George David's RP90 Rambler has a commanding lead in the battle for line honours in the RORC Caribbean 600. The American entry is over 20 miles ahead of the 214ft Ketch Hetairos, even though Rambler is less than half the size.

Rambler rounded Tintamarre just after dawn this morning to begin the 160-mile power reach south to Guadeloupe. Rambler barely stalled for speed right through the night. The American maxi cut the corner at Nevis, as better than expected breeze hurried their progress. Except for dropping below ten knots in the wind shadow of St.Martin, Rambler has been absolutely launched. Hetairos may close the gap on the reach but the superyacht is now well behind Rambler. Rambler provisionally lead IRC Zero after time correction with Niklas Zennström's JV72, Rán lying in second place. Swan 80 Selene had a good first night to take up third place on handicap.

In IRC Two, Ross Applebey's Oyster 48, Scarlet Logic is provisionally leading overall in the RORC Caribbean 600. Over night, the predicted fall in wind speed never materialized and Scarlet Logic maintained good boat speed throughout. After rounding Saba, Scarlet Logic was back on the wind and trucking along at seven knots. Smile and Wave, Jaime Torres' First 40 found ballistic pace during the night and is in second. Amanda Hartley's Swan 56, Clem did not have such a good night and has dropped back to third.

The shifty squally conditions at the start were the beginning of a few surprises on Day One of the RORC Caribbean 600. George David's Rambler leads the entire fleet on the water but Amanda Hartley's Swan 56, Clem was the overall handicap leader at 1630 ECT. The lighter than usual conditions provided a tranquil reach to the North Sails Mark at Barbuda. The mark rounding was a calm wind affair for many but as the wind shifted from north to south on approach to Barbuda it became fraught with difficulties. The larger yachts can take several minutes to gybe and the 180' twin masted schooner Adela needs an army of 12 just to work the four runners.

There was drama right from the start of the 4^th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600. Low cloud enveloped Antigua and a massive squall caused a torrential downpour. With the wind gusting up to 20 knots, the crew were scrambling for wet weather gear. The feisty conditions caused some hair-raising action under the cliffs of Fort Charlotte outside English Harbour. However, once the squall had passed bright sunshine lit up the race course and the highly impressive fleet was a spectacular sight.

First to start were the multihulls. Olivier Vigoureux's 63ft trimaran Paradox got the best start but by contrast, Michael Butterfield's Super Rose had a very conservative beginning to their adventure. Super Rose's crew is made up of just family and friends and their single goal is to enjoy a marvellous race round 11 Caribbean Islands.

RORC Caribbean 600 starts tomorrow
Monday 20th February 2012

Start Times (local)

11:00 - Multihull

11:10 - IRC 1, 2, 3 & Class40

11:20 - IRC Z (except Superyachts) & Canting keel

11:30 - Superyacht (yachts greater than 100ft)

The best view of the magnificent fleet will be from Shirley Heights

The Antigua Yacht Club has hosted some legendary parties, however last night's welcome party for well over 500 competitors was the biggest in recent history. There was standing room only as the competitors attended the official opening ceremony for the 4th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600.

Mike Greville, Commodore of the Royal Ocean Racing Club will be racing on Windrose of Amsterdam and he welcomed the huge crowd: "It is my first time in Antigua and I am amazed at the fabulous yachts moored in front us. We could not do this without the support of the Antigua Yacht Club. When the idea of running this race was first put forward, I was one of the sceptics who doubted that it would last. But the race continues to grow year on year and I am confident that it will be become one of the classic 600 mile ocean races. I would therefore like to put to rest any doubts that we will continue to support the race and so it is with great pleasure that I can announce that we will continue to run the race on an annual basis. Let me wish everyone a safe and fast passage in this year's race."

The RORC Caribbean 600 is hosted by the Antigua Yacht Club (AYC) and their support is a crucial part of the success of the event. Last night, the club organised a planning meeting for the RORC Caribbean 600. Over 50 volunteers will provide assistance to ensure that the race will be well managed and above all enjoyable for the hundreds of competitors taking part.

AYC co-coordinator Helen Spooner has worked her magic for every edition of the RORC Caribbean 600, leading the team of volunteers and running shoreside logistics: "Most of the volunteers are members of the Antigua Yacht Club but all of them are sailors and they take great pride in getting involved and get a real buzz out of greeting the yachts. I can tell you, the competitors are very happy to see them as well!"