Baltic Yachts’ NIKATA wins Superyacht Class at 2019 RORC Caribbean 600

By Rebecca Bradbury 25 February 2019

The 35m/115ft luxury yacht NIKATA sailed to victory in the Superyacht Class at the 2019 RORC Caribbean 600, the non-stop 600-mile-long race that circumnavigates 11 Caribbean islands.

The largest yacht competing, NIKATA was also among the first to cross the finish line at the annual regatta, taking around 48 hours to complete the race. Built by Baltic Yachts in 2015, she was followed in the Superyacht Class by the 29m/96ft luxury yacht SORCERESS from Southern Wind.

But the big winner of the regatta was the Volvo 70 WIZARD, which was awarded the RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy for the best corrected time under IRC. Putting in a near faultless performance, the yacht completed the race in 43 hours 38 minutes and 44 seconds.

superyacht RORC Caribbean 600 competing in the first day of the RORC Caribbean 600

sailing yacht WIZARD in action at the RORC Caribbean 600

sailing yacht SORCERESS in action at the RORC Caribbean 600

Other winners included the MASERATI Multi 70, which won her class while setting a new multihull race record, while the overall MOCRA Class winner was the Gunboat 62 ‘Chim Chim’ and, after some stiff competition, it was the EARENDIL who triumphed in the Class40 Division.

The 11th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 attracted 76 teams from 21 countries and crews from six continents. The highly diverse fleet was challenged by tough conditions, but with the bonus of being able to take in the stunning scenery of the Caribbean islands the route passes.

yachts cutting through the waters on day one of the RORC Caribbean 600

RORC CEO Eddie Warden Owen said: “All the classes had amazing competition and many finished the race just minutes apart, especially in the battle between Maserati and Argo, and the Class 40s.

“There were a lot of new boats and faces at this edition and the quality of the fleet and sailors continue to impress every year. The weather served up classic trade wind conditions which make the race a challenge, but also a fast and exciting one.”

The 11th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 started in Antigua on 18 February and headed north as far as St Martin and south to Guadeloupe taking in Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, Saba and St Barths.

The largest yacht competing, NIKATA was also among the first to cross the finish line at the annual regatta

superyacht NIKATA after finishing the RORC Caribbean 600 2019

Next year’s regatta will start on 24 February. For more information how you can undertake a regatta charter or watch on board a superyacht from the sidelines, talk to your preferred charter broker.

Alternatively, view all luxury yachts for charter in the Caribbean.