Irish Sea entry Jackknife will spearhead the Welsh-Irish challenge at the 2026 RORC Caribbean 600 this month.
Andrew and Sam Hall’s J/125 arrives in Antigua on the back of a standout performance in January’s RORC Transatlantic Race, securing IRC Two class honours and third overall.
It marks a buoyant start to the 2026 season for Irisah offshore interests as Afloat reports here
The 17th edition of the 600-mile offshore classic starts from Antigua on 23 February. The non-stop race circles 11 Caribbean islands and is regarded as one of offshore sailing’s premier midwinter tests.
For Jackknife, the campaign marks a swift turnaround after a 3,000-mile Atlantic crossing completed in 11 days 13 hours. The 1998-built J/125 was among the oldest boats in the Transatlantic fleet.
Sam Hall, who grew up sailing the boat in Pwllheli, has realised a long-held ambition to race the Caribbean circuit.
Now the focus shifts from ocean passage to tactical island racing.
The team has contested the Caribbean 600 before aboard Lombard IRC 46 Pata Negra, earning podium class results. However, this will be their first attempt at the race in the J/125.
Their objective is direct: challenge for class honours.
More than 400 sailors are expected on the start line, with IRC monohulls, Class40s and multihulls set to compete. Racing will be preceded by the inshore Nelson’s Cup Series.
For the Welsh-Irish Corinthian crew, the next test is adapting quickly to the relentless sail changes and shifting island effects that define the course.
The trade winds will shape the outcome.
