BELLA MENTE EMERGES TRIUMPHANT

#rorcrc600 @rorcracing

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoyalOceanRacingClub

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

E: racing@rorc.org

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

Facebook: www.facebook.com/royaloceanracingclub

Instagram: instagram.com/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

February 24, 2017 By Bella Mente Leave a Comment

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

February 24, 2017 By Bella Mente Leave a Comment

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fleet Tracking: http://caribbean600.rorc.org/Race-Information/Tracking/

Join the Virtual Regatta: http://click.virtualregatta.com/?li=4740

RORC YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/rorcracing

Social Media:

#rorcrc600 @rorcracing

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoyalOceanRacingClub

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

E: racing@rorc.org

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

Facebook: www.facebook.com/royaloceanracingclub

Instagram: instagram.com/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 Enquiries:

Wouter Verbraak – Direct: +44 238 021 5063, Mb: +44 755 752 6451

Press Release – FROM RORC – VIDEO Early finishers in the RORC Caribbean 600

February 24, 2017 By Bella Mente Leave a Comment

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

VIDEO 3: RORC Caribbean 600

Friday 24 February 2017, Antigua

VIDEO

Early finishers in the RORC Caribbean 600

Interviews and on board action:

Whale sightings, interviews with early finishers. Lloyd Thornburg (Phaedo), Giovanni Soldini (Maserati), George David, Rambler 88, Hap Fauth, Maxi72, Bella Mente and many more.

Embed code: <iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/DGPwSkQn8dM” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

To keep up to date with all the news and to follow the race. www.caribbean600.rorc.org

ENDS/….

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.

Fleet Tracking: http://caribbean600.rorc.org/Race-Information/Tracking/

Join the Virtual Regatta: http://click.virtualregatta.com/?li=4740

RORC YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/rorcracing

Social Media:

#rorcrc600 @rorcracing

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoyalOceanRacingClub

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

E: racing@rorc.org

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

Facebook: www.facebook.com/royaloceanracingclub

Instagram: instagram.com/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 Enquiries:

Wouter Verbraak – Direct: +44 238 021 5063, Mb: +44 755 752 6451

Press Release – FROM SAILING WORLD – Bella Mente Emerges Triumphant

February 24, 2017 By Bella Mente Leave a Comment

BELLA MENTE EMERGES TRIUMPHANT

Bella Mente narrowly triumphed over last year’s winner Proteus to take the overall trophy in the IRC Class.

Yesterday at 11:38am

bella mente

RORC/Tim Wright

Hap Fauth’s Maxi 72 Bella Mente claimed victory after an epic match race.

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 Menteis 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.”

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 Mentehad 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.”

“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.”

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.”

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

Press Release – FROM RORC – Epic win for Bella Mente

February 23, 2017 By Bella Mente Leave a Comment

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:

“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.”

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.”

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

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.

Fleet Tracking: http://caribbean600.rorc.org/Race-Information/Tracking/

Join the Virtual Regatta: http://click.virtualregatta.com/?li=4740

RORC YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/rorcracing

Social Media:

#rorcrc600 @rorcracing

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoyalOceanRacingClub

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

E: racing@rorc.org

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

Facebook: www.facebook.com/royaloceanracingclub

Instagram: instagram.com/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 Enquiries:

Wouter Verbraak – Direct: +44 238 021 5063, Mb: +44 755 752 6451

Press Release: From RORC: MOD70 Nail-Biter Multihull Line Honours for Phaedo3 Day 3: RORC Caribbean 600

February 22, 2017 By Bella Mente Leave a Comment

Press Release: From The Royal Ocean Racing Club in association with Antigua Yacht Club

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

RACE REPORT

Wednesday 22 February 2017, Antigua

MOD70 Nail-Biter

Multihull Line Honours for Phaedo3

Day 3: RORC Caribbean 600

While the multihull race record was not broken this year, Phaedo3 and Maserati had an incredible 600 mile high-speed duel. Lloyd Thornburg’s MOD70, Phaedo3 finished the 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 on Tuesday 21 February 2017 at 21 hrs 20 mins 46 secs AST, taking Multihull Line Honours.

