(English Harbour, Antigua)- It was an awe-inspiring start for the ninth
edition of the RORC Caribbean 600. The fleet started in magnificent
conditions with the largest ever offshore fleet assembled in the
Caribbean enjoying sparkling conditions. A southeasterly breeze,
occasionally gusting up to 15 knots and a relatively calm sea state
provided conditions for the perfect start with some close battles on the
water."This fleet is awe-inspiring because of the quality of the boats and you can see that by the competition at the start to get close to the cliffs. From the first gun, people were pushing hard to win the race. The RORC Caribbean 600 has grown, year after year and we just love it, it is the perfect playground for offshore racing," commented Eddie Warden Owen, RORC Chief Executive.
RORC
Commodore Michael Boyd commented, "It was almost as nerve racking to be
up at Fort Charlotte as on the water, and, of course, we are all
hurlers from the ditch telling them to get closer to the cliffs. It was a
fascinating start from an amazing and historic vantage point to see
these wonderful boats take off. Everything went very smoothly, which is a
great tribute to our professional race management team and our
volunteers. This was quite an emotional moment for me and we will of
course be wishing them all well for the next few days and a safe
return."Ed Fishwick's J/122 REDSHIFT ON EL OCASO nailed the pin end at the first start which saw the combined IRC 2 & IRC 3 classes away clear. This year with softer winds predicted, perhaps one of these yachts will win the overall prize of the RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy. REDSHIFT ON EL OCASEO was leading on the water at Green Island but two hours into the race. As of Thursday at 0900 hours, with just over 145nm left to go, the J/122 REDSHIFT ON EL OCASO is 1st in IRC 2 Class and 1st in CSA 2 Class, and they have a shot at overall honors, too!
The RORC Caribbean 600 has quickly become an important event in ocean racing circles in the course of its short history and a 'must do' race on the calendar of those who take their ocean racing seriously. The RORC Caribbean 600 circumnavigates 11 of the Leeward Islands, starting and finishing in Antigua, going as far north as St. Maarten and as far south as Guadeloupe. The race has grown steadily in its nine-year history and the 2017 edition has a new record entry of over 70 boats. For more RORC Caribbean 600 Race sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.
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