ROYAL OCEAN RACING CLUB
20 ST JAMES'S PLACE, LONDON SW1A 1NN
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RORC CARIBBEAN 600 - Online Entry Now Open for 2012 Race
Antigua: Monday 20th February 2012
Online entry for the 4th edition of the Royal Ocean Racing Club's Caribbean 600
is now open.
Offshore in the Caribbean
The RORC Caribbean 600, run by the Royal Ocean Racing Club in association with Antigua
Yacht Club, is the only offshore race of the Caribbean series and since its conception
in 2009, has become a firm favourite with offshore racers seeking a tactical challenge
in warm Caribbean conditions. The 2012 edition will witness an impressive line-up
of yachts starting from Antigua on Monday 20th February.
Antigua start for the 2011 RORC Caribbean Race fleet
Credit: Tim Wright/photoaction.com
The fleet will battle the 600nm course which circumnavigates 11 Caribbean Islands
starting from Fort Charlotte, English Harbour, Antigua and heading north as far
as St Martin and south to Guadeloupe taking in Barbuda, Nevis, St Kitts, Saba and
St Barth's. Perfect racing in perfect conditions.
Established as 'Must do' Race in Offshore Calendar
RORC Commodore, Andrew McIrvine will be competing for the second year in the elegant
154.5ft classic schooner, Windrose of Amsterdam:
"The RORC Caribbean 600 is now well established on the international offshore racing
calendar. We are excited about the quality of the boats intending to race in 2012
and expect to follow this year's record entries which represented 15 different countries.
The race has great appeal to offshore sailors as it's a modern race in every sense;
the course is designed to provide an exciting and inspiring race that compliments
modern yacht design. The club is delighted that sailors from all over the world
want to take part. The diverse fleet will be a mixture of world class sailors and
corinthian enthusiasts, but they all have one thing in common, a passion for offshore
racing and a challenge."
Attracting Top Boats
It's the Caribbean sailing conditions that attract highly competitive and successful
racing teams such as Niklas Zennstrom's Rán. Their mythological sea goddess in the
form of the 72ft Judel/Vrolijk, mini maxi Rán, are hoping to add to their silverware
collection following overall wins in the Rolex Fastnet Race and Mini Maxi Rolex
World Championship this year and Team Manager, Tim Powell explains why:
"The Rán team are looking forward to competing in the 2012 edition of the RORC Caribbean
600 as it's an event we have wanted to race in since its inception due to the fabulous
sailing conditions that are the 'norm' in that area. It will be a great race."
Rambler Returns
George David is planning to return to the Caribbean to defend the 2011 title he
won in Rambler 100. This time he will be using the water ballasted Reichel/Pugh
designed Rambler 90 and this will be the first race the team will have done together
since the capsize of Rambler 100 in the Rolex Fastnet Race that sent shivers through
the yachting community. It is unlikely that he will be close to beating the race
record he set, but he will have a battle on his hands for overall line honours
with some of the super yachts that are expected to compete.
Something for Everyone
Super yachts
Interest has already been received from a diverse range of boats and crews: In the
super yacht class - the 38m Philippe Briand designed, P2, skippered by Jonathan
Kline and Peter Harrison's Farr 115, Sojana. Peter has been an admirer of the race
since its conception and he competed for the first time this year finishing second
in IRC Zero and third Overall.
Also planning to compete is the brand new 66.7m (219ft) ketch, Hetairos, built by
Baltic Yachts. This incredibly luxurious, fast yacht designed purely for pleasure,
will also compete in regattas where competition is fierce. She is currently undergoing
sea trials and if all goes well she will be there.
Traditional
In the Spirit of Tradition class, the 180ft (55m) classic twin-masted schooner Adela
will line up against the 155ft Windrose of Amsterdam whose classic hull and modern
schooner rig was conceived to win races of this type.
Other Entries
Other interesting entries include: Brad Van Liew's Le Pingouin, winner of the 2010/11
Velux 5 Oceans. Charleston-based Brad sailed the Open 60 to victory in the race
around the world, winning every ocean sprint of the 30,000 mile race and becoming
the first American to ever officially complete three solo races around the globe.
Also intending to compete: Idea, the Reichel Pugh-designed 78ft maxi, Peter Aschenbrenner's
63ft trimaran Paradox, Amanda Hartley's Swan 56 Clem, Christian and Lucy Reynolds
Swan 51, Northern Child and the Swan 48, Scarlet Oyster. Ondeck will enter Farr
65s and a Beneteau 40.7, First 40 and Santa Cruz 37 for charter. The Grand Soleil
46, Belladonna Logic has been entered by Sailing Logic, winners of the RORC 'Sailing
School Boat of the Year' for the past six years.
Charter Opportunities
Once again, the RORC Caribbean 600 has seen increased enquiries for the charter
of yachts from individuals who wish to enjoy winter sunshine racing in the Caribbean
and from companies who are selling places on their yachts. For more information
about boats available for charter, check out the race website.
Entry opened on Monday 3rd October
For more information please visit the RORC Caribbean 600 mini site: http://caribbean600.rorc.org
RORC RACE ENQUIRIES:
Royal Ocean Racing Club
T: +44 (0) 207 518 3131
E: racing@rorc.org.uk [mailto:racing@rorc.org.uk]
RACE RECORDS:
Multihull record holder - Region Guadeloupe in 40 hours 11 mins 5 secs (2009)
Monhull record held by Rambler 100 in 40 hours 20 mins 02 secs (2011)
Race Results: http://caribbean600.rorc.org/
RACE WEBSITE: http://caribbean600.rorc.org
Start: The RORC Caribbean 600 starts from Antigua on Monday February 20th 2012.
Prizegiving: Friday 24th February 2012, Antigua Yacht Club.
The 600nm course circumnavigates 11 Caribbean Islands starting from Fort Charlotte,
English Harbour, Antigua and heads north as far as St Martin and south to Guadeloupe
taking in Barbuda, Nevis, St Kitts, Saba and St Barth's.
PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Wright/Photoaction.com - Start of the 2011 RORC Caribbean 600,
Antigua
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