Multihull Line Honours for Lloyd Thornburg’s MOD70, Phaedo3 © RORC/Ted Martin

The winning crew were:- Lloyd Thornburg (Skipper), Brian Thompson (Co-skipper), Paul Allen, Peter Cumming, Michel Desjoyeaux, Robert Greenhalgh, Damian Foxall and Miles Seddon.

Phaedo3 held on to win the battle of the trimarans, just 12 minutes ahead of Giovanni Soldini’s Italian MOD70, Maserati. The high-speed battle saw the lead change hands at least four times during the race. The experimental semi-foiling Maserati showed incredible speed on a reach and it took a momentous effort from Phaedo3’s well established team to hold off the challenge. There was high drama at Guadeloupe with vicious squalls and heroics from Maserati’s crew diving into the water to free the boat from a fish trap.

Once back on the dock in Antigua, Lloyd Thornburg, Skipper of the American Phaedo3 summed up the race: “Maserati gave us a heck of a run and it was really tough to stay ahead of a foiling boat. They kept coming at us with more pressure and they definitely have more speed at certain angles. The run down to Redonda was a real nail-biter and we knew that after that, the beat home would be in our favour and to cross the line ahead was just awesome. Every year, I get reminded how insane a race this is and after this race, our navigator Miles Seddon said to me that we have turned the insanity up again this year. You never get used to this race – hanging on reaching at 36 knots, it is just incredible. All of our team had to dig so deep and we love Antigua and had an amazing reception.”

This year’s RORC Caribbean 600 proved to be a MOD70 match race around the 600 mile course for Giovanni Soldini’s MOD70, Maserati (ITA) and Lloyd Thornburg’s Phaedo3 (USA) © RORC/Tim Wright

Co-Skipper of Phaedo3, Brian Thompson commented on the unusual wind direction that had been predicted before the start: “We had a lot more wind speed for the race, which was a surprise. Off Guadeloupe we had huge rain squalls which are really quite dangerous in a MOD70 and we had 30 knots of wind from nowhere and shifting 50 degrees in seconds, with Maserati pushing us all the way. The big gennaker stayed up and we had to put in a few big bare aways to avoid capsize. With the strange wind direction we had to really think on our feet. It was an amazing race with Maserati though and we got away several times, but they always caught us up. Right near the start they went blasting past us flying through the air, hooting and hollering and waving at us. That is what they had come for and they have learnt a lot about foiling a MOD.”

Maserati skipper, Giovanni Soldini was full of praise for both his Maserati team and their rivals Phaedo3. The Italian MOD70 has an experimental foil enabling them to literally fly when the boat is on starboard, but not when they are on port, enabling them to give Phaedo3 a really close fight.

Maserati crew: Giovanni Soldini, Guido Broggi, Francesco Malingri, Vittorio Bissaro, Carlos Hernandez, Oliver Herrera, François Robert, Matteo Soldini © RORC/Ted Martin

“Phaedo are a very, very good team. They have known the boat for many years, whereas we are just beginning to get to know ours. We really flew a few times and we were able to play with Phaedo and I am really pleased with my crew as they were fantastic. At the start of the last leg, we were just a minute behind. We have learnt a lot by racing with Phaedo and so we are improving our performance. Our dream was to make a MOD70 fly and in a couple of months we will have foils on both sides and life will be much more simple.”

Maserati’s race was not without incident. “When we were past La Desirade we caught a buoy on the rudder but we didn’t realise until near Barbuda,” explains Soldini. Carlos Hernadez heroically jumped into the water when it was blowing 20 knots and the boat would not stop, so he had to swim very fast!”

George David’s American Maxi Rambler 88 is expected to take Monohull Line Honours for the 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 at midday today local time (1600 UTC). At dawn on Day Three of the RORC Caribbean 600, Hap Fauth’s Bella Mente was winning the battle of the Maxi72s approaching Barbuda. Bella Mente holds a two mile lead from 2016 RORC Caribbean Trophy holder, George Sakellaris’ Proteus, and is estimated to be top of the leader board overall under IRC.

