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.
