The Royal Ocean Racing Club’s Caribbean 600 is one of the great ‘600 mile’ ocean race challenges, along with epics such as the Rolex Fastnet Race and the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race.
Its tropical setting might make it more inviting but the Caribbean 600 does not lack its set of challenges. With one of the most fascinating offshore courses in the world, the race takes competitors between islands, navigating currents, ocean swells, and trade winds, while dealing with the lee of the land—all amid tropical temperatures and breathtaking vistas. This 600-nautical-mile course circumnavigates 11 Caribbean islands, starting from English Harbour, Antigua, before heading north to St Martin and south to Guadeloupe, passing Barbuda, Nevis, St Kitts, Saba, and St Barth’s. This is not a race for the faint-hearted.
The race annually attracts a great range of yachts from the latest IRC designs to big classics and schooners, and has grown up to become a ‘must do’ offshore classic.
Competitors come from near and far to participate and last year was one of the toughest Caribbean 600’s ever. We are proud to say that we finished thanks to a mammoth effort by crew and friends and this year we are back with our new boat and some of last years crew who are determined to improve on what was already an incredible performance.
The RORC Caribbean 600 will start as scheduled in Antigua in February and if you fancy escaping the cold and enjoying some excellent racing then feel free to get in touch. The price includes 4 days of training to prepare and get used to the boat and each other, before spending the next 5 days taking on the seas, and the competition, around the islands of the Caribbean.
The boat will be based around Nelson’s Dockyard Marina, English Harbour, Antigua.
Closest airport is VC Bird International Airport. Transportation from the airport is available via taxis or local busses. Flights before and after the race as well as transport from and to the airport are not included in the price and is the responsibility of the passenger. Book your flights only once your seat on the race is fully confirmed.
Meeting at the boat at 12:00 noon on 18th February 2025
Arrival in Antigua and welcome on board at Nelson’s Dockyard Marina, located at English Harbour. Meet your skipper and crew at 12:00. The day will include getting to know your crew, cleaning and organising the boat, and starting preparations for the race.
After breakfast you will continue to get the boat and the crew ready for the race and commence with the first training day.
The third training day will be followed at 18:00 by the C600 Skipper’s Briefing at Lucky Eddi’s
18:30 – Welcome Party AYC Lawn area with live music, DJ, food and a bar.
Today you will be making last enhancements and adjustments to the boat followed by an extensive safety brief before the race.
09:00 – Race Office Opens
10:50 – First warning signal and race start. The start line is taken from Fort Charlotte and the race will get you past 11 Caribbean Islands.
Typically, and dependent on the weather, it takes about 4 days to get around the course. With a watch system, you will get more experience of what it means to participate in a race and get to see some of the most beautiful sunrises, sunsets and star filled night skys while sharing the excitement and the sense of achievement with your crew members when finally crossing that finish line.
Celebrate your efforts with your crew and the other participants over some English Harbour Rum at the Prize Giving, followed by the final party.
