The Royal Ocean Racing Club has confirmed that Farr 100 Leopard 3 is the overall winner, with Cork's Tom McWilliam on the strength, under IRC for the 2026 RORC Caribbean 600.
After 600 miles around 11 Caribbean islands, no remaining competitor could better her corrected time. The result marks Leopard 3’s second overall IRC victory, repeating her 2024 success and adding to a record stretching back to the race’s inaugural edition in 2009.
At The Start — Laura de Vere and Joost Schuijff racing Leopard 3 shortly after the start. Photo: Arthur Daniel
“It’s a surprise to win it,” said Joost Schuijff. “Black Jack was very strong, congratulations to them for line honours. There are other boats on IRC rating that would easily match us. So yes, it’s a surprise but I think it was due to our performance and lack of problems. It was the best ‘600 that we ever sailed here in Antigua.”
Laura de Vere added: “It was super exciting. We are thrilled, over the moon.”
Schuijff said preparation made the difference. “We have not been sitting still. We’ve been optimizing the boat. Compared to previous races, where we would always have some issue with equipment, this time people didn’t make mistakes. We got to the finish without a critical issue.”
Winning Team — Leopard 3 crew, including Cork's Tom McWilliam, back row on left (white hat) for the 2026 RORC Caribbean 600 in Antigua. Photo: Arthur Daniel/RORC
Upgrades included new rudders, an interceptor system and redesigned sails. “The sails are a new design with a very smooth surface and less drag,” Schuijff explained. “We’ve been running a lot of data programs, and the result was that these three things would really help us.”
The duel with Black Jack 100 proved decisive. Leopard 3 finished around 30 minutes behind on the water but secured overall victory on corrected time.
“On the last watch, coming close to shore after a hard race, you suddenly feel how exciting it’s been,” de Vere said. “We knew we were finishing behind Black Jack, but to still have a chance for IRC Overall gave us collective excitement on board.”
Leopard 3’s programme may now include electrification work, with a possible return to Antigua in 2028.
The RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy will be presented at the official prizegiving at Antigua Yacht Club on Friday, 27 February 2026.
Post-Race Reflections — Laura de Vere and Joost Schuijff reflect on Leopard 3’s IRC Overall victory. Photo: Arthur Daniel