Simon & Nancy De Pietro racing C.n.b. Briand 76, Lilla are approaching Guadeloupe and are estimated to be leading IRC One by a slender margin from Theodore Kane, Jr’s Swan 66 Bounty. Three yachts are in a close battle for victory in IRC Two. Dominic Hurndall’s Grand Soleil 43, Jua Kali has taken the normal route on the downwind leg to Guadeloupe. However Ross Applebey’s Scarlet Oyster and Ed Fishwick’s Redshift on El Ocaso passed Montserrat to port. After IRC time correction, there are just seconds separating the three yachts after 330 miles of racing. In IRC Three, Jonty Layfield’s Swan 48 Sleeper X is enjoying a comfortable lead after IRC time correction and by 22 miles on the water from Andy Schell & Mia Karlsson’s swan 48, Isbjorn. Peter Hobbs’ Sigma 38, Sam is approaching the halfway stage in the race and is estimated to be in third in class.

A close battle is raging in the Class40 Division as the three leaders approach the wind shadow of Guadeloupe with barely a mile separating them. Catherine Pourre’s Eärendil is just ahead of Peter Harding’s Phor-ty and both team have chosen to take a line close into Guadeloupe. Halvard Mabire and Miranda Merron’s Campagne de France has chosen to go offshore by approximately 8 miles.

In the battle of the schooners, the 182ft Adela, skippered by Greg Perkins is rounding Iles des Saintes with 220 miles to go. The 162ft schooner Eleonora, skippered by Brendan McCoy is 44 miles behind Adela on the water.

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.

Fleet Tracking: http://caribbean600.rorc.org/Race-Information/Tracking/

Join the Virtual Regatta: http://click.virtualregatta.com/?li=4740

RORC YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/rorcracing

Social Media:

#rorcrc600 @rorcracing

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoyalOceanRacingClub

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

E: racing@rorc.org

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

Facebook: www.facebook.com/royaloceanracingclub

Instagram: instagram.com/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 Enquiries:

Wouter Verbraak – Direct: +44 238 021 5063, Mb: +44 755 752 6451

http://caribbean600.rorc.org

Press Release – FROM RORC – VIDEO – Start Highlights 2017 RORC Caribbean 600

February 21, 2017 By Bella Mente Leave a Comment

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 20 February 2017, Antigua

VIDEO – Start Highlights

2017 RORC Caribbean 600

START HIGHLIGHTS
Watch highlights with aerial footage from the spectacular start of the RORC Caribbean 600 as 77 boats took the start in Antigua for the 9th edition of the race. Awesome battles within the fleet took place shortly after the start and are set to continue over the 600 mile course around 11 Islands over the next few days.

Follow the fleet. All yachts are fitted with YB Trackers: http://caribbean600.rorc.org/Race-Information/Tracking/

Embed code:
<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tk5ceVXDY_o” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

A record fleet of 77 yachts took the start today (Monday 20th February) for the 9th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 starting from Antigua. This year’s race saw the most spectacular line-up of high performance boats and crews racing from 30 different countries.

The crew list reads like the ‘Who’s Who’ of international sailors with hundreds of round the world, America’s Cup, Olympic and Volvo Ocean Race professionals rubbing shoulders with passionate corinthian sailors on the same 600 mile race course around 11 Caribbean islands.

A preview video is also available with interviews with some of the skippers and owners and pre-start atmosphere. Two further videos will be available.

Broadcast requests to: press@rorc.org

The 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 started at 1100 on Monday 20th February 2017.

To keep up to date with all the news and to follow the race. www.caribbean600.rorc.org

ENDS/…….

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.

Fleet Tracking: http://caribbean600.rorc.org/Race-Information/Tracking/

Join the Virtual Regatta: http://click.virtualregatta.com/?li=4740

RORC YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/rorcracing

Social Media:

#rorcrc600 @rorcracing

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoyalOceanRacingClub

Entry List:

HERE

Quick Fact Sheet on the RORC Caribbean 600:

Facts & Stats

HERE

Story Leads for press:

HERE

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

E: racing@rorc.org

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

Facebook: www.facebook.com/royaloceanracingclub

Instagram: instagram.com/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 Enquiries:

Wouter Verbraak – Direct: +44 238 021 5063, Mb: +44 755 752 6451