Unstable and gusty winds ensured that the 14th start of the RORC Caribbean 600 was exciting. The Caribbean long-distance classic began in the late afternoon of 20 February with 70 boats from 16 countries. The IRC, Class 40 and Mocra yachts started the race with 600 male and female sailors from 30 nations, who sailed through the Caribbean islands on an attractive course: Barbuda, St. Kitts, St. Barths, St. Maarten, Guadeloupe, Les Saintes, La Désirade and other island beauties line the route.
Traditionally, the course attracts prominent owners and fast yachts. Roy Disney's modified Volvo 70 "Pyewacket 70" led the field on Tuesday morning ahead of her class sister "I love Poland" and the VO65 "Wind Whisper". They were followed by the VO65 "Amber Sail 2", the VO65 "Sisi" and Niklas Zenström's CF 520 "Rán". Ambitious German teams are also taking part: the IRC 56 "Black Pearl" of Stefan Jentzsch, the Berlin Elliott 52 "Rafale" of Henri de Bokay with skipper Philipp Kadelbach, the Swan 441 "Charisma" of Constantin Claviez and Markus Bock's Swan 48 "Montana".
Giovanni Soldini's Multi70 "Maserati" initially led the multihull field ahead of the MOD70 "Zoulou" and the Gunboat 68 "Tosca". The best in the fast multihull division had pulled away after the start at high speeds of 30 knots. But even on a hull, things were moving briskly after the start. The crew on "Pyewacket 70" reported top speeds of more than 20 knots.
The fastest boats are expected back in the start and finish harbour off Nelson's Dockyard on Antigua from Wednesday. For comparison: The monohull record for the RORC Caribbean 600 dates back to 2018, was set by the maxi "Rambler 88" and stands at 37 hours, 41 minutes and 45 seconds. For the multihulls, the aim is to beat the record set by Jason Carrol's "Argo" last year. The Mod70 completed the Caribbean course around eleven islands in 29 hours, 38 minutes and 44 seconds.
