Get ready for a showdown on the high seas! The 2026 RORC Caribbean 600 is shaping up to be a battle for the ages, as two 100-foot maxi yachts, Leopard 3 and Black Jack 100, prepare to clash in a race that’s as much about strategy as it is about speed. But here’s where it gets controversial: can the seasoned veteran outmaneuver the newcomer in a race notorious for its unpredictable conditions? Let’s dive in.
The 17th edition of this iconic race, kicking off on February 23, 2026, in Antigua, will see sailors navigate a grueling 600-mile course through 11 Caribbean islands. Known for its challenging mix of trade winds, sudden squalls, and tactical navigation, the Caribbean 600 is no walk in the park. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about raw speed—it’s about knowing when to push and when to hold back.
Leopard 3, a race veteran returning for its ninth campaign, is no stranger to success. Skippered by Joost Schuijff and managed by Chris Sherlock, the team boasts a strong track record, including past monohull records and an overall win in 2024. Sherlock emphasizes their focus on reaching performance, with recent modifications like new rudders and a reworked mainsail aimed at achieving “higher average speeds in medium air.” Their experience and course knowledge, particularly around tricky sections like the wind shadow off Guadeloupe, could give them a decisive edge.
Black Jack 100, on the other hand, is the new kid on the block—but don’t let that fool you. Skippered by Tristan LeBrun, this boat (originally launched as Alfa Romeo II) has already claimed line honors in major events and undergone extensive modifications for offshore speed. With a larger headsail setup and all furling sails, LeBrun describes the boat as “more balanced now,” ideal for quick, efficient changes around the islands. And with Dubliner Shane Hughes on board for much of the 2025 season, there’s a touch of Irish flair in the mix.
Both teams are eyeing the current monohull record of 1 day, 13 hours, 41 minutes, and 45 seconds. Sherlock believes Leopard 3 excels in heavier air, where they can “push harder and longer,” while LeBrun sees Black Jack 100’s strength in light air and downwind sailing. But here’s the twist: the Caribbean 600 is infamous for its transitions—from Guadeloupe to Barbuda to Marie Galante—where conditions can shift in an instant. Anything can happen.
Team dynamics also play a crucial role. Leopard 3’s long-term crew has raced this course countless times, giving them an edge in experience. Meanwhile, Black Jack 100’s newer but tight-knit team relies on a buddy system for watches, fostering a culture of teamwork and mutual support. “It’s not just a sprint,” LeBrun explains. “It’s about attitude and looking out for each other.”
Despite the rivalry, there’s a deep mutual respect between the teams. “We know Leopard are the rock stars of this race,” LeBrun admits. “We love the competition, and we want to win.” Sherlock echoes the sentiment, predicting a “ding-dong battle” that’s fast, tactical, and full of surprises.
So, who will come out on top? Will Leopard 3’s experience and course knowledge prevail, or will Black Jack 100’s modifications and light-air prowess steal the show? Is this the year the record falls? One thing’s for sure: the 2026 Caribbean 600 promises to be a race for the history books. What’s your take? Do you think the veteran will reign supreme, or will the newcomer upset the apple cart? Let us know in the comments!
