RORC | CARIBBEAN 600

🗓️ Thu 15 - Sat 24 Feb 2024

💷 £2495

📍 Antigua | English Harbour

The Caribbean 600 race is the glamorous, Caribbean of the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) 600+ nautical mile races. However 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. Basically it’s cracking fun and exhausting, but oh so worth is.

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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!

THE PLAN

Thur 15th > Sat 24th Feb 2024 | English Harbour | Antigua

This first qualifying race for all three LSS boats is a non-stop race from Cowes to the Eddystone Lighthouse and back (just off Plymouth) over the bank holiday weekend and approx 235 nm.

  • Exact details TBC

Good to know

  • In case there are boat chores required ahead of the race, you might be asked for a little support by your skipper. It would be great if you could help out if necessary.

  • 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.

  • For the race start, the tide will be turning against the fleet, approximately 2hrs into the race. Being Neap tides this isn’t as severe as a Spring tide.

  • 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


  • Full wardrobe of Doyle racing sails as well as both Symmetric and Asymmetric Spinnakers

    • Builder: Grand Soleil

    • Designer: Mateo Polli

    • Model: Grand Soleil 50

    • Yacht Type: Racer Cruiser

    • Length OA: 14.9m / 48.89ft

    • Draft: 2.15m / 7.05ft

    • Beam: 4.53m / 14.86ft

    • IRC Rating: 1.070

    • Electronics: B&G Instrumentation, Marine Router, VHF, Windex, Zeus 2 performance chart plotter

    • Accomodation: 8 PipecotsDescription text goes here

Sidney II

Grand Soleil 50 | IRC Rating 1.070

FAQs & IMPORTANT NOTES

    • Join the yacht evening Friday 16th to meet the team, training Days 17th/18th, ......Race starts Monday 19th, approx. 4-5 days,

    • Lunch during training days

    • Race provisions when racing

    • All mooring costs in Antigua

    • All safety gear included

    • All yacht costs including race entry fee

    • Race training

    • Professional Skipper and mate

    • Team t-shirt

    • NB While racing you will be staying on board, however there is no accommodation aboard throughout the training or after the race.

      • There are numerous hotels and Airbnb available, should you need assistance please let us know.

    • Any meals or drinks had off the boat

    • Any accommodation off the boat

    • Travel too and from Antigua - call for advice

  • Please contact us at info@londonschoolofsailing.co.uk to discuss payment options

  • Please see our BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS for details about changing your course once booked

  • 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!

    • The race time depends on the weather forecast heavily but in our experience, with the early morning start, usually just over 24 hours to the Eddystone lighthouse if the wind is a usual Westerly, and faster on the way back downwind.

    • More racing!

    • Please see our KIT LIST under the ABOUT section.

  • 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.