• Wave icon Trip Type: Offshore
  • Speech bubble icon Instructors: 2
  • People icon Crew Size: Max 9
  • Cake icon Ages: 18-75
  • Pin icon Region: Caribbean & The Americas
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Adventure Rating:
High

Low to some

Experience Required:
Low to some

10 Days from £2,499

Dates, Prices & Travel

Race in the RORC Caribbean 600

Join the crew and come racing in the thrilling Royal Ocean Racing Club Caribbean 600, a genuine offshore classic. With a beautiful tropical setting and set right in the trade winds, the race ranks alongside the other majors, such as the Rolex Fastnet Race and the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race. The race annually attracts yachts from around the world due to the 600-mile course that winds past 11 Caribbean Islands. It starts in English Harbour, Antigua, and then heads north as far as St Martin and south to Guadeloupe, taking in Barbuda, Nevis, St Kitts, Saba, and St Barth’s.

As a crew member, you’ll be at the heart of the action, playing a central role in helming, navigating, tail trimming, and making strategic decisions. Guided by our expert skipper and mate, you’ll enhance your sailing and racing skills, whether you’re a seasoned racer or eager to learn the ropes. Our yachts are powerful blue water cruisers that competed in the first edition of the Clipper Round the World race, ensuring a competitive yet secure environment. Off the water, you’ll be fully immersed in the camaraderie of the pre-and post-race events, sharing experiences with fellow sailors who have gathered from around the globe. This package includes all onboard accommodation, meals, and race fees. Take advantage of the opportunity to participate in a legendary race, creating memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Race with Confidence: Join the Rubicon 3 Team for a Safe, Supportive, Thrilling Adventure

Racing with Rubicon 3 is famously friendly and inclusive, with crew comfort and confidence as our top priorities. Perfect for beginners and seasoned sailors alike, our approach is designed to ease all your concerns about yacht racing.

  1. Tailored Training: Our experienced skippers provide comprehensive training, ensuring you gain the skills and confidence needed, regardless of your starting level. We focus on a step-by-step approach, making yacht racing accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
  2. Emphasis on Safety: Your safety is paramount. We conduct thorough safety briefings and drills as part of our industry-leading safety protocols. You’ll learn how to handle various scenarios while racing, significantly reducing the risks and anxiety.
  3. Physical Fitness Not a Barrier: Our team values strategy and teamwork over physical prowess. Roles on the yacht are assigned based on your comfort level and ability, ensuring everyone can participate and contribute effectively.
  4. Supportive Team Environment: Rubicon 3 is a welcoming community where camaraderie is critical. We believe in teamwork, mutual support, and enjoying the experience together. You’ll never feel out of place or under pressure to perform.
  5. Guided Introduction to the Sport: We demystify yacht racing with clear explanations and hands-on experiences. Learn at your own pace in a stress-free environment, turning the unknown into a thrilling adventure.

Join us for a unique opportunity to participate in yacht racing in a safe, supportive, and fun setting.

Want to join?

Go to the Dates & Prices button to see this trip’s dates. It will also give you information on connecting travel, including where to fly and when and where to join the boat.

Get Ready For…

  • caribbean racing
    Racing in a tropical paradise

    Yacht racing in the Caribbean blends thrilling competition with stunning tropical scenery. The crystal-clear waters and consistent trade winds provide ideal sailing conditions, while the vibrant culture and warm hospitality of the islands add an unmatched, festive atmosphere.

  • sailing instruction
    Full involvement & expert tuition

    Whatever your prior sailing experience, you’ll be helming, navigating, trimming sails and anchoring from day one, all with the highest quality tuition from the expert Rubicon 3 instructors. The more you’re involved the better!

  • sailing yacht
    It’s genuine adventure sailing

    Rubicon 3 expeditions are far more than just a sailing vacation. They immerse you in adventure, discovery and enable you to explore the world under sail

Sailing Area

RORC Caribbean 600 area map
RORC Caribbean 600 race route
The Yachts
Key Information
What’s included

  • All food and accommodation on board

  • All fuel & berthing fees

  • Your own bunk and storage area

  • Use of oilskins

  • Use of lifejacket

  • Sailing tuition

  • RYA Competent Crew (supplementary fee)

What’s Not included

  • Your connecting travel to & from boat

  • Sailing & travel insurance

  • Meals you choose to eat ashore

  • Alcohol

  • Visas where required

  • Discretionary tip

Interested in dates & availability?

To see when this trip runs, its start and end locations, price to join the crew and availability, click on the ‘Dates, Prices & Travel’ button up top.

Discretionary tipping of the Rubicon 3 crew

The trip price is 5% less than we would normally charge. This is to allow you at the end of your adventure to offer a combined 5-10% tip to the Rubicon 3 skipper and mate if you feel they have delivered exceptional performance. This tip is entirely discretionary. See our FAQs here.

Got some questions?

Joining a big sailing adventure is a big thing, so don’t be surprised if you have lots of questions before you book. Who else joins, what to expect, and so many more queries are entirely normal. The home page has loads of info on this (scroll to the bottom), there are our FAQs and never hesitate to contact us by email, phone or live chat. The team are here to have a chat, discuss options, answer questions and help make sure you get on the exact right sailing trip for you.

