ANTIGUA, 25 Feb 2026: Remon Vos’ RP100 Black Jack 100, skippered by Tristan Le Brun, has taken Monohull Line Honours in the 2026 RORC Caribbean 600, completing the 600-mile course in an elapsed time of 01 Day 20 Hrs 31 Mins 36 Secs.
Black Jack 100 Crew: Remon Vos, Tristan Le Brun, Bruce Clark, Clément Cron, Edwin De Laat, Guillaume Berenger, Harley Spreadbury-Key, Jelmer van Beek, Jorden Van Rooijen, Martin Kirketerp Ibsen, Matiu Te Hau, Max Deckers, Robin Jacobs, Rokas Milevicius, Romain Testa, Rutger Vos, Shane Hughes, Sofian Bouvet, Thierry Fouchier and Bram, Vanspengen.
Behind that finishing time lies one of the finest 100-foot match races the event has seen. On one side, the Farr 100 Leopard 3, helmed by Joost Schuijff and skippered by Chris Sherlock, holds a prominent place in the history of the RORC Caribbean 600. On the other, RP100 Black Jack 100, originally the legendary Alfa Romeo II, reborn and refined for greater offshore speed. Black Jack 100 was making her Caribbean 600 debut under a new team after previous victories in the Rolex Fastnet Race and the Rolex Middle Sea Race.
Remon Vos expressed his competitive intentions: “We come to win. The crew is very competitive. A lot of young people. Very driven. I’m happy to be part of that group.” However, he emphasised that the battle itself enhances the experience: “It’s important to have a battle. That’s what makes it fantastic.”
The RORC Caribbean 600 saw Leopard 3 start strong and ahead by 17 seconds at the line. Skipper Tristan Le Brun noted the advantage of Leopard’s weight and upwind speed: “Leopard is heavier with more righting moment. From 15 to 20 knots upwind she will be faster, we knew this would be the reality.” However, by Barbuda, Black Jack 100’s speed downwind allowed it to lead by 2:14 minutes, eventually extending the gap to 12:22 minutes at Nevis.
“We almost had three starts,” Le Brun said. “The main start, then a restart at St Kitts and Nevis when the wind shadow slowed the fleet, and another restart at Guadeloupe.” The distance between the two yachts fluctuated throughout the race, maintaining a dynamic and competitive environment.
In a tactical manoeuvre west of Guadeloupe, Black Jack 100’s Navigator Max Deckers devised a plan to stay close to the coastline, leading to a cleaner restart in fading breeze. Leopard, slowed further inshore, lost ground temporarily. Yet, by La Desirade, Leopard found its footing, briefly regaining the lead by 6:29 minutes. This shift underscored how fortunes could quickly reverse in offshore conditions.
From La Desirade to Barbuda, Black Jack 100 showcased her superior capabilities with a broader sail setup, leading to a significant increase in speed. Le Brun remarked, “As soon as we start to put the bow down, she is lit up.” By the time they reached Barbuda, their lead had expanded to 22 minutes, further increasing to over 35 minutes toward Redonda.
Black Jack 100 ultimately controlled the final leg to Antigua with nearly 36 minutes in hand, allowing them to focus on sailing effectively and safely. Black Jack crossed the line, claiming Monohull Line Honours, with Leopard 3 following closely behind to ensure a competitive finish to the race. Chris Sherlock congratulated the team, noting it was one of the best boat-for-boat races he had witnessed, praising Black Jack’s performance.
Vos remarked that the encounter with Leopard is vital for both crews’ progress: “It’s fantastic when you’re head to head with similar boats. Who wins? You don’t know. That’s important.” Vos emphasised the significance of teamwork, attributing the victory to the blend of young and experienced sailors: “It’s all about people, passionate and talented.” Le Brun added, “Half of sailing is mechanical, the other half is weather. We focus on performance. The result is the consequence.”
In conclusion, the 2026 RORC Caribbean 600 showcased exceptional racing, defining the essence of offshore competition: preparation, performance, and resilience under pressure. Black Jack 100’s ability to adapt and execute a successful strategy secured their victory.
#Caribbean600 #RORCRacing #BlackJack100
Louay Habib/RORC
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