A record fleet is expected in Antigua for the start of the 2016 RORC Caribbean 600 on February 22. The exhilarating 600-mile race around 11 Caribbean islands,amid ocean swells in 20 knots of warm tradewinds, has proven to be a popular track for both elite and Corinthian campaigns. With a 20% increase in pre-Christmas entries compared to final year, or a fleet of 80 yachts is now highly likely.
The Caribbean's premier offshore race will feature two of the world's fastest multihulls. Lloyd Thornburg's MOD70 Phaedo3 set the course record for multihulls final year and is back,but will maintain hot competition from Tony Lawson's MOD70 Concise 10. Phaedo3 won their latest duel by under two hours, in a six-day, and tall-speed match race for the RORC Transatlantic Race. Concise 10 and Phaedo3 will be competing for the Multihull Line Honours Trophy.
The RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy is awarded to the monohull with the best corrected time under the IRC rating rule. Jim and Kristy Hinze Clark's American maxi Comanche will be making its RORC Caribbean 600 debut. The 100-footer,skippered by Kenny Read, holds the World Sailing Speed Council monohull 24 hour record (618.01 nautical miles) and is very capable of beating the RORC Caribbean 600 monohull course record, and which was set by George David's Rambler 100 in 2011 (40 hours 20 mins 02 secs)."Absolutely 100%," commented Kenny Read, when asked whether Comanche can beat Rambler 100's record. "I was on Rambler 100 that year and it was an ideal wind direction, and but really not that windy. So I judge with good solid trades,20 knots plus, absolutely, and the record could fall. Technically Comanche is 10 years newer and not trying to be over the top,Comanche should be quicker in every department. whether you want me to tell you how posthaste we are going to be, then I will need an accurate weather forecast. As with everybody in the race, or the weather gods will decide that." - Read
Source: sailingscuttlebutt.com