caribbean 600 and with Rolex's support we fully expect to see up to 100 boats competing. This event is quickly becoming a priority on the international racing circuit and we look forward to its continued success for many years to come.

"The Royal Ocean Racing Club has had a strong relationship with Rolex for over 16 years, since 2001, as title sponsor of the Rolex Fastnet Race, which attracts some of the best boats and top sailors from all around the world," commented Boyd."

The 9th edition of the race starts in Antigua on 20th February 2017 at 1100.

For more information please go to the event minisite: http://caribbean600.rorc.org/

Latest Facts & Stats for media HERE

Entry List as at 23.1.17 HERE

© RORC/Tim Wright/Photoaction.com

Next month, more than 70 yachts are expected to take part in the RORC Caribbean 600, the Royal Ocean Racing Club's stunning race around 11 Caribbean islands. American yachts have had a winning streak in this classic offshore race, winning five out of eight editions of the 600-miler, starting and finishing in Antigua.

With 16 entries, the largest number of American boats ever seen on the race course will include several serious race teams with a chance of winning the overall trophy. Past winners from the U.S. on the start line on Monday 20th February will include the current holder of the RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy from 2016, George Sakellaris, Proteus, Maxi 72 (USA) as well as some of the other American overall winners: 2015: Hap Fauth, Bella Mente, JV72 (USA); 2014: George Sakellaris, RP72, Shockwave (USA); 2013: Ron O'Hanley, Privateer, Cookson 50 (USA) and 2011: George David, Rambler 100, JK 100 (USA).
Favourites, for both line honours and the overall win are likely to come from the USA, even though British contenders lead the impressive list of entries in terms of number of boats from around the globe.

The fastest boat in the race is the American trimaran, the MOD70, Phaedo³ owned and skippered by Lloyd Thornburg who grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Phaedo³ set the multihull record last year, hurtling around the course at speeds in excess of 30 knots and topping out nearer 40, crossing the finish line in an elapsed time of 31 hours, 59 minutes, 04 seconds and breaking their previous race record. Team Phaedo is back to defend their title and will be taking a tilt at their own record once again.

15 Maxi yachts have already entered the RORC Caribbean 600, including American Maxi, Rambler 88 skippered by George David from New York. In 2011, George David's Rambler 100 scorched round the track in a time of 40 hours 20 minutes 02 seconds setting the monohull race record and winning the race overall. This year, George David's Rambler 88, although smaller than his previous Rambler 100, will be hoping for the right conditions to better the race record.

Two American owned boats, that on recent results must be regarded as joint favourites, are the highly tuned and professionally sailed Maxi 72's, Proteus and Bella Mente. George Sakellaris from Massachusetts, USA has won the race twice before and will hope to be the first team to retain the RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy and win the race for a third time. He will however have to beat the highly competitive world-class team on Bella Mente, skippered by Hap Fauth from Long Island, New York. Bella Mente won the race overall in 2015, however, last year the Maxi72 had to retire after suffering a major failure to her keel.

Two-time Olympian and multiple World Champion, Mark Mendleblatt from Florida, USA has won the race as part of George Sakellaris' afterguard and will be racing on Proteus this year:

"I don't know why more American boats do not participate," commented Mark Mendleblatt. "From Florida you can easily deliver the boat there on its bottom. Logistically, the race starts and finishes in Antigua and the marina, facilities and accommodation are excellent and less expensive than back home. The RORC Caribbean 600 is a fantastic race with great breeze, a lot of tactical calls, manoeuvres and sail changes. The start line is something really special; racing past a dramatic coastline, with superyachts, schooners and top ocean racers. During the race there is no respite and we are sure to have a great battle with Bella Mente. Whoever pushes the hardest will probably win. I am happy to take any role on board, but when you are at the helm with world class trimmers and crew calling the breeze in fast reaching conditions, it is the kind of racing that we all dream about."

Over 900 sailors from 24 different countries are anticipated to take part in the 2017 RORC Caribbean 600.

