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MEDIA ALERT – FROM RORC: VIDEO Final highlights: Review of the 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 A totally unique race

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Organised by The Royal Ocean Racing Club in association with Antigua Yacht Club
Start: Antigua, West Indies – Monday 20 February 2017
 Course: 600nm non-stop around 11 Caribbean Islands
MEDIA ALERT
Monday 27 February 2017, Antigua
VIDEO
Final highlights: Review of the
2017 RORC Caribbean 600
A totally unique race
Broadcast VNR available soon on request: press@rorc.org
Highlights of the 2017 RORC Caribbean 600
Highlights of the 2017 RORC Caribbean 600
© Roddy Grimes-Graeme/Acquafilms – @acquafilmsantigua
77 boats – 600 miles – 30 nations – 11 Caribbean Islands – 1 Amazing race

The 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 started in magnificent conditions with the largest ever offshore fleet assembled in the Caribbean enjoying sparkling conditions.
Close to 900 sailors from 30 different nations competed in the 9th edition of the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s classic offshore race. Olympic medallists, America’s Cup winners and round the world sailors competed alongside passionate corinthians on the same 600 mile race course around 11 Caribbean islands, starting and finishing in Antigua.
The 2017 edition will be remembered for highly competitive racing throughout the fleet, with American yachts winning the major prizes. The race was affected by unusual weather conditions, with a low pressure system sending the wind direction spinning through 360º of the compass.

Start footage, interviews with winners and skippers in the 77 boat fleet, plus on board action from the race course.

Embed code:
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To keep up to date with all the news and to follow the race. www.caribbean600.rorc.org
2018 race starts from Antigua on Monday 19th February.
ENDS/….
RORC YouTube channel:  

https://www.youtube.com/rorcracing
Social Media:
#rorcrc600  @rorcracing
 
NOTES TO EDITORS

MEDIA REQUESTS:

Trish Jenkins
RORC Press Officer
Local Cellphone: +1 268 725 4367
Skype: trish jenkins
Race/Press office opens at Antigua Yacht Club on Tuesday 14th Feb


RORC Race Enquiries:
Nick Elliott, Racing Manager
Royal Ocean Racing Club
Royal Ocean Racing Club:
20 St James’s Place
London SW1A 1NN
Tel: 020 7493 2248
Fax: 020 7493 2470
 

THE RORC CARIBBEAN 600:

  • RORC Caribbean 600 minisite: http://caribbean600.rorc.org
  • The 9th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 started from Antigua on Monday 20th February 2017
  • The 600nm course circumnavigates 11 Caribbean Islands starting from Fort Charlotte, English Harbour, Antigua and heads north as far as St Martin and south to Guadeloupe taking in Barbuda, Nevis, St Kitts, Saba and St Barth’s
  • 73 yachts have entered the race to date and a record number of boats from around the world is expected to take part
  • Twitter: #rorcrc600 @rorcracing
PAST RESULTS: RORC CARIBBEAN 600 TROPHY – IRC OVERALL
(Best best corrected time under IRC)

2017 – Ha Fauth, JV72, Bella Mente (USA)

2016 – George Sakellaris, Maxi 72, Proteus (USA)
2015 – Hap Fauth, JV72, Bella Mente (USA)
2014 – George Sakellaris, RP72, Shockwave (USA)
2013 – Ron O’Hanley, Privateer, Cookson 50 (USA)
2012 – Niklas Zennström’s JV72, Rán (GBR)
2011 – George David, Rambler 100, JK 100 (USA)
2010 – Karl C L Kwok, Beau Geste, Farr 80 (HKG)
2009 – Adrian Lee, Lee Overlay Partners, Cookson 50 (IRL)
THE ROYAL OCEAN RACING CLUB:
  • Established in 1925, The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) became famous for the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race and the international team event, the Admiral’s Cup. It organises an annual series of domestic offshore races from its base in Cowes as well as inshore regattas such as the RORC Easter Challenge and IRC National Championships in the Solent
  • The RORC works with other yacht clubs to promote their offshore races and provides marketing and organisational support. The RORC Caribbean 600 based in Antigua and the first offshore race in the Caribbean, has been an instant success and in 2014 the RORC extended its organisational expertise by creating the RORC Transatlantic Race from Lanzarote to Grenada in November
  • The club is based in St James’ Place, London and Cowes, Isle of Wight
  • In co-operation with the French offshore racing club, UNCL, RORC is responsible for IRC, the principal international handicap system for yacht racing worldwide.The Spinlock IRC rating rule is administered jointly by the RORC Rating Office in Lymington, UK and UNCL Centre de Calcul in Paris, France
  • The RORC Rating Office is the technical hub of the Royal Ocean Racing Club and recognised globally as a centre of excellence for measurement. For Spinlock IRC rating information in the UK please see:  www.rorcrating.com
RACE PARTNERS:

The Royal Ocean Racing Club has partnered with Rolex SA, adding the RORC Caribbean 600 to the leading Swiss watchmaker’s prestigious roster of yachting events around the world.  www.rolex.com


Sevenstar Yacht Transport – Official Logistics Partner to the RORC Caribbean 600.Sevenstar Yacht Transport is the world’s leading provider of yacht shipping services. A global network of destinations, ranging from the familiar to the exotic, and our own fleet of more than 100 independent carriers have propelled Sevenstar to the peak of its sector for more than 25 years. For race yachts, Sevenstar offers a unique package to the teams which includes all logistics of boat and spares. http://www.sevenstar-yacht-transport.com/racing-logistics.aspx
Sevenstar Yacht Transport Enquiries:
Wouter Verbraak – Direct:  +44 238 021 5063, Mb: +44 755 752 6451

Major Victory at RORC Caribbean 600 Kicks off 2017 Campaign

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Media Pro Int’l, Kirsten Ferguson, kirsten.ferguson@mediapronewport.com, 401-330-7889

