RORC | CARIBBEAN 600
🗓️ Date
18th - 26th Feb ‘27
💷 Price From £3,450
📍 Location
Antigua | English Harbour
The Caribbean 600 race is the glamorous one of the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) 600+ nautical mile races.
It is also one of the most full on as it has so many manoeuvres and sail changes, as well as usually having consistent trade winds of 15 > 25 knots and accompanying swell. It is cracking fun and exhausting, but oh so worth it for that bananna colada at the end!
Miles: 600 NM (approx.)
HOW TO BOOK
Please contact us for a quick chat before booking this one.
Use the “message us” button above or email: info@londonschoolofsailing.co.uk
Please see our Terms and Conditions
THE EVENT
This race is an absolute must for any offshore sailing junkie wanting to bag all the offshore 600nm races… Or anyone who fancies 600 miles round the cans (Caribbean Islands) racing in the tropical trade winds with every condition and wind angle imaginable being thrown at you! We have 2 boats in the race for 2027.
Grand Soliel 46 “Belladonna” will be a women’s only boat. She won her class in the race last year, so we’ll be pushing pretty hard to match her performance but still in the LSS spirit of having fun on and off the water. The cost will be £3,550.
We also will have Incisor, a Corby 45 with a mixed crew taking on the fleet, and the ladies on Belladonna. The cost will be £3,450.
THE PLAN
Thursday 18th Feb:
Meet for the skippers briefing and crew introductions ahead of the C600 race. We’ll have dinner and drinks at the Antigua Yacht club.
Friday 19th Feb:
Provisioning etc.
20th and 21st will be training and boat prep.
Monday 22nd:
Morning race start.
Friday 26th:
Evening prize giving and the legendary C600 closing party.
Good to know
You should arrange your own accommodation ashore for any nights outside of the race.
Boat prep will required ahead of the race, you will be expected to support the skipper as required.
As a long-distance race, be aware that you will be operating a watch system. This normally means that a crew is split up and alternates being on / off watch. Often it's 4hr shifts with shorter shifts from 16.00-18.00 and 18.00-20.00 to ensure that you are not always on watch at the same time of day/night.
Fly into Antigua Airport - ANU
Travel is pretty straightforward to Antigua with it being the main hub for TransAtlantic flights from the UK and the rest of Europe as well as the USA
FAQs & IMPORTANT NOTES
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Yacht charter, race entry fee, berthing in Antigua, qualified skipper, first mate and all required safety gear.
Provisions when racing, and lunch on training days.
Team t-shirt
While racing you will be staying on board, however there is no accommodation aboard throughout the training or after the race.
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Any meals or drinks onshore.
Accommodation off the boat, which will be required outside of race days.
Travel too and from Antigua, and airport transfers.
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£1,200 to secure your place with 2 additional instalments of £1,100.
Please contact us at info@londonschoolofsailing.co.uk to discuss any alternative payment options.
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Please see our BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS for details about changing your booking.
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Previous experience required:
This race is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a once in a lifetime challenge and should be respected accordingly. Your experience is not as important as your attitude.
Ideally, you will have past yacht racing experience but it isn’t absolutely necessary, also a certain level of strength and fitness is required as this race is both physically and mentally challenging.
Experience of spinnakers/gennakers is handy
Give us a call if you’re not sure!
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The race time depends on the weather forecast heavily but you should aim to have a week in Antigua including days pre race, the race itself and some days afterward.
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More racing!
Join RORC as a member.
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Please see our KIT LIST under the ABOUT section.
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The RORC Caribbean 600 is an exhilarating offshore yacht race that takes participants on a challenging and picturesque course through the Caribbean Sea. Here's a description of the course:
Start: The race typically begins in the stunning harbour of Antigua, specifically from Fort Charlotte. Yachts from all over the world gather here, creating a colourful spectacle as they prepare for the adventure ahead.
North: After the starting signal, the fleet heads northward through the Caribbean Sea. They navigate through the channel between Antigua and Barbuda, setting sail for the open ocean.
East to Barbuda: Yachts sail eastward towards the island of Barbuda, known for its pristine beaches and turquoise waters. This leg of the race often features strong trade winds, and crews must manage their sails expertly.
South towards Nevis: After rounding Barbuda, the fleet heads south toward the island of Nevis. This section can be particularly challenging due to changing wind conditions and the need for strategic navigation.
Round Nevis and St. Kitts: Yachts round the southern tip of Nevis and then pass St. Kitts to the west. The volcanic peaks of these islands provide a dramatic backdrop to the race.
West to Saba: The course then takes the fleet westward towards the tiny but stunning island of Saba. Saba is known for its steep cliffs rising dramatically from the sea.
North to St. Barth's: From Saba, yachts turn northward again, making their way to the French paradise of St. Barth's. The winds and currents in this area can be quite tricky to navigate.
West to St. Martin: After leaving St. Barth's behind, the yachts sail west towards the larger island of St. Martin. This is often a fast and exhilarating leg of the race.
North to Anguilla: From St. Martin, the fleet heads north toward Anguilla, another beautiful Caribbean island known for its stunning beaches.
Return to Antigua: The final leg of the race takes the yachts southward back to Antigua. After several days at sea and facing diverse weather conditions, the finish line in Antigua is a welcome sight.
The RORC Caribbean 600 is renowned for its challenging course, stunning scenery, and the opportunity for sailors to test their skills and seamanship in the breathtaking waters of the Caribbean. It's a true adventure that attracts sailors from around the world.