Prediction made that Caribbean 600 could become a classic

A prediction that a race in just its second year and organised by the London-based Royal Ocean Racing Club could, in time become one of the world’s classics was made today.

Speaking ahead of the start of the Caribbean 600, the club’s chief executive, Eddie Warden Owen, said: “I think that, in time, this race has the potential to stand alongside the Fastnet and Sydney to Hobart races. It’s every offshore racing sailor’s dream. You know you will have great wind on a great track for offshore racing.”

The race starts on Monday from Antigua and the 32 yachts will round 14 central Caribbean islands with the longest stretch being the 240 miles from St. Maarten to Guadeloupe.

Skipper of one of the Class 40 yachts, Britain’s Miranda Merron in the Merfyn Owen-designed 40 Degrees, said: “It’s a great race course with many twists and turns and land effects which provide a very tactical element to some great sailing.”