OUR UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE: THE RORC CARIBBEAN 600

A Behind The Scenes Look Into The North Sails Antigua Sail Loft

Final prep for offshore races can mean long days and late nights for the North Sails team on the ground. On Monday 21 February, the RORC Caribbean 600 sets off from Antigua’s very sunny (and very warm) waters. The race then loops up, down, and around through the Caribbean’s windward and leeward islands.

Antiguan photographer Roddy Grimes-Graeme joined North expert Andrew Dove and his team as they gear up for the days before the start. Located in English Harbour, just a short walk from the docks, the North Sails loft serves as an unofficial pre-race clubhouse stocked with a bench of sailmakers on hand to assist in any way they can.

Following Dove from sunrise to sunset, Grimes-Graeme shows us how jam-packed the days leading up to the Caribbean 600 are; sail testing, adding finishing touches, and checking sails, both big and small. “The loft comes alive with this event, and crews seem to gather here often late at night,” Dove explains. “Many North colleagues from around the world are on island too, and we all fly the North Sails logo proudly and with enthusiasm.”

Join us on the ground in Antigua for a glimpse into what it’s like to get ready for a signature event of the winter sailing season.