Morticia receives hero's welcome in Antigua. Shaun Carroll's Australian modified Sea Cart 30 Morticia is the smallest yacht to finish the tough 2018 RORC Caribbean 600.
The 14th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 featured close completion right through the 70-boat fleet. Nearly 600 crew from 30 different countries raced the ‘600, which is now well established as the ‘must-do’ offshore race in the Caribbean.
Antigua Yacht Club, Monday 13 February 2023 - The Skippers’ Briefing for the RORC Nelson’s Cup Series was held at the Antigua Yacht Club. PRO Stefan Kunstmann welcomed the competitors to the Event Centre at the Antigua Yacht Club.
Two races are scheduled for Race Day One of the Nelson's Cup with the first start scheduled for 1000 AST. For those lucky enough to be in Antigua, the RORC fleet will be starting from a line off Fort Charlotte with a great view also available from Shirley Heights. Weather forecasts are predicting a steady north easterly breeze, coupled with up to two-metres of swell. The first day of the RORC Nelson’s Cup look set to be a thriller.
A huge variety of raceboats will be racing under the IRC Rating Rule to decide class and the overall winner of the inaugural Nelson’s Cup Series. The RORC fleet includes a stunning fleet of carbon-fibre raceboats, vintage ocean racers, Class40s and performance cruiser/racers. For the Antigua 360 Race, high-performance Multihulls racing under MOCRA Rules are expected to join the IRC Fleet.
IRC Entry List for 2023 RORC Nelson’s Cup
Dmitry Rybolovlev’s ClubSwan 125 Skorpios (MON), skippered by Fernando Echavarri, crossed the finish line in Antigua to take Monohull Line Honours at 03:59:51 on Wednesday 23rd February 2022.
With less than 48 hours to go, it’s a busy scene around the docks as crews prepare for the start of the RORC Caribbean 600 on Monday 20th February, but it was time to officially open the race and welcome everyone to Antigua for the 9th edition.
Skippers from 80 boats attended a briefing at Antigua Yacht Club where RORC Racing Manager, Nick Elliott highlighted some key points for the race and a few administrative requirements before they head off. It was standing room only for the 200 or so highly experienced skippers and navigators from the record fleet, but all were fully focused, listening attentively to the briefing for the 600-mile offshore race.
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.
0700 AST Day Two RORC Caribbean 600
The record fleet for the RORC Caribbean 600 enjoyed a full moon on the first night of racing. At sunset on the first night, all of the fleet had rounded the mark off Barbuda, enjoying fantastic sailing conditions and highly competitive racing. Phaedo3 and Concise 10 were at the front of the fleet enjoying a thrilling high-speed duel, often touching a blistering 30 knots of boat speed. 100ft Maxi, Comanche was blasting through the Caribbean surf in hot pursuit of the monohull record for the course. Four Maxi72s were in a close quarters battle for supremacy, but two of the smaller yachts in the fleet were vying for the overall lead as dawn broke on day two of the RORC Caribbean 600.
Two months before the start of the race 50 teams have thrown down the gauntlet; over 10% more than the same time prior to the record entry of 88 yachts in 2018.
Close finishes have been a feature of this year’s RORC Caribbean 600 and that trait continued in IRC One with a rematch between two British JPK 1180s.
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.
Multihulls have been racing in the RORC Caribbean 600 since the very first race in 2009 when Claude Thelier's (FRA) Region Guadeloupe, skippered by John Burnie (GBR), set a record that was not bettered until 2015.
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 nmile race in a sublime 14 knot south-easterly breeze with brilliant sunshine. The conditions were enough to have the fleet fully ramped up and a not insignificant swell added to the excitement. 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.
By dusk on the second day of the RORC Caribbean 600, the entire monohull fleet in the race were at the northern most extremity of the course negotiating the chicane of islands; Saba, St. Barths, and St. Maarten.
RORC Nelson’s Cup Series
Day Two Wednesday 15th February.
