Antigua, 7 February, 2023: Sponsors of the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s RORC Caribbean 600 and new Nelson’s Cup Series in Antigua are busy preparing for the annual influx of boats and teams from around the world. With just one week to go until the first race in the Series and two weeks until the only 600-mile offshore race in the Caribbean kicks off, the 14th edition - organised in association with Antigua Yacht Club - is raced around 11 Caribbean islands, forming one of the most complex and stunning offshore racecourses in the sport.

“We are grateful to the long list of race sponsors, partners, supporters and volunteers who make the organisation of the RORC Caribbean 600 possible, and who contribute directly to the benefit of the teams coming to Antigua,” explains RORC Racing Manager, Steve Cole. “These include Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority, along with the continued support of a number of Official Partners and Supporters: Connectivity Partner - Axxess Marine; Logistics Partner - Sevenstar Yacht Transport; Official Rum - English Harbour Rum; Official Lager - Carib Lager, and The Inn at English Harbour.”

Axxess Marine - Official Connectivity Partner

After a successful collaboration in last year’s race, Axxess Marine will once again provide and support essential internet connectivity services required by the RORC Race and Media Teams. They will also provide Live Stream connectivity for the start of the RORC Caribbean 600, to enable race fans around the globe to follow all the action as it happens. The winning Class40 will also be presented with the Axxess Marine Trophy, whilst crews will be able to keep online whilst in the Race Village at Antigua Yacht Club, via the Axxess Marina Competitor Wifi Zones.

  Founder of Axxess Marine, Dennis Henri shares his motivation for partnering with the Race: “The RORC Caribbean 600 has always had an impressive number of participants, with an unmatched calibre of yachts, and has been an integral supporter of the Antigua and Barbuda yachting sector for numerous years. This race has assisted with growing our niche market through the influx of yachts who require products and services from local businesses during the season. Axxess Marine has made it a focal point within our company to support any organisation that is closely related to the yachting sector of Antigua (the home of our main office branch), and internationally. This is our second year as the connectivity sponsor and the exposure has been a phenomenal experience thus far. Axxess Marine has definitely developed a long-standing relationship with the RORC Committee and look forward to continuously working together.”

Sevenstar Yacht Transport – Official Logistics Partner

Following another successful Sevenstar Round Britain & Ireland Race in 2022, longterm RORC race supporter, Sevenstar Yacht Transport will partner once again for the RORC Caribbean 600, offering discounted yacht transport and providing skippers bags and competitor gifts. Race Yacht Manager, Sander Speet is also looking forward to competing in the race himself on board Niklas Zennström’s CF-520 Rán, in the highly competitive IRC Zero.

“We make it possible to do more racing; that’s our purpose for the racing community, and the reason why we have a strong commitment to the RORC Caribbean 600, the leading offshore race of the Caribbean circuit,” says Sander Speet. “Sevenstar always thinks ahead before the start and beyond the finish line. The first step is not the registration for the race, it’s the step to get your yacht to the event. Teams participating in worldwide races like the RORC Caribbean 600 need a logistic teammate too. At Sevenstar we make a winning we make a winning team complete with a teammate in bespoke transport solutions.”

 English Harbour 5 Year Old Rum – Official Rum

 No visit to Antigua would be complete without sampling some local rum. Thanks to the Official Rum - English Harbour 5 Year Old Rum, crews will get plenty of chances to     enjoy their favourite tipple at the Welcome party and final Prizegiving, where beautifully engraved, named rum decanters and other prizes are awarded.

 “The Antigua Distillery Ltd, through its brand English Harbour Rum is honoured to continue our partnership with the Royal Ocean Racing Club during the annual hosting of the    RORC Caribbean 600. We have been a supporter of the event since its inception and have watched it grow into one of Antigua and Barbuda’s premier regattas. We thank the    RORC Team for their continued faith in our brand to help deliver a memorable and enjoyable experience for all its participants,” comments Calbert Francis, Global Export       Manager, Antigua Distillery Ltd.

Carib Lager - Official Lager

Every boat is met on the dock after finishing the RORC Caribbean 600 by the RORC Race Team and welcome volunteers. Whatever time of day or time the team arrives back on the dock, a case of ice-cold Carib Beer is presented to them and is one of the things the crews are looking forward at the end of the 600nm race. Thanks to Bryden’s distribution company, dozens of cases of Carib lager is made available for the finishing yachts and for the Welcome and Closing parties. Along with branded gifts in the skippers packs given out at registration and giveaways at the parties, branded hampers will be given at the overall prizegiving.