For the latest entry list and more information: http://caribbean600.rorc.org/

RORC CARIBBEAN 600 TROPHY - IRC OVERALL WINNERS
2016 - George Sakellaris, Proteus Maxi 72 (USA)
2015 - Hap Fauth, Bella Mente, JV72 (USA)
2014 - George Sakellaris, RP72, Shockwave (USA)
2013 - Ron O'Hanley, Privateer, Cookson 50 (USA)
2012 - Niklas Zennström's JV72, Rán (GBR)
2011 - George David, Rambler 100, JK 100 (USA)
2010 - Karl C L Kwok, Beau Geste, Farr 80 (HKG)
2009 - Adrian Lee, Lee Overlay Partners, Cookson 50 (IRL)

Thirty-four yachts have officially entered the ninth edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 starting from Antigua on Monday 20th February 2017. With almost double the number of entries as this time last year, the race has already attracted a magnificent fleet and is expected to better last year's record entry of 70 yachts.

Over the next four months, a huge variety of yachts will arrive in Antigua, along with crews from all corners of the world in order to prepare for the start of the Royal Ocean Racing Club's 600 mile yacht race around eleven Caribbean islands.

"The RORC Caribbean 600 is the only true offshore race in the West Indies and is a very attractive event for many sailors. I love every part of the race as you have to navigate to always put the boat in the right place, even though the situation is often changing," explains veteran French round the world sailor, Lionel Péan who is skippering the physically demanding Volvo 70, SFS II in the 2017 edition.

"The race requires full mental concentration and that is one of its most exciting values. You always have to ask yourself questions about your decisions and it is also a very technical race from one leg to another. There are always decisions to be made and many effects from the land. Racing around so many tropical islands in great weather is very beautiful. The RORC Caribbean 600 is a very unique race," says Péan, whose nickname is 'the Rock' (and it's not just about his rugby player physique).

Lionel Péan set his sights on winning the Whitbread Round the World Race for France and achieved his goal, as skipper of Esprit d'Équipe in 1986. Before his round the world win, Péan won the 1983 Solitaire du Figaro, but his first real test was the 1979 Mini Transat which finished in Antigua. Péan has raced the RORC Caribbean 600 previously, coming third overall in 2011 on Peter Harrison's 114ft Superyacht, Sojana. For the 2017 RORC Caribbean 600, monohull line honours and the overall win under IRC, will be the twin goals for SFS II.

“The Mini Transat was my first solo crossing of the Atlantic and I fell in love with Antigua and its people. It is always a joy to return to Antigua and spend time with great friends and the RORC Caribbean 600 will bring many of us together.
SFS II is a Volvo 70 designed for offshore racing and especially for reaching, which is a main feature in this race,” comments Péan. “The Volvo 70 is perfect in this format so the '600 will be much more suited to our team than any race we've done with the boat. However, we will have a bigger crew than we would for an oceanic race. You have so many manoeuvres on a race like the ‘600; you eat up the crew all the time from sail changes and grinding and need a very good fit crew. We will probably race with 15 and not all of them are super-strong, but they are passionate and dedicated Figaro sailors which makes up for any lack of power.”

Adela, one of the world's fastest schooners is back for a fifth RORC Caribbean 600. The 182ft twin-masted schooner dates back to 1903 and has recently undergone an extensive re-fit at Pendennis in Falmouth, UK. Performance enhancements under the water and new carbon rigging will complement an extensive sail wardrobe of hi-tech sails, including 'Big Red' a spinnaker of 1000 sq. metres. The schooner has an extraordinary record in the race; coming in the top ten overall under IRC in every race she has competed in, including third overall in 2013. Adela is also unbeaten in the Spirit of Tradition Class.

Adela's skipper, Greg Norwood-Perkins spoke about the RORC Caribbean 600 from the schooner, mid-Atlantic, en route to Antigua:

“The Caribbean, especially the Windward and Leeward Islands are hard to beat for sailing condition for Adela, says Norwood-Perkins. “Now throw in a race where you are competing with similar yachts and it adds further excitement to the venture. One that you just want to keep doing again and again. The RORC Caribbean 600 is top of the list for ‘must to do’ yachting. With more boats every year signing up to be on the start line, it is becoming a race that is increasingly harder to ignore on the racing calendar!

