Antigua & Barbuda: The spiritual homes of the RORC Caribbean 600

By Chris Stone, Racing Manager, Royal Ocean Racing Club

The RORC Caribbean 600, starting and finishing in Antigua, is an exciting 600-mile offshore race that takes competitors around some of the most beautiful islands of the Caribbean. In total, 11 islands form the course in the central Caribbean, including two legs to Barbuda and one leg to Redonda.

The course weaves through the islands in the central Caribbean, with St Maarten being the most northerly and Guadeloupe the most southerly. The spiritual home of the RORC Caribbean 600 is Antigua, where hundreds of sailors from around the world enjoy the beaches and hospitality of this tropical paradise. Many teams bring their families and friends along to stay shoreside in the many hotels and villas available in Antigua to enjoy both the competition and the numerous attractions on the island.

Organised in association with the Antigua Yacht Club, a huge number of volunteers assist in making the RORC Caribbean 600 a special race. Every boat is greeted dockside with a warm welcome and cold drinks, no matter what time of day or night. The restaurants and bars of Nelson’s Dockyard, Falmouth Marina and the Catamaran Club enjoy one of the busiest periods of the season.

The spiritual home of the RORC Caribbean 600 is Antigua, where hundreds of sailors from around the world enjoy the beaches and hospitality of this tropical paradise.

The RORC Caribbean 600 was established in 2009 and has been held every year since, becoming a classic race and a bucketlist event. The race is a truly international affair, with well over 500 hundred competitors from at least 24 different nations taking part.

2023 will mark the 14th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 and through popular demand, a new series of races will be run before the 600-mile event for the first time. The RORC Caribbean 600 Series will run from 14th to 24th February 2023, bringing a festival of sailing to Antigua & Barbuda.

The Royal Ocean Racing Club is recognised as the premier organiser of racing for offshore yachts in the world. The London-based club was founded on the famous Fastnet Race in 1925. In recent years the RORC has organised numerous new offshore yacht races around the world.

For more information about the RORC Caribbean 600: www.caribbean600.rorc.org