The Inn at English Harbour

The afternoon before the start, the RORC Commodore holds a cocktail party, hosted by The Inn at English Harbour for the skippers/owners of the competing yachts at the exclusive hotel's Reef Restaurant on Galleon Beach. This informal occasion has been a popular distraction for many years now, from all the last minute race preparations before the start.

Over 70 teams from 16 different nations are expected for the 2023 RORC Caribbean 600, with a dozen or more boats racing in the inaugural RORC Nelson’s Cup Series. Racing action for the new series starts on Valentine’s Day Tuesday February 14^th. The final event of the four-race series will be the 14^th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600, starting on Monday February 20^th 

_{Close finish for Multi70 Maserati and Argo in the 2022 RORC Caribbean 600 © Arthur Daniel/RORC}

Multihull -  High Velocity Showdown

Two 70ft racing trimarans are readying for a multihull showdown; Giovanni Soldini’s Maserati Multi70 (ITA) returns having missed out in 2022 to Jason Carroll’s Argo for Multihull Line Honours by just two minutes. Argo is in the Pacific and not taking part this year, but MOD70 Zoulou (FRA) with Erik Maris at the helm will provide formidable opposition to the Italian stallion. Six Multihulls are expected to be in action, including Gunboat 60 Tosca (USA) co-skippered by Ken Howery & Alex Thomson, as well as Christian Guyader’s ORC 50 Guyader Saveol (FRA) skippered by Gwen Chapalain.

_{Roy P. Disney's Volvo 70 Pyewacket (USA) © Pyewacket}

IRC Super Zero - Six-Gun Shoot Out

IRC Super-Zero promises to be a thrilling six-gun shoot-out for round the world canting-keel raceboats, including four Volvo 70s: American skipper Roy P. Disney racing Pyewacket (USA), The Polish National Foundation’s I Love Poland (POL), HYPR Ocean Racing skippered by Seamus Fitz Patrick (AUT), and a RORC team racing Green Dragon (AUT) skippered by Johannes Schwarz. Two VO65s will also be in the IRC Super Zero mix: The Lithuanian team on Ambersail (LTU) and an Austrian entry on Sisi (AUT) skippered by Gerwin Jansen.

_{Henry de Bokay’s Elliott 52 Rafale (GER) © James Mitchell}

IRC Zero – Fireworks Expected

The largest class for the RORC Caribbean 600 is IRC Zero with 13 entries. Fireworks are expected from seven carbon-fibre 50-footers in the class: Eric de Turckheim’s NMD 54 Teasing Machine (FRA), Botin 56 Black Pearl (GER) sailed by Stefan Jentsch, Niklas Zennstrom’s CF520 Rán (SWE), Henry de Bokay’s Elliott 52 Rafale (GER), Kate & Jim Murray Pac52 Callisto (USA), Infiniti 52 Tulikettu (FIN) skippered by Arto Linnervuo and ClubSwan 50 Balthasar (BEL) sailed by Louis Balcean. Smaller yachts, capable of punching well above their weight include the HH42 Ino XXX (GBR) skippered by RORC Commodore James Neville, and Frederic Puzin’s Ker 46 Daguet 3 – Corum (FRA). The largest boats expected to be racing in IRC Zero are Todd Stuart’s Swan 82 White Rhino (USA), Marie Tabarly’s 73ft ketch Penduick VI (FRA) and the OnDeck’s Farr 65 Spirit of Juno (ANT) skippered by David Hanks.

_{Frederic Puzin’s Ker 46 Daguet 3 - Corum (FRA)  © Tim Wright/Photoaction.com}

_{Alla Grande – Pirelli (ITA) © Martina Orsini/Ambrogio Beccaria}

Class40 – Multinational Battle

A dozen or more Class40s will be racing in the RORC Caribbean 600, including three of the latest designs skippered by Italian entries. Ambrogio Beccaria, winner of the 2022 Normandy Channel Race and second in the Route du Rhum, will be racing the Guelfi designed Alla Grande – Pirelli (ITA). One of the latest designs from the drawing board of Sam Manuard, the Mach 40.5 IBSA (ITA), will be raced by Alberto Bona. Fellow Italian skipper Andrea Fornaro, class winner for the 2022 Round Ireland Race, will be racing the VPLP designed Influence (ITA). The Verdier-designed Class40 BHB (FRA) won the RORC Caribbean 600 in 2020 and the boat returns now under skipper Paul Brandel. Third in 2022, Olivier Delrieu returns with his Mach40 Vicitan (FRA). Another returning winning boat is the Botin-designed Tales II which won the RORC Caribbean 600 in 2016. Tales II (FRA) returns under the skipper Jean-Baptiste Daramy. Axel Trehin, winner of the 2021 Normandy Channel Race will be racing his Raison-designed Project Rescue Ocean (FRA).