“On Adela we have to deal with the logistics of organising a large race crew so Antigua, and specifically English Harbour and Falmouth with their array of good hotels, restaurants, bars and marine-associated businesses, make the task so much easier. Cruising the Caribbean as much as we have and competing in four RORC 600 to date, we can categorically state that Antigua is the perfect venue for such an event. Compliments also need to be made in the seemingly faultless organisation of the event by the RORC and the association with Antigua Yacht Club.”

For more information please go to: http://caribbean600.rorc.org/

The Royal Ocean Racing Club is pleased to announce Sevenstar Yacht Transport as the Official Logistics Partner to the RORC Caribbean 600 starting in Antigua on 20th February 2017.

"The RORC have had a long and fruitful relationship with Sevenstar through their title sponsorship of the quadrennial Round Britain and Ireland race. We are delighted that they have extended this partnership by becoming the logistics provider for the incredibly successful RORC Caribbean 600, with the ability to provide cost-effective shipping solutions for boats travelling from Europe and America," says Michael Boyd, RORC Commodore.

Sevenstar is the world leader in the transport of yachts and equipment all around the world, and has recently added the Racing Yacht Logistics division to specifically cater for the yacht racing community. 

Although Sevenstar operate worldwide, much of its business involves shipping to and from the Caribbean and Sevenstar Racing Yacht Logistics will offer competitors a team of experts to advise on race yacht transport. The new division will also ship other essential racing equipment, including spares, masts and RIBs, making sure that teams are fully race-ready by the time the start gun goes off.

"Sevenstar Yacht Transport is delighted to continue its association with the RORC, to add to its title sponsorship of the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race. We very much look forward to being the Official Logistics Partner of the RORC Caribbean 600 and are ready to be of service to its competitors," says Wouter Verbraak, pro-sailor and Head of Sevenstar Racing Yacht Logistics.

The RORC Caribbean 600 is a highly challenging and tactical 600-mile race that takes competitors around some of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. This 9th edition of the race will take place on 20th February 2017 and attracts an unprecedented fleet, featuring many of the world's most spectacular and high profile boats and crews, with race teams flying in from all around the world. These include Volvo Ocean Race, America's Cup and world-class sailors, along with RORC offshore racers and passionate adventurers; all competing on the same race course offering sublime conditions; guaranteed trade winds, sunshine and warm water, that keep them coming back for more.

For more information about Sevenstar Yacht Transport's services and for competitors interested in shipping their boats to the Caribbean for the race, please click here.

Watch the highlights from the start of the 2017 RORC Caribbean 600, as battle ensues within the races largest ever fleet.

With 80 yachts competing, including some of the world's best-known racing teams, the 9th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 offshore race around 11 islands is about to get underway. Interviews, preparation and practice action from Antigua.

Click Read More to see all the videos in the Official Playlist and the collection of videos by competitors

The 8th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 started in spectacular style with the record 70-yacht fleet gathering in the starting area outside English Harbour, Antigua. Under the Pillars of Hercules, the magnificent collection of yachts started the 600 mile race around 11 Caribbean islands. Five highly competitive starts thrilled hundreds of spectators lining the cliffs at Shirley Heights and Fort Charlotte. Not only was this a record fleet for the RORC Caribbean 600, it was undoubtedly the highest quality of participants since the inaugural race in 2009.

The RORC Caribbean 600 came to its traditional conclusion with a memorable prizegiving party at Antigua Yacht Club. Winners were presented with a fine array of silverware, decanters, medallions and an engraved English Harbour Rum decanter for every boat. The RORC were delighted to have the Hon. Asot Michael (Minister for Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy), the Hon. Chet Greene (Minister for Sports) and His Excellency The Governor General, Sir Rodney Williams at the proceedings to present the trophies to the winning crews. The party continued late into the night with dancing to the sounds of Itchy Feet

You can find a selection of photos from the evening on the RORC Gallery here.

On the fifth day of the RORC Caribbean 600 three yachts were still racing: RORC member, Peter Hopps, skipper of British Sigma 38, Sam was just five miles from completing his eighth RORC Caribbean 600. Aleksandra Jankowska's Polish team racing Dufour 40, Porfavor was 15miles from the finish and Girls For Sail's British First 40.7, Hot Stuff, skippered by Sophie O'Neill was 56 miles from the finish. The RORC Caribbean 600 prize giving will be held tonight and all of the class winners have now been decided.

