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RORC Caribbean 600 Sailing Race in Antigua
10-day intermediate to advanced offshore sailing race with Southern Ocean Company
Feb 17-26
£2,380
12 spaces available
10-day intermediate to advanced offshore sailing race with Southern Ocean Company
Feb 17-26
£2,380
12 spaces available
we once again line up for one of offshore racing’s true classics: the RORC Caribbean 600. Over the past decade this race has earned its place alongside the likes of the Fastnet Race and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. The reasons are obvious to anyone who has sailed it: 600 demanding nautical miles, 11 islands rounded, relentless tactical decisions, and trade-wind sailing at its absolute best. The course weaves through the Caribbean archipelago, demanding precision navigation, constant sail changes, and disciplined watch systems. Conditions range from tight acceleration zones in island wind shadows to fully powered reaching under steady trades. It is a race that rewards preparation, seamanship, and teamwork in equal measure. This campaign is intended for sailors with prior racing experience. We do not take passengers or “rail meat.” Every crew member is expected to participate fully in sail handling, trimming, navigation support, helming, maintenance, and onboard routines. To ensure cohesion and performance, we conduct structured pre-race training focused on boat handling, safety drills, manoeuvre choreography, and onboard systems. ITINERARY Day 1 – Arrival, boat preparation, safety briefing, victualling, and opening event Day 2 – Training day: boat handling, manoeuvres, safety procedures Day 3 – Race start Day 4-11 – Racing (finish depending on conditions and class) Day 12 – Prize giving and closing festivities Day 13 – Campaign ends, departures
Why We Love This Sailing Race
Six hundred miles, eleven islands and not a lot of time to relax in between. Proper offshore racing in warm water, where the rum tastes better when you’ve earned it.
Southern Ocean Company Southern Ocean Company has been taking people sailing, racing and across oceans since 2009. Our idea has always been simple: offer genuine sailing experiences on proper yachts, with small crews, active participation and the freedom to enjoy sailing for what it really is. We are not a conventional charter company or sailing school. Our programme ranges from offshore races and international regattas to ocean crossings and relaxed cruising in some of Europe's most beautiful sailing areas. Depending on the adventure, we sail aboard our Swan 51 Eira or our Bavaria 50, choosing the yacht that best suits the character of the trip. At the heart of our offshore and racing programme is Eira, a German Frers-designed Nautor Swan 51. Built in Finland and designed for serious offshore sailing, she combines the craftsmanship and character of a classic Swan with the performance, strength and seaworthiness for which these yachts have become known around the world. Eira has been part of Southern Ocean Company since 2009 and has accumulated an extensive sailing history ranging from ocean crossings to some of Europe's and the Caribbean's best-known regattas. Rather than moving her from event to event by other means, we sail her whenever practical. The passages, changing coastlines and people joining along the way are as much a part of her story as the races themselves. Our cruising programme has a different rhythm. Aboard our Bavaria 50, including our Finnish Archipelago adventures, the emphasis is on discovering places that are best experienced from the water. With a small number of guests, we can remain flexible, explore islands and anchorages away from the usual routes and let weather, curiosity and the crew help shape the journey. Whatever the yacht or destination, life aboard is hands-on. Guests are welcome to helm, trim sails, navigate and take part in the everyday running of the boat. On an ocean passage this can mean watchkeeping, night sailing and learning to live as a crew far from land. During a regatta the focus shifts towards teamwork, boat handling and getting the best possible performance from the yacht. On a summer cruise it may simply mean taking the helm for a few hours before finding a quiet anchorage for the evening. You don't need to be an expert sailor to join many of our adventures. What matters more is curiosity, a willingness to participate and an understanding that sailing is a shared experience. For our more demanding offshore races and ocean passages, previous experience may be required. We deliberately keep the atmosphere informal. Seamanship and safety are taken seriously, and when we race, we race to do well. But sailing is also about the people you meet, dinners after a long day at sea, quiet anchorages, conversations during night watches and the friendships that have a habit of developing when a small group shares a boat. Some people join us for their first real sailing adventure. Others come to race, build offshore miles or cross an ocean. Many return for another chapter. We're going somewhere. Come aboard for part of the journey.
Seb and his Swan 51, Eira, have been part of the charter racing scene since 2009. On board you’ll find the right balance of competitive racing and a friendly, welcoming crew. Between regattas, Eira runs some excellent sailing itineraries as she moves between race venues.
Your specific vessel is assigned based on your selected dates. All vessels meet our high standards for comfort and safety.
Swan - 51
LOA: 51ft (15.62m)
Beginner
No sailing experience required. Perfect for newcomers.
Intermediate
Some sailing experience helpful. Comfortable on the water.
Advanced
Significant sailing experience required. Challenging conditions.
Active Crew Member
Full participation in all sailing activities.
Optional Involvement
Participate as much or as little as you like.
Passenger
Sit back and enjoy the ride.
Yes
Sharing the cooking & washing up
18
Our approach is collaborative. Once the crew is confirmed, we establish a shared planning forum to align on provisioning, personal kit, expectations, and watch structure well ahead of arrival. This reduces friction on location and allows us to focus entirely on performance.
No optional extras
Tried and tested sailing experiences, from our pick of the world's best operators
EXPERT-LED SAILING ADVENTURES
All our trips are led by qualified skippers and sailing instructors
TRIED & TRUSTED
We only work with the most reputable sailing operators and yacht providers
SOLO & GROUP-FRIENDLY SAILING
Perfect for solo sailors looking to join a crew or groups wanting to charter
WORLD-CLASS CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Our team is on-hand 24/7 to help you before, during and after your adventure
From £2,380 GBP per person
Secure your place today from £1,190 GBP
Prices shown in USD are approximate conversions, using today's conversion rate. This trip is priced by the operator in GBP and payment will be taken in GBP.