Under steady winds and across the demanding 600-nautical-mile course weaving past 11 Caribbean islands, the 17th RORC Caribbean 600 delivered a spectacular offshore contest right from the start on Monday, February 23, and once again, members of the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) were at the forefront.
Sailed in lively conditions marked by choppy seas and tactical complexity, the 2026 edition tested crews on every front: sail changes, weather routing precision, and split-second strategic calls proved decisive. In this high-level offshore arena, YCM sailors showcased both technical mastery and composure, translating preparation into dominance at the head of the fleet.
The battle for Monohull Line Honours provided one of the race’s defining moments. Remon Vos and Tristan Le Brun guided Black Jack 100 to overall real-time victory after an intense duel with fellow YCM entry Leopard 3, helmed by Joost Schuijff. The 100-foot giants traded leads throughout the course, with margins tightening around key marks at Barbuda, Nevis and Guadeloupe. In the end, Black Jack 100 crossed the line in 1 day, 20 hours, 31 minutes and 36 seconds — just 29 minutes ahead of Leopard 3 — sealing a dramatic win shaped by razor-sharp downwind decisions and flawless execution.
Yet while Black Jack 100 claimed line honours, Leopard 3 proved equally formidable in corrected-time competition. The yacht secured first place in IRC Overall, IRC Super Zero, CSA Overall and CSA One, while also finishing second in monohull line honours. Her ability to capitalise on long upwind legs in steady 15–20 knot breezes underscored a campaign defined by consistency and power.
The duel between the two 100-footers became one of the standout narratives of the race. Leadership exchanges, tight crossings under island shadows and delicate weather transitions kept the tension high throughout. At several checkpoints, separation was measured in mere minutes, sometimes seconds, highlighting the tactical intensity of this edition.
Beyond individual victories, the broader story was unmistakable. Yacht Club de Monaco members are asserting themselves as a collective force on the international offshore circuit. Following major successes in the Fastnet and Middle Sea races in 2025, their Caribbean performances confirm sustained momentum at the highest level.
In Antigua, they did more than compete. They shaped the race, delivered the spectacle, and reinforced Monaco’s growing reputation as a powerhouse in elite offshore sailing.
Image courtesy of Monaco Yacht Club