Hap Fauth and his team on Maxi 72 Bella Mente competing in the 2017 RORC Caribbean 600. (Photo Credit: RORC/ELWJ Photography)

ANTIGUA, WEST INDIES (February 24, 2017) – Bella Mente Racing, led by owner/driver Hap Fauth, launched its 2017 campaign season with a major victory this week, winning IRC Overall, CSA Overall and CSA 1 at the RORC Caribbean 600 in Antigua; The team took home the coveted RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy for the IRC win as well as the Bella Mente Trophy, the team’s namesake award, for being the first IRC yacht to finish that is wholly manually powered. The 600-mile offshore race hosted a record number of competitors for its 2017 edition, with over 80 yachts hitting the waters off Antigua, but it was the battle between Bella Mente and rival Maxi 72 Proteus that took the spotlight. The yachts dueled up until the very end, with the lead switching hands on several occasions. After over two days at sea, Bella Mente ultimately prevailed, crossing the finish line on Wednesday, February 22 at 4:51 p.m. (AST), ahead of Proteus.

The Bella Mente Racing Team after winning IRC Overall at the 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 (left) and Owner/Driver Hap Fauth accepting the RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy (right). (Photo Credit Left: RORC/Ted Martin / Photo Credit Right: RORC/ELWJ Photography)

“This is such an important event for our campaign each year so it was just the best to be able to come back swinging,” said Fauth adding that this year’s RORC Caribbean 600 win was exceptionally sweet for the team, which came to the event last year hoping to defend its 2015 IRC Overall win, but were forced to retire halfway into racing due to keel troubles. “We’re looking forward to the rest of our 2017 season and ultimately the Rolex Maxi 72 World Championships in Sardinia. That is what the whole season is focused on from here.

“It was a very hard fought win. Over the course of the race, the team performed 85 sail changes and all but one were executed perfectly. The crew gave a 120 percent and we got a victory out of it – a crew and afterguard-driven victory.”

Maxi 72s Bella Mente and Proteus battling it out on the racecourse in the 2017 RORC Caribbean 600. (Photo Credit: RORC/ELWJ Photography)

The 600-mile race circumnavigates 11 Caribbean islands, starting its fleet off Fort Charlotte in Antigua and then taking it north up to Barbuda and around Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Eustatius, Saba, St. Barth and St. Martin before heading south for Guadeloupe. From there, the fleet returns to Barbuda and rounds Redonda before finishing back in Antigua.

“Our playbook was pretty extensive for this race with this being our fifth RORC Caribbean 600 racing Bella Mente, however it was based on the trade winds blowing as they normally do this time of year,” said the team’s offshore helmsman Mike Sanderson adding that though the RORC Caribbean 600 racecourse was the same as previous years, the fleet experienced a completely different wind direction, which changed the tactics and dynamic onboard. That, coupled with intense competition with Proteus, made for an extremely tough race. “This year the wind conditions did a 180 in comparison to previous years, which made for an entirely different race. For me, that was the best part of this year’s event. It’s always great to have a new challenge because it means we really have to do our homework to prepare for the race. When we got out there on the course, everything looked so different going around the track even though we were in familiar surroundings.”

Hap Fauth and his team on Maxi 72 Bella Mente racing in the 2017 RORC Caribbean 600. (Photo Credit: RORC/ELWJ Photography)

Tactician Terry Hutchinson added, “It was an absolute battle all the way through. Proteus got the better of us in the pre-start and on the first leg up to Barbuda, but we did a good job of keeping it close, and one rain shower later we were bow-to-stern with the Maxi 72. For the next 450 miles we were tied to the hip. Proteus held the lead through to La Désirade (off Guadeloupe), but when we started on the 90-mile leg back to Barbuda, Bella Mente’s upwind speed shined and we were able to slip around Proteus and extend.  From Barbuda to the finish we were constantly looking over our shoulder; our lead never felt big enough and we were preparing for one more parking lot with no breeze on the racecourse ahead. In true Bella Mente form, a couple of slick sail changes at the end of our 53 hours on the water got us across the finish line.”

When asked how he thought the team performed for their first event of the season, Hutchinson responded, “The team fared well, but we have a lot of work to do. The competition this season is very good, and so like in 2016 we need to apply a consistent process to our performance and development, and allow Bella Mente’s number one resource, our people, to perform.”

The Bella Mente Racing Team celebrates dockside in Antigua after their 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 win.(Photo Credit: RORC/ELWJ Photography)

Bella Mente will compete in one more event in the Caribbean, Les Voiles de. St. Barth in April, before the yacht is shipped across the Atlantic to race in Mallorca, Spain for the Palma Vela in May. The team will then relocate to Corfu, Greece for the inaugural Corfu Challenge in July and return to Mallorca for the Copa del Rey MAPFRE later that month. The season culminates with its final and most significant event, the Rolex Maxi 72 World Championship in Porto Cervo, Italy in September.

For more information, visit https://bellamenteracing.com/. Follow Bella Mente Racing on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

Sponsors for Bella Mente Racing include TSI, ESC, Tekran, DICKEY-john, Churchill Yachts,Worthington Aviation, Worthington Ag Parts and MSP.

