The 2026 RORC Nelson’s Cup Series will take place in Antigua from February 17 to February 20. This event acts as a crucial prelude to the RORC Caribbean 600, featuring exciting coastal racing and the renowned Antigua 360 course. Teams from various backgrounds, including those not entered in the Caribbean 600, will participate, comprising majestic maxis and local champions.
Racing from February 17 will offer crews a unique opportunity to encounter realistic racing conditions against capable competitors before the upcoming Caribbean 600, commencing on February 23. The series will feature two days of intense inshore racing, followed by a full circumnavigation of Antigua.
The IRC Maxi Class promises fierce competition with prominent entries, such as Joost Schuijff’s Farr 100 Leopard 3, Chris Flowers’ RP100 Galateia, and Mills 100 V, helmed by Karel Komárek. Other standout participants include Wendy Schmidt’s Botin 85 Deep Blue and Mills 72 Balthasar, sailed by Louis Balcaen. Competitors will face challenging conditions typical of Antigua, ensuring a true test of sailing prowess.
Ken Read, a celebrated sailor with numerous accolades, brings his expertise to the helm of V. He emphasised that the pressures of IRC Maxi racing push crews to excel, transforming small errors into significant setbacks. He stated, “The high-stakes environment coupled with the demanding local conditions makes for some of the most competitive racing available.”
Bouwe Bekking, a veteran sailor with extensive offshore experience, noted, “Antigua consistently provides excellent racing conditions, making it a favourite venue among teams. The racing formats here put boats and crews to the test in a way that is crucial for honing skills ahead of major events.” Bekking represents the Mills 72 Balthasar, highlighting the importance of precision and attention to detail in racing.
Returning angling for victories in IRC Zero, Niklas Zennström’s Carkeek 52 Rán aims to refine their strategies and push past rivals such as Frederic Puzin’s Daguet 5 and James Neville’s Ino Noir.
Dee Caffari, a distinguished sailor recently returned from a global expedition, will race on WaveWalker, stating, “Racing in Antigua is an active recovery that sharpens skills. The context of the races accelerates learning and adjustment to local conditions that can be quite different compared to longer offshore races.”
Mike Hennessey’s Class40 Scowling Dragon adds a touch of whimsy, as it races against larger IRC-optimised vessels. He expressed enthusiasm for the chance to reacquaint his crew with the boat and for the fun of competitive racing.
The event promises to bring together a diverse fleet, offering a mixture of professional and amateur competitors. The combination of distinct sailing conditions and competitive spirit makes the RORC Nelson’s Cup a highlight of the calendar.
With races kicking off from February 17 to February 20, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an exhilarating competition in enviable Caribbean conditions.
Follow the RORC Nelson’s Cup Series via RORC Social Media Channels and the event website: www.caribbean600.rorc.org
Social Media Tags: #NelsonsCup #Caribbean600 @RORCracing
Interested in seeing more Racing News? Click here
More Offshore Sailing stories: Click here
