Monday 18 February 2013
ROYAL OCEAN RACING CLUB
2013 RORC CARIBBEAN 600
Race Report By: Louay Habib
BLAST OFF!
A flash of smoke, high above the 'Pillars of Hercules' announced the start of the
5th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600. Before the start 25 knots of trade winds,
gusting close to 30, provided feisty conditions. 53 yachts blasted into action,
crashing to windward through the surf in the starting area. The international fleet,
with crews from 31 nations, set off for the 600-mile race threading through 11 stunning
Caribbean islands and the forecast strong winds promises a wild and memorable ride.
Start of IRC Zero and Canting Keel RORC Caribbean 600 - Credit: Tim Wright/Photoaction.com
"This is going to be a fast and fairly tough race," commented RORC CEO, Eddie Warden
Owen, prior to the start. "All the teams are aware of the forecast and they know
it is going to be breezy and how they handle those conditions will have a big impact
on their performance. They will be excited but also apprehensive about the conditions.
However, watching the start I have to say it was stunning, sunshine, beautiful warm
water, they are all going to have a fantastic race."
First to go were the multihulls. Peter Aschenbrenner's ballistic trimaran, Paradox,chose
to start on port and had to dip Austin Hearst's Gunboat 66, Slim. Meanwhile Lloyd
Thornburg's Gunboat 66, Phaedo, looked to have a indexsail issue with the crew battling
to gain control in 25 knots of brisk trade winds. Phaedo fell behind but quickly
rectified the problem and took chase.
The second start had 22 yachts barrelling towards the start line. Joseph Mele's
American Swan 44, Triple Lindy, got a cracking start but the bigger yachts soon
passed them, notably Christian Reynolds' Swan 53, Northern Child, who went inshore
to benefit from a great lift back out to lead on the beat.
Next to go were the Class40s and CSA. Peter Harding's British Class40, 40 Degrees,
was over eager and was OCS and had to return to the start line. Christof Petter's
Austrian Class40, Vaquita, got away to a flyer at the pin end but Marc Lepesqueux's
Sensation headed inshore and tacked back to cross in front of Vaquita. The Class40s
are very close in speed and have a great battle in store.
The penultimate start for the Class Zero and Canting Keel was delayed due to the
race committee elected to relay the line, which was carried out with great precision.
Mike Slade's Maxi, ICAP Leopard and Hap Fauth's, Mini-maxi Bella Mente got away
well, but Leopard's prowess upwind was a telling factor as they rolled Bella Mente
to leeward. heading perilously close to the rocky cliffs, Bella Mente tacked first,
releasing Leopard, who tacked right on their line. Dramatic to say the least but
more drama was to come. Close behind the 100ft Maxi Liara was dismasted. The crew,
all safe and well, motored Liara back to the dock.
Last to go where the Superyachts; Filip Balcaen's 112 ft Baltic, Nilaya was dwarfed
by two mighty schooners, Athos and Adela. Nilaya had the line to herself, as Athos
and Adela powered to windward on opposite tacks. They made a dramatic backdrop crashing
through the waves as they made their way upwind to the turning point at Green Island
off the Eastern end of Antigua with Adela crossing ahead of Athos to lead the private
battle.
Ker 51, Varuna Tim Wright/Photoaction.com
Mike Slade at the helm of ICAP Leopard, Farr 100 Credit: Tim Wright/Photoaction.com
Superyachts Athos and Adela Credit: Tim Wright/Photoaction.com
Lloyd Thornburg's Gunboat 66, Phaedo - Credit: Tim Wright/Photoaction.com
Quokka chartered by Lloyd's of London Yacht Club Credit: Tim Wright/Photoaction.com
The majestic schooner, Athos Credit: Tim Wright/Photoaction.com
Scarlet Logic, Oyster 48 Credit: Tim Wright - Photoaction.com
Peter Aschenbrenner's 63ft trimaran, Paradox Credit: Ocean Images
ENDS/....
|