Press Release – FROM RORC – More Winners Announced in RORC Caribbean 600

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Organised by The Royal Ocean Racing Club in association with Antigua Yacht Club
Start: Antigua, West Indies – Monday 20 February 2017
 Course: 600nm non-stop around 11 Caribbean Islands
Day 5: AM Race Report
Friday 24 February 2017, Antigua

More Winners Announced in RORC Caribbean 600 

As dawn broke on Day 5 of the RORC Caribbean 600, crews who had finished the race were beginning to arrive back in Antigua. Every boat, regardless of where they were moored, was met by the RORC Caribbean 600 volunteers, armed with a celebration banner and cold beer. The restaurants and coffee shops around Falmouth Harbour were filling up with sailors, hungry for a square meal full of stories about their RORC Caribbean 600.
Ph-orty
Class40 winner by just 33 minutes, Peter Harding’s Ph-orty © RORC/Ted Martin
At Dawn on the fifth day, the leading Class40s were approaching the finish. Throughout the race, the battle in the class had been intense, with three yachts taking the lead at various points along the course. Peter Harding’s Ph-orty was leading at Redonda, just ahead of Catherine Pourre’s Eärendil and Halvard Mabire’s Campagne de France was in third. All three yachts started the beat to finish with a chance of victory. However, Eärendil’s main halyard broke as the team hardened up for the beat and they were forced to reef and re-hoist. Ph-orty extended on the beat to take the gun and the class win by just 33 minutes. With Eärendil under-powered, Campagne de France closed the gap and overtook them, just before the finish line, to snatch second place by just under two minutes.
In IRC One, Antigua’s Bernie Evan Wong was tired but overjoyed to win the class racing his Antiguan RP37, Taz. Bernie has competed in all nine editions of the race and is proud to represent Antigua & Barbuda.
TAZ
An emotional win in IRC One for Antigua’s Bernie Evan Wong and his crew on the RP37, Taz © RORC/Ted Martin
“Unbelievable, just amazing,” smiled Bernie, full of emotion. “The team worked so hard, but was also a really happy bunch. I remember trying to take a rest but I couldn’t sleep because there was so much laughter on the boat. We are the smallest boat in the race and to beat all of the big boats in our class is like a dream come true.”
James Heald’s British Swan 45, Nemesis, racing Two Handed with Ben Harris is the runner up in IRC Two, a monumental effort for the short-handed team. Giles Redpath’s British Lombard 46, Pata Negra is third.
In IRC Two, Ed Fishwick’s J/122 Redshift on El Ocaso is the winner.
Redshift on El Ocaso
Ed Fishwick’s J/122 Redshift on El Ocaso secure overall win in IRC Two. Crew for the RORC Caribbean 600: Nick Cherry, Robert Hillier, James Holmes, Ed Males, Luke Patience, Alan Roberts, Nick Bubb and Tom Whicher © RORC
“We have competed in this race with classic trade wind conditions, but this year we had a massive variety in weather on the course from big breeze in squalls, to fickle light winds. The guys did a fantastic job and we all agreed that this was the best 600 we have ever done. The whole crew was sensational,” commented skipper, Ed Fishwick.
“I couldn’t have picked a better offshore race than the RORC Caribbean 600. It was a really cool experience, a great bunch of guys and my first offshore race,” exclaimed Olympic 470 Silver medallist, Luke Patience.
“Day one we saw a water spout, hump back whales; it was all kicking off, just epic! It was wonderful steering a boat at night, sailing by feeling the flow underneath you. The watches just flew by, I really enjoyed the race and it was very inspiring. The difference between offshore and Olympic sailing is that this is relentless, you are at it day and night. Where the two are wildly different is that with offshore sailing you are not in control all the time, you have to give a good handover to the next watch. However both disciplines require that you never take your foot of the gas.”
While Redshift on El Ocaso is the provisional winner for IRC Two, a battle is raging for the remaining podium places between three British yachts. Ross Applebey’s Oyster 48, Scarlet Oyster is currently estimated to be in second place. Dominic Hurndall’s British Grand Soleil 43, Jua Kali in third. Andy Middleton’s First 47.7, EH01 is in fourth.
Hap Fauth’s Maxi72, Bella Mente declared overall winner

2017 RORC Caribbean 600

Hap Fauth’s American Maxi72, Bella Mente has been declared the overall winner of the RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy. Whilst yachts are still racing, none of the fleet can beat Bella Mente’s corrected time under IRC. This is the second time Bella Mente has won the race overall and was a sweet victory after retiring last year with keel problems.

Hap Fauth RC600

Latest Video: Early finishers: 
To keep up to date with all the news and to follow the race. www.caribbean600.rorc.org
ENDS/……. Louay Habib
How to follow the race:

Race minisite:   

http://caribbean600.rorc.org/
Blogs from the boats, daily race reports, images, videos and news. Follow the action as it unfolds on the RORC Caribbean 600 website.
Join the Virtual Regatta: http://click.virtualregatta.com/?li=4740

RORC YouTube channel:  

https://www.youtube.com/rorcracing
Social Media:
#rorcrc600  @rorcracing
 
NOTES TO EDITORS

PRESS ENQUIRIES:

Trish Jenkins
RORC Press Officer
Local Cellphone: +1 268 725 4367
Skype: trish jenkins
Race/Press office opens at Antigua Yacht Club on Tuesday 14th Feb


RORC Race Enquiries:
Nick Elliott, Racing Manager
Royal Ocean Racing Club
Royal Ocean Racing Club:
20 St James’s Place
London SW1A 1NN
Tel: 020 7493 2248
Fax: 020 7493 2470
 

THE RORC CARIBBEAN 600:

  • RORC Caribbean 600 minisite: http://caribbean600.rorc.org
  • The 9th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 starts from Antigua on Monday 20th February 2017
  • The 600nm course circumnavigates 11 Caribbean Islands starting from Fort Charlotte, English Harbour, Antigua and heads north as far as St Martin and south to Guadeloupe taking in Barbuda, Nevis, St Kitts, Saba and St Barth’s
  • 73 yachts have entered the race to date and a record number of boats from around the world is expected to take part
  • Twitter: #rorcrc600 @rorcracing
PAST RESULTS: RORC CARIBBEAN 600 TROPHY – IRC OVERALL
(Best best corrected time under IRC)

2016 – George Sakellaris, Maxi 72, Proteus (USA)

