600+ Sailors, 600 Miles, Unforgettable Moments
Crew shares the moments from their Caribbean 600 adventure!
“When the day starts with a double rainbow!
You know it’s going to be a good one!”
The 2025 RORC Caribbean 600 delivered another thrilling chapter in offshore sailing, attracting some of the world’s best sailors to compete in this demanding race. Now in its 16th year, the event featured 66 boats from 32 countries, all taking on a challenging 600-nautical-mile course weaving through 11 stunning Caribbean islands.
Regarded as one of the most exciting offshore races on the calendar, the RORC Caribbean 600 challenged sailors with shifting weather conditions that demanded skill, endurance, and strategy.
The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) declared Volvo 70 Tschüss 2 (USA), owned by Christian Zugel and co-skippered by Johnny Mordaunt, the overall winner. The yacht completed the course in 1 day, 21 hours, 31 minutes, and 15 seconds, securing victory under IRC corrected time, even while many competitors were still racing.
The Winning Crew of Tschüss 2
The team aboard Tschüss 2 consisted of an experienced and determined crew, including:
- Christian Zugel
- Sonia Zugel
- Johnny Mordaunt
- Al Fraser
- Alex Higby
- Andrew McLean
- Campbell Field
- Christopher Welch
- Cian Guilfoyle
- Edward Myers
- Fredric Shanks
- Luke Muller
- Neal MacDonald
- Pete Cumming
- Simon Johnson
- Stefano Nava
- Stu Bannatyne
Each crew member played a crucial role in sailing through the unpredictable course, showing exceptional teamwork and resilience.
A Challenging Start and Fierce Competition
Along the way, teams navigated past Barbuda, Nevis, St. Kitts, Saba, St. Barths, Montserrat, and Redonda, each presenting unique tactical challenges and stunning views. The mix of open-ocean legs, island passages, and changing wind conditions keeps sailors on edge throughout the race.
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However, as the course progressed, conditions became significantly tougher. The real test came on the long stretch from St. Barths to Guadeloupe, where strong winds and complex currents forced teams to adapt their strategies. Many boats struggled with this section, pushing both sailors and equipment to their limits.
Despite these challenges, the competition remained fierce, with multiple yachts battling for position throughout the race.
Monohull Line Honours: Lucky Continues to Dominate
In addition to the overall winner, the race saw an impressive performance from the Juan K 88 Lucky, skippered by Bryon Ehrhart. Lucky claimed Monohull Line Honours, completing the course in 1 day, 17 hours, 14 minutes, and 12 seconds.
This latest victory adds to Lucky's growing reputation, following a record-setting win in the RORC Transatlantic Race earlier this year. The team’s ability to consistently perform at the highest level highlights their exceptional preparation and skill.
Christian Zugel’s Fast Rise in Offshore Racing
Despite having just two years of offshore racing experience, Christian Zugel, owner and skipper of Volvo 70 Tschüss 2 (USA), has already built an impressive reputation in the sailing world. His yacht Tschüss 2 has now secured victories in some of the sport’s most prestigious events, including the Roschier Baltic Sea Race, RORC Transatlantic Race, and now the RORC Caribbean 600.
As a member of both the Royal Ocean Racing Club and the New York Yacht Club, Zugel reflected on the intense competition in this year’s race:
"With 11 strong entries in IRC Super Zero, including renowned yachts like Leopard, Pyewacket, Lucky, Aiolos, and Balthasar, we knew it would be a tough battle just to win our class. Every second counted."
His rapid rise in offshore racing proves that dedication and teamwork are key to success in these demanding endurance events.
The RORC Caribbean 600 stands out from other major offshore races because it starts and finishes in Antigua, unlike events such as the Pineapple Cup, which runs between different locations.
This year’s event brought together over 600 sailors from 32 countries and six continents, proving its status as a truly global race. The challenging course covers a vast area of the Caribbean, with the northernmost point at the Anguilla Channel and the southernmost turn at Les Saintes off Guadeloupe.
Prizegiving and Celebrations at Antigua Yacht Club
After an intense competition, the race concluded with a celebratory prizegiving ceremony at the Antigua Yacht Club. RORC Commodore Deb Fish welcomed competitors and praised them for their skill, determination, and sportsmanship.
A special mention was given to Matic Vrecko, skipper of the Slovenian yacht Elan 450 Karpo. “Karpo are here racing as the first ever Slovenian entry and Matic sailed the boat here solo across the Atlantic; that's something every sailor admires. Yet again the RORC Caribbean 600 lived up to its reputation for the best racing around this amazing course, in perfect trade winds and the best parties."
"Once again, the RORC Caribbean 600 has lived up to its reputation as one of the best offshore races," said Fish. "With steady trade winds, an incredible course, and unforgettable celebrations, this event is truly special."
The ceremony highlighted the camaraderie and lasting friendships that make offshore sailing such a unique and rewarding sport.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The 17th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 is set to begin on February 23, 2026. Before the main race, competitors will have the chance to take part in the prestigious RORC Nelson’s Cup Series, adding to the excitement.
With its growing popularity, diverse fleet, and exceptional sailing conditions, the RORC Caribbean 600 continues to be a must-attend event for offshore racers worldwide.
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