The international fleet enjoyed two more races on the second day of the RORC Nelson’s Cup Series. Compared to the first day, the wind speed in the combat zone was up to 20 knots from the east-nor-east. Race winners on Day 2 were Marie Tabarly’s 73ft ketch Pen Duick VI (FRA), OnDeck’s Farr 65 Spirit of Juno (ANT) skippered by David Hanks, and Niklas Zennström’s CF 520 Rán 8 (SWE).
Day Four am Report 27 February
For the second year in a row, David and Peter Askew’s Volvo 70 Wizard (USA) has taken Monohull Line Honours in the RORC Caribbean 600. Adrian Keller’s Nigel Irens-designed catamaran Allegra (SUI) is the provisional winner of the MOCRA Class. Tilmar Hansen’s German TP52 Outsider has finished the race and is currently the overall leader under IRC for the RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy.
The 2019 RORC Caribbean 600 Prize Giving will be held tonight, Friday 22nd February and it is a special evening celebrating a premier race in the world yacht racing calendar. Hundreds of passionate corinthian sailors and the world's top professionals will rub shoulders at Antigua Yacht Club. Victorious teams will take to the stage to receive acclaim for their efforts and to be presented with personalised souvenir decanters of English Harbour Rum!
Day two am report 25th February
After a sublime start and a reach up to Barbuda in beautiful conditions, the majority of the fleet experienced the first trap of the course. Just before sunset on the first day, the wind shadow of Barbuda enveloped the armada. The halt in progress was short-lived and looking on the bright side, Barbuda is a stunning spot to pause to watch the sun go down. After rounding the Barbuda mark, the fleet were back in the breeze heading west on a starboard gybe. Choosing when to gybe south to round Nevis would have been the main strategic call. Tactically, with the boats super-compressed, night fighting for wind and position would have taken on guerrilla tactic proportions.
MOCRA Class
Argo, PowerPlay, Maserati and Ultim’ Emotion 2 are having a fascinating battle at the front of the multihull class. Jason Carroll’s Argo (USA) and Peter Cunningham’s PowerPlay (CAY) pulled away from Maserati Multi70 (ITA) at Barbuda. Giovanni Soldini’s trimaran stalled in the wind shadow for longer and then proceeded to take a route north of the rhumb line, losing out 20 miles. Maserati fought back, passing Antoine Rabestem’s Ultim’Emotion 2 (FRA) before Nevis. As Argo and PowerPlay stalled in the lee of Saint Kitts, Maserati found superb boat speed to catch up with the leaders. PowerPlay was the first of the trio to escape the trap, blasting out at well over 20 knots of boat speed. However, Powerplay stalled at Saba and was reeled in by Argo, with Maserati just astern. Ultim’Emotion 2, sailed by Petro Jonker and Rick Warner is still in touch with the leaders. The 80ft Ultim was a late entry with a new team that will be ‘revving the engines’ for bigger breeze to come. The winner of the class will be decided by MOCRA time correction - Adrian Keller’s 80ft Catamaran Allegra (SUI) is estimated to be in pole position.
At the Barbuda mark - Antoine Rabestem's Ultim'Emotion 2 (FRA) © Arthur Daniel/RORC
Becalmed at Barbuda on the first night - Giovanni Soldini's Maserati Multi 70 © Tim Wright/Photoaction.com
IRC Zero
At 1030 GMT on the second day, Tilmar Hansen’s TP52 Outsider (GER) is estimated to be leading the class after IRC time correction. Eric de Turckheim’s NMD54 Teasing Machine (FRA) is second. Mills 68 Prospector (USA), owned by Shelter Island Transatlantic Partners (Landry/Roesch/Siwicki) and skippered by Tery Glackin leads the class on the water, and is third in class. Prospector has put in a stunning performance early in the race, but Outsider made a winning move by going well offshore in the lee of St. Kitts, taking the class lead on the approach to Saba. Teasing Machine look to have picked up a good shift just before rounding Nevis to move up the rankings.