2015 – Hap Fauth, JV72, Bella Mente (USA)
2014 – George Sakellaris, RP72, Shockwave (USA)
2013 – Ron O’Hanley, Privateer, Cookson 50 (USA)
2012 – Niklas Zennström’s JV72, Rán (GBR)
2011 – George David, Rambler 100, JK 100 (USA)
2010 – Karl C L Kwok, Beau Geste, Farr 80 (HKG)
2009 – Adrian Lee, Lee Overlay Partners, Cookson 50 (IRL)
THE ROYAL OCEAN RACING CLUB:
  • Established in 1925, The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) became famous for the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race and the international team event, the Admiral’s Cup. It organises an annual series of domestic offshore races from its base in Cowes as well as inshore regattas such as the RORC Easter Challenge and IRC National Championships in the Solent
  • The RORC works with other yacht clubs to promote their offshore races and provides marketing and organisational support. The RORC Caribbean 600 based in Antigua and the first offshore race in the Caribbean, has been an instant success and in 2014 the RORC extended its organisational expertise by creating the RORC Transatlantic Race from Lanzarote to Grenada in November
  • The club is based in St James’ Place, London and Cowes, Isle of Wight
  • In co-operation with the French offshore racing club, UNCL, RORC is responsible for IRC, the principal international handicap system for yacht racing worldwide.The Spinlock IRC rating rule is administered jointly by the RORC Rating Office in Lymington, UK and UNCL Centre de Calcul in Paris, France
  • The RORC Rating Office is the technical hub of the Royal Ocean Racing Club and recognised globally as a centre of excellence for measurement. For Spinlock IRC rating information in the UK please see:  www.rorcrating.com

RACE PARTNERS:

 

The Royal Ocean Racing Club has partnered with Rolex SA, adding the RORC Caribbean 600 to the leading Swiss watchmaker’s prestigious roster of yachting events around the world.  www.rolex.com


Sevenstar Yacht Transport – Official Logistics Partner to the RORC Caribbean 600.Sevenstar Yacht Transport is the world’s leading provider of yacht shipping services. A global network of destinations, ranging from the familiar to the exotic, and our own fleet of more than 100 independent carriers have propelled Sevenstar to the peak of its sector for more than 25 years. For race yachts, Sevenstar offers a unique package to the teams which includes all logistics of boat and spares. http://www.sevenstar-yacht-transport.com/racing-logistics.aspx
Sevenstar Yacht Transport Enquiries:
Wouter Verbraak – Direct:  +44 238 021 5063, Mb: +44 755 752 6451

Press Release – FROM RORC – Epic win for Bella Mente

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Organised by The Royal Ocean Racing Club in association with Antigua Yacht Club
Start: Antigua, West Indies – Monday 20 February 2017
 Course: 600nm non-stop around 11 Caribbean Islands
Day 4: AM Race Report
Thursday 23 February 2017, Antigua
Epic win for Bella Mente 
Hap Fauth’s Maxi72, Bella Mente passing Redonda © RORC/ELWJ Photography
The All-American Maxi72 battle in the RORC Caribbean 600 lived up to expectations with Hap Fauth’s Bella Mente and George Sakellaris’ Proteus enjoying an epic match race. The lead in the Maxi72s changed hands on seven occasions during the race. Bella Mente counted 85 sail changes and at one point, both yachts were way-over canvassed, smoking along at 30 knots in a gigantic squall. Bella Mente crossed the finish line just 14 minutes ahead of Proteus to set the bar for the RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy which will be awarded at the Prize Giving to the yacht scoring the best time under the IRC Rating Rule.
Hap Fauth was delighted to have won the match race with Proteus and full of praise for the event, the competition and above all, his team:
“We are beat; there is nothing left as the whole team gave 120% or more…unbelievable! We are just delighted to have prevailed. We had a match race for 500 miles with Proteus and that is a really well sailed boat. It was really, really good sailing. This is an iconic race that you cannot miss at all.
“The RORC should be congratulated for organising another great race. This was an interesting course because with the conditions it was totally new and fresh. We expected a maximum wind speed of 15 knots and at one point we were doing 25 knots of boat speed, just ripping, so it was terrific. Not until we got to Barbuda for the second time did we really establish ourselves. We had a tacking duel with maybe 15 tacks and extended out by four miles, we just kept our lead. A really good race and it doesn’t get any better.
“Last year we didn’t finished the race and we had to put the old girl back together. Bella Mente is the oldest Maxi 72 on the circuit and I am the oldest helmsman, but if I am still out of the ground next year, I will be back. This crew is the best in the world. I just stay at the back and get all of the applause.”
Hap Fauth at the helm of Bella Mente © RORC/ELWJ Photography
Bella Mente tactician, Terry Hutchinson, explained some of the key aspects in the battle with Proteus:
“If you haven’t done this race you have to come and do it, even with the unusual conditions it was really good. Way more exciting than we thought it would be. What surprised me was we finished the race a lot earlier than we thought, but the battle with Proteus was just as we expected. We passed each other seven times during the race! Getting that extra gust of wind and different sail combinations were big factors. Proteus was quick on a reach and Bella Mente had a slight edge upwind and downwind. At Guadeloupe, we had set a spinnaker first at Iles des Saintes, but we couldn’t make the corner and then couldn’t get our spinnaker down either, so we were on the back foot going around La Desirade. For the 90 mile beat, Bella Mente was going about as good as ever and we were a mile behind, but by Barbuda we were two miles ahead. It will be interesting to hear if something wasn’t quite right on their boat. We got ahead when it counted, but massive kudos to the Proteus team, they sailed a great race.”
Proteus
George Sakellaris’ Maxi 72, Proteus © RORC/ELWJ Photography
Last year’s overall winner, George Sakellaris racing Proteus described the race as one of the best ever despite losing out to Bella Mente.
“We had everything in this race; it was an epic battle but something went wrong with the boat on the beat to Barbuda. We even backed up the boat to try to shake off some weed or whatever it was slowing us down. Up until then it was a great race, one of the best I have ever done. We had close company all the way and not just Bella Mente, we had Leopard and SFS to contend with as well. The team is fantastic and it was very exciting. At one point we were sailing with the A1 (largest spinnaker) in 37 knots of wind and the boat was doing 30 knots. That is why I go racing, that is what I live for.”
Leopard
Mike Slade’s Maxi, Leopard 3 © RORC/ELWJ Photography