_{Greg Leonard’s Kite (USA) © Rick Tomlinson}

From the United States, two Mach40.3’s will be making their RORC Caribbean 600 debuts, including Greg Leonard’s Kite (USA), second in the 2022 Sevenstar Round Britain & Ireland Race. Martin Roesch competed on the Mills 68 Prospector last year, but this will be his first race with his Mach40.3 Velocity (USA).

_{Bernie Evan-Wong’s RP37 Taz (ANT) © Paul Wyeth/pwpictures.com}

IRC One – Eclectic Mix

Racing in IRC One will be Bernie Evan-Wong’s RP37 Taz (ANT). Bernie has never missed a RORC Caribbean 600 and will be competing as skipper for the 14^th occasion. Taz will have strong competition from fellow Caribbean entry; J/121 Whistler (BAR) skippered by Peter Lewis. Experienced British entries in IRC One include Andrew & Sam Hall’s Lombard 46 Pata Negra (GBR) and Global Yacht Racing’s First 47.7 EH01 (GBR), skippered by Andy Middleton. Laurent Courbin’s First 53 Yagiza (FRA) will be taking part in its debut race with race-veteran Philippe Falle as skipper. Lionel Regnier’s 58ft Briand sloop L’Esprit d’Equipe (FRA) is also entered. Winner of the 1985 Whitbread Round the World Race, the winning skipper Lionel Pean will be on board for the RORC Caribbean 600.

Corinthian Passion and Pride

Six boats from four different countries are entered in IRC Two & IRC Three. The largest is Katy Campbell’s Solaris 45 Panacea X (CAN). The oldest is the classic Swan 441 Charisma (GER) skippered by Constantin Claviez. Kate Cope’s Sun Fast 3200 Purple Mist is one of the smallest boat in the RORC Caribbean 600. Purple Mist will be racing Two-Handed with Claire Dresser, following on from their success in the RORC Transatlantic Race. A total of six teams will be racing in IRC Two-Handed, the smallest is Szymon Kuczynski Figaro One Hultaj (POL) at just 9 meters in length. However, Hultaj is a large boat compared to the boat in which Szymon set a new world record in 2018. He circumnavigated singlehanded and unaided in 270 days on board the 6.3 meter sloop Atlantic Puffin.

RORC Nelson’s Cup Series - High Aspirations

While the RORC Caribbean 600 offshore race is now well established as the ‘must do’ offshore race for the Caribbean, the RORC Nelson’s Cup Series is a new initiative by the Royal Ocean Racing Club. The four-race series which includes the RORC Caribbean 600 has attracted over a dozen entries. The RORC Nelson’s Cup Series will pitch classic yachts such as Pen Duick VI against one of the latest hi-tech offshore racers - Rán, and just about everything in between. The series is also open to yachts that are not entered for the 600-mile offshore event. Tom Rich’s GP42 Settler (USA) has taken up that opportunity. The RORC Nelson’s Cup Series is raced under the IRC Rule and every boat has an equal chance of winning races.

“The RORC Caribbean 600 race is one of the best offshore races in the world, but it is usually won by a big boat,” commented RORC Vice-Commodore Eric de Turckheim. “The Series will give smaller boats a better chance of winning due to the variety of races. The Royal Ocean Racing Club have a long-term plan for the RORC Nelson’s Cup Series; making it one of the world’s most significant regattas.”

Deep into the winter months of the Northern Hemisphere, Antigua is blessed with warm trade winds and ocean swell. The RORC Caribbean 600 is a bucket-list offshore event for thousands of Corinthian and professional sailors,­­ and for 2023 and beyond, the desire for more boats to participate in a variety of races has led to the creation of the RORC Nelson’s Cup Series. The 11-day programme features all the hallmarks of racing with the Royal Ocean Racing Club, including professional race management and memorable social events.

Between 13^th & 24^th February 2023, the RORC, supported by the Antigua Yacht Club will organise the inaugural RORC Nelson’s Cup Series, followed by the 14­­­^th RORC Caribbean 600. Six Races are scheduled, with a full social programme ashore. Racing under IRC, MOCRA and One-Design Rules, competitors can take part in all or part of the Series. For boats competing in the RORC Caribbean 600 Race, there is no additional entry fee for the RORC Nelson’s Cup Series. Teams wishing to compete in just the inshore racing will have a nominal entry fee.