Tilmar Hansen's TP52 Outsider on the first day in light airs off Barbuda © Arthur Daniel/RORC
IRC One
After rounding the Barbuda mark, Philippe Frantz’s NMD 43 Albator (FRA) was the first to gybe south and looked to pick a perfect line to stay in the breeze and gybed west to round Nevis to perfection, leading the class on the water. Giles Redpath’s Lombard 46 Pata Negra (GBR) is estimated to be leading the class after IRC time correction and is less than a mile behind Albator. Bernie Evan-Wong’s RP37 Taz (ANT) had a busy night, putting in numerous gybes on the approach to Nevis; the work-out moves the Antiguan team up to third in class.
The Farr 58 Maiden skippered by Liz Wardley is competing in its first offshore race since her refit and since coming second in the 1989 Whitbread Round the world race. “The race is going well. We made good gains last night in the lee of Barbuda and then held our own in light downwind to Nevis. We are currently sailing past the gap towards St Kitt where we can see boats are once again becalmed... another transition zone to navigate through! The sun is just coming up, which is a welcome sight as it’s been a long busy night, but all is great on the mighty Maiden,” commented Liz Wardley on The Maiden Project’s blog.
Liz Wardley on Maiden at Barbuda on the first day of the RORC Caribbean 600 © Arthur Daniel/RORC
Enjoying his 12th RORC Caribbean 600 -Bernie Evan Wong's Taz © Arthur Daniel/RORC
IRC Two
First 40 Optimus Prime, skippered by Dmitry Kondratyev (RUS) sailed fast and smart to lead the class at Barbuda. Global Yacht Racing’s Grand Soleil 43 Jua Kali (GBR), skippered by Gareth Glover, put in an early gybe after Barbuda which paid off in spades. Pamala Baldwin’s J/122 Liquid (ANT) was the first to reach Nevis, followed by Jua Kali and their sistership, Global Yacht Racing’s British First 44.7 EH01, skippered by Andy Middleton. EH01 rounded Nevis one minute ahead of Ross Applebey’s Scarlet Oyster. After rounding Nevis, Liquid made good speed by using the acceleration around the island but then footed off west to avoid the wind shadow. Liquid surged into the lead both on the water and after IRC time correction.
Pip Hare racing on David Hall’s Grand Soleil 43 Panther commented: “Tough conditions for us up to Barbuda. We struggle against the lighter boats but the Code Zero has been a good friend. We’re all looking forward to rounding Nevis when we can officially say we got further than last time!” Panther rounded Nevis just before dawn this morning. Pip was referring to their retirement from the windy 2018 race with a torn mainsail. Panther have unfinished business and the crew are determined to finish the race.
Pamala Baldwin's Antiguan J/122 Liquid enjoying a good race © Arthur Daniel/RORC
IRC Three
Jonty & Vicki Layfield’s Swan 48 Sleeper (ANT) was first in class to round the Barbuda mark just after sunset on the first day. Richard Palmer’s JPK 10.10 Jangada (GBR), racing Two Handed with Jeremy Waitt were well in tune with the shifts and the lightweight boat, the smallest in the race, was first in class to round Nevis. Jangada went offshore out of the lee of Nevis looking for breeze and they found it. First 40.7 Escapado, skippered by Stuart Dahlgreen (CAN) and Peter McWhinnie’s JPK 10.80 In theory also went offshore after Nevis. Seven miles behind the leaders Yoyo Gerssen’s Ohlsonn 35 Cabbyl Vane (NED) is estimated to be leading the class.
The light conditions are favouring the smaller yachts for the overall lead under IRC. Richard Stain’s Sovereign 40 Laura is a prime example: “Home built in Cheshire, Laura finds herself in 11th IRC overall. How did that happen?” commented Richard via the race WhatsApp.