Mike Slade’s Maxi Leopard 3 finished the RORC Caribbean 600 in second place on the water behind George David’s Rambler 88 to claim third in class. “Leopard has not been beaten on the water by a Maxi 72 or a Volvo 70 in this race and that still stands,” commented Leopard 3 Boat Captain, Chris Sherlock. Lionel Pean’s French Volvo 70 finished the race just under two hours behind Leopard 3 and after time correction is runner up to Rambler 88 in IRC Canting Keel. “It was a great pleasure to race along side two Maxi72s and our target was be ahead of the other Volvo 70s and we achieved this with a good result. We had great sailing and a good fight all along but it was a hard race.”
Lionel Pean’s French Volvo 70 SFS © RORC/ELWJ Photography
On the fourth day of the RORC Caribbean 600, over 50 yachts are still racing. Bernie Evan-Wong’s Antiguan RP37, Taz is leading in IRC One. Ed Fishwick’s British J/122, Redshift on El Ocaso is leading in IRC Two and Jonty Layfield’s British Swan 48, Sleeper X is leading IRC Three. Peter Harding’s British Class40 Ph-orty is back in the lead for the Class40 Division.
To keep up to date with all the news and to follow the race. www.caribbean600.rorc.org
Even if the wind gods are not playing, the fleet races round 11 Caribbean islands, competitors are rewarded with sightings of amazing wildlife. Whales spotted off Redonda by the media team in the helicopter
© RORC/ELWJ Photography
ENDS/……. Louay Habib
How to follow the race:
Race minisite:   

http://caribbean600.rorc.org/
Blogs from the boats, daily race reports, images, videos and news. Follow the action as it unfolds on the RORC Caribbean 600 website.
Join the Virtual Regatta: http://click.virtualregatta.com/?li=4740
RORC YouTube channel:  

https://www.youtube.com/rorcracing
Social Media:
#rorcrc600  @rorcracing
 
NOTES TO EDITORS

PRESS ENQUIRIES:

Trish Jenkins
RORC Press Officer
Local Cellphone: +1 268 725 4367
Skype: trish jenkins
Race/Press office opens at Antigua Yacht Club on Tuesday 14th Feb


RORC Race Enquiries:
Nick Elliott, Racing Manager
Royal Ocean Racing Club
Royal Ocean Racing Club:
20 St James’s Place
London SW1A 1NN
Tel: 020 7493 2248
Fax: 020 7493 2470
 

THE RORC CARIBBEAN 600:

  • RORC Caribbean 600 minisite: http://caribbean600.rorc.org
  • The 9th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 starts from Antigua on Monday 20th February 2017
  • The 600nm course circumnavigates 11 Caribbean Islands starting from Fort Charlotte, English Harbour, Antigua and heads north as far as St Martin and south to Guadeloupe taking in Barbuda, Nevis, St Kitts, Saba and St Barth’s
  • 73 yachts have entered the race to date and a record number of boats from around the world is expected to take part
  • Twitter: #rorcrc600 @rorcracing
PAST RESULTS: RORC CARIBBEAN 600 TROPHY – IRC OVERALL
(Best best corrected time under IRC)

2016 – George Sakellaris, Maxi 72, Proteus (USA)

2015 – Hap Fauth, JV72, Bella Mente (USA)
2014 – George Sakellaris, RP72, Shockwave (USA)
2013 – Ron O’Hanley, Privateer, Cookson 50 (USA)
2012 – Niklas Zennström’s JV72, Rán (GBR)
2011 – George David, Rambler 100, JK 100 (USA)
2010 – Karl C L Kwok, Beau Geste, Farr 80 (HKG)
2009 – Adrian Lee, Lee Overlay Partners, Cookson 50 (IRL)
THE ROYAL OCEAN RACING CLUB:
  • Established in 1925, The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) became famous for the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race and the international team event, the Admiral’s Cup. It organises an annual series of domestic offshore races from its base in Cowes as well as inshore regattas such as the RORC Easter Challenge and IRC National Championships in the Solent
  • The RORC works with other yacht clubs to promote their offshore races and provides marketing and organisational support. The RORC Caribbean 600 based in Antigua and the first offshore race in the Caribbean, has been an instant success and in 2014 the RORC extended its organisational expertise by creating the RORC Transatlantic Race from Lanzarote to Grenada in November
  • The club is based in St James’ Place, London and Cowes, Isle of Wight
  • In co-operation with the French offshore racing club, UNCL, RORC is responsible for IRC, the principal international handicap system for yacht racing worldwide.The Spinlock IRC rating rule is administered jointly by the RORC Rating Office in Lymington, UK and UNCL Centre de Calcul in Paris, France
  • The RORC Rating Office is the technical hub of the Royal Ocean Racing Club and recognised globally as a centre of excellence for measurement. For Spinlock IRC rating information in the UK please see:  www.rorcrating.com
RACE PARTNERS:

The Royal Ocean Racing Club has partnered with Rolex SA, adding the RORC Caribbean 600 to the leading Swiss watchmaker’s prestigious roster of yachting events around the world.  www.rolex.com