Some of the most successful teams in recent years have already entered the RORC Nelson’s Cup Series, and about 80 boats are expected for the 600-mile offshore race. Early entries for the six-race series include proven winners on the world stage of offshore racing, including RORC Vice Commodore Eric de Turckheim’s NMYD54 Teasing Machine (FRA), Niklas Zennström’s CF-520 Rán 8 (SWE), Ker 46 Daguet 3 – Corum (FRA), skippered by Frederic Puzin, and RORC Commodore James Neville’s HH42 Ino XXX (GBR).

Niklas Zennström’s CF-520 Rán 8 (SWE) has entered the new RORC Nelson's Cup Series © Kurt Arrigo/Rolex

The Series will have a variety of racecourses tailored to give all entrants an equal chance of winning after IRC time correction. The smallest of the early entries is Pogo 12.50 Kai (GBR), which will be raced Two-Handed by Tim Knight & Tony Harris. A significant number of local Antiguan boats are expected to take-up the challenge of racing against some of the world’s most accomplished teams.

All travel restrictions have now been removed for Antigua & Barbuda for many months, resulting in an international fleet set for a spectacular regatta. Realistically the 2023 RORC Nelson’s Cup Series is unlikely to have a huge entry. However, the RORC are committed to growing the Series and there is only one inaugural regatta.

The Notice of Race for the RORC Nelson’s Cup Series has been published and on-line entry is open. More details and downloads at: http://caribbean600.rorc.org/

Ker 46 Daguet 3 – Corum (FRA), skippered by Frederic Puzin will be taking part in the RORC Nelson's Cup Series in Antigua next February © Tim Wright/Photoaction.com

^{RORC Nelson’s Cup Series + RORC Caribbean 600
13 to 24 February 2023}

For further information please contact the RORC Race Team on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or go to: http://caribbean600.rorc.org/

RORC Nelson's Cup Series Notice of Race can be found on the website HERE

Competitors in the new RORC Nelson’s Cup Series will enjoy the warm trade winds and superb conditions on offer in Antigua in February, as well as professional race management and memorable social events © Arthur Daniel/RORC

The Royal Ocean Racing Club announces the inaugural RORC Caribbean 600 Series which will be based in Antigua from 14th to 24th February 2023. The series will include three days of racing followed by the main event; the 14th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600. The RORC Caribbean 600 Series is open to boats racing under the IRC, CSA and MOCRA Class Rules, plus other suitable classes.

RORC announces the inaugural RORC Caribbean 600 Series 14-24th February 2023 © Robert Hajduk

RORC Vice Commodore Eric de Turckheim’s Teasing Machine and RORC Commodore James Neville’s INO XXX are both set to compete in the RORC Caribbean 600 Series. In two versions of Teasing Machine, Eric de Turckheim has competed in four previous editions of the RORC Caribbean 600.

“Historically, major 600-mile offshore races are part of a series, for example the Fastnet and the Admiral’s Cup. The RORC Caribbean 600 Series will have a similar format with inshore racing, a medium length offshore and a long offshore race,” commented Turckheim. “The RORC Caribbean 600 race is one of the best offshore races in the world, but it is normally won by a big boat. The Series will give smaller boats a better chance of winning due to the variety of races. The Royal Ocean Racing Club have a long-term plan for the RORC Caribbean 600 Series; making it one of the world’s most significant regattas.”

The highly competitive and tactically challenging RORC Caribbean 600 attracts hundreds of international sailors each year to enjoy offshore racing in superb Caribbean conditions in February © Arthur Daniel/RORC

2023 RORC Caribbean 600 Series
14th to 24th February 2023

14th February 2023 - Inshore racing in coastal waters of Antigua
15th February - Inshore racing in coastal waters of Antigua
16th February - Lay Day in Antigua
17th February - 360 Round Antigua Race
18th February - Series Prize Giving and RORC Caribbean 600 Opening Party
20^th February - Start of the 14th RORC Caribbean 600
24^th February - Prize Giving RORC Caribbean 600

“The combination of a tactically challenging Caribbean destination, sunshine and warm blue waters makes this a totally unique event,” commented Race Director Chris Stone. “The RORC will continue to work with Antigua Yacht Club and their local volunteers supporting the management of this great event. All of the races in the Series will require boats to comply with World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations Category 3. For the RORC Caribbean 600 Race, boats will require additional equipment including: Liferaft, EPIRB and AIS Transponder.”

International Race Officer Hank Stuart from Rochester New York will be the Race Officer for the RORC Caribbean 600 Series. The intention is to run multiple races over the first two days. After Lay Day, the 52-mile 360 Round Antigua Race is scheduled and three days later will be the start of the 14th RORC Caribbean 600.

For further information please contact the RORC Race Team on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or go to: http://caribbean600.rorc.org/