How to follow the RORC Caribbean 600

Watching the start of the RORC Caribbean 600 © Arthur Daniel

A spectacular fleet of 64 boats, ranging from 32ft (9.81m) to 107ft (32.55m) will be on the startline in Antigua for the 15th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 on Monday 19th February 2024.

Over 500 crew from 26 countries will compete in this classic 600 nautical mile race. For those lucky enough to be in the Caribbean, the start of this classic 600-miler can be viewed from Fort Charlotte, high above the spectacular Pillars of Hercules, or from Shirley Heights. The first start is scheduled for 1100 AST. Since the first edition in 2009, the RORC Caribbean 600 has evolved into one of the world's most challenging 600-milers.

Starting from Fort Charlotte, English Harbour, Antigua, the race heads as far north as the Anguilla Channel and south to round Les Saintes, off Guadeloupe. The non-stop race also takes in the devastating beauty of Barbuda, Nevis, St Kitts, Saba, St Barth's, Montserrat and Redonda.

From 10.45 AST (+4 GMT) - Watch the starts live from Fort Charlotte, Antigua with Axxess Marine connectivity, as Race Reporter Louay Habib and guests take us through all the action in the race build-up to the start as it happens.

RORC YouTube: www.youtube.com/@RORCRacing

Race fans and spectators can keep up-to-date with the 600nm race via the Race Website, Live Blog and RORC Social Media channels. Track the fleet and follow all the updates as the race unfolds.

Race Reports and regular news, links to the Race Tracker, RORC Photo Gallery, Live Results on SailRaceHQ, and much more. Go to: caribbean600.rorc.org

Crews will be sending back photos, blogs and video when they can during the race, and the Media Team will be posting updates too. Check out the Live Blog button on the front of the website: caribbean600.rorc.org/caribbean-600-live-blog

All yachts will carry a tracker so you can follow the progress of the whole fleet, particular class or individual boat from the race website: caribbean600.rorc.org/tracking

Results and leaderboard: sailracehq.com/live-results

Plus, you can follow the race live by downloading 'YB Races' for free from the App store.

Start times:
Monday 19th February 2024 - Fort Charlotte, Antigua
First warning signal: 10:50 Atlantic Standard Time (+4 GMT)

Proposed Start Sequence:
1100 IRC One, IRC Two & CSA
1110 IRC Zero & Class40
1120 IRC Super Zero
1130 Multihulls

Programme:
Thursday 15th February - Lay Day/Reserve Day
Friday 16th February - Antigua 360 - Race Antigua Race
Saturday 17th February - RORC Caribbean 600 Welcome Party + Antigua 360 Prizegiving
Sunday 18th February - Lay Day
Monday 19th February - Start of the 15th RORC Caribbean 600
Friday 23rd February - Final Prizegiving

Watching from the shore

Yachts will be starting south of Fort Charlotte, Antigua on Monday 19th February. You can get a wonderful view from Fort Charlotte or Shirley Heights. The starting line is formed between an orange triangle on Fort Charlotte and an yellow cylindrical Outer Distance Mark approximately 0.50nm south of Fort Charlotte. The Race Committee may adjust this position with reference to the wind direction on the day of the start.

Fort Charlotte is at the eastern entrance to English Harbour above the Pillars of Hercules and below Shirley Heights. There's also a chance to catch a glimpse from Pigeon Beach of the boats leaving Falmouth Harbour, headed for the staring area, and from Galleon Beach, those docking out of English Harbour.

For those wishing to watch the race from the water, please note that there will be an Exclusion Zone around the starting area effective from 1000 to 1200. The safety of spectator vessels and competitors is paramount.

Virtual competition

If you're not on the start line in Antigua, join the virtual race and take part from the comfort of your armchair. Be prepared for some sleepless nights - it's addictive! Over 5,000 have signed up already. www.virtualregatta.com/en/offshore-game/?openrace&576-1