Sevenstar Yacht Transport – Official Logistics Partner to the RORC Caribbean 600.Sevenstar Yacht Transport is the world’s leading provider of yacht shipping services. A global network of destinations, ranging from the familiar to the exotic, and our own fleet of more than 100 independent carriers have propelled Sevenstar to the peak of its sector for more than 25 years. For race yachts, Sevenstar offers a unique package to the teams which includes all logistics of boat and spares. http://www.sevenstar-yacht-transport.com/racing-logistics.aspx
Sevenstar Yacht Transport Enquiries:
Wouter Verbraak – Direct:  +44 238 021 5063, Mb: +44 755 752 6451

Scuttlebutt Sailing News – Horses on the Caribbean Track featuring Bella Mente

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Scuttlebutt Sailing News – Horses on the Caribbean Track featuring Bella Mente in the RORC 2017 Caribbean 600! #rorcrc600#bellamenteracing
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Horses on the Caribbean Track

Published on February 20th, 2017

Antigua, West Indies (February 20, 2017) – The ninth edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 started today in sparkling conditions with the largest ever offshore fleet assembled in the Caribbean. A southeasterly breeze, occasionally gusting up to 15 knots, and a relatively calm sea state provided the landscape for the 80-boats to begin their 600 nm tour of 11 islands.

“This fleet is awe inspiring because of the quality of the boats and you can see that by the competition at the start to get close to the cliffs,” noted Eddie Warden Owen, RORC Chief Executive. “From the first gun, people were pushing hard to win the race. The RORC Caribbean 600 has grown, year after year and we just love it, it is the perfect playground for offshore racing.”

The MOD70 battle for multihull line honours has already kicked off. Lloyd Thornburg’s Phaedo3 pulled away from Giovanni Soldini’s Maserati at the upwind start but as the two cracked sheets at Green Island, Maserati deployed their foils and took up the lead. Two hours into the race, the two flying trimarans were approaching the Barbuda mark touching 18 knots of boat speed.

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Battle of the MOD70s: Giovanni Soldini’s Maserati (ITA) and Lloyd Thornburg’s Phaedo3 (USA) © RORC/Tim Wright

George David's American Rambler 88 at the start of the RORC Caribbean 600 © RORC/Tim Wright

George David’s American Rambler 88 at the start of the RORC Caribbean 600 © RORC/Tim Wright

George David’s Rambler 88 got away to a terrific start and leads the monohull fleet on the water by almost three miles on approach to Barbuda. However, three hours into the race and after IRC time correction, George Sakellaris’ Proteus is estimated to be leading overall with Hap Fauth’s Bella Mente second and Rambler 88 third.

IRC Canting Keel and IRC Zero produced a thrilling start. Among the two Maxi72s, Proteus was perilously close to the line at the start and boldly sailed Bella Mente towards the cliffs. You could hear Bella Mente calling for water from the cliff top and within less than a boat length of the rocky shoreline, Proteus tacked, leaving Bella Mente no option but to tack into their dirty air.

It is likely that the two Maxi72s will be having a close quarters battle throughout the race. Proteus passed Green Island just 26 seconds ahead of Bella Mente. The two powerful yachts hoisted spinnakers, accelerating through the Caribbean swell and Proteus showed a better turn of speed opening a lead of several miles on the way to Barbuda.

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Proteus, winner of the 2016 RORC Caribbean 600 and Hap Fauth’s Bella Mente © RORC Tim Wright

Ed Fishwick’s J/122 Redshift on El Ocaso nailed the pin end at the first start which saw the combined IRC Two & IRC 3 classes away clear. This year with softer winds predicted, perhaps one of these yachts will win the overall prize of the RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy.

Redshift on El Ocaso was leading on the water at Green Island but two hours into the race, Sailing Logic’s First 40, Joanna of Cowes, skippered by James Sweetman, was estimated to be leading IRC Two after time correction. In IRC Three, Jonty Layfield’s Swan 48 Sleeper X held a two mile lead on the American Swan 48, Isbjorn and was estimated to be leading on corrected time. However the entire class of nine yachts are all very close on the water.

The Class40 Division are enjoying incredibly close racing. Peter Harding’s Ph-orty leads, Catherine Pourre’s Eärendil and Halvard Mabire’s Campagne de France are both within one mile. The pack of Class40s have the magnificent sight of the 182ft twin-masted schooner Adela ahead of them. Cressida Robinson reporting from Carl Wilcox’s Nisida: “We have had everything from 15 knots gusting up to 30 and spotted a water spout on the way to Barbuda.”

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Ed Fishwick’s J/122 Redshift on El Ocaso nailed the pin end at the first start which saw the combined IRC Two & IRC 3 fleet © RORC/Tim Wright

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Transpac 52 Heartbreaker (USA), Mike Slade’s Farr 100, Leopard (GBR), George David’s Rambler 88(USA) and Hap Fauth’s JV 72, Bella Mente (USA) © RORC/Tim Wright

RORC Commodore, Michael Boyd was hoping to compete on Giles Redpath’s Pata Negra, but due to business commitments had to watch the start from ashore this year. “It was almost as nerve racking to be up at Fort Charlotte as on the water, and of course we are all hurlers from the ditch telling them to get closer to the cliffs. It was a fascinating start from an amazing and historic vantage point to see these wonderful boats take off. Everything went very smoothly, which is a great tribute to our professional race management team and our volunteers. This was quite an emotional moment for me and we will of course be wishing them all well for the next few days and a safe return.”

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Hundreds of spectator watch Phaedo3 and Maserati head off towards Barbuda after the start ©Rachel Fallon-Langdon / Team Phaedo

Event details – Tracker – Notice of Race – Entry list

Background: The 9th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 starts from Antigua on Monday February 20, 2017. The 600nm course circumnavigates 11 Caribbean Islands starting from Fort Charlotte, English Harbour, Antigua and heads north as far as St Martin and south to Guadeloupe taking in Barbuda, Nevis, St Kitts, Saba and St Barth’s.

