Early interest for RORC Caribbean 600

Early entries for the 2019 RORC Caribbean 600 reveal increased interest for the spectacular sailing conditions and intricate 600nm course which circumnavigates 11 Caribbean Islands.

With two months before the start of the 11th edition on February 18, 50 teams have thrown down the gauntlet; over 10% more than the same time prior to the record entry of 88 yachts in 2018.

The race is a truly international affair with teams from all over the Caribbean Islands, Canada, Chile, Great Britain, Finland, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the USA.

For the first time in the history of the race, three ocean-going trimarans in the shape of Jason Carroll’s Argo, Giovanni Soldini’s Maserati and Peter Cunningham’s PowerPlay will be battling for multihull line honours and the race record, set in 2016 by Lloyd Thornburg’s MOD70 Phaedo3 in 31 hours, 59 minutes, 4 seconds.

The IRC fleet racing for the overall win and the RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy, boasts three magnificent yachts: the 203ft (62m) schooner Athos, skippered by Tony Brookes; the 115ft (35m) sloop Nikata, skippered by Tom Brewer; and the 96ft (30m) sloop Sorceress, sailed by Will Apold.

Two Maxi 72s will be locking horns as previous winner George Sakellaris’ Proteus meets the brand new Bella Mente sailed by Hap Fauth. American Volvo Ocean Race skipper Charlie Enright will be hoping for victory with the American Volvo 70 Wizard.

In two previous editions, the race has been won overall by a Cookson 50. This year, two new teams will be hoping to increase the statistic. Franco Niggeler’s Kuka3 is on form from their overall win in the RORC Transatlantic Race and the highly experienced team racing Triple Lindy will be led by Joseph Mele.

A record entry of Class40s is also expected to compete in the race. The 2018 Route du Rhum featured 53 of these pocket rockets, bound for Antigua’s neighbor island of Guadeloupe. With another transatlantic race organised in March, 10 or more Class40 are likely to take part in the RORC Caribbean 600. Among the early entries is Catherine Pourre’s Eärendil which set a new Class40 record for the race last year (2 days 13 hours and 15 seconds).

“We are anticipating close to 100 boats from all over the world who will be coming to Antigua to enjoy the challenging racing and amazing weather,” said RORC Racing Manager Chris Stone. We are expecting an extremely good mix from within the fleet, seeing our smallest competitors tussling with the larger race machines for the prestigious IRC overall trophy.”

Race details – Entries – Facebook

Course:
The 11th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 starts from Antigua on February 18, 2019. The 600nm course circumnavigates 11 Caribbean Islands starting from Fort Charlotte, English Harbour, Antigua and heads north as far as St Martin and south to Guadeloupe taking in Barbuda, Nevis, St Kitts, Saba and St Barth’s.

Past Winners – IRC Overall:
2018 – George David, Rambler 88, Maxi (USA)
2017 – Hap Fauth, Bella Mente, JV72 (USA)
2016 – George Sakellaris, Maxi 72, Proteus (USA)
2015 – Hap Fauth, JV72, Bella Mente (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)

Source: Louay Habib