2026 RORC Caribbean 600: Worthy of its legacy

Seventeen editions into its history, the RORC Caribbean 600 continues to evolve without losing its essence. The eleven islands of the course have not changed, yet each year the subtle changes to the trade winds write a different script, as does the profound experience of the international alumni of sailors that take part.

 In 2026, the trade winds settled further south-east than in many recent editions. What is often remembered as a high-speed reaching circuit became a more technical contest: longer upwind phases, tighter reaching angles and frequent transitions through compression zones and wind shadows. It was still a race defined by amazing spectacle, but also by course geometry and the ability to execute cleanly, throughout the 600-mile offshore classic.

OVERALL IRC GLORY – LEOPARD 3

Overall victory under IRC for the RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy went to Leopard 3, securing her second overall triumph in the race. The year’s weather conditions suited her strengths, but the modification made to Leopard, and above all meticulous team work were all part of the complete package.

 “It’s a surprise to win it,” said Leopard’s Joost Schuijff . “Black Jack was very strong, congratulations to them for line honours. There are other boats on IRC rating that would easily match us. So yes, it’s a surprise but I think it was due to our performance and lack of problems. It was the best '600 that we ever sailed here in Antigua.” Laura de Vere taking part in her third race agreed. “It was super exciting. We are thrilled, over the moon.”

MONOHULL LINE HONOURS SECURED – BLACK JACK 100

The 100-foot contest between Black Jack 100 and Leopard 3 unfolded as a classic maxi match race.

 Remon Vos’ RP100 Black Jack 100, skippered by Tristan Le Brun, secured Monohull Line Honours in 1 Day 20 Hrs 31 Mins 36 Secs, yet the race lead oscillated repeatedly. The south-easterly breeze accentuated the contrast between the boats. Leopard 3 excelled upwind in 15–20 knots, pointing high and absorbing the Caribbean swell with authority. Black Jack 100 thrived when the angle freed, converting sail power into decisive gains on longer reaching sections.

 For Black Jack’s Vos, the battle itself carried meaning beyond the trophy. “It’s fantastic when you’re head to head with similar boats. Who wins? You don’t know. That’s important.” He spoke not of dominance but of collective growth for the Black Jack project. “It’s all about people,” Vos said . “Young sailors, experienced sailors, different backgrounds. Passion and talent together that’s what makes it work.”

MULTIHULL LINE HONOURS TRIUMPH – ARGO

The MOD70 contest delivered one of the closest finishes in race history. Jason Carroll’s MOD 70 Argo (USA) completed the course in 1 Day 12 Hrs 01 Mins 46 Secs, defeating Final Final – Zoulou, sailed by fellow American Jon Desmond, by just over three minutes after over 36 hours of racing, often at over 30 knots of boat speed.

 The south-easterly trades reshaped key legs, particularly behind Nevis, turning what is often a stable reach into a gybe-intensive run. Around Guadeloupe, compression zones demanded constant recalculation. The race concluded with a decisive beat from Redonda, where Argo executed a perfectly timed double-tack to gain separation that proved conclusive.

 “It’s a beautiful race,” Argo’s Carroll said. “You’re on your toes the whole time. Every few hours you’re rounding an island or making a decision. Guaranteed breeze, great competition.” Carroll also praised the organisers. “RORC has a long track record of running incredible events. When you make a big investment bringing a boat and crew to a race, you want to know it will be well run. RORC never disappoints.

IRC ZERO SUPREMACY – PALANAD 4

Mach 50 Palanad 4 – E.Leclerc (FRA), skippered by Antoine Magre, took victory in IRC Zero. James Neville’s Carkeek 45 Ino Noir (GBR) took a bold but calculated gamble on the very last leg to finish second on IRC corrected time by a slim margin. Niklas Zennstrom’s Carkeek 52 Rán (SWE) completed the podium.

 With roughly 60% of the race sailed upwind or tight reaching, IRC Zero became a sustained VMG contest. Frederic Puzin’s Carkeek 54 Daguet 5 (FRA) led on corrected time for the early part of the race, as did Rán, However, Palanad’s steady accumulation through the tighter sections laid the foundation for success. The scow-bow 50-foot design is causing ripples around the world, ripping past formidable opponents such as Rán on a reach. During the race, Palanad consistently outperformed the opposition and had just enough advantage for the beat to the finish to hold off a late charge by Ino Noir.

 “I think one word to describe this race is intensity,” commented Palanad’s Antoine Magre. “We never really settled into a watch system because it was constant manoeuvres, constant sail changes and always dealing with land effects and wind shadows.

 “We weren’t off to the best start, but after that we didn’t make many mistakes. We sailed hard and stayed on point most of the time. The final beat from Redonda was definitely stressful, especially with the competition behind us. Securing this class win in such a competitive field is a major achievement for us.”

IRC ONE – NINE MINUTES FOR RIKKI’S TRIUMPH

Bruce Chafee’s RP42 Rikki (USA) sealed classed victory for the RORC Caribbean 600. Xavier Bellouard’s Lift 45 Maxitude (FRA) took line honours for the class, but corrected out to second place, just 9 minutes 32 seconds short after 600 demanding miles. Third place went to Woody Cullen’s Swan 58 WaveWalker (USA).