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Source: Royal Ocean Racing Club

Press Release – FROM RORC – An Awe Inspiring Start

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Organised by The Royal Ocean Racing Club in association with Antigua Yacht Club
Start: Antigua, West Indies – Monday 20 February 2017
 Course: 600nm non-stop around 11 Caribbean Islands
PRESS RELEASE
Monday 20 February 2017, Antigua
An Awe Inspiring Start
A magnificent sight as the IRC Zero and Canting Keel fleet start the 9th RORC Caribbean 600, Antigua
© RORC/Tim Wright
The ninth edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 started in magnificent conditions with the largest ever offshore fleet assembled in the Caribbean enjoying sparkling conditions. A southeasterly breeze, occasionally gusting up to 15 knots and a relatively calm sea state provided conditions for the perfect start with some close battles on the water.
“This fleet is awe inspiring because of the quality of the boats and you can see that by the competition at the start to get close to the cliffs. From the first gun, people were pushing hard to win the race. The RORC Caribbean 600 has grown, year after year and we just love it, it is the perfect playground for offshore racing,” commented Eddie Warden Owen, RORC Chief Executive.
The MOD70 battle for multihull line honours has already kicked off. Lloyd Thornburg’s Phaedo3 pulled away from Giovanni Soldini’s Maserati at the upwind start but as the two cracked sheets at Green Island, Maserati deployed their foil and took up the lead. Two hours into the race, the two flying trimarans were approaching the Barbuda mark touching 18 knots of boat speed.
Battle of the MOD70s: Giovanni Soldini’s Maserati (ITA) and Lloyd Thornburg’s Phaedo3 (USA) © RORC/Tim Wright
George David’s American Rambler 88 at the start of the RORC Caribbean 600 © RORC/Tim Wright
George David’s Rambler 88 got away to a terrific start and leads the monohull fleet on the water by almost three miles on approach to Barbuda. However, three hours into the race and after IRC time correction, George Sakellaris’ Proteus is estimated to be leading overall with Hap Fauth’s Bella Mente second and Rambler 88 third.
IRC Canting Keel and IRC Zero produced a thrilling start. Lionel Pean’s French Volvo 70 SFS II came charging in on port, baring away behind the two Maxi72s to take a commanding position on the favoured left side of the course. Meanwhile Proteus was perilously close to the line at the start and boldly sailed Bella Mente towards the cliffs. You could hear Bella Mente calling for water from the cliff top and within less than a boat length of the rocky shoreline, Proteus tacked, leaving Bella Mente no option but to tack into their dirty air. It is likely that the two Maxi72s will be having a close quarters battle throughout the race. Proteus passed Green Island just 26 seconds ahead of Bella Mente. The two powerful yachts hoisted spinnakers, accelerating through the Caribbean swell and Proteus showed a better turn of speed opening a lead of several miles on the way to Barbuda.
SFS
Lionel Pean’s French Volvo 70 SFS II © RORC/Tim Wright
Proteus, winner of the 2016 RORC Caribbean 600 and Hap Fauth’s Bella Mente © RORC Tim Wright
Ed Fishwick’s J/122 Redshift on El Ocaso nailed the pin end at the first start which saw the combined IRC Two & IRC 3 classes away clear. This year with softer winds predicted, perhaps one of these yachts will win the overall prize of the RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy. Redshift on El Ocaso was leading on the water at Green Island but two hours into the race, Sailing Logic’s First 40, Joanna of Cowes, skippered by James Sweetman, was estimated to be leading IRC Two after time correction. In IRC Three, Jonty Layfield’s Swan 48 Sleeper X held a two mile lead on the American Swan 48, Isbjorn and was estimated to be leading on corrected time. However the entire class of nine yachts are all very close on the water.
The Class40 Division are enjoying incredibly close racing. Peter Harding’s Ph-orty leads, Catherine Pourre’s Eärendil and Halvard Mabire’s Campagne de France are both within one mile. The pack of Class40s have the magnificent sight of the 182ft twin-masted schooner Adela ahead of them. Cressida Robinson reporting from Carl Wilcox’s Nisida: “We have had everything from 15 knots gusting up to 30 and spotted a water spout on the way to Barbuda.”
Ed Fishwick’s J/122 Redshift on El Ocaso nailed the pin end at the first start which saw the combined IRC Two &
IRC 3 fleet © RORC/Tim Wright
Transpac 52 Heartbreaker (USA), Mike Slade’s Farr 100, Leopard (GBR), George David’s Rambler 88(USA) and Hap Fauth’s JV 72, Bella Mente (USA)  © RORC/Tim Wright
RORC Commodore, Michael Boyd was hoping to compete on Giles Redpath’s Pata Negra, but due to business commitments had to watch the start from ashore this year. “It was almost as nerve racking to be up at Fort Charlotte as on the water, and of course we are all hurlers from the ditch telling them to get closer to the cliffs. It was a fascinating start from an amazing and historic vantage point to see these wonderful boats take off. Everything went very smoothly, which is a great tribute to our professional race management team and our volunteers. This was quite an emotional moment for me and we will of course be wishing them all well for the next few days and a safe return.”
To keep up to date with all the news and to follow the race. www.caribbean600.rorc.org
 
ENDS/…….
 
Glorious schooners: Adela and Eleonora at the start of the 9th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600
© RORC/Tim Wright
Second fleet to start the 600 mile RORC Caribbean 600: IRC1 & Class40 fleet made an impressive sight
© RORC/ELWJ Photography
Hundreds of spectator watch Phaedo3 and Maserati head off towards Barbuda after the start ©
Rachel Fallon-Langdon / Team Phaedo

 

Spectatosr
Spectators watch the start © RORC/ELWJ Photography


Lloyd Thornburg’s MOD70 Phaedo and the Multihull fleet at the start ©
Rachel Fallon-Langdon / Team Phaedo


How to follow the race:
An record fleet featuring 80 of the world’s most spectacular yachts and crews are gathering in Antigua for the start of the 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 on Monday 20th February 2017. To keep up to date with all the news and to follow the race, please see full details below.

