The world of offshore yacht racing just got even more exciting. Two stalwarts of the sailing world—the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) and the Antigua Yacht Club (AYC)—have signed a landmark Memorandum of Agreement, securing the future of the RORC Caribbean 600 in Antigua for years to come.
This agreement formalises a partnership that has been thriving for over 15 years, elevating the event from a bold new challenge in 2009 to a must-race fixture on the global sailing calendar.
“It’s one of our signature highlight races—we love it,” said Deb Fish, Commodore of RORC. “It’s a fantastic course, it really points up our program. Antigua is a fantastic host, with friendly locals and incredible sailing conditions. It was time to put this race on solid footing for the future.”
A Race Like No Other
The RORC Caribbean 600 is unlike anything else in offshore racing. Covering 600 punishing miles, it takes crews through 11 Caribbean islands, pushing them through shifting conditions, tricky currents, and relentless challenges. The combination of relentless trade winds, requiring frequent sail changes, complex navigation, and stunning scenery makes it a true test of skill and endurance.
“Antigua is a perfect venue,” Added RORC Chief Executive Jeremy Wilton. “The Antigua Yacht Club offers everything we need—it’s right on the dock, has fantastic facilities, and delivers exactly what’s required to stage and manage a race of this magnitude.”
An Historic Agreement
While RORC and AYC have worked together for over a decade, the new agreement cements their relationship, ensuring that the Caribbean 600 remains in Antigua for at least the next three years.
Clarence Pilgrim, Commodore of Antigua Yacht Club, celebrated the occasion: “This is a fantastic time—this sixteenth edition is our best yet. We love welcoming sailors from all over the world. Our goal is to keep expanding, hosting more regattas, and making the event bigger and better every year.”
More Than Just a Race
The race week now includes The Nelson Series, featuring the high-speed Antigua 360, a thrilling sprint around the island that sets the stage for the main event. Volunteers, locals, and international crews all play a role in making the event a success.
“We love Antigua and volunteering means we’re part of the community,” said Nicki Bovey, a long-time race volunteer, who comes every year to Antigua to support the regatta. “It’s rewarding to contribute to something so special, and every year, it just gets better.”
With this new agreement in place, the RORC Caribbean 600 is set to continue its legacy as one of the most exhilarating offshore races in the world. Antigua remains unequivocally a powerhouse of sailing!
MP for St. Paul, E.P Chet Greene welcomed the signing of the agreement calling the race ‘a national staple’ of Antigua and Barbuda. He congratulated the organisers for the successful staging of the 16th RORC 600 race, which had its prize giving last Friday night. “On behalf of the government of Antigua and Barbuda, let me welcome you back to our shores next year, 2026, as part of this new agreement,” he declared.
– Reprinted from a Zoe Carlton post