For Chaffee, one word defines the Rikki programme. “Team. It is the number one word for Rikki. My primary job is to bring the team, bring the boat, bring the resources. To give them the tools they need to perform together and create the culture for them to perform together.” The result is a crew that thrives on competition. “We are dinghy sailors at heart, and we love pushing the boat as a real sailor does. 

IRC TWO - BELLADONNA’S DREAM REALISED

The largest class in the 2026 RORC Caribbean 600 was IRC Two and it proved to be a battle of stamina and steady execution. Richard Dilley’s Grand Soleil 46 Belladonna (GBR) claimed class victory. Ray Rhinelander’s J/133 Bella J (CAN), skippered by Sarah Nicholson pushed hard throughout to come second. Third place after IRC time correction went to Cox & Dunlop’s J/122 Mojito (GBR).

 For Belladonna owner Richard Dilley, victory in IRC Two was far more than a line in the results. It was the fulfilment of a long-held ambition to compete in the RORC Caribbean 600.

 “For me, it’s kind of a lifetime achievement really, to come out here and race in these amazing waters,” Dilley says - emotion close to the surface. “I can’t put into words how amazing it is. I’ve always wanted to come out here and race.”

MOCRA – CALAMITY’S REDEMPTION

The eleven-strong multihull fleet competed under the MOCRA Rule, and here the win belonged to the Ocean 50 Calamity, skippered by Timo Tavio. Second under MOCRA was Marcus Sirota’s Sophia, skippered by Adam Davis, with Argo completing the podium.

 Calamity’s year began with disappointment, retiring from the RORC Transatlantic Race with a broken boom. Round the world sailor Ryan Breymaier, along with a build team sleeved the damaged carbon spar, restoring the boat in time for the RORC Caribbean 600.

 “When we broke the boom in the RORC Transatlantic, people thought the ‘600 was over for us,” commented Calamity’s Tavio. “We said no, we’ll fix it. Then we got hit on the start line and were bailing water and plugging damage before we’d even settled into race mode.”

 “We set ourselves one rule: don’t make mistakes,” added Calamity’s Breymaier. “If you get around this course without doing anything stupid, you’ll do well. We kept the boat moving, got through the wind holes, and never really stopped.”

CLASS40 – COMPETITION AND SEAMANSHIP

The Class40 division provided one of the most powerful moments of the race. Robin Follin’s Solano (FRA) won the class ahead of Matéo Le Calvic & Pierre Boulbin’s FPFP-TP (FRA), with Mike Hennessy’s Scowling Dragon (USA) third. Yet the defining moment for the winner Solano came in the dead of night at sea in a massive squall.

 The TS42 catamaran Cata Sensation, racing in the MOCRA Class, capsized on 25 February. In a gust of wind exceeding 30 knots, the catamaran, with six people on board, went over in a matter of seconds. Class 40 Solano was very close to Cata Sensation, around 16 nautical miles west of St John’s Harbour, and three competitors, MG5 Wellness Training, VO70 Cockatoo and Solano diverted immediately. Within 25 minutes, all six sailors had been safely recovered from the water by Solano. With all sailors secured on board, they completed the race winning the Class40 Division.

 “When the capsize happened, there was no reflection. We stopped immediately. That’s normal, it is the spirit of sailors. If it was us in the water, we would want someone to do the same,” commented Solano’s Robin Follin. “Once everyone was safe, we said, let’s finish properly. To win after that it means something more.”

 Competition is fierce in the RORC Caribbean 600. However, responsibility at sea is absolute. In responding as they did, the Class40 fleet reminded everyone of that enduring truth, safety at sea is non-negotiable in any RORC race.

The Prizegiving for the RORC Caribbean 600 was held on the lawn at the Antigua Yacht Club, bringing together competitors, supporters and distinguished guests to celebrate the 17th edition of the race.

Social events have always been a part of the RORC Caribbean 600. Following the Sevenstar Welcome Party, the final awards ceremony was honoured by the presence of His Excellency, Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda. Also present were The Honourable E.P. Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda, and Mr Sean Cenac, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism.

 Representing key event partners and supporters were Ed Matthirun, Business Development Manager – Sales & Marketing for Antigua Distillery and Shounya Shepard, Carib Brand Manager.

 RORC CEO Jeremy Wilton served as Master of Ceremonies and welcomed guests before inviting RORC Commodore Deb Fish to the stage to present the trophies and celebrate the achievements of the 2026 winners.

The 17th RORC Caribbean 600 will not be remembered for record-breaking extremes. It will be remembered for precision. A south-easterly trade wind reshaped the course and rewarded those who adapted. Titans claimed line honours. Trailblazers carved milestones across the fleet. Seamanship was tested and proven.

 The 18th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 is scheduled to start from Fort Charlotte Antigua on Monday 22 February 2027, preceded by the inshore RORC Nelson’s Cup Series