Monday, February 23, 2015

RORC Caribbean 600 Preview

J/145 Spitfire sailing RORC Caribbean 600 race (English Harbour, Antigua)- An amazing fleet of yachts from around the globe has come together for a spectacular Caribbean rendezvous. Fort Charlotte, Antigua will be the starting and finishing point for a sensational 600-mile yacht race around 11 Caribbean islands that starts on February 23rd.

Since 2009, the RORC Caribbean 600 has been growing in popularity and the seventh edition boasts an extraordinary range of yachts: record breaking high performance racers, magnificent schooners, elegant classics and fast production yachts. World-class sailors will be taking part, rubbing shoulders with royalty, captains of industry and passionate Corinthian amateurs.

The course meanders through the stunning central Caribbean affording amazing scenery, but the RORC Caribbean 600 is not just a joyride. Competitors can expect little sleep as the myriad of corners create many maneuvers and opportunity to make large gains (or losses). The racing is electric but the high-speed action in tropical heat can be exhausting. At the finish, the welcome party for the crews has become legendary. Every boat is cheered in, regardless of the hour, for a cold beer and a warm welcome.

Competing in this year’s race will be the J/122 LIQUID skippered by Pamala Baldwin.  J/122s have been strong performers in the race; its all-around capabilities have kept them in the trophy hunt virtually every time since the race course is a combination of beating, reaching and running.  Joining her will be the J/145c SPITFIRE, sailed by Jonathan Bamberger and crew.  There will be “live” 24 hour race-tracking of the entire race, so be sure to check in on their progress!   For more RORC Caribbean 600 sailing information