Currently estimated to be leaders in IRC Three - Yoyo Gerssen's Ohlson 35 Cabbyl Vane (NED) © Tim Wright/Photoaction.com
Class40
Arnt Bruhns’ Iskareen (GER) got a great start to the race opening up a big lead at Green Island. BHB, sailed by Arthur Hubert (FRA) passed Iskareen on the run. However, both Iskareen and BHB stalled in the wind shadow of Barbuda to watch their lead evaporate. Morgane Ursault Poupon, racing UP sailing (FRA) had a great turn of speed after Barbuda and made a stunning gybe south to snatch the lead all the way to Nevis. UP Sailing is giving away 10 years of design and development advantage to the competition, but racing superbly well.
Early arrivals in Antigua + interviews with some of the first finishers in the 11th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600; including Class40 winner, Catherine Pourre - Eärendil (FRA); Wizard - Line honours monohull, Volvo Open 70 - David and Peter Askew (USA); Superyacht & largest boat in the race, Nikata, Greg Slyngstad's Bieker 53 Fujin (USA) successful return after their 2018 capsize in the race; Shannon Falcone's Dna F4 Falcon (ANT) and Multihull winner, John Gallagher on Gunboat 62 Chim Chim.
© AcquafilmsAntigua/RORC
Magnificent start footage from the 2019 RORC Caribbean 600. Watch all the action on the water including aerial footage and spectacular shots from the start.
French skipper Catherine Pourre, racing Eärendil has won the Class40 division for the RORC Caribbean 600, setting a new record for the 600-mile race around 11 Caribbean islands.
With less than 24 hours to go until the start of the Caribbean’s only offshore race in the Caribbean, teams who have made their way from all corners of the globe 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.
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.
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)
David and Peter Askew's American Volvo 70 Wizard has won the 2019 RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy, scoring the best corrected time under IRC. Wizard put in a near faultless performance to complete the 600 mile non-stop race in 43 hours 38 minutes and 44 seconds.
“That's awesome,” commented David Askew on receiving the news. “This is the first time we have done this race and to win it overall is beyond our wildest possible dreams. It's a race we have followed and we have always wanted to be in Antigua, but we wanted to have the right boat to do the really prestigious ocean races; the races we dreamed about when we were younger. We really didn't have any expectations, but we prepared ourselves to perform as best as we could. I am in shock, I really can't believe it.”
Organised by The Royal Ocean Racing Club in association with Antigua Yacht Club
Start: Antigua, West Indies - Monday 22 February 2016
Course: Approx. 600nm non-stop around 11 Caribbean Islands
The glitterati of the sailing world will be in Antigua to compete in the 2016 RORC Caribbean 600. Well over 100 Olympians, World Champions, America's Cup and Volvo Ocean Race sailors will join hundreds of passionate corinthian sailors for the exhilarating 600-mile race around 11 Caribbean islands.
Surfing on ocean swell in 20 knots of warm tradewinds, on a course resembling a Formula One race track, the RORC Caribbean 600 is hard to resist. A record fleet for the 8th edition is expected, with a 20% increase in pre-Christmas entries compared to last year, making a fleet of 80 yachts highly likely.
The weather forecast for the 2018 RORC Caribbean 600 is predicting winds in excess of 20 knots for the duration of the 600 mile race, producing record-breaking conditions. Wouter Verbraak, Head of Sevenstar Racing Yacht Logistics walks the course with an in-depth video on the nuances of the race around 11 Caribbean islands. Wouter has competed in the race on many occasions, racing Maxis and Multihulls. The 10th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 starts on Monday 19th February from Fort Charlotte, outside Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua.
Seventy-three teams with 700 sailors from 37 different countries took part in the 12th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600. Disruption to the trade winds produced a tactical and strategic battle in predominantly light air. The traditional trade wind experience of blasting around the 600nm course was replaced with wind traps at most of the 11 Caribbean islands. Avoiding the windless lees and making use of the acceleration zones were the key to a winning performance. There were battles right through the fleet and sightings of breaching whales, dolphins and turtles which enhanced the sublime vistas.
After over 30 hours of racing at speeds approaching 40 knots, MOD70 Zoulou sailed by Erik Maris (FRA) won Multihull Line Honours in the 2023 RORC Caribbean 600 by just 11 seconds.
