2017’s Record-Breaking RORC Caribbean 600 Fast Approaches

By Rebecca Bradbury 15 February 2017

A record number of more than 70 sailing yachts will gather in Antigua over the next few days in preparation for the 2017 RORC Caribbean 600, which gets underway on Monday 20^th February.

Now in its ninth year, the RORC Caribbean 600 has quickly become an important event in ocean racing circles and this transformation into a ‘must-do’ race on the yachting calendar is reflected by the steady growth of participants.

On Monday’s first warning signal, scores of competing yachts will set sail from Fort Charlotte on the south coast of Antigua, and on-land spectators will be treated to amazing views from the fort as well as nearby viewpoint Shirley Heights.

The sailing yachts will spend the next few days circumnavigating 11 of the Leeward Islands over a 600-mile circuit, going as far north as St Maarten, as far south as Guadeloupe and finishing where it began in Antigua in time for a prize-giving and closing party on Friday 24^th February.

sailing yacht cuts through the Caribbean waters as part of the RORC Caribbean 600

view from Shirley Heights of the start of the RORC Caribbean 600

yachts cut through the sparkling waters at the RORC Caribbean 600

Other islands passed along the way include the superyacht hotspot of St Barths, the laidback but no less beautiful duo of St Kitts and Nevis, the unspoilt gem of Sint Eustatius and Saba, recognised by its soaring volcanic formations and spectacular rocky shorelines.

Among the competitors are a number of charter yachts, including the 32m/105ft sailing yacht DANNESKJOLD. A Southern Ocean Marine delivery, she returns to the regatta circuit after achieving third place in the Corsairs class at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua earlier this month.

The recently launched 35m/115ft charter yacht SHAMANNA is also on the line-up. Engineered by Nautor's Swan for fast speeds and an exceptional performance, she is expected to be a fierce competitor with an innovative new hull shape and twin rudders for enhanced receptiveness.

A modern replica of the iconic schooner WESTWARD, ELEONORA will be competing alongside at least 14 other classic yachts

all hands on deck aboard sailing yacht FARFALLA as she competes in the RORC Caribbean 600

beautiful classic sailing yacht circumnavigate the Leewards at the RORC Caribbean 600

charter yacht ELEONORA is one of the classic yachts competing at the 2017 RORC Caribbean 600

Another unmissable yacht cutting through the water at the Caribbean event will be the 50m/162ft charter yacht ELEONORA. A modern replica of the iconic schooner WESTWARD, she will be competing alongside at least 14 other classic yachts.

There is also a number of yachts available for a regatta charter at the meet, including the 32m/104ft sailing yacht FARFALLA. A regular on the regatta circuit she competed in the NZ Millennium Cup at the beginning of January, coming in in third place.

Another Southern Wind build, the 30m/99ft sailing yacht ‘Cape Arrow’, has also registered charter availability. Featuring a High Modulus carbon mast and carbon rigging, she offers an excellent performance, comfort and elegance.