RORC Caribbean 600: Fast 50 battle in IRC Zero and broadened RORC Nelson’s Cup Series
by Louay Habib 19 Nov 05:16 PST
Niklas Zennstrom’s Carkeek 52 Rán (SWE) © Tim Wright / Photoaction.com
The scene is prepared for an exhilarating 16th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600, commencing Monday, February 24, 2025, from Antigua. The early IRC Zero entries indicate a fierce confrontation among some of the most sophisticated offshore racing vessels on the globe.
Prior to the ‘600, the third installment of the RORC Nelson’s Cup Series has emerged as an independent event, inviting more maxi and local Corinthian teams to join.
Team Rán gets ready for the 2025 RORC Caribbean 600.
In the 2024 RORC Caribbean 600, Niklas Zennström’s Carkeek 52 Rán (SWE) claimed a hard-won victory in the intensely competitive IRC Zero Class. After nearly 63 hours of exhausting offshore racing, Rán triumphed over its competitors by merely three minutes after IRC time correction—a minuscule margin reflecting the competitiveness. This outstanding performance earned Rán an impressive second place overall. As the excitement builds for the 2025 RORC Caribbean 600, Team Rán’s Tim Powell recognizes the challenges ahead:
“Time will reveal who finishes first. Numerous boats are looking to topple us, and as far as I see it, we have a target on our back. Rán will participate in the Nelson’s Cup Series before the major event; there’s no better way to prepare for the big offshore race than to compete against our rivals in a short series. The Nelson’s Cup schedule is very well crafted, ensuring we will be rested and finely tuned for the RORC Caribbean 600.
“In our last race, we performed well and made sound tactical decisions, but continual self-improvement is crucial to remain ahead. These boats require time to reach their maximum potential and are constantly evolving, particularly with sail design. We feel quite confident about our current position and trust in our team, but for the Caribbean 600, we’ll implement a few minor modifications,” Powell concludes.
Olympian and America’s Cup sailor Andy Hemmings re-joins Team Rán, contributing extensive experience. The team also comprises a varied crew, focused on youth development. Bex Gmuer Hornell, an aspiring young sailor from New Zealand, will embark on her second season with the team, while Will Williamson, a student from Southampton University, makes his debut on Team Rán.
Powell emphasizes the strategic crew changes made for this competition: “The Caribbean 600 has numerous turns, so we’ve recruited more trimmers and foredeck personnel. Andy Hemmings has participated in several victories with us before, and it’s wonderful to have him back, especially since Bouwe (Bekking) is tied up with Maxi 72 Balthazar. Bex has been with us for a year and a half and continues to develop as a sailor. Will, entering his first race, will assist at the bow.” Looking towards the competition, Powell adds: “IRC Zero is expected to be one of the most challenging classes in the 600. With favorable winds and an exciting racecourse, it promises to be a thrilling experience.”
Jon Desmond upgrades to PAC 52 Final Final for the 2025 RORC Caribbean 600.
Jon Desmond’s new vessel, Final Final (USA), boasts an impressive pedigree. The PAC52, previously known as Warrior Won, achieved overall victory under IRC in the 2024 RORC Transatlantic Race and the 2022 RORC Caribbean 600, along with stellar outcomes globally in the Rolex Middle Sea Race, Rolex Sydney Hobart, and Rolex Fastnet Race.
RORC and NYYC member Jon Desmond shared his thoughts on the transition from his previous boat: “We have participated in the last two 600s on a Mills 41, also called Final Final, and upgraded to the PAC 52, which we raced this summer. We are eager to engage in the ‘600 again, hoping it enhances our performance for the West to East Transatlantic and next summer’s Admiral’s Cup; both are on our agenda. I aim to take on the world’s toughest offshore races, and this boat has achieved remarkable success globally, making it the right fit at the perfect moment.”
In the 2024 edition, Desmond’s Mills 41 had the lowest rating in IRC Zero, yet achieved an impressive fourth place in class against much faster competition. He believes the PAC 52 will bridge the gap: “It will be thrilling to be closer to them on the water this year, which will only heighten the excitement of the RORC Caribbean 600. We should be several hours quicker, introducing new strategic elements.
“For example, we reached the challenging hole at the southern tip of Guadeloupe at dawn the last two years, and we now hope to arrive a few hours before midnight. It will add an enjoyable twist to an incredible course! Antigua is a fantastic venue for excellent winds and enjoyable sailing. My first Caribbean 600 was in 2023, and I was captivated. The waves offer incredible rips. I’ve sailed extensively throughout the Caribbean, and Antigua consistently provides some of the best conditions.”
New American TP52 team Summer Storm joins IRC Zero for the 2025 RORC Caribbean 600.
The 2025 RORC Caribbean 600 introduces a formidable new participant to IRC Zero: Andrew Berdon’s TP52 Summer Storm (USA). Competing from Newport, RI, and Mamaroneck, NY during the summer, Summer Storm will make its Caribbean debut with a new set of sails, ready to take on some of the finest offshore teams globally.
Previously recognized as Outsider, the vessel has an impressive background, having earned overall victory under IRC in the 2020 Caribbean 600. Among the skilled crew is Canadian sailor Richard Clarke, a two-time overall race winner, taking titles on Volvo 70 Wizard (2019) and Warrior Won (2022). This will be Clarke’s eighth race, and his teams have consistently placed on the class podium.
Clarke reflected on the race’s unique challenges: “This race will mislead you into thinking it’s always the same – 17 to 22 knots of ENE trade winds, idyllic conditions with warm air and water. But it always manages to surprise. A 10-20 degree shift in the trades, treacherous convergence clouds and squalls, or a sudden calm can alter everything. And we mustn’t overlook the islands, each one a potential quicksand trap. Regardless of how many times you’ve raced this course, predicting outcomes is impossible.”
The 2025 edition promises intense competition, with Summer Storm up against sturdy 50-foot rivals like Team Rán, the new Daguet 5, and even Clarke’s former vessel, Final Final (ex-Warrior Won).
“This race attracts elite teams every year, and this instance is no different,” Clarke continued. “With such a strong class and a challenging course, sleep will be a precious commodity to be used sparingly. Perhaps we ocean racers are a bit masochistic, but if we must endure, let’s do so where the winds are robust and warm, the beers are chilled, and the smiles are inviting.”
The RORC Nelson’s Cup Series: An exhilarating prelude to the RORC Caribbean 600.
Before the thrilling 600-mile offshore challenge of the RORC Caribbean 600, sailors will direct their focus on the third edition of the RORC Nelson’s Cup Series, which has now become an independent event with its own prize-giving ceremony. Merging inshore races with the exhilarating 360 degrees Round Antigua Race, the Nelson’s Cup Series guarantees intense action on the water, camaraderie ashore, and is open to boats not competing in the RORC Caribbean 600.
Open to all IRC-rated vessels, and a CSA Class—if sufficient entries are present—the Nelson’s Cup Series has already attracted an exciting variety of maxis, international teams, and local Corinthian competitors. Created to celebrate the spirit of sailing in the Caribbean, the series offers a wonderful opportunity for local crews to race alongside world-class competitors.
With intentionally low entry fees, daily prize-givings, and relaxed social events at Antigua Yacht Club, the RORC Nelson’s Cup Series is on course to provide exceptional racing and an unforgettable prelude to the main event.
For further details and online registration for the RORC Nelson’s Cup Series and RORC Caribbean 600: caribbean600.rorc.org
