Sailing-Caribbean speed demons prepare for 600-mile island-hopping duel

Feb 19 : Two mighty MOD70 trimarans capable of sustained speeds above 30 knots will headline a high-octane showdown when nearly 500 sailors from 40 countries tackle the 17th RORC Caribbean 600 next week.

Jason Carroll's Argo and Jon Desmond's Final Final – Zoulou are set for an all-out rip-speed duel in the tradewinds around 11 Caribbean islands, with both American-flagged flying machines boasting all-star crews and recent form that suggests a photo finish after 600 miles of racing.

Argo arrives with vast experience and in formidable form after taking line honours in the RORC Transatlantic Race, but Zoulou finished just two and a half hours behind after 3,000 miles – setting up what promises to be a nail-biting encounter when the race starts on Monday.

For Desmond, stepping into his first multihull RORC 600 campaign represents a leap into uncharted waters after years of monohull racing.

"It's a bit of fate that we're here in a MOD70 this year," he says. "I've followed the MOD70 duels here for years and they're unbelievably close. Argo is the benchmark and the record holder, so if we can stay in the fight with them, I'll be thrilled."

The speed transformation is mind-bending.

"Legs that used to take us eight hours could take two," Desmond said. "You're thinking two manoeuvres ahead at all times. The wind shadow at Guadeloupe is still there, but with this speed you've got more options. That's exciting."

Beyond the MOD70 spectacular, the race organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club promises compelling battles across all classes.

In the monohull division, 100-foot maxis Leopard 3 and Black Jack 100 will duke it out for line honours, while history will be made by Speedy Maltese – the first Mini 6.50 ever to attempt the gruelling