Take part in a thrilling 600nm race onboard a Volvo 65 “Sisi” and power to the finish line whilst soaking in the glorious sun of the Caribbean
8 Nights: February 2023
2023 is the 13th Anniversary of what is quickly becoming one of the favourite offshore races on the international RORC circuit. The 600nm course – which resembles something drawn by a toddler – starts just off Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua and then meanders northbound through the island, before taking a sharp turn South at St. Martin. If the trade winds are doing what they should (they definitely weren’t in 2017…!) it’s spinnakers up for the longest leg in the race, down to Guadalupe. Passing around the south of the French island, crews battle to avoid a formidable wind shadow, before passing Antigua for one final victory lap back to Barbuda, a quick gybe at Redonda, then finishing back at Nelson’s Dockyard.
If you haven’t raced offshore in the Caribbean before, this is a must – sleeping on the rail is a lot less grim when the temperatures are in the mid-20s! This is one to race hard and party even harder, as the social afterwards in Antigua is legendary.
Arrival in Antigua and welcome onto your yacht in Nelson’s Dockyard Marina, located at English Harbour. Meet your skipper and crew at 10:00. You will spend the day getting to know your crew, getting the boat ready for the race and your first on the water training session.
After breakfast, you will continue with your on the water training, followed by a crew party in the evening.
10.50: first warning signal and race start. The start line is taken from Fort Charlotte and the race will get you past 11 Caribbean Islands.
Typically, and dependent on the weather, it takes between 2.5 and 4 days to get around the course. With a watch system, you will get more experience of what it means to participate in a race and get to see some of the most beautiful sunrises, sunsets and star-filled night skies while sharing the excitement and the sense of achievement with your crew members when finally crossing that finish line.
Celebrate your efforts with your crew and the other participants with some English Harbour Rum at the Antigua Yacht Club while celebrating the Prizegiving and enjoying the final party.
Our team of sailing specialists are on hand to help answer any questions you may have.
Contact UsV.C Bird International, Antigua
V.C Bird International, Antigua
2023 is the 13th Anniversary of what is quickly becoming one of the favourite offshore races on the international RORC circuit. The 600nm course – which resembles something drawn by a toddler – starts just off Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua and then meanders northbound through the island, before taking a sharp turn South at St. Martin. If the trade winds are doing what they should (they definitely weren’t in 2017…!) it’s spinnakers up for the longest leg in the race, down to Guadalupe. Passing around the south of the French island, crews battle to avoid a formidable wind shadow, before passing Antigua for one final victory lap back to Barbuda, a quick gybe at Redonda, then finishing back at Nelson’s Dockyard.
If you haven’t raced offshore in the Caribbean before, this is a must – sleeping on the rail is a lot less grim when the temperatures are in the mid-20s! This is one to race hard and party even harder, as the social afterwards in Antigua is legendary.
Arrival in Antigua and welcome onto your yacht in Nelson’s Dockyard Marina, located at English Harbour. Meet your skipper and crew at 10:00. You will spend the day getting to know your crew, getting the boat ready for the race and your first on the water training session.
After breakfast, you will continue with your on the water training, followed by a crew party in the evening.
10.50: first warning signal and race start. The start line is taken from Fort Charlotte and the race will get you past 11 Caribbean Islands.
Typically, and dependent on the weather, it takes between 2.5 and 4 days to get around the course. With a watch system, you will get more experience of what it means to participate in a race and get to see some of the most beautiful sunrises, sunsets and star-filled night skies while sharing the excitement and the sense of achievement with your crew members when finally crossing that finish line.
Celebrate your efforts with your crew and the other participants with some English Harbour Rum at the Antigua Yacht Club while celebrating the Prizegiving and enjoying the final party.
20-25 litre dry bag
Wet weather gear top and trousers (optional, can be provided if required)
Thin thermal/breathable base layer x 1
Fleece top
Deck shoes
Sea boots (optional)
Sailing gloves
Warm hat
Sun hat
Sailing knife
Head torch with red lens
Sleeping bag (super lightweight, not to save weight, but because the Caribbean is warm!)
T-shirt x 3 preferably a quick-dry, breathable UV protection type
Shorts x 2
Sunglasses x 1