Our yacht racing approach prioritizes a supportive and educational environment, ensuring everyone is actively involved and enjoys the experience. We focus on team collaboration, continuous learning, and skill development, while fostering a fun and inclusive atmosphere, making every race not just a competition, but a memorable adventure for all.

Day 1: Familiarisation and training day

A gentle first day where we work on familiarisation with the boat and lots of revision of basic sailing skills and techniques. We’ll finish with a fun night out ashore in English Harbour.

Days 2-3: Sailing skills & teamwork

For the next two days, we will be out on the water all day, working on individual sailing skills and coming together as a team. We will practice all the maneuvers, such as tacking, gybing, reefing, and spinnaker work, so you can be fully involved when the race starts. We will also look at navigation and have a fun apres-sail beer or two in famous sailors’ bars such as Cloggies. The end of our third day has the official welcome party at the Antigua Yacht Club with live music, DJ, and food. It’s a fun and exciting vibe ashore, with so many crew members coming together for the same event.

Day 4: Final Preparation & Safety Brief.

Today is all about making last-minute preparations, checking equipment, and preparing food for the race. The day finishes with an extensive pre-race course and safety briefing.

Days 5-9: The Race

The start line is at Fort Charlotte, and the first warning signal will sound to prepare us to get underway. Ahead lies one of the most attractive offshore courses, and the 600-mile route takes us past 11 Caribbean Islands, including St Martin, Guadeloupe, Barbuda, Nevis, St Kitts, Saba, and St Barts. The exact time it takes is weather-dependent, but it usually takes four days. This means you are in a watch system, sailing through the night with amazing Caribbean sunsets, star-filled skies, and sunrises. It really is something you will never forget. When you finish, there is an overwhelming sense of achievement and a big end of race party to be had.

 

The difference between Rubicon 3 and a yacht charter

This is not a luxury yacht charter vacation on a private yacht but a proper sailing adventure. 

  1. Tailored Experience: Unlike many yacht charters, the Rubicon 3 team works daily to tailor the experience to your interests and skill level. Whether you’re interested in learning advanced sailing techniques, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, or focusing on particular activities like snorkeling or fishing, we look to help you achieve it.
  2. Expert Knowledge: Yacht charter companies will send you off with minimal instruction. Rubicon 3 has extensive local knowledge and expertise. We can find hidden gems, secluded anchorages, and the best spots that might be off the radar of the charter companies. This insider knowledge significantly enhances the sailing adventure. 
  3. Learning Opportunities: Racing with Rubicon 3, you don’t need any previous sailing experience. If you’re interested in learning about sailing, navigation, or seamanship, the expert Rubicon 3 instructors ensure a hands-on, educational experience. This is ideal if you see your sailing trip as a vacation and a learning opportunity.

Dates, Prices & Travel

Start Date & Location

February 20, 2025
Antigua

End Date & Location

March 1, 2025
Antigua

Price

£2,499

Deposit

£1,249

Availability

Available

Booking Information
Trip Information

Start Date: February 20, 2025

Start Time: 18:00

Start Country: Antigua

Start Port: Antigua

Start Marina: Jolly Harbour

End Date: March 1, 2025

End Time: 10:00

End Country: Antigua

End Port: Antigua

End Marina: Jolly Harbour

Find Flights For This Trip
Fly Into: Antigua (IATA Code: ANU)
Fly Out of: Antigua (IATA Code: ANU)
Search on Google Flights

* Flights are not included in the trip price.

Important Notes
Joining the boat
  • You will join the boat in Antigua.
  • It is scheduled to be in Jolly Harbour, Antigua.
  • The trip starts at 9:00 AM on February 15 2025, so you will need to be in Antigua by Februrary 14, 2025.
  • You have two options for accommodation on the night before the start date:
    • Stay in a hotel or AirBnB in Antigua.
    • Alternatively, you can stay onboard the boat from 6:00 PM on a bed & breakfast basis. Select this option during your booking process.
Leaving the boat
  • You will leave the boat in Jolly Harbour, Antigua
  • The boat is scheduled to arrive into Antigua on the evening of Febraury 22, 2025, and you will need to disembark by 12:00 February 23, 2025.
General Notes
  • We have a very strong track record of meeting the scheduled end date, with only a few exceptions over a decade of sailing and across hundreds of thousands of miles of sailing. However, given the nature and distance of ocean crossings, we can’t guarantee it and recommend booking flexible onward travel from Antigua or at least allowing an extra day in your itinerary as a precaution.
  • You cannot stay on the boat after the trip end date.
  • Once you have booked, we will connect you up with other crew so you can liaise regarding connecting travel, meet up in advance etc.
  • If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
5-Point Pre-Booking Checklist

Before you finalize your booking, we suggest you run through our pre-booking checklist:

  1. Check Flights: Make sure you have found the right flights for your trip. Book them as soon as you have booked your Rubicon 3 trip.
  2. Travel Insurance: Once you’ve booked your trip with us, buy some sailing travel insurance. Read our full guide here.
  3. Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Some countries require this for entry, so it’s crucial to check and renew your passport if necessary.
  4. Visas: Most sailors will not require any visas for this trip. However, if you are concerned, check any visa requirements for both your destination and any transit countries. If you do need a visa, processing times can vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your trip.
  5. Vaccinations and Health Checks: There are no vaccinations required for this trip. Make sure you have an acceptable level of fitness and agility. You can read our guide here. This is for the safety of all on board.
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