The 17th RORC Caribbean 600, which will take place next week, will feature two MOD70 trimarans that can reach speeds of over 30 knots.

Both Jason Carroll's Argo, and Jon Desmond’s Final Final – Zoulou will be battling it out in the tradewinds of 11 Caribbean Islands. They both have all-star crews on board and their recent performance suggests that they could end up with a photo finish.

Argo is in great shape and has a lot of experience after winning the RORC Transatlantic Race. Zoulou was only two and a half hours behind Argo at 3,000 miles. This will make for a thrilling race when it starts on Monday.

Desmond's first RORC 600 multihull campaign is a leap into uncharted waters, after years of monohull racing.

He says, "It is a little bit of luck that we are here this year in a Mod70." "I have been following the MOD70 duel here for many years, and they are unbelievably close. Argo is the benchmark, and they hold the record, so I'll be happy if we are able to stay in the battle with them.

The speed of the transformation is mind-blowing.

Desmond said, "Legs which used to take eight hours now only take two." You're always thinking about two maneuvers ahead. You still have the?shadow of the wind at Guadeloupe, but you now have more options. That's ?exciting."

The Royal Ocean Racing Club's race promises to be a thrilling battle in all classes, not just the MOD70.

Speedy Maltese, the first Mini 650 to ever attempt the grueling?600 mile course that threads through acceleration zones and wind shadows, will make history in the monohull division.

Timothee villain-Amirat, skipper of Speedy Malta, said: "It is a huge challenge." "But with strong winds and a lot reaching, maybe we could create a David-and-Goliath story."

(source: Reuters)