Welcome party kicks off 12th edition

The RORC Caribbean 600 Welcome Party went with a swing © RORC/Arthur Daniel
The RORC Caribbean 600 Welcome Party went with a swing © RORC/Arthur Daniel

With 24 hours to go until the start of the Caribbean’s only offshore race, crews from all corners of the globe - representing 37 different nations - are using the last few hours to get in some training out on the water and to make final preparations before the start of this epic 600-miler.

The race has grown in popularity, not only due to the tactical, challenging and superb racing conditions provided by the course as it weaves its way around 11 islands, but also because of the parties that top and tail the race itself! The RORC Caribbean 600 welcome party for all skippers and crews provides a little distraction from the weeks of planning and preparation, plus a chance to meet their fellow competitors within the fleet.

RORC Caribbean 600 (2020) Arthur DanielThe Hon. Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez, Minister of Tourism & Economic Development welcomed crews to Antigua © RORC/Arthur Daniel

A warm welcome to Antigua and Barbuda came in the form of a heart-felt speech given by the Hon. Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez, Minister for Tourism & Economic Development who wished the 700+ sailors a great race and thanked them for coming to the island which is a mecca for yachtsmen worldwide. 

Eddie Warden Owen, RORC CEO kicked off proceedings and introduced the Commodore of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, Steven Anderson who will be competing in the race on board Global Yacht Racing’s First 47.7 EH01. He thanked all crews for coming to the race, as well as the 80+ team of volunteers who help with all aspects, including meeting and greeting every boat at the end of the race with a warm welcome and cold beer!

RORC Caribbean 600 (2020)/Arthur DanielOver 80 volunteers help with all aspects of the race © RORC/Arthur Daniel

Thanks to special guests and supporters of the race: The Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority,National Parks Commissioner Ann Marie Martin, Arthur Thomas - Chairman National Parks, Atlee Rodney - Commissioner of Police, Representatives from the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Association, Elizabeth Jordan - President National Sailing Academy, Sir Hugh Bailey - Admiral Antigua Yacht Club, Franklyn Braithwaite - Commodore Antigua Yacht Club. Also to our sponsors: Antigua Distilleries for English Harbour 5 Year Old Rum, Carib beer and Digicel for communications.

skippers briefing tim wright

wouter tim wrightA packed Skippers Briefing with Chris Stone, RORC Racing Manager and Wouter Verbraak/Sevenstar © RORC/Tim Wright – Photoaction.com

1761 band got the party going tim wright photoactionCrews enjoyed dancing to 1761 band © Tim Wright/Photoaction.com



Antigua & Barbuda
Seven Star Yacht Transport