Invaluable Volunteers gather ahead of the RORC Caribbean 600

RORC Caribbean 600 welcomes the 50 strong volunteer team © RORC

The RORC Caribbean 600 starts on Monday 24th February, however preparations for the race have been going on for many months. Last night over 50 volunteers gathered at the Antigua Yacht Club for a final meeting and get together.

RORC Racing Manager, Nick Elliott, summed up the importance of their contribution:

"Many of the volunteers have helped the race since the beginning and their contribution is very important. Each yacht is met at the dock with a case of Corona beer and a smile; it's part of the character of the race and we couldn't achieve this wonderful welcome without the help of the volunteers."

Helen Spooner co-ordinates the regatta, organising all manner of logistics including the 24-7 rota that is put in place:

"It doesn't matter what time or what dock any of the yachts finally finish, the team will be there with a smile on arrival to cheer them in and give them a drink. Also Club Sushi, at the Antigua Yacht Club, will be open day and night and has created a special menu for competitors."

Special thanks should also go to S/Y Timoneer, which has made their chase boat available for the on-the-water marshall; to Charles Kenlock for providing Wizard as the gate boat and to Fran and John Nobbs for co-ordinating the finish team. As in all previous editions ABSAR will be monitoring the fleet around the course and will act as pilot boat for finishing yachts.

For more information visit caribbean600.rorc.org