Race minisite:   

http://caribbean600.rorc.org/
Blogs from the boats, daily race reports, images, videos and news. Follow the action as it unfolds on the RORC Caribbean 600 website.
Join the Virtual Regatta: http://click.virtualregatta.com/?li=4740

RORC YouTube channel:  

https://www.youtube.com/rorcracing
Social Media:
#rorcrc600  @rorcracing
Entry List:
Quick Fact Sheet on the RORC Caribbean 600:
Facts & Stats

 

 

Story Leads for press:

 

Media Resources:

Interviews/media requests:

Please get in touch if you have any requests or wish to interview one of the organisers or competitors before, or after the race. Contact Trish Jenkins: press@rorc.org

Images: High resolution, copyright free images will be available after the start, from Barbuda, St Barths and Redonda, where our event photographer, Tim Wright (Photoaction.com) will be capturing the race.

Video: Four video edits will also be made available: preview, start, early arrivals and a wrap up highlights edit. Let us know if you have any requests for broadcast quality footage. All edits will be available on the RORC YouTube channel/RORC Racing.

Features: if you would like a specific feature for your magazine on the race, or certain boats within it, we’d be pleased to help.

Follow the race: Social media, a race tracker and daily updates on the race minisite will bring the race alive for those of us not lucky enough to take part.

Media Team: On site in Antigua: Trish Jenkins (Press Officer), Louay Habib (Race Reporter), Roddy Grimes-Graeme (Video), Tim Wright (Photographer), Ted Martin & ELWJ Photography. Race team based at Antigua Yacht Club.

 
NOTES TO EDITORS

PRESS ENQUIRIES:

Trish Jenkins
RORC Press Officer
Local Cellphone: +1 268 725 4367
Skype: trish jenkins
Race/Press office opens at Antigua Yacht Club on Tuesday 14th Feb


RORC Race Enquiries:
Nick Elliott, Racing Manager
Royal Ocean Racing Club
Royal Ocean Racing Club:
20 St James’s Place
London SW1A 1NN
Tel: 020 7493 2248
Fax: 020 7493 2470
 

THE RORC CARIBBEAN 600:

  • RORC Caribbean 600 minisite: http://caribbean600.rorc.org
  • The 9th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 starts from Antigua on Monday 20th February 2017
  • The 600nm course circumnavigates 11 Caribbean Islands starting from Fort Charlotte, English Harbour, Antigua and heads north as far as St Martin and south to Guadeloupe taking in Barbuda, Nevis, St Kitts, Saba and St Barth’s
  • 73 yachts have entered the race to date and a record number of boats from around the world is expected to take part
  • Twitter: #rorcrc600 @rorcracing
PAST RESULTS: RORC CARIBBEAN 600 TROPHY – IRC OVERALL
(Best best corrected time under IRC)

2016 – George Sakellaris, Maxi 72, Proteus (USA)

2015 – Hap Fauth, JV72, Bella Mente (USA)
2014 – George Sakellaris, RP72, Shockwave (USA)
2013 – Ron O’Hanley, Privateer, Cookson 50 (USA)
2012 – Niklas Zennström’s JV72, Rán (GBR)
2011 – George David, Rambler 100, JK 100 (USA)
2010 – Karl C L Kwok, Beau Geste, Farr 80 (HKG)
2009 – Adrian Lee, Lee Overlay Partners, Cookson 50 (IRL)
THE ROYAL OCEAN RACING CLUB:
  • Established in 1925, The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) became famous for the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race and the international team event, the Admiral’s Cup. It organises an annual series of domestic offshore races from its base in Cowes as well as inshore regattas such as the RORC Easter Challenge and IRC National Championships in the Solent
  • The RORC works with other yacht clubs to promote their offshore races and provides marketing and organisational support. The RORC Caribbean 600 based in Antigua and the first offshore race in the Caribbean, has been an instant success and in 2014 the RORC extended its organisational expertise by creating the RORC Transatlantic Race from Lanzarote to Grenada in November
  • The club is based in St James’ Place, London and Cowes, Isle of Wight
  • In co-operation with the French offshore racing club, UNCL, RORC is responsible for IRC, the principal international handicap system for yacht racing worldwide.The Spinlock IRC rating rule is administered jointly by the RORC Rating Office in Lymington, UK and UNCL Centre de Calcul in Paris, France
  • The RORC Rating Office is the technical hub of the Royal Ocean Racing Club and recognised globally as a centre of excellence for measurement. For Spinlock IRC rating information in the UK please see:  www.rorcrating.com

RACE PARTNERS:

 

The Royal Ocean Racing Club has partnered with Rolex SA, adding the RORC Caribbean 600 to the leading Swiss watchmaker’s prestigious roster of yachting events around the world.  www.rolex.com


Sevenstar Yacht Transport – Official Logistics Partner to the RORC Caribbean 600.Sevenstar Yacht Transport is the world’s leading provider of yacht shipping services. A global network of destinations, ranging from the familiar to the exotic, and our own fleet of more than 100 independent carriers have propelled Sevenstar to the peak of its sector for more than 25 years. For race yachts, Sevenstar offers a unique package to the teams which includes all logistics of boat and spares. http://www.sevenstar-yacht-transport.com/racing-logistics.aspx
Sevenstar Yacht Transport Enquiries:
Wouter Verbraak – Direct:  +44 238 021 5063, Mb: +44 755 752 6451

About Bella Mente

The original Bella Mente Racing campaign kicked off in 2006 with Key West Race Week, and since then owner and skipper Hap Fauth has had three additional racing yachts in the program.

Launched in September of 2018, the current Bella Mente is a Maxi 72 designed by Botin Partners in Spain and built by New England Boatworks in Rhode Island.

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