In what is being hailed as one of the most thrilling finishes in recent memory, the RORC Caribbean 600 Class40 division is set for a nail-biting finale. At 0900 AST on Thursday, 22 February, six of the 11-strong Class40s were heading towards the final island of the race, Redonda, with just 15 miles separating them from each other.
James McHugh’s Tquila has been leading the pack, rounding Redonda and increasing their lead over their nearest rivals. LHOROne (FRA) skippered by Guillaume Pirouelle has been their closest challenger throughout the race, while Jules Bonnier’s Entrepreneurs pour la Planète (FRA) is up to third.
However, the wind speed and direction to the finish line in Antigua is very unstable, and the leading three boats are expected to face a tough challenge in the final leg. The thrilling finish has left fans and spectators alike on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the final outcome.
For the final leg from Redonda to the finish line, Tquila, LHOROne, and Entrepreneurs pour la Planète are likely to make up the Class40 podium, but in what order remains to be seen. With so much at stake, the race promises to be a captivating spectacle and a testament to the skill, determination, and endurance of the participating sailors.
The current weather to the west of Antigua is a light southerly breeze. There is plenty of cloud cover, which will create areas of wind to increase velocity or to suck the wind out of the sails. The Class40 showdown is expected to be decided before sunset tonight, Thursday, 22 February. All ranking positions above are provisional.