The 17th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600, starting on 23 February 2026 in Antigua, will see a thrilling battle between two 100-foot Maxis: Leopard 3 and Black Jack 100.
The race covers 600 miles through 11 Caribbean islands and is renowned for its demanding mix of trade winds, squalls, and tactical navigation.
Leopard 3, a veteran of the race, returns for its ninth campaign. Skipper Joost Schuijff leads the team, with Chris Sherlock as project manager. Leopard has a strong history in the event, holding past monohull records and winning the race overall in 2024.
Black Jack 100, skippered by Tristan LeBrun, is a first-time entrant in this race but arrives in top form. The boat, originally launched as Alfa Romeo II, has claimed line honours in major events and has been extensively modified for offshore speed. And may yet have Irish interest, with Dubliner Shane Hughes on board for much of the 2025 season.
Both teams have prepared meticulously. Leopard 3 has undergone recent modifications including new rudders and a reworked mainsail to enhance reaching performance. Sherlock said these changes are aimed at “higher average speeds in medium air.”
Black Jack has rebalanced its sail plan with a larger headsail setup and all furling sails for fast, efficient changes. “It’s more balanced now,” said LeBrun. “All our headsails are furling. That’s critical around 11 islands.”
The current monohull record of 1 day, 13 hours, 41 minutes and 45 seconds is under threat. Both teams agree that steady trade winds could put them in range to break it.
Sherlock believes Leopard is strong in reaching and heavier air. “If it’s medium to heavy air, we can push harder and longer,” he said. “But in light conditions, Black Jack has the edge.”
LeBrun sees his boat’s strength in light air and downwind sailing. “We’re a lighter VMG boat,” he said. “But the Caribbean 600 has transitions everywhere — Guadeloupe, Barbuda, Marie Galante. Anything can happen.”
Course knowledge may prove decisive. Sherlock notes the wind shadow off Guadeloupe and the squalls near Barbuda as key sections. Leopard’s long-term crew has raced the course many times.
LeBrun’s team is newer but tight-knit. “It’s not just a sprint,” he explained. “We use a buddy system for watches. Everyone looks out for each other. It’s about teamwork and attitude.”
Despite the rivalry, there’s mutual respect. “We know Leopard are the rock stars of this race,” said LeBrun. “We love the competition. We want to win.”
Sherlock added: “It’s going to be a ding-dong battle. That’s what the Caribbean 600 is all about — fast, tactical, full of surprises.”
The 2026 edition promises a close contest with speed, strategy and experience all in play. And with the race record in sight, it could be one for the history books.
