Caribbean 600: update

Rambler is setting the pace after a screaming start - see video footage of race start

Just after midnight GMT, George David’s Rambler was approaching Saba, with Mike Slade’s ICAP Leopard 18 miles astern in the RORC Caribbean 600.

Rambler 100 has recorded speeds of over 20 knots for much of the race and are setting a record breaking pace with 450 miles to go. They are also leading the fleet on handicap.

See below for race start highlights:

from acquafilms on Vimeo.

In IRC Zero, Richard Oland’s Southern Cross 52, Vela Veloce, leads the class with Richard Matthews’ Humphreys 54, Oystercatcher XXVIII, and Brian Benjamin’s Carbon Ocean 82, Aegir (with Yachting World’s Matthew Sheahan onboard) leading the chasing pack.

In IRC One, Piet Vroon’s Ker 46, Tonnerre de Breskens, is the clear leader on handicap and is fifteen miles ahead of Philippe Falle’s Beneteau 50, Hydrocarbon Logic. Andy Middleton’s First 47.7, EH01, is third on handicap.

There is an intense battle in IRC Two with the entire class within just five miles of each other on the water. The Army Associations’ A 40, British Soldier, leads on handicap from Christian Reynolds, Swan 51, Northern Child, with Peter Hopps First 40.7, Coyote, in third place after corrected time.

John Burnie commented: “The interesting thing about the leg from the North Sails mark off Barbuda to Nevis is that this year it was dead downwind. This meant that there would have been some big heavy air gybing, which will have tested the fleet’s boat handling skills, as well as their tactical awareness.”

To track the fleet, click here.

For more information on the race, click here.