Hear what the crews on the fastest yachts have to say about this year's race. A new course record for Lloyd Thornburg's MOD70 Phaedo3, a near record for Jim Clark and Kristy Hinze Clark's, VPLP/Verdier 100, Comanche and Hap Fauth's JV 72, Bella Mente is forced to retire. Plus a look at VO65, Team Brunel rounding the deserted island of Redonda - the last mark rounding in the RORC Caribbean 600.

George Sakellaris’ Maxi72, Proteus (USA) has been declared the overall winner of the 2016 RORC Caribbean 600. Whilst several yachts are still racing, by the afternoon of Thursday 25 February the remaining teams will be unable to better Proteus’ corrected time under IRC. Sakellaris was awarded the RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy for the best corrected time under the IRC Rating rule.

DAY 4 AM UPDATE 1000 AST

The magnificent 213ft schooner, Adix finished the RORC Caribbean 600 at 0703 AST on Thursday 25 February in an elapsed time of 2 days 19 hours 33 minutes 5 seconds to win the Spirit of Tradition Class. Gonzalo Botin's Class40, Tales II finished at 0336 AST, over three hours before Adix. Both yachts are sailed by the same Spanish family and no doubt Gonzalo would have been delighted to win the Spanish duel in a boat that could fit on the stern of the spectacular schooner. Tales II was also the winner of the Class40 division for the third year in a row. The joy of Botin's Tales II team was complete when they crossed the line, breaking their own Class40 record by 11 minutes and 23 seconds to set a new Class40 record of 2 days 16 hours 26 minutes 29 seconds.

A thrilling race between four Maxi72s came to a conclusion on the third day of the RORC Caribbean 600. With the lead changing hands on numerous occasions, George Sakellaris' Proteus was the first Maxi72 to finish the race, just over 20 minutes ahead of Dieter Schön's Momo with Sir Peter Ogden's Jethou third. Last year's overall winner, Hap Fauth's Bella Mente retired with keel problems.

“We have beaten some great boats and the sailing was great and we had a beautiful venue,” smiled George Sakellaris, Proteus’ owner. “During the race we had boat-on-boat action with all of the Maxi72s; Bella Mente, Jethou and Momo, and their teams are all great sailors. Proteus is a powerful boat which helps, but it is all down to the team.”

Jim Clark & Kristy Hinze Clark's American VPLP-Verdier 100 Comanche crossed the finish line of the RORC Caribbean 600 at 03.45 on Wednesday morning with an elapsed time of 40 Hours 53 Minutes 2 Seconds taking monohull line honours for the race, and only 33 minutes outside the record time set by George David's Rambler 100 in 2011.

NEWSFLASH: Jim & Kristy Hinze Clark's VPLP-Verdier 100 Comanche, crossed the finish line of the RORC Caribbean 600 on Wednesday 24 February at 04 13 02. Taking monohull line honours for the race in an elapsed time of 40hours 53mins 02seconds.

Lloyd Thornburg's MOD70 Phaedo³ Breaks RORC Caribbean 600 Multihull Record

Hurtling around the Caribbean at speeds in excess of 30 knots and topping out nearer 40, often barely a boat length apart, the epic duel between MOD70s Concise 10 and Phaedo³ came to a conclusion after 32 hours of hot racing. Lloyd Thornburg’s MOD70 Phaedo³, co-skippered by Brian Thompson crossed the finish line at Fort Charlotte in an elapsed time of 31hours, 59minutes, 04seconds, breaking their own multihull race record set last year by 1hour 34minutes 26seconds.

Line honours victory and Multihull race record for Phaedo³, Lloyd Thornburg’s MOD70 co-skippered by Brian Thompson, completing the 600nm RORC Caribbean 600 at 19:39:04 AST on Tuesday 23 February. Phaedo³ beat their existing 2015 record of 33hours, 35mins, 30 secs by 1hour 34minutes 26seconds. New Record: 31hours, 59mins, 04seconds.