A flash of smoke, high above the ‘Pillars of Hercules’ announced that the 5th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 yacht race has kicked off. Before the start, 25 knots of trade winds, gusting close to 30, offered feisty conditions. 53 yachts blasted into action, crashing to windward through the surf in the starting area. The international fleet, with crews from 31 countries, set sail for the 600-mile race threading through 11 fabulous Caribbean islands and the strong winds forecast promise a wild as well as 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 yacht Paradox chose to start on port and had to dip Austin Hearst’s Gunboat 66 sailing yacht Slim. Meanwhile Lloyd Thornburg’s Gunboat 66 yacht Phaedo, looked to have a mainsail 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.
Mike Slade at the helm of charter yacht ICAP Leopard, Farr 100 Credit: Tim Wright/Photoaction.com
The second start had 22 yachts barrelling towards the start line. Joseph Mele’s American Swan 44 yacht Triple Lindy, got a cracking start but the bigger yachts soon passed them, notably Christian Reynolds’ Swan 53 yacht 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 yacht 40 Degrees, was over eager and was OCS and had to return to the start line. Christof Petter’s Austrian Class40 yacht 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.
Superyachts Athos and Adela Credit: Tim Wright/Photoaction.com
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 charter yacht ICAP Leopard and Hap Fauth’s Mini-maxi yacht 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 charter yacht Liara was dismasted. The crew, all safe and well, motored Liara back to the dock.
The majestic sailing yacht Athos Credit: Tim Wright/Photoaction.com
Last to go where the Superyachts; Filip Balcaen’s 112 ft Baltic superyacht Nilaya was dwarfed by two mighty schooners, mega yacht Athos and luxury yacht 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.
During the race, there will be daily news stories, images and video updates from the fleet. All of the yachts are fitted with Yellowbrick trackers and competitors are encouraged to send blogs and images from the yachts, which will also appear on the website.
